Three river conversation

cctv.com 01-06-2004 16:06

Local people call this gorge moon bay. In this part of Diqing the distance between the three rivers is the shortest.

Lancang river runs through Deqen county from north to south for 150 kilometers. Alongside the river, the scenery as well as the ethic culture gradually changes from north to south.

The parellel section of the three rivers is now known as the three parallel rivers scenic zone, and Diqing is in the center of this zone.

A road by Lancang river is De-wei road connecting Deqin and Weixi county. It also leads to the outer ring of walking-around Meili ritual.

You really cannot imagine a better place than this to start off a spiritual journey that supposedly can clarify one's mind and cleanse one's soul.

To people in this area along Langcang River, cables are their bridges. They can even move horses via the cables. But those cables are going to be replaced by bridges pretty soon according to local government.

There is a village called Cizhong by the Lancang river about 80 kilometers south of Deqen county town. Is it a cultural shock or what to see a Catholic church at this remote Tibetan village?

Every Sunday, followers of Tibetan, Naxi and other nationalities gather at Cizhong Cathedral to pray in Tibetan language. The construction of the Cizhong Cathedral started in 1909 and didn't complete until 10 years later.

Christianity was first brought to this area by a French missionary toward the end of 19th century. Some Tibetans converted to Christians from Buddhists and passed down the tradition to the present.

In Cizhong alone, there are over 400 believers out of about 1000 people.

Nestled in the remote mountain valleys, the Cathedral is a witness to the unique blend of cultures here. Except for Christianity, the missionaries also brought something that blossoms in this mountain village: French grape. There is a beautiful vineyard in the compound. And in this small village, almost every family grows the same kind of grape first brought over by the missionaries.

Coming out of the church, don't forget to pay a visit to Austin's house and get a taste of his exquisite home-made wine.

Austin said that when he started in 1997, he only made about 50 kilograms of wine. And six years later, he is making 100 times more under great demand. His family is now the only family that makes wine in the village.

Editor:Han Ling  Source:CCTV.com