https://peertube.dngr.us/videos/watch/3b0fafa4-4b13-4d29-978a-a80b27b9aba3 Created in 1940 by Encyclopedia Brittanica, this fascinating travelogue and educational film "People of Western China" showcases Western China including Nanking. It is narrated by O.J. Caldwell, who taught at the University of Nanking prior to the Japanese invasion. The film contains unique footage of the Sichuan basin (called "the valley" in the film) and some city scenes shot in Chengdu. The narrator describes the Sichuanese as "people who in time of peace have pursued their placid ways close to the friendly earth." The city, buzzing with rickshaws and workers toting shoulder poles, is shown next to the ancient city wall, which was torn down during the Cultural Revolution. "For centuries, the flow of seasons and the tides of growth have led a mellow rhythm to their days," explains the narrator, confirming that the reputation of Sichuanese as leading slow-paced lives is long-standing. The valley in western China, surrounded by towering mountains, has been home to generations of people whose lives are deeply rooted in tradition and the land. For centuries, farmers have relied on ancient irrigation systems, originally designed by engineer Li Bing over 2,000 years ago, to cultivate fertile fields. The region thrives on agriculture, bamboo craftsmanship, pottery, and silk weaving—skills passed down through dynasties. While modernization has introduced electricity, transportation, and new medical practices, traditional ways of life remain largely unchanged. Despite the passage of time, the valley continues to balance its rich heritage with the evolving world, under the watchful presence of its eternal mountains. 00:00A valley in western China is surrounded by towering mountains to the east, north, and west. 0:34 - 1:01For centuries, these mountains have watched over the valley. The exact origins of human settlement, agriculture, and religious practices remain uncertain. 1:05 - 1:20Chengdu, a royal city, has sheltered its people for centuries. Life in the valley is deeply connected to the land and its traditions. 1:32 - 2:06Generations of farmers have cultivated the land using traditional methods, with irrigation playing a crucial role in agriculture. Man-made channels guide mountain waters to the fields. 2:21 - 2:31For centuries, irrigation has relied on manual labor to lift water for crops. 2:31 - 2:52The irrigation system, designed by engineer Li Bing over 2,000 years ago, remains in use, ensuring fertile lands and food production. 3:00 - 3:47Water also powers grain mills, and farming methods remain unchanged for generations. 3:47 - 4:06Valley farms produce an abundance of vegetables in many varieties. 4:06 - 5:42Bamboo is a crucial resource, used for furniture, tools, chopsticks, food, and even bridges. Bridges made of bamboo have enabled safe crossings for over 20 centuries. 5:56 - 7:39The valley is home to skilled artisans, including potters, silversmiths, and weavers. These crafts have been passed down for generations, with silk production dating back over 4,000 years. 7:48 - 8:46Modern technology introduced hydroelectric power to the valley, bringing electricity for lighting, communication, and education. 8:54 - 9:04The arrival of vehicles transformed transportation in the valley. 9:07 - 10:03Traditional medicine, based on herbs and ancient knowledge, was practiced for generations, though the reasons behind their effectiveness were often unknown. Eventually, modern medical techniques arrived. 10:03 - 10:48Despite changes, many traditions endure. Farmers still till their fields, and life in the valley continues. The mountains remain a silent, eternal presence over the land. Motion picture films don't last forever; many have already been lost or destroyed. We collect, scan and preserve 35mm, 16mm and 8mm movies -- including home movies, industrial films, and other non-fiction. If you have films you'd like to have scanned or donate to Periscope Film, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us via the link below. This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsFS45cRut4 Mirrored from Periscope Film (https://www.youtube.com/@PeriscopeFilm) Sat, 13 Jun 2026 05:32:31 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://peertube.dngr.us https://peertube.dngr.us/lazy-static/avatars/41a6fee9-7f57-42d0-a5fc-5db4f1af2e31.png https://peertube.dngr.us/videos/watch/3b0fafa4-4b13-4d29-978a-a80b27b9aba3 All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://peertube.dngr.us/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.