Monthly Archives: September 2025

Travel

A Journey Through Time and Tradition:My Dali,Yunnan Trip

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Nestled in the heart of Yunnan Province,Dali is a place where ancient traditions meet modern lifestyles,and where breathtaking natural beauty intertwines with rich cultural heritage.This travelogue aims to take you on a journey through the enchanting landscapes and vibrant communities of Dali,offering insights into what makes this region a must-visit destination.

The Allure of Dali

Dali has long been a magnet for travelers seeking a blend of natural beauty and cultural depth.With its mild climate,stunning landscapes,and rich history,it offers a unique experience that is both relaxing and enriching.Whether you are a history buff,a nature lover,a cultural enthusiast,or a digital nomad seeking a change of scenery,Dali has something to offer everyone.

Getting There

Dali is well-connected by both air and rail.The Dali Airport offers flights from major cities in China,while the high-speed train station provides convenient access from cities like Kunming.Once in Dali,renting a bike or using local transportation is the best way to explore the city and its surroundings.

Exploring Dali’s Natural Wonders

The Majestic Cangshan Mountain

No visit to Dali is complete without a trip to Cangshan Mountain.This iconic landmark offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.Whether you choose to hike its trails or take the cable car to the summit,the panoramic views of the surrounding region are simply breathtaking.The mountain is also home to a variety of flora and fauna,making it a paradise for nature lovers.


The Picturesque Erhai Lake

Erhai Lake is often described as the“pearl of Yunnan.”Its crystal-clear waters and serene surroundings make it an ideal spot for relaxation.Cycling around the lake is a popular activity,allowing you to take in the scenic beauty at your own pace.Along the way,you’ll encounter quaint villages,lush wetlands,and charming cafes where you can stop for a refreshing drink.

Discovering Dali’s Cultural Heritage


The Ancient Town of Dali

The Ancient Town of Dali is a living testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage.This well-preserved town is famous for its traditional Bai ethnic architecture.The highlight of any visit to the Ancient Town is the chance to explore its narrow,cobblestone streets,visit historic temples,and experience local customs.The town’s tranquil atmosphere and warm hospitality make it a perfect place to slow down and soak in the local way of life.


The Bai Ethnic Culture

The Bai people are one of the main ethnic groups in Dali,and their unique culture is a significant part of the region’s charm.From the traditional Bai dress to their intricate handicrafts,every aspect of their culture tells a story.Participating in a Bai cultural experience,such as learning about their traditional tea ceremonies or trying your hand at Bai embroidery,offers a deeper understanding of this vibrant community.

Traditional Bai Dishes

Bai cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors and traditions that reflect the unique cultural heritage of the Bai people.Traditional dishes include Baba(a traditional Bai pastry),Erkuai(a type of rice cake),and various pickled and fermented foods.The Bai people are also known for their hospitality,and food plays a central role in their social and cultural life.Trying Bai dishes is a must when visiting Dali.


Modern Day Dali:A Hub for Digital Nomads

In recent years,Dali has emerged as a popular destination for digital nomads.With its affordable living costs,reliable internet access,and beautiful surroundings,it’s no wonder that many remote workers have chosen to make Dali their temporary home.Co-working spaces and digital nomad communities have sprung up throughout the city,providing a supportive environment for those seeking a balance between work and leisure.

Practical Tips for Your Dali Trip

Best Time to Visit

Dali enjoys a mild climate year-round,but the best times to visit are during the spring(March to May)and autumn(September to November).During these seasons,the weather is pleasant,and the natural landscapes are at their most beautiful.

Accommodation

Dali offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget.From luxury resorts overlooking Erhai Lake to cozy guesthouses in the heart of the Ancient Town,you’ll find a place that meets your needs and preferences.

Getting Around

Once in Dali,renting a bike or using local transportation is the best way to explore the city and its surroundings.Biking is particularly popular,allowing you to take in the scenic beauty at your own pace.


