Guizhou Province, Second Edition (Odyssey Illustrated Guides)

Guizhou, isolated from the rest of the world for centuries by its mountainous terrain, remains one of China's most isolated and unspoiled provinces. Its beckoning treasures include Asia's biggest waterfall, China's largest limestone cave, areas of primeval forest, and rare plant and animal species. Celebrated for its hospitality, the province is a lively, visual mix of 13 different ethnic groups, many of whom continue an ancient way of life and time-honored traditions. Here, long-forgotten skills and techniques in the textile arts -- weaving, embroidery and batik -- continue to flourish, alongside age-old festivals where sumptuous traditional costume is set off by dazzling silver jewelry, and pipes, drums and dancing accompany feasting and drinking. Superb color photography and informed text brings this vividly to life.