Category Archives: Travel

Sanyuejie

The Third Month Fair in Dali is a traditional Bai ethnic minority festival, usually held in April. But depending on the lunar calendar, it might sometimes fall in March. Let me verify that.

Yes, the Third Month Fair (Sanyuejie) in Dali is a major event for the Bai people, featuring markets, horse racing, and cultural performances. It’s held at the foot of Cangshan Mountain and by Erhai Lake. The dates are based on the lunar calendar, so it typically occurs in April or May. But if the user is referring to the Gregorian March, maybe there’s another event.

Alternatively, the user might be conflating different terms. Salvador Dalí’s museum in Figueres does host various events, but I’m not aware of a specific March Fair there. Maybe it’s a local event not widely publicized.

Another angle: “March Fair” could be a mistranslation or a specific local fair. In some regions, spring fairs are held in March. If combined with Dali, maybe it’s in the Chinese city. But I need to ensure accuracy here.

To sum up, the most likely possibilities are:

1. The Third Month Fair in Dali, China, a cultural festival.

2. An event related to Salvador Dalí in Figueres, Spain, possibly in March.

I should present both possibilities, explain each, and note the potential confusion between the two. Also, check if there’s any recent event named “March Fair Dali” that might be a specific art exhibition or something else. Since I don’t find immediate references to that exact name, it’s safer to outline the two main interpretations and provide details on each.

The phrase “March Fair Dali” could refer to two distinct possibilities, depending on context:

1. Dali, China: Third Month Fair (Sanyuejie 三月街)

  • What it is: A traditional festival and market fair celebrated by the Bai ethnic minority in Dali, Yunnan Province. It is one of the oldest and largest gatherings in southwest China, dating back over 1,300 years.
  • Timing: Held annually during the third month of the lunar calendar (typically April or May in the Gregorian calendar). The name “March Fair” likely stems from the lunar month.
  • Activities:
    • Horse racing, folk performances, and trade markets.
    • Showcases Bai culture, handicrafts, and local delicacies.
    • A blend of religious rituals (linked to Guanyin Temple) and modern tourism.
  • Location: Takes place at the foot of Cangshan Mountain and near Erhai Lake in Dali Ancient Town.

2. Salvador Dalí (Figueres, Spain): Potential Event

  • Salvador Dalí, the surrealist artist, was born in Figueres, Catalonia, home to the Dalí Theatre-Museum. While there is no well-known “March Fair” directly tied to Dalí, Figueres hosts events year-round, including:
    • Temporary exhibitions at the museum.
    • Dalí Anniversary Celebrations (e.g., his birthday on May 11).
    • Local Catalan festivals, such as Fira de Santa Llúcia (December) or Fira de l’Aixada (spring), but none specifically named “March Fair.”

Key Clarification:

  • If referring to Dali, China, the “March Fair” is likely the Third Month Fair (Sanyuejie), a major cultural event.
  • If referencing Salvador Dalí, there may be confusion or a niche local event in Figueres not widely documented.

Let me know if you meant one of these or need further details!

blue moon valley

blue moon valley
blue moon valley

Blue Moon Valley(蓝月谷) is one of the most photographed spots in the entire Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area, only 25 km/40 min north of Lijiang Old Town.
Its “wow-factor” is the chain of four intensely turquoise lakes – Yù-yè Hú, Jìng-tán Hú, Lán-yuè Hú and Tīng-tāo Hú – linked by the white-water limestone cascades called White-Water Terrace. The colour comes from dissolved copper ions and fine limestone particles suspended in the glacial melt-water; when the sun is high (11 am-2 pm) the lakes glow an almost unreal sapphire blue and perfectly mirror the 5 596 m snow peak behind them.

### Quick planning sheet

| Best months | mid-March-May & mid-Oct-Dec (dry, clear) |
| Best time of day | 09:00-11:00 or 15:00-17:00 for softer light & fewer tour buses |
| Altitude | 2 800-2 900 m – gentle walking, but bring one small O₂ bottle if you are sensitive |
| Ticket | no separate fee; covered by the ¥100 Jade Dragon Snow Mountain scenic-area ticket |
| How long | 1-1½ h for the valley only; half-day if combined with Spruce Meadow cable-car |
| Getting there from Lijiang Old Town | ① Bus 101 “Snow-Mountain line” (¥15, 50-60 min) ② shared blue taxi ¥20 pp ③ private car/tour ¥150-250 round-trip |

### Recommended mini-route
1. Ride the scenic shuttle to the second stop “Shui-yuè Pavilion”.
2. Walk the plank path **upstream** (against the flow):
White-Water Terrace → Tīng-tāo Hú → Lán-yuè Hú → Jìng-tán Hú → Yù-yè Hú.
Going this way the backdrop of the snow mountain gets progressively better and you finish at the bluest lake.

### Photo tips
– Yù-yè Hú is the bluest; stand on the small wooden pier for the classic “snow-peak + lake” postcard shot.
– Polarising filter cuts glare and deepens the colour; a wide-angle (16-24 mm) lets you include both lake and peak in one frame.
– Drones are officially banned inside the valley – security will confiscate SD cards.

### Add-ons in the same area
– Spruce Meadow cable-car (3 200 m, 30 min round-trip) – alpine meadow view of the massif; good acclimatisation stop.
– Glacier Park cable-car (4 506 m, 90 min round-trip) – if you want to stand on snow; start early (08:00) to beat queues.
– Impression Lijiang outdoor show (daily 12:50 & 14:50) – 300 Naxi performers on a mountain-backed stage, tickets ¥190-280.

### What to bring
Sun-block (UV is fierce above 2 800 m), sunglasses, light wind-breaker (temp drops 6 °C if clouds appear), 500 ml water, small change for shuttle bus (¥20 each ride).

In short, Blue Moon Valley is an easy half-day excursion that delivers the colour-of-the-Caribbean right at the foot of a 5 000-metre Himalayan snow-peak – definitely worth the early start.

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