m̌ ḫ's photos with the keyword: Lijiang 麗江

Hemp provides a wide-range of outlets to make better use of the Earth's resources. The power the plant possesses is one of the best-kept secrets regarding extreme usefulness, versatility and ease. In a society where promoting the protection of the Earth's natural resources, many are unaware that such a natural gem with a distinctive, renewable sparkle exists. Hemp Seed and it's Oil Hemp seed has been consumed by mankind (and animals) for centuries. Indeed, whole populations have survived off hemp seed in times of famine. Hemp has 3 unique nutritional factors. It has an ideal balance of Omega 3 and 6 for sustainable human health, it has a full amino acid spectrum meaning it provides complete protein, and it has a massive trace mineral content - truly one of nature's superfoods. Other benefits of hemp seed oil include its effect on the skin and the hair, nourishing both on a cellular level. Saving Trees A hemp pulp paper process can replace the current production means of manufactured corrugated boxes, computer paper, and paper bags. The fiber produced in hemp is also four times more than the fiber that comes from pine trees. Hemp paper also provides the recycling capacity of up to seven rotations. Pine-pulp base papers are only good for three. Hemp As An Alternative Fuel Source With the sustained high price of oil and the resurgence of ecological awarenessas a "trendy" aspect of society, a lot of research has gone into current alternative fuel source. An alternative fuel such as biofuel comes from biological sources; the most commonly used example of a biofuel is E85 gasoline, which is a mixture of gasoline cut with 85% methyl alcohol. Earth Friendly Plastics Although not a new concept, natural based plastics is slowly re-entering the world of consumer goods. This versatile plant has once again proven to be highly useful to a nation needing to re-assess it's ecological impact. There's no denying that the petro chemicals being used to create today are toxic to the environement and to the employees who work in these factories on a daily basis. Also, it is not biodegradable which means that it lasts forever. Hemp Fibers - A Natural Solution Hemp fiber is finally making it's way into the fashion industry once again for reasons too great to ignore. For centuries, this highly versatile plant dominated the world of goods and now, after decades of controversy, consumers are renewing it's endless potential. With the ongoing threat of global warming, our very existence depends greatly on the measures we take as a nation. The fabric industry is a major contributor to the world's pollution. The staggering amount of pesticides and insecticides used in cotton fields alone are enough to cause serious damage to humans and wildlife. ... And of course hemp needs no pesticides or fertilisers, is low maintenance and grows just about anywhere, making it the ideal crop for organic sustainable farming in just about anywhere in the world.

Around the period of Three Kingdoms in China (220AD -- 280AD), the skill of Dongba paper-making was introduced to Yunnan as Naxi people's ancestors settled in Lijiang. This paper is mainly used to record Dongba scriptures, the main means over generations of passing down Dongba pictograph, also known as a "living fossil of character." Apart from its unique hieroglyphs, the Naxi ethnic group is also famous for its ancient music. However, during the Cultural Revolution, many Dongba classics were burnt. Now there are more copies scattered abroad than kept at home. Even though the Naxi pictograph is still used by older people, few of them know how to make Dongba paper. The local government started to look for successors of the ancient paper-making skill in 1990. According to statistics, there are only six households among the Naxi (Nakhi) ethnic groups who have mastered and practice Dongba papermaking. In 2005, two people of Han nationality (ethnic Chinese) in Lijiang received patents for making Dongba paper by changing the traditional canescent wikstroemia paper pulp to mulberry and slightly tweaking the production process. Locals never figured out why people outside the village were able to patent Dongba papermaking while he, a traditional Naxi farmer, was barred from the door. Traditionally, the process of Dongba paper-making involves several steps including boiling cortexes, rinsing, pestling and airing. Although it is made with the traditional/original tools and crafts, Dongba paper has a high quality of being mothproof and resistant to natural erosion. Dongba paper, made from a local plant called canescent wikstroemia and with the traditional tools is mothproof and resistant to decay. It was also improved over the years to become stronger and more absorbent. The dongba is a term used for Bon priests. They play a major role in Nakhi/Naxi culture and preach harmony between man and nature. Their costumes show strong Tibetan influence, and pictures of Bön gods can be seen on their headgear. The core of the Dongba religion is based on the belief that both man and nature are two half-brothers born of two mothers and the same father. Prior to Tibetan influence, it is suggested that the original Naxi priests were female llü-bu. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization put Lijiang, home to most Naxi, on the World Cultural Heritage list in 1997. from china.org.cn/english/2002/Oct/46674.htm www.globaltimes.cn/special/2010-08/568532.html wiki