Nestled at the northern edge of the Gaoligong Mountains, the Dulong River basin is a testament to nature's enduring embrace. Here, fault-block mountains and deep canyons form a natural fortress, safeguarding a land that remains largely untouched by modernity.
The Dulong people, a mountain-dwelling ethnic group in southwest the Chinese mainland, are among the smallest of the 56 recognized ethnic groups. Known as a \"direct-transition\" minority, the Dulong maintained their traditional way of life until the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Unlike many other groups that underwent gradual changes, the Dulong seamlessly integrated into socialist society, preserving their unique cultural heritage while embracing new societal frameworks.
Today, the Dulong continue to be custodians of their ancestral traditions, balancing the preservation of their cultural identity with the advancements of the modern world. Their story is a fascinating blend of resilience, adaptation, and the enduring human spirit.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
