Near the summit of Goddess Mountain (女神山), there lies a limestone cave known as the Goddess Cave (女神洞), which the Mosuo (摩梭) people refer to as Gemuniko Cave (格姆尼可洞). “Gemuniko” translates to “the place where the goddess resides.” This cave is a popular pilgrimage site, adorned with colorful prayer flags at its entrance. Inside, the cave is vast and maze-like, filled with numerous passages and stunning stalactites, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Situated at an altitude of 3,450 meters, the Goddess Cave is a revered sacred site for the Mosuo people. Each year, on the 25th day of the seventh lunar month during the Mosuo Turning Mountain Festival (摩梭转山节), the Mosuo people climb Goddess Mountain and enter the cave to pay homage to the statue of the Goddess Gemun (格姆女神).
Goddess Cave, also known as “Goddess Palace” (女神宫), is located at the “neck” of Lion Mountain (狮子山) at an altitude of 3,450 meters (the main peak reaches 3,770 meters). The entrance faces Lugu Lake (泸沽湖), and visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the lake from the viewing platform in front of the cave, making it an ideal spot for photos. The viewing platform is surrounded by wind chimes, allowing tourists to make wishes and seek blessings from the Goddess Gemun. According to local Mosuo beliefs, praying to the goddess for children or safety is particularly effective.
Stepping into the cave reveals a different world. The cave is interlinked with other chambers, creating a sense of mystery. Natural stalactites form fantastical shapes resembling structures from different realms: the underworld, the human world, and heaven. Visitors can find representations of the goddess granting water, a goddess statue, and mythological figures such as Tang Seng (唐僧) and the Monkey King (齐天大圣). Other formations include a python emerging from a cave, sea conch stones, towering pillars, and even symbolic representations of fertility. The statue of the goddess inside the cave is remarkably detailed, featuring a head, face, eyes, nose, and mouth, leaving visitors in awe.
According to legend, a young couple who were unable to conceive sought blessings from the Goddess Gemun. After drinking the sacred water from the goddess, they miraculously became pregnant that very year. Drinking from the Goddess’s pool is believed to dispel disasters, cure illnesses, and extend one’s lifespan, ensuring a peaceful life.
Visitors to the Goddess Cave often leave in awe, carrying memories of Lugu Lake’s beauty and the intriguing matriarchal society of the Mosuo people. Standing at the stunning 3,680-meter tall Goddess Mountain, the cave remains a choice spot for photographers. While many locals know about the cave, few have ventured inside, making it a unique experience for travelers.
Xiaoyuba Village (小渔坝村) is a small and peaceful village located near Lugu Lake (泸沽湖) in Lijiang (丽江). Positioned just over 2 kilometers from Daluoshui Village (大洛水村), Xiaoyuba is a relatively new development, with trees freshly planted and several guesthouses still under construction. Most of the guesthouses are built against the mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop, and are only about 80 meters away from the lake.
The village offers a tranquil and colorful setting, ideal for photography enthusiasts. Right across from the hotel and Anxia Mountain (安下山), a variety of plants have been planted, displaying vibrant colors under the sunlight. The scene looks like a painter’s palette splashed with bright hues, creating a visually stunning environment perfect for memorable photographs.
Xiaoyuba Village has maintained a calm and unspoiled environment, away from the more tourist-heavy areas. The guesthouses being built blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings, offering visitors a comfortable and serene retreat. The proximity to the lake makes it easy to explore the water’s edge and appreciate the beauty of Lugu Lake.
If you’re traveling by car, Xiaoyuba Village is just over 2 kilometers from Daluoshui Village. It is easily accessible by local roads, and the short distance makes it convenient for day trips or longer stays.
Xiaoyuba Village offers a refreshing and calm alternative to the more crowded areas around Lugu Lake, making it an excellent stop for nature lovers and those looking to escape the bustle.
The Tianyu Liufang Archway (天雨流芳牌坊) is located in front of the Mu Family Mansion (木府) and features the inscription “天雨流芳.” Initially, its meaning may seem unclear, yet the phrase evokes a sense of poetic beauty. After visiting the Mu Family Mansion and hearing the explanation, the phrase’s true essence becomes even more fascinating. In Naxi (纳西) language, it phonetically translates to “Go read,” emphasizing the importance of knowledge and education, akin to the heavenly dew that brings nourishment. “天雨流芳” expresses a profound connection between acquiring knowledge through reading and receiving blessings from above.
The phrase “天雨流芳,” written elegantly on the archway beside the Mu Family Mansion in Guangyi Street (光义街), serves as a landmark in the area. Its Naxi meaning, “读书去吧,” reflects the Naxi people’s respect for knowledge, illustrating their early understanding of the importance of education.
The Tianyu Liufang Archway stands along the essential path leading to the Mu Family Mansion. The inscription prominently features “天雨流芳,” which, as informed by local guides, is a homophone in Naxi for “Go read.” This demonstrates the Naxi people’s reverence for learning, making visitors appreciate their insight into the value of education.
The archway, characterized by its rustic charm, is surrounded by stunning scenery, especially in autumn. Ancient trees frame the area, complemented by the soothing sounds of “滴答,” a popular local tune, creating an idyllic atmosphere. This location is worth visiting frequently—once during the day and again at night, when special lighting illuminates the archway, casting a dreamlike quality that makes for beautiful photographs. The area is lively at night, filled with various local snacks, so there’s no need to worry about finding food after exploring.
