11/6/07: Curiosos Part II--Lijiang. Mission: Emily the Strange.

So where did we leave off?

Derek parted ways with the group in order to go back to work. Haley, Josh and I ventured to Lijiang.

History Lesson:

Lijiang, a small city located in Yunnan Province, is divided into new town and "Old Town".

After a 7.2 earthquake in February 1996, Old Town was extensively renovated, concrete buildings pulled down, and much of the original authenticity of Lijiang restored. With its functioning canals that line the narrow winding alleys and traditional Chinese architecture, Old Town retains much of its charm and is one of the more impressive stops in the entire region.

The dominant local ethnic minority in Lijiang is Naxi. The Naxi are reputedly matriarchal and hence property is traditionally inherited down the female line, and men move into their wife's family home after marriage.

Lijiang history and culture is not as rich and complex as nearby Dali, but it has been much more successful in attracting tourists. Prior to the Mongol invasion in the 12th century, Dali was the functioning capital and the 13th largest city in the world, while Lijiang was a minor regional town.