Lüwawa News, May 6, 2015 — Just after the May Day holiday, the Dragon Boat Festival break is upon us again, making it a golden travel season for travel enthusiasts. According to a survey of travel lovers, Lijiang in Yunnan has topped the list of the most desired domestic travel destinations for spring and summer 2015.
What kind of magic does this beautiful ancient city at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain hold that draws travelers in droves? Perhaps it’s the breathtaking scenery, with the pure and magnificent snow peaks setting an alluring backdrop for the ancient town; perhaps it’s the enchanting colors after nightfall and the relaxed, carefree atmosphere that stir romantic feelings in everyone’s heart, earning Lijiang the reputation of the “City of Encounters”; or maybe it’s the rich folklore and unique customs of the Naxi people that add an air of mystery to the ancient town. If you go there, these charming legends will undoubtedly add a special flavor to your journey.
The local Naxi people in Lijiang still preserve interesting customs that are poetic, subtle, and romantic. Their way of expressing affection is literally “tickling the palm.” When a Naxi young man sets his eyes on a pretty girl, he simply gently tickles the center of her palm three times to express his deep love. If she responds by doing the same, it’s cause for celebration. Some locals also maintain the custom of “walking marriage.” If, after marriage, the man cannot stay, the woman will sing a song called “Keep the Root.” Once this song is sung, even if the man leaves, he will be expected—years later—to buy milk powder and schoolbags for the child. Truly, it’s a magical song.
In the simple yet romantic view of love held by the Naxi people, girls all hope to bear the fruit of love for the men they adore. Therefore, the Naxi place great importance on having children. Legend has it that a beautiful Naxi girl married the man she loved, but after three years, they still had no children. The newlywed woman confided in her friends, revealing that her husband suffered from a condition that left him weak. In a big city, this might have led to divorce or TV drama-level drama. But this devoted wife deeply loved her husband, so she used a miraculous plant believed by the Naxi to be a gift from nature to brew soup and tea for him, nourishing his body. As a result, within three months, she was pregnant.
It is said that this miraculous plant is called “Nahanke” in the Naxi language, which translates to “Black Gold Root” in Chinese, and is revered as the “Root of the Naxi.” It is actually a world-class superfood — premium black maca, locally known in Lijiang as the “King of Maca.” Black Gold Root has nourishing effects such as boosting fertility, delaying aging, enhancing immunity, and improving sleep, and has long been an indispensable dowry item for Naxi weddings.
With its breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, exotic cultural customs, and mysterious romantic legends, how many more secrets does the wondrous Lijiang hold? You’ll just have to visit Lijiang yourself to begin your own amazing journey of discovery.