Learning Dongba culture in SW China

Students wearing traditional Dongba costumes draw pictures at a primary school in Lijiang city, Southwest China's Yunnan province, Nov 7, 2013. Dongba culture, originated from the Dongba religion about 1,000 years ago, is a branch of culture of the Naxi ethnic group. The culture has its own unique ceremonies, characters, music, dances and paintings. Its heirs, called "Dongbas", are always senior intellectuals who read a lot and are proficient in singing, dancing, painting and medical skills. Dongba culture is preserved and passed down in Yunnan province. Some schools in Yunnan offer courses in Dongba pictographic characters, music, dances as well as customs and etiquette. Scholars from Dongba culture research centers also give regular lectures. [Photo/Xinhua]