Yunnan China April 2016 Day 6-10
April 26- 30 2016
the next 5 days of my trip
Day 6- April 26 2016
Dali (大理)
i was actually able to get a bit of sleep on the train but it was still quite an early arrival in dali. we walked around the old town which was also waking up and getting ready for the day. the First stop was to the dali christian church (大理基督教会), a very interesting little building. then we walked to the north gate (北门) where we saw the daily activities of the city.
we then walked up towards cangshan mountain (苍山景区). on the way there the streets were filled with many vendors selling an array of different things, it was for a small festival that would last for the next few days. not exactly sure what kind of festival it was, a bit strange as they were selling everything and anything. but we finally reached the entrance to cangshan mountain in which we then took a cable car up to the zhonghe monastery (中和寺). we walked around the jade belt path (玉带云游路) to take in some of the spectacular views of the city, then back down on the cable car to see more city views.
we Had a little break at the hotel then we went exploring the town. the town definitely became more lively at night with all the bright lights and all the shops, cafes, and restaurants staying open. the bustling streets filled with people roaming around, eating, drinking, and shopping.
Day 7- April 27 2016
xizhou (喜洲) -> erhai lake (洱海) ->
shibao mountain (石宝山海云居) -> shaxi (沙溪)
in the morning we visited a small town of xizhou (喜洲), we walked around their local food market and took a peek at a small rice noodle making shop. very interesting to see some difference in fruit, VEGETABLES, and food products available compared to the other food markets we have seen. we then stopped by erhai lake (洱海) to take a picture, next time i would want to stay on the lake. i have heard and seen of many nice and stylish little B&B's around the lake, would be perfect for a nice and quiet weekend getaway.
Next off was to shibao mountain (石宝山海云居) where we were able to see some very old rock carvings displaying the history of Buddhism in this region. we walked up and down the mountains to different grottoes and temples that were built and still are in the mountains.
we then walked down to the small village of shaxi (沙溪) to where we will be staying the night. i was actually quite surprised to see so many foreigners there as it is a very tiny town but had some history in the tea horse road. it seemed like a few young people whom have either moved back home or just have moved to open small cafes and art shops, so the town has a very unique artsy feel to it. we then went to have dinner at Laomaodian (老马店客栈) which is also a hotel. the chicken curry is their most popular dish and it was quite tasty. a good place to try some local specialities in a nice setting.
Day 8- April 28 2016
shigu (石鼓) -> zhongdian, shangri-la (香格里拉)
Before heading to the famous shangri-la, we made a stop at the first bend of yangtze river (长江第一湾). this is where the river makes nearly a 180 turn to almost flow parelle to itself for a couple of kilometers. then to the small town of shigu (石鼓), stone drum village. it is a historical town as the bridge and roads were used as part of the tea horse road centuries ago.
then we finally arrived at the famous town of shangri-la. we arrived a bit early so we had time to walk around the town and explore. we walked to the main square (明光广场) then up turtle hill to see the golden temple and the giant prayer wheel. its not easy to make it spin, i did try with a few people and it took a lot of strength to spin the wheel. many parts of the town are still under reconstruction as there was a large fire in 2014 that left many parts of the town destroyed.
Every night at around 7 the town square becomes crowded with people dancing around in a circle. something beautiful that i could watch for many hours, the old and the young dancing all together embracing their traditional dances.
Day 9- April 29 2016
zhongdian, shangri-la (香格里拉)
We took the local bus to Ganden Sumtseling Gompa Monastery (松赞林寺), a 300 year old TIBETAN monastery which was destroyed during the cultural revolution but was RESURRECTED and now is one of the most important buddhist monastery in the area.
then back to the main square and around the town.
for dinner we went to try some more local specialities, yak meat hot pot (牦牛肉火锅) with butter tea (酥油茶) and highland barley cake (青稞并). the yak meat and barley cake were actually quite delicious but the butter tea was definitely an acquired taste. glad i tried it but something i don't think i will have again.
Last chance to watch the dances in the square, still mesmerizing.
Day 10- April 30 2016
baishuitai (白水台）－> Tiger leaping gorge (虎跳峡)
