Returning to "Lijiang 1941-1949": Exploring Forgotten Kingdom and Peter Goullart's story
In 1955, a Russian writer named Peter Goullart published a book in Singapore titled Forgotten Kingdom. The book is a vivid memoir of his nine years (1941–1949) spent in Lijiang, a serene and magical land in northwest Yunnan, China. Decades later, in 1992, Li Maochun, a Naxi native, translated the book into Chinese, causing a sensation.
This book introduced Lijiang—once isolated by towering mountains and seemingly untouched by time—to the global stage. Inspired by Goullart’s descriptions, explorers and travelers flocked to Lijiang, seeking the mystical "Shangri-La" he depicted.
Peter Goullart arrived in Lijiang in 1941 under the commission of the Chinese Industrial Cooperative Society to establish the Lijiang Office of the Yunnan Bureau. Goullart was known for his humble and sincere demeanor, which allowed him to forge extensive connections across Lijiang’s diverse communities.
His work required him to interact with people from various backgrounds, enabling him to observe and document the intricacies of Lijiang’s culture and society. These experiences formed the foundation of Forgotten Kingdom, published in 1955 in the UK, offering the Western world an intimate window into Lijiang.
Forgotten Kingdom consists of 18 chapters, recounting Goullart’s journey to Lijiang, his life there, and the events he witnessed. The book provides a richly detailed account of Lijiang’s customs, traditions, and cultural practices during the 1940s.
Goullart’s descriptions capture the simplicity and mysticism of Lijiang, alongside its superstitions, eccentricities, and profound humanity. His profound love and deep attachment to the ancient city shine through every page.
The book includes over 30 photographs taken by Goullart himself, offering a rare glimpse into 1940s Lijiang. These images complement the text, immersing readers in the rustic charm and mystical allure of Lijiang during a bygone era.
Forgotten Kingdom is far more than a casual traveler’s musings. It is a scholarly and heartfelt exploration of Lijiang’s ethnic cultures and Naxi heritage, making it one of the earliest comprehensive accounts of the region. Goullart’s work has become an invaluable resource for understanding the social and cultural fabric of southwest China, preserving details that might otherwise have been lost to time.
Today, Forgotten Kingdom continues to be a touchstone for those exploring Lijiang’s history and culture. It serves as a bridge connecting past and present, revealing a Lijiang that is both ancient and evolving. Through Goullart’s eyes, we glimpse a world where tradition and simplicity coexist with diversity and resilience, forever captured in the enduring pages of his work.
If you wish to understand Lijiang’s soul, start with Peter Goullart’s story. It is not just a tale of a forgotten kingdom but a testament to the timeless beauty of Lijiang and the people who call it home.
Source: Lijiang Media Center; Trans-editing by Mo Yingyi