Conclusion

Dali,Yunnan,is a destination that offers something for everyone.Its blend of ancient traditions and modern amenities creates a unique atmosphere that is both relaxing and inspiring.From the majestic Cangshan Mountain to the serene Erhai Lake,from the vibrant Ancient Town to the rich Bai culture,Dali is a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of Yunnan.So,pack your bags and embark on a journey to discover the timeless allure of Dali.

Travel

heqing

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Heqing County (鹤庆县) is located in the northwest of Yunnan Province, China, within Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. It lies on the important Dali–Lijiang route, making it a key stop for travelers between these two major tourist destinations.

Key Facts:

  • Area: 2,395 km²
  • Population: ~281,000 (as of 2018)
  • Ethnic Composition: 68.5% ethnic minorities, mainly Bai, Yi, Miao, and Lisu
  • County Seat: Yunhe Town
  • Altitude: Ranges from 1,162 m to 3,958 m
  • Climate: Plateau monsoon climate with dry winters and wet summers

Cultural & Natural Highlights:

  • Xinhua Village: Famous for traditional silverware craftsmanship
  • Caohai Wetland: A highland wetland and ecological attraction
  • Shuahai Festival: A traditional Bai ethnic celebration held annually

Transportation:

  • Air: 14 km from Lijiang Airport
  • Rail: Direct high-speed trains from Kunming (2–3 hours)
  • Road: Connected via the Dali–Lijiang Expressway
Heqing is known for its ethnic diversity, craft heritage, and scenic landscapes, making it both a cultural and natural destination in Yunnan.

Location & Access

  • 5–7 km north of Heqing county seat
  • 12 km from Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (≈10 min drive)

  • No public bus; reachable by taxi, ride-share, bicycle or tour van

Craft Heritage

  • 3,000+ family workshops still use ancestral small-hammer techniques
  • In 2014 “Heqing silver craft” was added to China’s National Int

1. Where it is

  • 5–7 km north of Heqing county seat, on the south-western edge of Lijiang plain
  • 12 km (≈10 min drive) from Lijiang Sanyi International Airport; no public bus, so visitors arrive by taxi, ride-share, bicycle or tour van
  • Altitude ≈ 2,000 m; backed by Fenghuang Mountain and fronted by the Caohai plateau wetland, giving it the nickname “Water-town on the High Plateau”

2. Why it matters

  • Over 3,000 family workshops still use the “small-hammer-for-1,000-years” technique; sound of tapping can be heard in every lane

  • In 2014 “Heqing silver craft” was listed as National Intangible Cultural Heritage; masters such as Cun Fabiao and Mu Binglin have had pieces collected by the Cultural Palace of Nationalities and by UNESCO

Products range from traditional butter-tea pots, Tibetan helmets and Miao headdresses to modern jewellery and designer tea-sets; sold all over China and exported to Nepal, India, Japan, the U.S., etc.

  • More than half of village labour force works in metalware; annual sales exceed RMB 170 million

3. What you can see & do

  • Silver-smithing demonstration courtyards: watch a ingot become a filigree bracelet in 20 minutes
  • Yindu Shuixiang (Silver Capital Water-Land) scenic area: stone bridges, artesian springs, white-walled Bai houses with grey tile and “three-house-one-screen-wall” courtyards
  • Caohai Wetland Park (free): black-necked cranes in winter, board-walks at sunset
  • Local food: Heqing rice cake, blown pig-liver, raw-hide salad, copper-pot stewed rice; many courtyard cafés now run by young returnees who combine coffee, craft beer and silver-design studios

Heqing silverware refers to the traditional hand-forged silver crafts produced in Heqing County, Yunnan Province, China—especially in Xinhua Village, known as the “First Silver Village” in China. This craft has a history of over 1,000 years, primarily passed down among the Bai ethnic group.

