Short videos show Derung life to outside world

Bai Zhongping, a 33-year-old Derung man, shared short videos on Chinese social media and has got 500,000 likes.

Ariel photo shows Derungjiang township in Gongshan Derung and Nu Autonomous county, Nujiang Lisu autonomous prefecture, Yunnan province. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Derung, one of the least populous ethnic groups in China, mainly reside in Gongshan Derung and Nu Autonomous county, Nujiang Lisu autonomous prefecture in northwest Yunnan. The location is on the border between Yunnan and Tibet, as well as between China and Myanmar.

In recent years, improved transportation and communication have connected the previously isolated Derung valley with the outside world, ushering in a digital and open era for local life. The Derungjiang township became the first in Yunnan to have 5G network access in May 2019. Later, Bai created his own account of "The Independent Pine," and began to post short videos on it.

In his videos, Bai walks across the single-plank bridge over the river, goes through a waterfall to collect herbal medicine among rocks, weeds in spring and harvests in autumn, builds his own house, and learns to weave traditional blankets from the face-tattooed women. Through sharing daily life, Bai allowed local traditions and new developments in the Derung valley known to the outside world.

“The scenery is so beautiful; I must go and see it!” “How is the weather? Is it good for hiking?” ”The honey is great. Totally bio.” Netizens’ likes and comments encouraged Bai to continue making videos.

To Bai’s surprise, more and more people get to know his hometown through the internet. Visitors came here and hired him as a tour guide. Local speciality agricultural products are sold to the whole country via e-commerce platforms. Being an online celebrity brings Bai and local villagers friends from different places and substantial benefits.

Source: Xinhua; trans-editing by Guo Yao