The Tianyu Liufang Archway is located near No. 33 Guanyuan Alley (官院巷), Old Town, Lijiang City (丽江古城), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is a well-known landmark within Lijiang Old Town and an iconic structure in front of the Mu Family Mansion.
The archway is a wooden structure built during the Ming Dynasty (明朝) and sits on the ancient stone streets in front of the Mu Family Mansion. It is one of the vital cultural heritages of Lijiang Old Town and a must-visit for tourists. The Tianyu Liufang Archway captivates visitors with its unique architectural style and historical significance. It stands not merely as a structure but as a witness to the passage of time and the evolution of Naxi culture.
In addition to the archway, Lijiang Old Town is home to numerous other attractions worth exploring. The winding streets are filled with a rich Naxi cultural atmosphere, allowing visitors to stroll through the alleys, admire the distinctive architectural styles, and appreciate the beautiful scenery.
In summary, the Tianyu Liufang Archway is a site rich in history and culture. It is not only one of the iconic structures of Lijiang Old Town but also a must-visit location for experiencing Naxi culture and the charm of the ancient town.
Open all year round, with specific operating conditions depending on the day’s status.
Axia Quiet Valley (阿夏幽谷) is a romantic meeting place for the Mosuo (摩梭) people, located at the southwestern corner of Lugu Lake (泸沽湖) in Daluocheng Village (大落水村). The valley is also known as the Lugu Lake Grand Canyon and is referred to by the Mosuo as “A Wang Mo Long” (阿王摩龙), meaning “a place where spirits reside.”
Axia Quiet Valley is a unique paradise within the Lugu Lake Scenic Area (泸沽湖风景区). It is highly recommended by the Lijiang Travel Network (丽江旅游网) as a must-visit destination. The valley, stretching about 1.5 kilometers and varying in width, is adorned with towering ancient chestnut trees intertwined with dense evergreen vines. Beneath these trees lies a serene and cool world, where streams trickle through rocky crevices, and a thick layer of moss blankets the decaying wood and stones, resembling a green carpet that feels soft and comfortable underfoot.
The valley holds immense value across various domains—historical, religious, ecological, aesthetic, and cultural. It serves as an excellent spot for sightseeing, relaxation, blessings, healing, and adventure activities.
Close to Lugu Lake, most visitors to the area stop by Axia Quiet Valley. The valley features stunning mountain streams, chirping birds, and the rustling of rabbits, as well as rare delicacies such as matsutake mushrooms (松茸) and other natural treasures. Historically, it was a sacred site for the Mosuo to perform rituals and prayers, making it a popular rendezvous for young couples.
The name “Axia” derives from the Mosuo language, where “A” means lover, and “Axia” translates to eternal lover, typically used by men to refer to their partners, while women call their male partners “A Zhu” (阿注). In Axia Quiet Valley, visitors feel a profound connection to nature, which often contrasts with the urban lifestyle that can make one forget the beauty of the natural world.
The valley is dotted with numerous waterfalls, each with its own name, reflecting the imagination of the Mosuo people. Those who live close to nature receive many gifts from it, contrasting with the prideful city dwellers who may labor harder for meager rewards.
The fertile mountain pastures of Axia Quiet Valley come alive in spring and summer, blanketed in fragrant wildflowers and lush grass. The area teems with life, including the chirping of birds and the playful leaps of squirrels. Key attractions include:
忠义牌坊 (Zhongyi Archway), also known as 石牌坊 (Stone Archway), is a magnificent and intricately carved stone structure located in Lijiang (丽江), Yunnan Province (云南). It is widely renowned, with the saying, “Dali’s Three Pagodas, Lijiang’s Stone Archway.” This archway was constructed with the approval of Emperor Wanli (万历皇帝) during the Ming Dynasty (明朝), using white marble sourced from the banks of the Jinsha River (金沙江) at the Lower Hujump (下虎跳).
Located at the southwestern corner of the ancient city, 木府 (Mufu) is another significant landmark. During the Ming Dynasty, its architecture was magnificent. The famous traveler Xu Xiake (徐霞客) once praised Mufu, stating: “The beauty of the government office rivals that of a king.” Unfortunately, most of the buildings were destroyed in the military conflicts at the end of the Qing Dynasty (清朝), and the surviving archway was also damaged during the Cultural Revolution (文化大革命) from 1966 to 1976. After a major earthquake in 1996, the World Bank recognized the value of Mufu and provided a substantial loan to aid in its reconstruction. Skilled artisans in Lijiang meticulously designed and constructed the site, and after three years, Mufu was reborn like a phoenix from the ashes.
The Zhongyi Archway was constructed with the approval of Emperor Wanli of the Ming Dynasty, using white marble sourced from the Jinsha River at the Lower Hujump. The plaque is inscribed with the two characters “忠义” (Loyalty and Justice), granted by Emperor Shenzong (明神宗), along with a couplet from the local chief of the Mu family that reads: “凤诏每来红日近, 鹤书不到白云闲” (When the phoenix’s decree comes, the red sun is near; when the crane’s letter arrives, the white clouds are relaxed). This inscription beautifully illustrates the close relationship between a family living on the border and the royal family.
While visiting Mufu, look out for several inscriptions:
These inscriptions were handwritten by various emperors of the Ming Empire. This honor has never been bestowed upon any other local chieftain family in such a remote area.
Upon arriving at Lijiang Airport (丽江机场), you can take the airport shuttle bus to Lijiang Passenger Station (丽江客运站). From there, board bus route 11 (11路环线), and after three stops, you will arrive at Zhongyi Market Station (忠义市场站), which is near the Zhongyi Archway.
