Balancing Tradition With Progress
Nujiang, a mountainous region in Yunnan Province, has undergone rapid change in recent years. Once one of China’s poorest areas, it is now a place where modern homes and infrastructure sit alongside centuries-old traditions. The local ethnic minorities - including the Lisu, Nu and Derung - have embraced new opportunities while holding on to their cultural roots.
The government’s efforts to improve living standards have been significant. Large-scale poverty alleviation projects have relocated thousands of people from remote villages to towns with better facilities, schools, and health care. Roads that once took days to travel now take minutes. Vocational training and education have opened doors for younger generations. These changes have helped to lift around 269,600 people out of extreme poverty in Nujiang.
Today, new roads crisscross the mountains, connecting remote villages to towns, and the Internet reaches homes that once lacked electricity. The impact of the government's poverty alleviation efforts is obvious, yet what impresses even more is how the people of Nujiang have managed to preserve their traditional culture while embracing progress.
Bridging past and present
The people of Nujiang continue to practice their traditional crafts and customs despite important changes in the development of their region. Embroidery, weaving, and dance remain part of daily life. This blending of old and new is not accidental - it reflects a broader understanding that development does not mean erasing identity.
The cultural heritage of Nujiang’s ethnic groups is seen as a strength, not a hindrance. These traditions provide a sense of future with confidence. At the same time, they attract tourists and create economic opportunities through cultural tourism and handicrafts. This approach aligns with China’s wider policy of respecting ethnic diversity while pursuing national progress.
China’s success story in Nujiang shows that modernisation and cultural preservation can go hand in hand. The region’s development is a reminder that improving lives does not require abandoning history. Instead, it is about finding ways to keep traditions alive in a changing world.
Nujiang offers a compelling case study, demonstrating that modernisation need not come at the expense of cultural heritage. Before 2020, Nujiang was one of the most impoverished regions in China, with a poverty incidence rate peaking at 56 percent. The sheer isolation imposed by the landscape contributed to this, with communities often cut off from the outside world for months at a time.
That isolation has diminished with the construction of roads that have slashed the travel time from over six hours to just two or less to the nearest town. These infrastructural improvements are part of a broader strategy that lifted approximately 270,000 people in the prefecture out of extreme poverty by 2020. As President Xi Jinping noted, this achievement is just the "first step" towards a better life, urging continued efforts to improve livelihoods.
It's very common to experience in a Lisu village a woman weaving tricky textiles using techniques passed down through generations. The patterns and motifs reflected their history, beliefs, and connection to the land. These textiles are not merely decorative; they are an integral part of their identity, worn during festivals, weddings, and other important ceremonies. These cultural practices are not relics of the past but living traditions that continue to evolve and adapt to the present.
In 2023, Nujiang's GDP reached 27.9 billion yuan ($3.8 billion), an increase from 25 billion yuan ($3.4 billion) in 2022, which reflects the positive impact of economic development initiatives. While these figures represent progress, the real story lies in how these communities have leveraged their cultural assets to drive sustainable growth. Tourism, for example, has emerged as a significant source of income, with visitors drawn to Nujiang's stunning scenery and vibrant cultural scene. Local entrepreneurs have also found innovative ways to market traditional handicrafts, creating livelihoods that both preserve cultural heritage and generate income.
One notable example is the revival of traditional blankets, a craft that was once on the verge of extinction. With the support of government initiatives and the efforts of skilled artisans, these blankets are now sold throughout China and beyond, providing a sustainable income for local families.
The strength of shared identity
China's journey to becoming a global economic power has been fuelled by many factors, including strategic investments in infrastructure, education, and technology. However, it is equally important to recognise the role that cultural values have played in this transformation. Values such as community cohesion, respect for elders, and a strong work ethic have long been integral to Chinese society, fostering social stability and driving economic growth. These values are particularly evident in rural communities like those in Nujiang, where people rely on each other for support and work together to overcome challenges.
Moreover, China's emphasis on unity and national identity has been crucial in mobilising resources and achieving common goals. As the country continues to modernise, it is essential to preserve and promote these cultural values, ensuring that economic progress does not come at the expense of social cohesion and cultural diversity.
The values embedded in these ethnic cultures - respect for nature, community solidarity, and the passing down of knowledge - have contributed to China’s broader social and economic progress. They have helped build a society where diverse identities coexist and contribute to national strength.
Nujiang offers a clear example of how development can be inclusive and culturally sensitive. It shows that preserving cultural identity is not just about looking back, but also about shaping a future that honours the past while embracing the future.
