Lijiang, Our Land: The Homeland and Cultural Attire of the Naxi People -- Humanistic China Series

Author: Bai Lang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-02-01
Features: An ancient Naxi song says, "Trees and stones make time flow." In February 17, 1906, the Frenchman Fran?ois Baudchand came to Lijiang Ancient Town with a monkey. Before that, he crawled in a gas-filled sheepskin bag like a marine creature across the Jinsha River, escorted by two Naxi boatmen wrapped in white cloth around their buttocks. In Lijiang Ancient Town, Baudchand saw the setting sun brilliantly illuminating the snow of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the Four-Square Street filled with a mixed scent of fish and incense, horses slipping on the smooth stone pavement, a crane singing loudly in the nearby paddy fields, flocks of birds whispering on the ancient pagodas, and the clear melody of bamboo flutes flowing down the painted walls and dark tiles. Nearly a century has passed. In May 2002, when I returned to Lijiang, everything Baudchand described, except for the setting sun and snow, had vanished without a trace. The ancient Lijiang, encased in steel and concrete, had entered a brand-new modern era, filled with tourists singing and dancing, colorful fake antiques, and ostentatiously elegant red lanterns. Strolling around the ancient town for half a day, I barely saw a few Naxi people in traditional attire. As a Naxi person, I felt a sense of "living elsewhere." The possibility of the former Naxi ancient town becoming a "pseudo-Naxi ancient town" has been increasing, and tradition is dying bit by bit. "Every death takes away a part of me," leaving me with the pain of my bones being seared by fire. Gazing at the sorrowful snow of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the sky, I stood motionless for a long time at Yin Xue Bridge, now the sacred mountain of the Naxi people, surrounded by the encirclement of tourism. I couldn’t help but recall the scene of returning to Lijiang from Jiangnan in January 1988. It was my first time back home during my university years. After nearly 4,000 kilometers of long-distance travel, I boarded a bus from Dali to Lijiang. The bus, like a beetle, wound through red earth and green forests, climbing over the Iron Armor Mountain. Suddenly, the boundless blue sky revealed the towering snow peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, its dazzling white light overwhelming me with a divine sanctity from above. Gazing deeply at my people’s sacred mountain, my tears streamed uncontrollably, unable to stop even though I tried. In that moment, I found the roots of my life. This experience convinced me firmly that as a race that has always followed the earth, the salvation of the Naxi people in the future can only come from the earth!
Humanities refer to the various cultural phenomena in human society. China refers to the collective name of the 56 ethnic groups in our country. Humanistic China has a long history, once glorious, now splendid, and tomorrow bright; it spans a vast space, with numerous ethnic groups, diverse and uniquely Eastern. Philosophy, economy, military, science and technology, law, ethics, education, ethnicity, religion, literature, archaeology, cultural relics, and folk customs have evolved over the course of history, accumulating immeasurable wealth. Despite being mixed with good and bad, they have permeated the social life of the Chinese nation for generations, influencing every Chinese citizen. Looking back at traditional humanities, refine the essence, discard the dross, draw lessons from the past to enlighten the present; facing the transformation and integration of contemporary humanities; exchange and assist; comprehensively expand; and look ahead to the future of humanities, creating new brilliance, refreshing the era, and shining worldwide. Passing through the time tunnel, embarking on a cultural journey, integrating the scattered fragments of civilization across the land. Reflecting on the past, carrying forward the legacy. Following the direction of advanced culture, we present the "Humanistic China" series, allowing readers to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the ancient and modern cultures of the Chinese nation through engaging and accessible visuals, thereby enhancing their cultural literacy and inspiring their passion for loving China. We hope that experts and scholars, in addition to their academic research, can contribute to the "Humanistic China" series. If you are willing to share works that align with the style of this series, we would be deeply grateful.