The Zhongyi Archway offers a rich glimpse into the history and culture of Lijiang and is a must-visit for anyone exploring this beautiful region of Yunnan Province.
雄古观景台 (Xionggu Observation Deck) is located on the way from Lijiang (丽江) to Shangri-La (香格里拉). It features a stone gate that resembles a cliffside barrier. Passing through this gate leads to a small path that directly connects to the observation deck. This spot is known as a vantage point where three scenic views converge: to the left is Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山), to the right is Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山), and the winding river visible in between is the Jinsha River (金沙江), also referred to as the bend of the Yangtze River (长江一湾) due to its significant curve here.
From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the diverse terrain, including lush forests, rolling hills, and the iconic snow-capped peaks of both Haba and Jade Dragon Snow Mountains. The site is especially known for its stunning sunrises and sunsets, which illuminate the sky with vibrant colors, creating a picturesque landscape.
The Xionggu Observation Deck is easily accessible from the city center of Lijiang. Visitors can reach the site by:
Zhudi Village (竹地村) is located in Yongning Township (永宁镇) of Ninglang Yi Autonomous County (宁蒗彝族自治县) in Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province (云南省). The village lies in a semi-mountainous area, situated 10 kilometers east of Yongning Township, and experiences an annual precipitation of 1,100 millimeters, making it suitable for the cultivation of crops such as corn and potatoes. The village encompasses 571 acres of cultivated land, with an average of 2.8 acres per person, and features 5,475 acres of forested area.
Zhudi Village is home to 73 farming households, with a total population of 394 residents, of which 392 are engaged in agriculture. The village has a labor force of 196, with 124 individuals involved in the primary industry. In 2008, the village’s total economic income reached 1.05 million yuan, with an average net income per farmer of 1,750 yuan. The main sources of income for the villagers come from agriculture, livestock breeding, and migrant labor.
The village consists of 73 households with a rural population of 394, including 182 males and 212 females. Among them, 392 individuals are engaged in agriculture, while the labor force comprises 196 people. The village is primarily inhabited by the Han (汉族), Mosuo (摩梭), and Yi (彝族) ethnic groups, with 168 Mosuo people, 142 Yi people, and 83 Han people residing there.
Zhudi Village is a remote village by the shores of Lugu Lake (泸沽湖), known as the “Kingdom of Daughters” (女儿国). It remains largely undeveloped, with few visitors, preserving its pristine natural resources. Upon entering the village, one is greeted by a strong sense of rural authenticity. The narrow paths throughout the village are mostly unpaved, with independent courtyards neatly lined on both sides. Most houses are constructed of wood, reflecting a simple yet unique ethnic style.
In today’s world, where monogamy is the norm, the Mosuo people at Lugu Lake still practice the tradition of “walking marriages” (走婚), characterized by voluntary unions and freedom to separate. This secluded village gained global attention due to the autobiography “Walking Out of the Kingdom of Daughters” (《走出女儿国》) by Yang Erche Namu (杨二车娜姆), published in 1997. The book introduced readers to the beautiful Lugu Lake, the mysterious Kingdom of Daughters, and the Mosuo people’s unique customs. The distinctive Mosuo culture has attracted both domestic and international tourists, leading more people to explore this enchanting land.
Zhudi Village has a subtropical monsoon climate (亚热带季风气候). As a remote village by Lugu Lake, it offers an authentic rural experience, making it a suitable destination for travel throughout the year.
A visit to Zhudi Village is recommended for 2-3 hours, allowing time to explore its natural beauty and unique culture.
Guangbi Tower (光碧楼) is situated on the central axis of the Mu Palace (木府), which served as the residence of the Mu chieftains (木氏土司) during the Ming Dynasty (明代). Originally a library for the Mu family, historians have described Guangbi Tower and its associated buildings as “the finest in western Yunnan” (称甲滇西).
Located at the northern end of Lijiang Old Town (丽江古城), beneath the Xiangshan Mountain (象山), the Black Dragon Pool Ancient Architecture Complex (黑龙潭古建筑群) is a grand collection of ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties (明、清), notable for their extensive scale, historical significance, meticulous craftsmanship, and breathtaking scenery. In 2007, it was designated a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit (全国重点文物保护单位) by the State Council.
Guangbi Tower was originally the library of the Mu Palace, featuring intricately carved beams and painted rafters, showcasing its stunning beauty. The Mu Palace is a historical palace complex within Lijiang Old Town, serving as the residence for the Lijiang chieftains during the Ming Dynasty. It is a cultural and political center of the region with over 340 years of history, often referred to as “the Forbidden City of the South” (南有木府).
On the central axis of the Mu Palace, key buildings are arranged sequentially: the Conference Hall (议事厅), Wanjun Building (万卷楼), Guardian Hall (护法殿), Guangbi Tower (光碧楼), Yuyin Tower (玉音楼), and Sanqing Hall (三清殿). On either side of the central axis, over 160 rooms including annexes, lofts, corridors, and guesthouses are constructed.
Originally located within the Lijiang Prefecture Office (丽江知府衙署), this building dates back to the Ming Dynasty. The tower has a width of five bays (14.5 meters) and a depth of four bays (7.8 meters), with a ridge height of 7.97 meters. It features a double-eaved hipped roof structure and was relocated to its current site later.
