Saturday, 1 July 2017

Politics and tourism, Xizhou, China

Two signs await the visitor in a narrow street behind Xizhou Market Square. The first one, partly written with plastic letters stuck to the wall, partly painted, is of a political nature while the second one celebrates part of the town's history.




 共同团结奋斗共同繁荣发展
加强和创新社会管理,建设平安和谐幸福新喜洲
[Work Together for Common Prosperity and Development.
Strong and Innovative Social Management Builds a Peaceful and Harmonious Xizhou]

This is typical Chinese authorities parlance.

全国重点文物保护单位
[Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level]

The site in question is the Yan Family Compound, the original residence of wealthy merchant Yan Zizhen (1871-1941). This beautiful example of early 20th century Bai architecture has now been transformed into a museum well worth a visit.
Apart from the aforementioned line, this sign -a brief description of the building- reads vertically from left to right. "Yan Family Compound" is written in the first column in  red: 严家大院.
It has been painted at the back of the property. The main entrance is on the Market Square.

Location: Xizhou, Yunnan, China

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