Delegate of Lahu ethnic group vitalizes hometown by promoting own culture

In our special series profiling the delegates to the 20th CPC National Congress, we tell the story of Li Naluo, a farmer from the Lahu ethnic group from southwest China's Yunnan Province. Our Yang Jinghao has more.

Performing their culture's songs and dances for visitors, it's part of the farmers' routine in Laodabao, a small village that's home to Lahu people.

Many of the songs were created by 39-year-old Li Naluo, who is dubbed a "lark" of the ethnic group. Her father taught her to play the guitar when she was 12. Five years later, she began to write songs in the Lahu language.

LI NALUO, Delegate, 20th CPC National Congress“I wrote happy songs when I was in a good mood, and some love songs when I was sad. We have some special festivals, and I've also created some for these occasions, including one for our Gourd Festival. It sings like this."

Laodabao is located in Lancang County, which shares a border with Myanmar in the west. The Lahu used to be among the most under-privileged groups in China. But the hardships of life were always overcome by the farmers' passion for music.

Naluo persisted composing songs despite her limited education. As the country's poverty alleviation drive was implemented, Naluo decided to play an active part. In 2013, she took the lead to establish a performing arts company, engaging more than 200 villagers from children to those even in their 80s.

LI NALUO, Delegate, 20th CPC National Congress "Before we founded the performing arts company, we mainly did farm work, and sometimes performed outside. After that, more visitors came to our village, especially during holidays. We spent time greeting them and showing our ethnic culture."

Developing their cultural performances turned out to be a rewarding undertaking. From an individual family income of at most 2,000 yuan or 300 US dollars a year, performing helped increase each family's income tenfold.

LI ZHASI, Laodabao Villager, Yunnan Province "I never thought that our life would get better through singing and dancing. Now we have cement roads. Basic needs like water and electricity are no longer a problem."

For Naluo, performing isn't just a way of making money. She also hopes their unique culture can be preserved and passed on to future generations. She also teaches the Lahu language, music, and culture at a nearby elementary school. To diversify the source of income, Naluo has set up a cooperative for their handicraft.

LI NALUO, Delegate, 20th CPC National Congress "When there are orders, I would ask some elderly craftsmen to join. The cooperative has benefited more than 50 people so far."

Naluo also attended the 18th CPC congress in 2012. Over the decade, her hometown has witnessed huge changes. But she says it's her dedication to explore paths towards prosperity both materially and culturally, that will never change.