The Lijiang Wax Museum of World Celebrities (丽江世界名人蜡像馆) is located at Yuhe Square (玉河广场) in Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城) and is the first wax museum in Yunnan Province (云南省). This unique museum houses over 50 lifelike wax figures of renowned personalities from various fields, including sports, politics, entertainment, and more. Visitors have the opportunity to pose for close-up photos with their favorite stars and discover a mix of global icons and local figures. The exhibition includes international celebrities like David Beckham (贝克汉姆), Michael Jackson (迈克·杰克逊), Barack Obama (奥巴马), and Vladimir Putin (普京), as well as beloved Chinese stars such as Jackie Chan (成龙), Andy Lau (刘德华), and Jay Chou (周杰伦). Notably, local characters “Mu Lao Ye” (木老爷) and “A Le Qiu” (阿勒丘) add an engaging local flavor to the experience. Here, visitors can challenge the imposing “Dwayne Johnson” (巨石强森) to an arm-wrestling match, compare heights with “Iron Man Robert Downey Jr.” (钢铁侠小罗伯特·唐尼), attempt to snatch the basketball from basketball star “LeBron James” (詹姆斯), or engage in a mock debate with “Obama” (奥巴马).
The Lijiang Wax Museum of World Celebrities is a pioneering attraction in Lijiang, providing an opportunity for visitors to experience lifelike replicas of prominent figures without having to travel to Hong Kong. The museum presents nearly 50 stunning wax figures, allowing tourists to engage closely with renowned personalities across various domains, including politics, history, film, sports, and myth. Each display is meticulously designed, with every figure crafted to resemble the real individual as closely as possible. Visitors can see the accurate proportions, features, skeletal structures, muscles, skin, hair, veins, and wrinkles of each figure, making them almost indistinguishable from their real-life counterparts.
The museum is divided into multiple sections:
The museum aims to create an enchanting visual experience that blends reality and fantasy, enriching your travel journey with delightful surprises.
The Former Residence of Chamawang and Memorial Hall (茶马王故居纪念馆) is situated in the northwest part of Shuhe Old Town (束河古镇), adjacent to Jiuding Longtan (九鼎龙潭). To reach it, visitors should stroll along Renli Road (仁里路) to the northwest corner of the ancient town and navigate through a small alley named Tiao Shui Xiang (挑水巷). This historic residence belonged to the Wang family, who were well-known for their influential role in the horse caravan trade. The house boasts a rich history spanning over 200 years, and visitors can explore the traditional Naxi (纳西) architecture while uncovering stories from the era of horse caravans.
The residence features a charming Naxi courtyard, with couplets inscribed in Dongba script (东巴文字) flanking the main entrance. The courtyard is beautifully landscaped with various flowering plants, creating a tranquil and picturesque environment.
Upon entering the main building, visitors will find the meticulously preserved bedroom of the caravan leader. This room showcases an antique bed and furniture that harmoniously blends Naxi and Tibetan styles, offering a glimpse into the past. The walls are adorned with historical images and photographs of the caravan days, providing further insight into the lifestyle and challenges faced by the horse traders. A shrine is also present, dedicated to honoring the ancestors of the caravan leaders.
The side room on the first floor serves as a welcoming reception area for tourists, where descendants of the caravan leaders invite visitors to enjoy traditional tea and share stories about their family’s heritage. It’s essential to note that photography is not permitted inside the entire residence, and visitors are kindly requested to respect this rule.
As you make your way toward Jiuding Longtan, keep an eye out for the entrance to the residence, as it can easily be overlooked. Once inside, the hosts provide a warm welcome, eager to introduce visitors to their ancestral home and share the history of the Tea Horse Road (茶马古道). The residence is no longer inhabited by the family and is open to the public for free.
The second floor displays various tools used along the Tea Horse Road, allowing visitors to appreciate the significance of these artifacts. The ambiance of the house subtly reflects Tibetan influences, adding to its artistic charm. Downstairs, there is a tea room where visitors can savor two types of raw Pu’er tea (生普), and before departing, they can purchase traditional cakes from the hosts.
The Former Residence of Chamawang once belonged to one of the homes of the legendary “Tea Horse King” (茶马王). According to local lore, at the height of the Wang family’s prominence, they owned over twenty courtyards in Shuhe. However, following land reforms, these properties were divided.
The current Chamawang Memorial Hall is a two-story wooden structure that has preserved the original characteristics of the residence. Inside, visitors can find a collection of old items used by the caravans, numerous historical photographs, and intricately detailed maps of the caravan routes displayed on the walls. Through these artifacts, the memories of the caravan leaders of the past seem to come alive once more.
The Wang family has a long-standing and powerful history in the context of the Tea Horse Road, beginning their tea trade during the Ming Dynasty (明朝). At their peak, the Wang family’s caravans consisted of over 3,500 horses and more than 4,000 personnel, reaching distant destinations like Nepal (尼泊尔) and India (印度). At that time, any caravan carrying the Wang family emblem could travel freely along the Tea Horse Road. Presently, the Chamawang family sustains their livelihood through tourism, tea production, and herbal medicine.
In addition to being a museum, the memorial hall previously offered home-cooked meals and tea services, with hosts well-versed in the history and qualities of Pu’er tea. The signs in the alley clearly indicate that entry is free of charge.
As a once-powerful family in the Shuhe region, visiting the Chamawang family residence provides a unique opportunity to hear the descendants of the caravan leaders recount legendary experiences and share tales from the Tea Horse Road.
Inside the residence, visitors will find numerous carefully arranged wooden tea utensils and horse gear that showcase the struggles and resilience of the caravan traders. The collection includes many old photographs and authentic tea artifacts. Visitors can listen to engaging stories while enjoying tea with the hosts, all at no cost. However, as previously mentioned, photography is strictly prohibited within the residence.
