Dulong people have faith in nature. It's not only due to reverence for Mother Nature but also gratitude for the forest's bounty. At the start of the new year, the elders lead the clans to the forest for the rituals. They wear their traditional garments during the day and then burn pines and buckwheat flour that is molded into different shapes of animals, which are regarded as food for the gods.

Now, the Dulong no longer make their living by collecting wild vegetables, hunting and fishing, but they always feel grateful for nature.

About Journeys in Nature: Timeless Valley Series

Dulongjiang, known as the "last uncharted land in Yunnan," is a deep valley on China's southwestern border between the Hengduan Mountains and the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. The place was once shrouded in mystery, until a highway connecting the valley to the outside world was opened in 2014. In this series, CGTN Nature takes you on a ride to unveil the incredible fauna and flora as well as the minority Dulong people who call this place home.

For more:

Timeless Valley Series Ep. 1: Access to valley with only one road

Timeless Valley Series Ep. 2: Forest dwellers' order of coexistence

Timeless Valley Series Ep. 3: The mountain villagers' wisdom

Timeless Valley Series Ep. 4: Using technology to understand Mishimi takins

Timeless Valley Series Ep. 5: How does it feel to wear a rainbow?

Timeless Valley Series Ep. 6: Dulong women's awe of nature

Timeless Valley Series Ep. 7: Dulong people's sacred cattle

Timeless Valley Series Ep. 8: Amazing plants, food or detergent?

Timeless Valley Series Ep. 9: 'Mirrors' that can tell the weather

Timeless Valley Series Ep. 10: A river that connects all life forms

Timeless Valley Series Ep. 11: Four seasons in one day

(Cover image a video screenshot; video by the CGTN Nature film crew)

(If you have specific expertise and want to contribute, or if you have a topic of interest that you'd like to share with us, please email us at nature@cgtn.com.)