Slideshows

Who says Benzhu worship is only for old Bai women? Images from the 接本主 (挖色, 大年初八，初十).

Significant events call for a big communal meal, reinforcing the community. Here the villagers of the three villages of Shengjiu 生久三村 celebrate the consecration of a new Benzhu temple with a feast for over 1000 people.

Shuanglang 双廊 does not have a proper Benzhu, but once a year the Benzhu from nearby 红山庙 is brought into town with a great parade.

The slaughter of a pig for Spring Festival is a happy occasion, with family and friends invited for the event. Raw skin, raw meat, even raw liver are considered delicacies in Bai communities around Erhai Lake.

The Bai people neatly arrange the offerings to their local saints, the Benzhu, and other deities, making sure that even the lesser spirits are not forgotten.

During the war, Japan forced many women into prostitution at so-called "Comfort Stations" 慰安所. In Longling 龙陵 the building, once the home of a wealthy family, has survived and is now a museum and memorial.

The Nujiang halted the 1942 Japanese advance from Burma further into China and after allied troops crossed the river again in 1944 Songshan became the site of fierce battles until the Chinese Expeditionary Force finally blew up the Japanese fortifications on the mountain top in August 1944.

Southwest of Deqin 德钦, between the snow mountains Mt. Taizi 太子雪山 and Mt. Baima 白吗雪山, the Mekong has cut a deep arid gorge, with only isolated settlements along the river or in the verdant side valleys, such as Hongpo 红坡.

A picturesque, but invented for tourism, ceremony at Hongshan Temple 红山庙 north of Shuanglang 双廊. The temple's real festival, once referred to as 海神会, is held on the full moon of the fourth month.

Shangri-La's premier attraction, Pudacuo National Park, is a riot of colours in autumn. Just do not expect any solitude.

Lisu dress up for the Achimugua 阿尺木刮 or Goat Dance festival in Yezhi, Weixi County 维西县叶枝镇.

Tongle Village 同乐村 is a Lisu village near Yezhi Township in Weixi County 维西县叶枝镇, entirely built from wood and protected from development. Inside life is like is has been for ages, if one ignores the poster of Xi Jinping on the wall.