The historic Tea Horse Road, having endured the ravages of time, carries a profound depth of history. The tracks etched into the mountains tell countless stories, each footprint bearing witness to the journey. The interplay of light and shadow, the sound of hoofbeats, awakens the morning mist and fades gently into the sunset. The wheels of time etch the journey of life, while the Tea Horse Road weaves an ancient tapestry of legends.
Year-round: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
To visit the Former Residence of Chamawang and Memorial Hall:
The Former Residence of Fang Guoyu (方国瑜故居) is situated at No. 32, Wenzhi Lane, Wuyi Street, Lijiang Old Town (丽江古城). This historically significant residence occupies an area of 1.98 acres and consists of over 70 rooms. It is located in the northeastern section of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lijiang Old Town. To access the residence, visitors can walk 500 meters north along the stone road on the west side of Fang Guoyu’s alma mater, Lijiang No. 1 Middle School (丽江市一中).
Fang Guoyu (方国瑜, 1903–1983) was born into a scholarly family in Dayan Town, Lijiang Naxi Autonomous County (原丽江纳西族自治县大研镇). He was a prominent contemporary historian and professor, recognized for his contributions to Chinese ethnic history, the history of southwestern China, and Dongba culture.
Fang Guoyu authored numerous influential works, which include:
Fang Guoyu’s family was renowned for their dedication to education, unity, and hard work. Tragically, he lost his father at the tender age of ten, and his uncle took on the responsibility of educating and supporting him through his formative years.
In adherence to the principles of respecting tradition and history, the Lijiang Old Town Protection Management Bureau established a dedicated team to restore the former residence, investing over 1 million yuan (approximately $150,000 USD). The team traveled to Kunming and Beijing to connect with Fang Guoyu’s friends, students, relatives, and alumni, collecting a wealth of invaluable personal materials.
The residence comprises eight distinct sections, including:
Fang Guoyu was recognized as a pioneering figure in the study of local history in Yunnan, southwestern ethnic history, and the historical geography of the southwestern border region. Renowned historian Professor Xu Zhongshu (徐中舒) regarded him as “a titan of southern scholarship and a giant in the history of Yunnan.”
Fang Guoyu served as a representative in various political bodies, including:
He was actively involved in significant activities such as boundary negotiations, boundary delineation, and editing historical maps of China, contributing extensively to the academic and political landscape of the time.
During the Second Sino-Japanese War, he collected anti-war materials in Baoshan and conducted investigations at various battlefields. His work 《抗日战争滇西战事篇》 (The Anti-Japanese War in Western Yunnan) is considered one of the most comprehensive sources on the subject, providing valuable insights into the region’s contributions to the war effort.
The residence itself is an ancient house nearly 200 years old, characterized by traditional Chinese architectural elements. The first main gate features a sign with white background and green letters, while the second gate displays a plaque from the Qing Dynasty, indicating its historical significance.
The layout of the entire courtyard consists of two connected traditional quadrangle courtyards, each featuring a design of three sections and a screen wall. The exhibition rooms include themes such as “Path of Study,” “Family Care,” “Research Achievements,” and “Teaching Outcomes,” showcasing photos and over 120 manuscripts and published works from different periods of Fang Guoyu’s life.
The architectural style reflects a blend of Huizhou (徽) architecture, known for its meticulous and rigorous design, and the grandeur of Naxi (纳西) culture, representing a unique artistic fusion of Han and Naxi cultures.
No. 32, Wuyi Street, Lijiang Old Town, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, China (云南省丽江市古城区五一街32号)
Year-round: Monday to Sunday, 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Fang Guoyu, native of Lijiang, born in 1903, Naxi Nationality, CPC member, became tutor of doctoral students in Chinese ethnology in 1981. Fang graduated from Peking University as a post graduate in 1933 majoring traditional Chinese culture. He used to be an editor of Peking Normal University, teacher of Luo Yang Normal School, professor of the Department of Traditional Chinese Culture of a Peking’s private university, professor and dean of the Department of Literature and History of Yunnan University, Dean of Institute of Liberal Arts and Laws. He once served as an editor, examiner and adviser of Institute of Yunnan Chorography.
After the founding of the New China in 1949, Fang successively served as a deputy director of Jiu San Society of Yunnan Province, member of Ethnic Affairs Commission of the People’s Government of Yunnan Province, member of Ethnic Affairs Committee under the National People’s Congress, deputy of the 3rd , 4th and 5th the National People’s Congress, adviser to the Compiling Board of Chinese History and Chorography, adviser to Ethnology Research Society of Southwest China, and counsel of China Education Association.
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Ever since the 1950s, he tutored 3 post graduates, 1 doctoral student and two international students. He wrote many books, to name a few, Brief Introduction to Catalogues of Historical Records of Yunnan, Table of Pictographs of Naxi, Historical Manuscript of Yi nationality, Exploration on the History and Geography of Southwest China. He led the editing and charting task for The Atlas of the Chinese History (Southwest China Section). Fang is an explorer and foundation layer for the research of local history of southwest China and ethnic minority history. He was reputed as “an outstanding figure of Yunnan”, “a giant pillar of Yunnan history” and “a master of Yunnan academic research.
CL.A.U.D.I.A. is a project dedicated to the study of Naxi people culture and Dongba tradition: CL.A.U.D.I.A. (hence CLAUDIA) acronym for Computational and Updatable Dongbas Iconographic Archive.
