A child-led introduction to Lijiang in Yunnan Province, China, suitable to support study of a location in Asia at KS3.
The video
A child-led introduction to Lijiang in Yunnan Province, China.
Wang Yuxi is a Naxi boy. The Naxi are one of the 25 minority groups that live in Yunnan. They are ancient peoples, indigenous to this part of China.
Lijiang is situated in the shadow of the foothills of the Himalayas and its spectacular landscapes and ancient architecture are a magnet for tourists.
Wang Yuxi’s father is a driver for the many tourists, while his grandmother - who still wears traditional Naxi dress - does most of the work at home.
He takes his son on a tour of the locality. They fish for grass carp on the beautiful Lake Lashihai and take in views of the Yulong mountains, especially Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
The area is famous for Chinese herbs used in traditional medicine and for tea.
They ride ponies along the ancient tea trail - the route runs into neighbouring Myanmar - formerly Burma - Laos, and Vietnam. NB: the map which features near the start of the video clip uses the name 'Burma'. The military government of Burma changed the name of the country to 'Myanmar'. However, use of the name 'Burma' remains widespread and it is the policy of the UK government to use that name, as it is also adopted by the country's democracy movement.
With his friend he runs through the ancient alleyways of the old town to get to a Naxi wedding on time.
This clip was originally broadcast as part of the series In My Shoes.
Teacher Notes
Can be used during a module on China or work on rural issues.
Students could be asked to note down any aspect of Wang Yuxi’s life that is similar or different to their own.
They could also be asked to take notes on the tea trail and associated trade with neighbouring countries and regions.
Finally, students could be asked to draw out aspects of culture and tradition that still exist in the region.
Curriculum Notes
This clip will be relevant for teaching Geography at Key Stage 3 in England and Northern Ireland, KS3 in Wales and 3rd Level in Scotland. The National Curriculum for Geography requires the study of a location in Asia, 'including China'.
More from Life in China:
Life in China - Chan’gou video
A child-led introduction to Chan’gou in Yunnan Province, China.
Life in China - Sandouping. video
A child-led introduction to Sandouping in Hubei province, China.
Life in China - Shanghai. video
A child-led introduction to the city of Shanghai in China.
Life in China - Yangshuo. video
A child-led introduction to Yangshuo in Guangxi Province, China.
Life in China - Xingping. video
A child-led tour of Xingping in Guangxi Province in China.
