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The terrace at Narada Resort and Spa
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Among China's vast population are more than fifty minority cultures which have seen a resurgence in interest and curiosity from fellow Chinese as well as foreign visitors surprised by the fact that China is a multicultural society.
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Li woman wearing traditional dress at Bing Lang Gu offers visitors a sample of the local cuisine
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Hainan Island, for example, is the traditional home of the Li and the Miao peoples, whose traditional lifestyles are on display at Bing Lang Gu, the official name of which is Ganza Ridge Hainan Indigenous Culture Tourism Zone, located in Baoting Ganza Ridge Natural Protection area about 28km north of Sanya. As Chinese travellers become more sophisticated, the carnival-like atmosphere that stereotyped such cultural attractions in the past have been greatly toned down in recent years; in fact, people actually live here in Bing Lang Gu, so it is not by any means an amusement park. The variety of displays showcase traditional arts and crafts such as weaving and tattooing, still vividly visible on the female elders of the Li.
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Entrance to Bing Lang Gu in Hainan's Areca Valley
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Enjoy the pure waters of mountain hotsprings at Narada Resort and Spa Qixian Mount |
On the grounds of Bing Lang Gu's immense property is a 1.2-kilometre series of stairs and walkways following the waterfalls flowing through the dense greenery and dramatic landscape. The descent is easy compared to the climb up—especially if it is done in the waterfall itself. As if hiking up a mountain is not strenuous enough—or maybe because it IS so strenuous—adventurous climbers replace a stream of perspiration with a stream of mountain-clean water and hoist themselves up a section of the mountainside in the waterfall itself, enjoying a refreshing splash in the rapids while on the ascent.
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Elder Li women have tattoos over their entire bodies
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| Climbing the waterfalls at Bing Lang Gu is a popular activity |
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After a hard day's activities, respite may be found at the serene Narada Resort and Spa Qixian Mount near the town of Baoting. Narada is a five-star property set in a beautiful location where green is the colour of choice for the native rainforest that gives a sense of physical and spiritual isolation from the worries of the world. The big attraction here are the curative powers of the natural hot springs, which may be enjoyed in private spas on the decks of villas looking over the dramatic ravines and mountains that create a classic Chinese landscape straight off a scroll painting. In keeping with the respect for the local cultures, Narada offers an authentic rainforest dinner featuring Li cuisine, and that includes a fine rice wine. Fittingly, Narada's website is www.hainanparadise.com.
More information about Hainan's cultural attractions can be found at www.visithainan.com.au.
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