|
UNESCO World Heritage Site
 The
Naxi are a proud, if small, ethnic group and have held on
to many of their traditions, despite the encroachment of modern
life. One such tradition is what many would consider the reversal
of typical gender roles. Women hold the purse strings of the
household, and do much of the work in the market, while their
menfolk stay home to raise the children, tend their gardens
and make music - a talent for which they have won international
acclaim, keeping alive a centuries old musical tradition.
Lijiang boasts no less than four full traditional orchestras,
including such archaic instruments as the transverse flute,
three stringed banjo, Chinese lutes, giant cymbols and a fish-shaped
wooden drum. Despite how this may sound, the music the orchestras
create is mellow and lilting, performing such beautifully
named tunes as Summer has Come, The Water Dragon is Singing
and Wind from the River.
The ancient city of Lijiang is overshadowed by the mighty
Jade Dragon Snow Range, which runs along the western border
of the plains. Its highest peak, Shandizou, stands 5,596 metres.
It is not uncommon for fantastic storms to rage among the
highest peaks of the Jade Dragon Range, while on the alpine
meadows below it is so peaceful that the goatherds can be
heard softly crooning to their flocks.
|
