Ancient City without Walls: Lijiang

Author: Qu Jianwen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-11-01
Features: The ancient city of Lijiang, the only one in China listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its ethnic town characteristics, was voted "the most wanted place in the world" by domestic and international tourists in 2002. Why is Lijiang so captivating? What is the essence of its charm? Lijiang attracts people because of its beautiful natural scenery. The majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the Lugu Lake hailed as the "Jade Pool of the Human World," the Yangtze River that gave birth to Chinese civilization, the renowned Tiger Leaping Gorge, the exquisite Black Dragon Pool with its Jade Spring, and the myriad of rare flowers, plants, and wildlife—none fail to leave visitors spellbound. Lijiang attracts people because of its rich ethnic culture, diverse traditional attire, unique residential architecture, vibrant ethnic festivals, and varied religious beliefs, with temples, monasteries, and shrines scattered throughout the city. Especially the Mosuo people's practice of the Axi marriage system and the Naxi people's self-sacrificing love—how can this not move one's heart? Lijiang attracts people because of its profound historical and cultural heritage. As a beautiful homeland for the Naxi people for generations, Baoshan Stone Town has witnessed the Mongolian songs of Kublai Khan's "Revolutionary Bag Boating across the Yangtze," the traces of Xu Xiake's poetic verses at Fuguo Temple—Five Phoenix Pavilion, the echoes of the old muleteers' shouts on the ancient cobblestone streets of the city, and the Zhongyi Archway of the Mu Clan's Mansion, which endured the fierce flames of the "Eighteen Years of Chaos." The Shigu Town has seen the heroic spirit of the Red Army's 26th and 2nd Corps marching north to fight against Japan. The profound Naxi Dongba culture, the world-renowned Naxi Ancient Music, and the uniquely styled Baisha Murals are precious legacies left by Lijiang, truly worthy of admiration! Lijiang attracts people because of its inclusive ethnic spirit and open and tolerant cultural character. The Naxi people respect knowledge, love life, and revere nature. With their broad-mindedness, spirit of learning from all, and inclusive attitude, they have developed a culturally advanced society despite being located on the frontier. Historically, they have been renowned as the "Cultural Ethnicity." Here, the cultures of the Naxi, Han, Tibetan, Bai, and other ethnic groups blend harmoniously, and Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Dongba religions coexist peacefully. What is truly remarkable is that Lijiang, which has always been situated between major political forces throughout history, is an ancient city without walls! Is this not thought-provoking? This is the Lijiang depicted by the author: a picturesque beauty composed of "snow mountains, green fields, ancient city, small bridges over flowing water, and Naxi-style households"; a minority cultural city that has absorbed diverse cultures; and an exemplary place where natural landscapes, ethnic customs, and historical culture are perfectly integrated, with humans living in harmony with nature.