Ancient city without city walls (Lijiang)

Author: Ju Jianwen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-11-01
Features: The ancient city of Lijiang, the only one in China listed on the World Heritage List 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 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, and the picturesque Black Dragon Pool with its Jade Spring and ten thousand camellias—countless exotic flowers, plants, rare birds, and animals leave visitors spellbound. Lijiang attracts people because of its rich ethnic culture, diverse traditional costumes, unique residential architecture, vibrant ethnic festivals, and various religious beliefs, with temples, monasteries, and shrines scattered throughout the city. Especially the Axi marriage customs of the Mosuo people 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 heard the Mongolian songs of Kublai Khan's "Revolutionary Bag Boating across the Yangtze," the Fuguo Temple—Five Phoenix Pavilion preserves the traces of Xu Xiake composing poems, the ancient city's cobblestone streets still echo the shouts of horse caravans of old, and the Zhongyi Archway of the Mu Clan's Mansion has withstood the raging flames of the "Eighteen Years of Chaos." The Shigu Town has witnessed the heroic spirit of the Red Army's 26th Army Corps marching north to resist 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 accommodating cultural character. The Naxi people respect knowledge, love life, and uphold nature. With their broad-mindedness, spirit of learning from all, and inclusive attitude, they have developed a culture despite being in a border region, producing outstanding talents throughout history and earning the reputation of a "cultural nation." Here, the cultures of the Naxi, Han, Tibetan, Bai, and other ethnic groups blend harmoniously, and Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Dongba coexist peacefully. What is truly remarkable is that Lijiang, which has always been at the crossroads of major political forces throughout history, is an ancient city without walls! Isn't this thought-provoking? This is the Lijiang depicted by the author: a beautiful scroll painted with "snow mountains, green fields, ancient city, small bridges over flowing water, and Naxi-style households," a multicultural ethnic city that has absorbed diverse cultures, and an exemplary place where natural scenery, ethnic customs, and historical culture are perfectly combined, with humans living in harmony with nature.