Key Features:

  • Material: Pure silver (often 999 sterling silver)
  • Craftsmanship: Includes techniques like filigree, relief carving, micro-carving, and three-dimensional engraving
  • Products: Tea sets (e.g., silver teapots, cups), jewelry (bracelets, rings, earrings), and decorative items (e.g., dragon-themed sculptures, screens)

Cultural Significance:

National Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2014
  • Over 3,000 workshops in Xinhua Village
  • Generates significant local employment—over 5,600 people directly involved in silver crafting

Notable Artisans:

  • Li Yaohua: Focuses on integrating silverware into daily life with practical designs
  • Cun Fa Biao: Created the massive silver screen “Chinese National Family Builds the Chinese Dream”, depicting all 56 ethnic groups

Where to Buy:

  • Xinhua Silverware Art Town in Heqing County
  • Prices are generally lower and more authentic than in tourist-heavy towns like Lijiang or Dali
  • Look for shops inside the “Water Town Silver Capital” archway for better prices
If you’re visiting, you can also try short silver crafting experiences—some shops offer half-day workshops to make simple jewelry like rings.
Yunnan

A traditional Dali-Bai wedding

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A traditional Dali-Bai wedding is built around three stages—pre-wedding, wedding-day and post-wedding—and every step is soaked in symbolism, music, rice and tea.

1. Pre-wedding build-up

  • Stage & Opera: The groom’s family erects a small wooden stage in the courtyard and hires local musicians and opera singers to perform all night; this “warming-up” party is called “na-qing” and is meant to inform the whole village that a marriage is coming

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  • Betrothal: Although most couples today choose each other freely, the groom still presents tea, wine and a “red-bag” gift to the bride’s parents; the amount is negotiated through a matchmaker, echoing the old parent-arranged system

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2. Wedding day – the ritual sequence

a) Sacred gate-blocking
At dawn the groom and his best-men team arrive at the bride’s gate but are stopped. A married female relative of the bride holds a tray of “sacred wine”; the groom sprinkles the wine on the ground to inform and invite the bride’s household gods to witness the union. Only then is he allowed in

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b) Rice-for-prosperity
While the bride is being dressed, an elder woman feeds her a mouthful of steamed rice—symbolising the staple life she is “taking away”. She chews it lightly, spits it onto a square of green cloth, wraps it and slips the bundle into her pocket. Later, in the bridal chamber, she will place the rice under the marriage bed to pray for abundant children and wealth

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c) Crying farewell & comic quiz
Before leaving, the bride performs a ritual “cry” to thank her parents. Meanwhile the welcome team must answer funny, rapid-fire questions posed by village elders—quick wit is thought to guarantee a happy, laughter-filled household

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d) Three-course “bitter-sweet-aftertaste” tea
On the road or at the gate, 4–6 boys from the bride’s family serve the famous Bai Three-Cups-of-Tea:
  1. bitter roasted tea (life starts with hardship),
  2. sweet tea with walnut, brown-sugar and milk fan (the sweetness of love),
  3. spicy after-taste tea laced with ginger, pepper and honey (memories that linger)

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e) Fetching the bride – back-carried figure-8
In many Dali villages the groom (or his best man if taboo applies) carries the bride on his back, making a figure-of-eight loop at every crossroads to confuse evil spirits and ensure the couple never goes in circles again

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f) Torch dash & pinching rite
When the procession reaches the groom’s house, two 10-year-old boys with pine torches race up the stairs and into the nuptial chamber. The bride, flanked by bridesmaids, dashes after them while guests playfully pinch her—both acts are believed to drive away ghosts and fertilise the union with masculine fire energy

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g) Kowtow & cross-cupped wine
In the main hall the couple bows to Heaven-Earth, ancestral tablets and parents, then drink “cross-cupped” wine from each other’s cup, formally becoming husband and wife

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3. Post-wedding

  • Next-morning “returning thank”: The groom sends a small gift to the bride’s parents and the bride makes her first short visit back home, signifying that she is still a daughter even while now a wife

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4. What you will see if you attend today

  • Colourful hand-loomed Bai clothing—white with embroidered blue or pink trims.
  • A courtyard stage with suona horns, three-string lute and opera singers.
  • Indigo-dye tablecloths or quilts (zhou-cheng tie-dye, the same cloth every Bai bride takes as dowry)

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  • Plenty of local specialities at the banquet: rushan (milk fan), er-kuai rice cakes, fresh carp from Erhai Lake, and of course steamed highland rice.

