An evening in ShangHai 上海

With China Road Tales ... The Stone Village of the NaXi people, located in YunNan Province, China, is a remarkable destination that offers a unique glimpse into the traditional lifestyle, culture, and architecture of the NaXi ethnic minority. Here’s a detailed look at this fascinating village: ### Location and Overview - **Location**: The Stone Village, also known as ShiZhiShu Village, is situated in the YuLong Naxi Autonomous County in the northwestern part of Yunnan Province, near the town of Lijiang. - **Geography**: Nestled in the foothills of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (YuLong XueShan), the village is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including rugged mountains, lush forests, and clear streams. ### NaXi Culture and Heritage - **Ethnic Group**: The NaXi people are one of China’s 56 recognized ethnic groups, with a rich cultural heritage that blends elements of Han Chinese, Tibetan, and other neighboring cultures. - **Language**: The NaXi language, belonging to the Sino-Tibetan language family, is still spoken by many villagers. The NaXi also have a unique pictographic script called Dongba, used primarily for religious texts. - **Matriarchal Society**: Historically, the NaXi society was matrilineal, with property and family names passed down through the female line. ### Architecture - **Stone Houses**: The village is renowned for its traditional stone houses, built using local materials such as stone, wood, and mud. These houses are designed to blend harmoniously with the natural environment and are known for their durability and unique aesthetic. - **Courtyards**: Many homes are built around central courtyards, which serve as communal spaces for family activities and social gatherings. - **Wooden Carvings**: Intricate wooden carvings and decorations adorn the houses, showcasing the NaXi’s craftsmanship and artistic traditions. ### Traditional Lifestyles - **Agriculture**: The NaXi people in the Stone Village primarily engage in agriculture, cultivating crops such as barley, wheat, and vegetables. They also raise livestock, including pigs, chickens, and yaks. - **Traditional Dress**: The NaXi have distinctive traditional clothing, often featuring bright colors and intricate embroidery. Women’s attire includes long gowns with wide belts and colorful headscarves, while men typically wear tunics and trousers. - **Festivals and Rituals**: The NaXi people celebrate various traditional festivals, such as the Torch Festival and the Sanduo Festival, which are marked by music, dance, and religious ceremonies. ### Dongba Religion - **Animism and Shamanism**: The NaXi practice Dongba religion, an animistic belief system that involves worshiping nature spirits and ancestors. Dongba priests, who are also scholars, play a central role in religious rituals and the preservation of cultural heritage. - **Dongba Texts**: These religious texts are written in the unique Dongba script, a pictographic writing system that dates back over a thousand years. ### Tourism and Preservation - **Cultural Tourism**: The Stone Village has become a popular destination for tourists seeking to experience the traditional lifestyle and culture of the NaXi people. Visitors can explore the village, interact with locals, and learn about their customs and traditions. - **Preservation Efforts**: There are ongoing efforts to preserve the unique architecture and cultural heritage of the Stone Village. Local and regional governments, along with cultural organizations, are working to protect the village from modern development and ensure the continuation of NaXi traditions. ### Nearby Attractions - **Lijiang Ancient Town**: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lijiang is known for its well-preserved ancient architecture and vibrant NaXi culture. It is a short drive from the Stone Village and offers additional cultural experiences. - **Jade Dragon Snow Mountain**: This majestic mountain range provides opportunities for hiking, skiing, and enjoying spectacular natural scenery. ### Conclusion The Stone Village of the NaXi people in Yunnan Province is a captivating destination that offers an authentic glimpse into the traditional life and culture of one of China’s most unique ethnic groups. With its distinctive stone architecture, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural surroundings, the Stone Village provides a memorable and enriching experience for all who visit.

JiangSu province. With Lee David ...

With JM WORLD ... YT comment : sarakelly3607 : Now I understand why US is SO jealous of China.