CLAUDIA project is focused on making an innovative dictionary of Dongba pictographs, founded on a system of classification and index plates of signs, the latter made by empirical methodology named ICONOGRAPHIC PRIMES, which the author derived from A. Wierzbicka N.S.M. – Natural Semantic Metalanguage theories.
CLAUDIA project is grounded on previous Dongba dictionaries and works, and is an interdisciplinary system implemented with an eye to the study literature of other pictographic/hieroglyphic writing systems (Egyptology and Mayan), thought and aimed for dissemination and diffusion of knowledge of Naxi-Dongba pictographic tradition, also to make the latter easier understand and enjoyed by novices.
Author’s thought CLAUDIA to be realized both as printed edition and as online resources, a digital humanities application as an innovative and web available dictionary of Dongba pictographs.
Available sources and resources for the study of Dongba pictographic manuscript tradition, from CLAUDIA’s point of view, should be resumed into:
CLAUDIA’s attention is particularly focused on dictionaries, and among them expecially looks at:
Each one of that works presents pictographs with relative transcriptions in Naxi language, but authors used different solutions and rules in pictographs’ latinization, accents orthography and phonetic transcription.
Being available at today “ÖйúÉÙÊýÃñ×åÓïÑÔ¼òÖ¾´ÔÊé – Zhongguo Shaoshu Minzu Yuyan Jianzhi Conshu” 689 – 784 CLAUDIA means to consider it as the more recent and official Academic study of Naxi language grammar, thus to adopt that work’s solutions of transcription of Naxi language for romanization of Dongba pictographs. In the same time, CLAUDIA means, once that is available such standard, to build equivalence plates for crossing references with works mentioned above.
Another characteristic of dictionaries available at today is the lacks of attestations and contexts references for pictographs. This except for Rock’s work, who used to refer to manuscripts he possessed as private collection or sell to Institution like the Harward-Yenching, but Rock attestations’ and references’ system is just limited in quoting the manuscript page where pictographs appeared within, without appropriate samples of context, as portions of text where the pictographs was taken.
With an eye to some other similar writing system works, as A. Erman and H. Grapow, ‘Worterbuch der agyptischen Sprache’ – landmark study for Egyptology – seems plausible to think about the possibility of making an innovative dictionary of Dongba pictographs with a complete and satisfactory system of references and contexts’ quotation, especially for poly-semic and poly-phonic pictographs, respectively one pictograph with more then one meaning and one pictograph with more then one reading, who could be disambiguated just by context.
In his experimental online draft-works published on www.xiulong.it the author developed a presented to Kunming’s 2009 “new horizons in Naxi study” congress a system for dictionary entries adopting and calibrating the structure of Grapow Worterbuch: in the top middle the image of the pictograph selected, on the left side the most common orthography for the pictograph selected with latinization, IPA, translation and commentary.
On the right side quotation of dictionary references with relative orthography, under it available contexts and references in Dongba manuscript corpus where pictograph selected appears within.
Screen-shot directly taken from CL.A.U.D.I.A. draft-works presented on Kunming 2009 congress
Today the layout of CLAUDIA dictionary entries is changing for a better, more user-friendly and interactive interface.
As previously introduced CLAUDIA is a project focused on making of a dictionary of Dongba pictographs, founded on an iconographic classification of pictographs, a system of iconographic index plates, and a complete dictionary with of attestations, quotations and references; CLAUDIA project features should also be resumed as follow:
CLAUDIA work consist in a systematic study of pictographs’ iconography and structural features: pictographs have to be classified following iconographic criteria, and during the classification will be also made the creation process of iconographic index plates.
Study of Dongba manuscripts also evinced 2 mains structural features for pictographs:
Author also distinguish COMPOSED PICTOGRAPHS into
Previous dictionary works will be systematically quoted into CLAUDIA’s references also reporting relative orthography.
In ex. pictograph
: it is recorded in Dragan Janekovic as the 557th pictograph, transliterated with /la33/ orthography; in Fang Guoyu and He Zhiwu at pg. 409, the 2nd (a=1st, b=2nd, etc…) pictograph transliterated as /l?33/; in Hè Pin Zhèng it’s on pg. 43, the 6th pictograph with /l?33/ orthography and finally in Li Lincan it’s the 761st pictograph, transliterated /la33/.
In CLAUDIA online version each pictograph of iconographic plates is an hyper-link: by clicking on it user opens – in a new dedicated page – a complete pictograph schedule with translation, commentary, notes and attestation of selected sign.
In that complete page, below selected pictograph, are listed all its variants attested.
This is the author’s idea for CLAUDIA as a Dongba Pictograph Dictionary, thought and implemented as wide-web enjoyable resources. References of dictionaries will be quoted by abbreviations as below: (this isn’t a definitive choose of dictionaries and works to be quoted as references. CLAUDIA system is completely updatable)
Author means to look for available resources and methodologies, not necessary focused on Dongba pictographs, suited to improve the quality of work, thus by “interdisciplinarity” here is meant to adopt and re-calibrate all methodologies and works useful for dictionary making and pictographs’ study.
Firstly, it seemed plausible to look for other pictographic and hieroglyphic study literature, specially at Egyptology (author’s got MA in Egyptology in Pisa University in 2004) and Mayan, looking for methodologies and patterns which could be re-calibrated and adopted in Dongba dictionary writing.
