Alai’s former residence may be unfamiliar to many, but Alai is indeed an amazing writer, who has won many honors. His hometown is also a very beautiful place. Here, you can explore the elements of the good life in the ancient rural era.
This time I came to Maerkang, Aba, and came to Alai’s former residence, which is the hometown of Alai, a Tibetan writer I admire. This land of deep affection, with its thick cultural heritage and architectural features, gave birth to the famous writer Alai.
Alai’s former residence is located in Matang Village, Suomo Township, Maerkang City. In October, Maerkang is in full bloom with rape flowers. Traveling through the flower fields, a three-story Jyarong folk house with white stones and red tiles is the place where Mr. Alai was born and raised.
Mr. Alai, a native of Maerkang, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province, is a famous contemporary writer and chairman of the Sichuan Writers Association. In 2000, his first novel, “Dust Settles”, won the Fifth Mao Dun Literature Award. He was the youngest winner (41 years old) and the first Tibetan writer to win the award.
Mr. Alai’s writing captures the conflict and tension between Tibetan Buddhism and modernity in the Jyarong Tibetan area, objectively depicting the actual face of religion in the face of modernity.
Alai’s former residence is similar to traditional Jyarong folk houses. A Western-style double bed is placed in the study on the third floor, which doesn’t match the Tibetan style. According to the introduction, although Alai rarely lives at home, his family still prepares a double bed for him just in case.
Now, Alai’s younger brother takes care of the former residence. The building with its strong Tibetan style features, many photos on the walls of the former residence, display Alai’s growth experience and honors.
I think most people who like literature have read the novel “Dust Settles”, which depicts a powerful Kangba Tibetan chieftain who gave birth to a foolish son with his Han wife after drinking.
This fool, recognized by everyone, is out of touch with reality, but he has futuristic premonitions and behavior, and becomes a witness to the rise and fall of the chieftain system.
The novel showcases the unique Tibetan customs and the romance and mystery of the chieftain system. All the inspiration and creative source come from this land of Maerkang.
Mr. Alai is proud of Maerkang, and he is also proud of this land of deep affection and its rich culture. On November 19, 2018, Alai led seven international experts on a “Foreign Experts’ Trip to Alai’s Hometown” in Maerkang. During the event, the experts visited the Changlie Temple, Songgang Sky Street, Zhibo Diaoqun, Aba Prefecture Museum, Alai’s Former Residence and Zhuokeji Guan Zhai.
Mr. Alai gave a detailed introduction to the historical culture, production and life, and folk customs of each scenic spot to the scholars who came from afar. The beautiful mountains, deep valleys, picturesque scenery, simple folk customs, and rich Jyarong Tibetan culture of Maerkang left a deep and beautiful impression on the experts.
Today, Alai’s former residence still maintains its simple state. The rustic building in the wild, under the green mountains, has become a must-visit place for many literary enthusiasts who come to Maerkang for tourism.
This article is from a user submission and does not represent the views of Trip Footsteps. If you repost it, please indicate the source: https://www.tripfootsteps.com/travel-guides/china-travel-guides/20293.html