Planned for 50 years. Expected by 2025. With The New Atlas - Angelo Giuliano and Brian Berletic - don't miss it ... Bonus film - on Myanmar - with The New Atlas ... Bonus film 2 - on Thailand - with The New Atlas ... Bonus film 3 - with Professor Michael Hudson ... Bonus film 4 - the US / UK plot to assassinate Julian Assange - with The GrayZone ... Bonus film 5 - the US / UK plot to assassinate Julian Assange - with Going Underground / RT ... Bonus film 6 - the US / UK plot to assassinate Julian Assange - with The Moderate Rebels ... Bonud film 7 - How will AUKUS impact the ASEAN countries - with The New Atlas ...

Mind control is not only very real; it is everywhere. It is simply controlling what you 'know'. With MagnatesMedia ...

With Lulu's Daily In China ... Humble Administrator's Garden Visitor Guide Overview The Humble Administrator's Garden, located in SuZhou, JiangSu province, is one of the most famous classical gardens in China. Built in the early 16th century during the Ming Dynasty, this garden is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design, featuring beautiful pavilions, serene ponds, lush greenery, and exquisite rock formations. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in traditional Chinese garden art. History The garden was originally created by Wang XianChen, a retired government official, who sought to design a peaceful retreat for himself. Over the centuries, the garden changed hands multiple times, undergoing various renovations and expansions. Despite these changes, the garden has retained its original layout and classical elements, reflecting the aesthetics and philosophical principles of traditional Chinese gardens. Main Attractions Central Garden The Central Garden is the heart of the Humble Administrator's Garden, featuring a large pond surrounded by lush plants, winding paths, and elegant pavilions. Key highlights include: Lotus Pavilion: A beautiful structure overlooking the pond, offering a tranquil spot to enjoy the view of blooming lotus flowers in summer. Hall of Distant Fragrance: Named after the lotus flowers whose fragrance can be smelled from afar, this hall is one of the garden's main buildings, known for its elegant design. Eastern Garden The Eastern Garden features a series of smaller ponds, rockeries, and pavilions, creating a more intimate and secluded atmosphere. Notable features include: Small Flying Rainbow Bridge: A charming stone bridge that arches gracefully over a small pond. Hall of 36 Mandarin Ducks: Named after the mandarin ducks often seen in Chinese art, this hall offers picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. Western Garden The Western Garden is characterized by its open spaces and carefully arranged rockeries and plantings. Highlights include: Hall of the Thirty-Six Mandarin Ducks: Featuring beautiful carvings and a serene ambiance. GuanYun Peak: A striking rock formation representing a mountain peak, showcasing the garden's sophisticated use of stones. Architecture and Design The Humble Administrator's Garden exemplifies the principles of traditional Chinese garden design, which seeks to create harmony between nature and human-made structures. The garden's architecture and layout incorporate the following elements: Water Features: Ponds and streams are central to the garden's design, reflecting the sky and surrounding plants, and adding a sense of tranquility. Rockeries: Carefully arranged rocks and rock formations symbolize mountains and add a dynamic visual element to the landscape. Pavilions and Halls: These structures provide spaces for relaxation and contemplation, offering various perspectives of the garden. Plantings: A diverse array of plants, including bamboo, lotus, and seasonal flowers, enhance the garden's beauty and symbolize different virtues and qualities. Visiting Tips Best Time to Visit: The garden is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer are particularly lovely when flowers are in bloom. Autumn offers stunning foliage, and winter provides a peaceful, serene atmosphere. Opening Hours: The garden is open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM (hours may vary seasonally). Getting There: The garden is located in the heart of SuZhou and is easily accessible by public transportation or taxi. The nearest metro station is Lindun Road Station (Line 1). Guided Tours: Consider hiring a local guide or joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the garden's history, architecture, and cultural significance. Photography: The garden offers countless photo opportunities. Be sure to bring your camera and take your time capturing the beauty of the landscape. Respect the Environment: Help preserve the garden by not picking flowers, climbing on rocks, or littering. Respect the tranquility of the space and other visitors.

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