Naxi culture on show in Lijiang's Old Town

The unique characteristics of the Naxi ethnic group and Dongba culture have been put on display in an exhibition hall set up in Lijiang's Old Town, Yunnan province, on Sept 28.

The 300-square-meter hall has within it superb examples of the Naxi written language and drawings, which are completely different to that of modern day Chinese characters.

Divided into six sections, the hall features Dongba papermaking, Naxi drawings, and pictograph embroidery.

Dongba papermaking dates back to the Tang Dynasty (AD 618–907) and is made using shrubs and bark found in Yunnan. It is said to be both moth proof and water-resistant.

Naxi embroidery is a skill mastered by almost all naxi women. It involves carefully stitching thread to create colorful tapestries.

Visitors to the hall will be given the opportunity to try their hand at writing naxi characters, which have more in common with Egyptian hieroglyphics than modern day Chinese, as well as creating Dongba painting and papermaking.

He Liping, head of the Lijiang's Old Town protection bureau said, "The exhibition room gives people close contact with Naxi culture, which is conducive to popularizing the valuable traditional Chinese culture."

He Runyuan, the art room's curator, said that the hall will be given more Naxi cultural elements and activities soon, such as lectures.

Besides supporting the construction of the hall, the Old Town protection bureau also plans to revamp the former houses of renowned Naxi figures as well as construct memorials honoring great people in Naxi culture.

Naxi is one of the 56 ethnic groups recognized by the Chinese government. The Naxi people and culture has existed in Yunnan province for more than 500 years.

A woman shows Dongba embroidery art to visitors. [Photo/Xinhua]

Naxi paintings in the exhibition hall. [Photo/Xinhua]

A Dongba character table. [Photo/Xinhua]