Synopses & Reviews
Guizhou, isolated from the rest of the world for centuries by its mountainous terrain, remains one of China's most isolated and unspoiled provinces. Its beckoning treasures include Asia's biggest waterfall, China's largest limestone cave, areas of primeval forest, and rare plant and animal species. Celebrated for its hospitality, the province is a lively, visual mix of 13 different ethnic groups, many of whom continue an ancient way of life and time-honored traditions. Here, long-forgotten skills and techniques in the textile arts'"weaving, embroidery and batik'"continue to flourish, alongside age-old festivals where sumptuous traditional costume is set off by dazzling silver jewelry, and pipes, drums and dancing accompany feasting and drinking. Superb color photography and informed text brings this vividly to life.
Includes lavish descriptions of the costume and textile arts of the diverse and colorful ethnic groups; fascinating, informative text that unveils age-old skills and crafts; festivals, music, dance and time-honored customs brought to life; special topics and literary excerpts that add a historical and mythological perspective; up-to-date practical information and itineraries for getting around, where to stay, what to see and do; superb color photography of costumes, people and the countryside; and more.
Synopsis
Guizhou, isolated from the rest of the world for centuries by its mountainous terrain, remains one of China's most isolated and unspoiled provinces. Its beckoning treasures include Asia's biggest waterfall, China's largest limestone cave, areas of primeval forest, and rare plant and animal species. Celebrated for its hospitality, the province is a lively, visual mix of 13 different ethnic groups, many of whom continue an ancient way of life and time-honored traditions. Here, long-forgotten skills and techniques in the textile arts--weaving, embroidery and batik--continue to flourish, alongside age-old festivals where sumptuous traditional costume is set off by dazzling silver jewelry, and pipes, drums and dancing accompany feasting and drinking. Superb color photography and informed text brings this vividly to life. Includes lavish descriptions of the costume and textile arts of the diverse and colorful ethnic groups; fascinating, informative text that unveils age-old skills and crafts; festivals, music, dance and time-honored customs brought to life; special topics and literary excerpts that add a historical and mythological perspective; up-to-date practical information and itineraries for getting around, where to stay, what to see and do; superb color photography of costumes, people and the countryside; and more.
Synopsis
Extensively revised and updated guide to one of China's most isolated and unspoiled provinces.
About the Author
Gina Corrigan was born and educated in the UK and holds a B.Sc. in Geography from London University and a Masters of Education from Nottingham University. She is co-author of a geography textbook on China (Heinenabb Educational Press, 1982), to which she is a frequent visitor, and has co-produced over 20 educational filmstrips on China and Europe for Gateway Audio Visual Publications with her husband Peter. Her photographs of China--which have earned her a fellowship of the Royal Photographic Society--are published in a wide range of books and articles. She is an avid collector of textiles and costumes from southwest China; her collection of over 50 Miao costumes for festival and everyday use has been acquired by the British Museum, along with extensive documentation and a large number of her photographs. She launched her specialist tour and travel business, Occidor Adventure Tours, in 1980.