Chuxiong

CCTV.COM (07.10 2003 16:02)

    Pleasant Chuxiong city, south of yunnan, near the Guizhou and Sichuan borders, is the home of friendly Yi minority community. Covering an area of 29,000 square kilometer, Chuxiong is home to almost 2.4 million people. It is one of China's most geographically diverse regions.

    While the typical south east Yunan landscapes consists of rolling hills interspersed with fertile valleys, more mountainous regions are found northeast of Chuxiong, and in parts of Qujing. Chuxiong is home to some of the oldest human settlements in the world, and most of the area has been cultivated for centuries. Most settlements are farming or fishing villages, but cities are growing across the region, including such metropolises as Kunming, Dali and Li Jiang.

    In many ways Chuxiong is a photographer's dream. Despite the general absence of brilliant color, the countryside is immensely photogenic as there is so much taking place on the streets or in the fields and because the countryside is uniquely beautiful. Furthermore, people are oblivious to cameras on the whole, although you should make sure that the privacy of those who do object, is respected.

    The ethnic Yi capital and main port of entry is Chuxiong, a pleasant town where traditional Yi houses stand opposite more recent constructions. A monument park adds to the ethnic flavor, and every day performances of the musical welcome ceremony dance, take place in several areas of the park.

Editor:Han Ling