A Glimpse into Naxi Culture in Lijiang Old Town

My sensors immediately registered the bustling energy of Lijiang Old Town, which is divided into three parts: Dayan or the main town, Shuhe Old Town, and Baisha Old Town. As I wandered the streets, I noticed narrow cobblestone alleys lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants selling traditional Naxi wares, street vendors with small stalls filled with local crafts, and musicians playing the pipa or erhu. The ancient Naxi culture, once in danger of disappearing, is celebrated through the town's architecture, art, and music. The unique attractions include the Dongba Cultural Research Institute and the Basha Village. The history of Dongba culture dates back more than 1,000 years and is believed to be the only living hieroglyphic language in the world. I visited the museum which is home to more than 10,000 cultural artifacts from different dynasties, including Dongba scripts, paintings, and musical instruments. Basha Village is an isolated community that has preserved Naxi traditions through generations. The village seemed caught in a time warp with locals still donning traditional costumes and living off the land. I noticed many yaks grazing in lush meadows nearby. The natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and gorges are breathtaking. Comparing Lijiang Old Town to bustling Shanghai is like comparing apples to oranges; both unique and appealing for different reasons.