The works the author looked at during CLAUDIA implementation are:
CLAUDIA aims to be an instrument for dissemination of Dongba tradition, for spreading and diffusing knowledge of Naxi culture, manuscript tradition and Naxi pictograph art.
Looking at the methodologies and solutions of the other writing systems’ studies landmark works author also aims to improve highest qualities of Dongba dictionary itself, taking Dongba pictographic writing system and Dongba manuscript tradition as nearest as possible to Egyptian and Mayan Hieroglyphic writing systems; CLAUDIA, as a tool for dissemination is based on:
all sum into an useful instrument for fast consultation of dictionary without any a-priori required knowledge of reading and/or meaning of pictographs, making them easier to be understand and enjoyed also by novices.
In its landmark work for Egyptology sir Alan Gardiner inserted as appendix to his Egyptian Grammar a concise dictionary of Hieroglyphs previously introduced by some index plates of the Hieroglyphs themselves.
Gardiner Hieroglyphs index plates
A page from Gardiner’s Hieroglyphs dictionary. Entries of dictionary are directly linked to index plates, thus an user could faster and easier identifies hieroglyphs without knowing its reading/s and/or meaning/s; dictionary is thus enjoyable also by novices.As Grapow did, on the top middle of the Gardiner short dictionary, the basic hieroglyphs were written, then followed all derived forms and variants which Gardiner attested in his work..
Being Dongba pictographic writing system into Dongba manuscript tradition full of poly-semic and poly-phonic phenomena, Gardiner solution of a system of index plates and related dictionary seems to be as the most useful and the easiest methodology to be re-calibrated and adopted into dictionary of Dongba pictographs, making pictographs retrievable without involving any readings and meanings required knowledge.
In ex., pictograph
attested in Folio II recto of NZA079 manuscript, library of Congress of Washington online collection: poly-phonic and poly-semic pictographs, with latinizations, [IPA] transcription and relative translations:
Is plausible to hypothesize that novices couldn’t know none of the readings of the pictographs, neither the meanings, except the obvious one: tiger. It also seems obvious to hypothesize about everybody’s capacity of immediate identification of pictograph with the iconography of an animal, and this just in a shot-looking. A deeper look to pictograph may could suggest to any generic user that the animal portrayed is a feline, and the portrait isn’t one of a complete feline, but just a part of this animal, more exactly the head of a feline.
The author considered such observations fundamental into his project for an innovative Dongba pictograph dictionary: the latter could be structured into indexed classes as Gardiner did, and such classes have to be deduced from a classification work of Dongba pictographs.
Substantially Dongba dictionary work then would be structured as a system of index plates directly linked to dictionary entries. Each pictograph had to be included just once with a single index number into one plate, and each plate had to be labeled by one capital letter.
Users could then identify pictographs like in Gardiner dictionary by looking for them into plates, and once found, then following relative index number linking directly to full-dictionary voice; moreover such system and structure of dictionary?plates was just suited both for a printed edition and online implementation.
As Gardiner developed for Egyptian Hieroglyphs, the way that author chosen for classification of Dongba pictographs and implementation of index plates is grounded on ICONOGRAPHIC CRITERIA, a methodology of classification that the author has to do without any noises and interferences from any other pictographs’ features, as semantic, phonetic, etc…
In other words, the innovative way of Dongba pictographs classification the author meant, he made by an empirical identification of iconographic and peculiar patterns recurring into Dongba pictographs whole corpus.
From the study of Dongba manuscripts and Dongba tradition literature the author hypothesized that is possible to identify a nucleus of BASIC PICTOGRAPHS (with many variants), and such BASIC PICTOGRAPHS the Dongbas used to assembled together to make COMPLEX PICTOGRAPHS. Moreover, author hypothesized that, as in Mayan hieroglyph writing system, COMPLEX PICTOGRAPHS could be obtained with 2 different techniques:
In this paper FUSION PICTOGRAPHS are meant as a result in a willing technique process of the act of writing which consist in melting together two or more graphic units, (elementary, complex and/or or both) by fusion and loosing of the signs’ original boundaries and contours, making a new and unique complex graphic-significant unit in which single graphics limits and order of composition of pictographs are modified, partially omitted or totally lost.
From a linguistic point of view fusion pictographs could be seen as a GENERATIVE aspect of Dongba pictographic writing system, producing hypothetical infinite new combinations from a limited number of significants; in the meantime, author’s interpretation of features of FUSION PICTOGRAPHS’ TECHNIQUE (lost of boundaries, lost contours of block of significants, signs that strongly influence one each other) are interpreted as one of the evidences that suggest to consider Dongba pictographic writing system into manuscript’s tradition as an hypo-articulated communication system, concept derived from Phonetic and Prosody theories (Albano & Maturi, 1995: 18 – 20)
Sign is a perfect sample of FUSION PICTOGRAPH. It means “[the] lu demon of suicide descending“, (Rock J., 1939: 22) and it is the result of the fusion of more graphic units: the central anthropomorphic on
e a shepherd, or a young man, above and melted to his head the pictograph
lu rocks used both as phonetic complements for demons class’ name specification, and as symbolic key to allude to ritual suicide committed by putting some heavy rocks inside the pockets of the garment, and letting oneself drown in water. (Rock, 1937)
At the end of stretched out leg the pictograph
foot melted to the central graphic unit as determinative of movement.
Dictionary has obviously to include such kind of fusion pictographs as every attested COMPLEX PICTOGRAPHS, but the dictionary’s structure projected by author, inspired from Erman – Grapow and Gardiner works for Egyptian provides to make them accessible as DERIVED FORMS of a BASIC PICTOGRAPHS.
