in the heart of Lijiang, the city of China’s past, founded in the 12th century

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A.Miguet, G.Caron, C.Wang, J.Zhao – France 2

France Televisions

Lijiang, located in southwest China, is one of the most visited cities in the country. Here, tourists marvel at this old town, which was founded by the Chinese Naxi minority in the 12th century.

Located in southwest China, the city of Lijiang is dominated by the Jade Dragon Mountain. Founded in the 12th century, it was crossed by caravanners from the tea and silk route. It is now overrun with tourists from all over China. “This city is a bit like the China of the past”, says a Chinese woman. There are no cars in the old town. Cultures and different ethnic groups, of which there are 25 in the region, mix. Tourists sometimes come from afar to pose in front of the stones of Lijiang.

Ethnic clothing stores flourish everywhere, with make-up and photographer. This city is located in Naxi country, a Chinese minority who built Lijiang. With their writing, their language and their religion, the Naxis have always revered nature and fought against waste. As the city is on a slope, spring water basins have been built upstairs and each is intended for a specific use. This matriarchal society essentially lives off agriculture and crafts. Lijiang is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


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