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Lijiang - 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.
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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.
Click here to see
Lijiang Old Town Photos and Black
Dragon Lake Photos
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What to See in Lijiang
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Mount Satseto, 15km north of Lijiang and
known to locals as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, is the highest
among the Himalayan peaks, rising 5,600 metres above the plains.
It was first climbed in 1963, however access
to the summit is now provided by cableway from the foot of
the mountain to Yunshanping (Dragon Spruce Meadow).
Two cableways for skiers are currently under
construction.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
One of the deepest chasms in the world, the
Yangzi River flows 16km between the 3,900 metre tall mountains.
Tiger Leaping Gorge can be reached on a two or three-day trek.
Click here to see
Lijiang Photos, Black
Dragon Lake Photos and nearby Shuhe
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