By BASIC PICTOGRAPHS the author here means the fundamental graphic units that subsume complex units, alias complex pictographs.
In case, fundamental graphic unit should be identified with the BASIC PICTOGRAPH
.
In other words, COMPLEX PICTOGRAPHS WON’T BE INCLUDED INTO INDEX PLATES but they WILL BE into complete dictionary pages listed as variants and derived forms of the BASIC PICTOGRAPH which constitutes their dominant and main graphic unit (the latter obviously included into index plate).
In CLAUDIA online draft-work, by selecting a basic pictograph X from an index plate implemented (at today just animal prime is done, with relative and nested sub-groups: complete animal and parts of animals) user will access to the complete dictionary entry page for selected pictograph, and in this page he/she will found the list of all derived pictographs having X as basic graphic unit; please cfr. sample below and try the online demo.
Dongba pictographs’ iconographic plates and dictionary project is closely related and dependent by an innovative and functional classification of basic pictographs.
During CLAUDIA experimentation, works of classification and plates making proceeded parallels, because from iconographic classification of pictographs the author identified some recurring iconographic patterns or meta-themes into Dongba pictographs corpus, so from this patterns he build the system of classes to gather basic pictographs within.
Author names such recurring iconographic patterns are ICONOGRAPHIC PRIMES, terminology he was inspired by Anna Wierzbicka’s concept of SEMANTIC PRIMES in her N.S.M. – NATURAL SEMANTIC METALANGUAGE theory.
Being identification of ICONOGRAPHIC PRIMES a process of individuation of PRIMITIVE ICONOGRAPHIC META-THEMES RECURRING into Dongba pictographs corpus, then ICONOGRAPHIC PRIMES consist in a sort of hidden ICONOGRAPHIC CORE of pictographic writing system, a concept similar to SEMANTIC CORE of N.S.M. Theory.
Each ICONOGRAPHIC PRIME has to be:
As the concept of ICONOGRAPHIC PRIMES the author was inspired and derived by Wierzbicka N.S.M. theory, as the methodology for ICONOGRAPHIC PRIMES identification is inspired yet from Wierzbicka’s work, more exactly from REDUCTIVE PARAPHRASE METHODOLOGY, obviously with re-calibration needed to make it suited to Dongba pictographs.
The way of working for ICONOGRAPHIC PRIMES identification (which coincides also to pictographs classification work) in few words could be resumed with a recursive self-posing question; with an “ICONOGRAPHIC PRIME POINT OF VIEW” the author self-posed in front of pictographs and asked himself: what is this?
In ex., pictographs ,
and
classification methodology worked as exemplified below
From samples 1 and 2 was possible to identify a wider general prime, nested within the general (but less wide) primewith two sub-primes:and.then contains another sub-primewhich contains the other very specific, whileprime contains .
Except for Rock, who organized 1st volume of his dictionary disposing pictographs by their reading in alphabetic order, the other authors classified and gathered this pictograph into “animal” class.
Once he was in front of ex.3., the author asked himself if this pictograph, and moreover this kind of pictographs, really could be seen as belonging to “animal” class, without any semantic knowledge. He hypothesized that, especially for novices, it isn’t immediately identifiable a sign belonging to any animals’ groups, especially without having knowledge of its semantic value.
Following the previously exemplified primes’ methodology ex.3.
appeared just to be made by some STROKES, more exactly by 3 STROKES, OBLIQUES and DESCENDING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, and absolutely NOT LIVING BEING.
Similar situation could be found in such kind of pictographs, like
: it was classified in Li Lincan dictionary at page 868 among animals’ signs, translated “hair or fur of animal” with orthography /fv33/. According to ICONOGRAPHIC PRIMES methodology for ex.4. the author evinced the following primes:
According to author’s point of view, gathering ex.3. and ex.4.
into animals’ group is a perfect sample of contamination of semantic features, and he hypothesized that this contamination could cause ambiguities and difficulties in retrieving signs into dictionaries.
Author classified in CLAUDIA and
both as BASIC PICTOGRAPHS belonging to STROKES PRIME, so he gathered them into STROKES INDEX PLATE. Such plate has to be organized with many nested sub-primes as:strokes,,,,, etc…
In this way, signs retrieval should be easier, faster and independent form Dongba pictographs’ meaning and pronunciation, probably successfully also by novices.
In the Kunming 2009 congress the author presented an experimental draft-work for CLAUDIA: the PRIME ANIMAL and relative nested two sub-primes COMPLETE and PARTS OF animals he implemented.
Index identification number of basic pictographs gathered into ANIMAL – COMPLETE plate is on top left of each element of plate.
Under image of each pictograph: its latinization, [IPA transcription], /main dictionaries references with related orthography annotations/ and finally basic translations. (n.b.: Such information aren’t fundamental in plates implemented, but since the project is experimental, the author needed them to be to output for further easier operations and manipulations.)
In CLAUDIA, as online edition of Dongba iconographic plates and dictionary, each base pictograph of index plate is an hyper-link, pointing directly to relative dictionary page. The latter reports:
In author’s experimental draft-work the system of dictionary entries is adopted and re-calibrated to Dongba pictographic writing system form Erman – Grapow’s Egyptische Wertbok.
On the top middle the image of the basic signs selected, then follow the most common orthography for the selection, its latinization, IPA, translation and commentary; quotation of dictionary references with relative orthography are reported as well.
Under, if available, contexts and references of Dongba manuscripts where pictograph appears within.
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