By Lisa Carducci

In 2007 I started to write a series of books about the China's five Autonomous Regions. These Wonderful People of Xinjiang, These Wonderful People of Ningxia, and These Wonderful People of Guangxi have been published.

Terraced Fields on a rainy morning

In Guangxi I traveled more than 6,000 km during 35 days. I have never seen so much greenery! What a contrast with the rocky mountains of Xinjiang and the deserts of Ningxia! In Guangxi, it is difficult to find a piece of uncovered land. Timber industry is important in this region, but new trees are planted as soon as old ones have been cut.

I have interviewed very interesting persons and learned much about the Zhuang, as well as the other ethnic groups who live in this region. For example, with Fang Zhenguo, I learned about the Maonan wooden masks they used for Nuo theatre; with Huang Mingbiao, I learned about the Buloto culture and the bronze drums of the Zhuang; with Prof. Pan Wenshi, about the rare animals protection. I met Yang Taiyang, a great painter who is 101 years old this year and whose all sons and daughters are artists; the ethnic music composer Fan Ximu; but also a bee-keeper, an outstanding teacher, a pearl producer, etc.

The writer is on the right side.

Guangxi has a major source of tourism and economic growth in its ethnic cultures. Though several ethnic minorities have no proper writing systems, they have history, legends, beliefs, and traditions, and oral culture may be transmitted if a place is made for it.

Transportation has progressed remarkably in the autonomous region. I found the toll high (for example, 75 yuan for 200 km) but it is compensated by the wonderful smiles of employees of both genders, and the services. In each city, highways offer very well-equipped rest areas. In Luzhai, for instance, on Guilin-Nanning highway, such an area has been set between a gas station and a convenience food store. Toilets are many, spacious and very clean. There is also physical exercise equipment, allowing drivers and their passengers to stretch their muscles before taking the road back. A mangled car, the result of a road accident, is exhibited on a platform, and prudent warnings surround it. At another place, a red banner bears the inscription "Don't produce white pollution" and it reminds me of the horrible plastic bags I saw among the branches all along the Lijiang River...