Page 17 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (106)

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CITY LIFE | 城事

Lijiang: Embracing life as poetry

丽江：把生活过成诗

Last autumn, Chen Zhiye In contrast to Chen, artist Gu
rented a piece of land in a quaint Yuan arrived in Lijiang six years ago
village near Baisha Ancient Town and began his journey of creative
in Lijiang, transforming it into a living in Yuhua Village, located at the
charming garden café. Each morn- foot of Yulong Snow Mountain. In
ing, his favorite ritual is to rise 2021, he organized the cross-bound-
early and capture the breathtaking ary arts exhibition “RE: MAKE,”
sunrise over the Yulong Snow which introduced a contemporary
Mountain. paradigm of crossover art.
Chen’s connection with Lijiang “When I first encountered Li-
began seven years ago during a jiang, I was filled with a profound
trip. The ancient town, the snow- sense of awe and limitless inspi-
capped mountain, crystal-clear ration that nature sparked within
waters, and vibrant ethnic culture me,” Gu said. The breathtaking
left a lasting impression on him. In landscapes and rich ethnic culture
September of last year, he drove of Lijiang became a deep well
solo to Lijiang, a place he had of creative inspiration for him.
always yearned for, and made the He tapped into Naxi mythology
decision to stay. for his artistic material, explored
Chen’s café is located less theatrical concepts through folk
than two kilometers from Baisha embroidery craftsmanship and
Ancient Town, with a breathtaking cultural activities, and created a
view of the majestic Yulong Snow series of innovative works.
Mountain just a glance away. He Gu Yuan remarked that Lijiang
decorated the café to reflect his is a place that nurtures artists.
personal style, filling the space with garden, and warmly welcoming alongside delicious cuisine. growing vegetables and raising The region’s rich flora and fauna,
a variety of flowers and plants, and guests from near and far. Occa- As winter approached, Chen pigs, cows, and sheep. His goal mild climate, and leisurely pace of
even handcrafting the café's utensils sionally, he delights in preparing rented the farmland in front of the was to create a space where visi- life create an inviting atmosphere
from raw wood. Chen cherishes Canton-style rice rolls for his café, envisioning it as an “idyllic tors weary of the city’s hustle and for artistic creation. He hopes to
his days by savoring coffee around visitors, offering them a taste of farm.” He plowed the land and bustle could reconnect with nature convey ethnic culture to diverse
a bonfire, tending to the blooming Lijiang’s slow-paced lifestyle sowed seeds with the intention of and relish the joys of rural life. audiences through his art.