5. Modern twists

Young couples sometimes compress the sequence into a one-day “destination wedding” by Erhai Lake, using park-style marriage registries that Yunnan has set up for cross-region couples, but they usually keep the sacred-wine sprinkling, the rice bundle and the three cups of tea for the cameras

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In short, a Dali Bai wedding is a theatrical, rice-centred, tea-flavoured pageant whose message is clear: honour the gods, honour the parents, bless the new household with prosperity, fertility and endless good humour.
Yunnan

Shangri-La (香格里拉)

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Shangri-La (香格里拉), located in northwest Yunnan’s Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, is a high-altitude destination (≈ 3,200 m / 10,500 ft) celebrated for Tibetan culture, snow-capped peaks, and the legendary “Three Parallel Rivers” UNESCO site. September is still the tail-end of the rainy season: expect 16–26 °C, frequent passing showers or late thunderstorms, and only about 5–6 h of clear sunshine per day—pack layers and light rain-gear

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Getting there & away

  • Air: Diqing Shangri-La Airport (DIG) has daily non-stops from Kunming (1 h) and Lhasa; most other cities connect via Kunming

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  • Surface: A high-speed rail line from Lijiang to Shangri-La opened recently; the ride (≈ 1 h 20 min) is faster and far more scenic than the old 4-hour bus

    . Classic overland routes continue south to Dali (4 h by car) and Kunming (6–7 h).

What to see & do (2–5 day sample modules)

  1. Songzanlin Monastery – “Little Potala” Tibetan monastery just outside town.
  2. Dukezong Old Town – rebuilt Tibetan quarter with prayer-wheel square and craft shops.
  3. Pudacuo National Park – China’s first national park: lakes Shudu & Bita, spruce forests, easy board-walks (1-day).
  4. Tiger Leaping Gorge – one of Asia’s deepest river canyons; 2- to 3-day high-trail trek or a half-day drive to the lower gorge viewing platform (on the road from Lijiang).
  5. Napa Lake – seasonal wetland for black-necked cranes; bike or horse-ride circuit.
  6. Balagezong Grand Canyon – dramatic 2-day 4×4 & hiking trip into a hidden valley of the Three Parallel Rivers area

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  7. Meili Snow Mountain & Yubeng Village – serious 5-day alpine trek beneath 6,740 m Kawagebo peak, starting from Feilai-si viewpoint

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Altitude tips

  • Ascend gradually (sleep one night in Lijiang 2,400 m first if possible).
  • Hydrate, avoid alcohol the first evening, and take short walks only on arrival day; serious AMS is rare but Diamox can be carried as backup

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Where to stay

  • Upscale: Shangri-La Hotel Diqing (town centre, 230 rooms, indoor pool, spa) – the only international five-star in the county

    ; Songtsam Linka or Arro Khampa for boutique Tibetan-style lodges.

  • Mid-range: Guest-houses in Dukezong Old Town (hot-water, oxygen available on request).
  • Unique: Hidden Valley Resort glamping tents in a quiet valley outside town

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Sample 4-day itinerary (fits into longer Yunnan loop)

Day 1 Arrive by flight or rail from Lijiang, rest & acclimatise; sunset at Songzanlin.
Day 2 Full-day Pudacuo National Park; evening stroll & yak-butter tea in Old Town.
Day 3 Morning drive to Tiger Leaping Gorge, hike high trail 2 h, continue to Feilai-si for Meili viewpoint; overnight in mountain lodge.
Day 4 Sunrise on Meili peaks, return to Shangri-La airport or rail station for onward travel.

Best season

Late Sept–Oct & April–May offer clearest mountain views; