ChengDu drive

Experience the rich culture and breathtaking scenery ...

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.

If I could fly - Joe Satriani - cover by YOYO (October 2020). Awesome ... Loving it ... Go, YoYo, Go ! ... Not the most technically challenging (YoYo level), but really has passion and feeling; a beautiful realisation of a beautiful song. We hear so much here, from Chris Rea to ZZ Top, Dire Straits to Gary Moore, to Jimmy Page; full of nuance; so great. The slides, timing and guitar tuning (balance of pure and grunge) all excellent; all made to look easy, which means the spirit if soaring ! Imagine - imagine the billion people across this planet who'd like to fly, if they had the chance. All the talent and all the dreams and all the love quashed, by those who clip our wings in the name of profit, or hegemony, or whatever ... Imagine no fear of poverty; no being taught to fear 'the other'. Just imagine - if we could all fly ... All of us. What a wonderful world that would be.

With Travel East ...

GuangDong Province Tour, China This itinerary covers a diverse range of experiences in GuangDong Province, including exploring the vibrant cities of GuangZhou and ShenZhen, discovering the cultural heritage of the Pearl River Delta region, and relaxing on the beaches and islands along the coast. Week 1: GuangZhou Explore the historic sites of Guangzhou, including Yuexiu Park, the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, and the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. Indulge in Cantonese cuisine at local restaurants and street food stalls, sampling dishes like dim sum, roast goose, and clay pot rice. Shop for souvenirs and local specialties at markets like Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street and Qingping Market. Week 2: ShenZhen Discover the modern cityscape of Shenzhen, including landmarks like the Ping An Finance Centre and the Window of the World theme park. Explore cultural attractions such as the Dafen Oil Painting Village and the Shenzhen Museum. Experience Shenzhen's diverse culinary scene, with influences from all over China and the world. Week 3: Pearl River Delta Region Visit historic towns like Foshan, known for its traditional martial arts and ceramics. Explore the waterways of the Pearl River Delta, taking boat tours or cruises to see traditional villages and scenic landscapes. Sample local delicacies like Cantonese-style seafood and traditional snacks in the region's markets and eateries. Week 4: Coastal Cities and Islands Relax on the beaches of Zhuhai and enjoy water sports or leisurely walks along the coast. Take a day trip to the nearby islands of Hainan or Hong Kong for additional beach experiences and cultural exploration. Explore the maritime history and architecture of cities like Zhanjiang and Jiangmen.

BaDaLing and MuTianYu Great Wall (about 1+ hours from BeiJing city center) ... JinShanLing and SiMaTai Great Wall (about 2+ hours from BeiJing) ... Bonus films - Plus, Cindy Zhang shows us a hike along the rugged JianKou section of the Great Wall (it is not far from MuTianYu) ...

HuNan province.

An enchanting water town on the outskirts of Shanghai, ZhuJiaJiao retains it's ancient charm ... The name literally translates as 'Zhu Family home/corner', reflecting its earliest origins. The town lies on the south side of the YangTse River and has many picturesque canals crossed by hundreds of original Ming and Qing dynasty bridges.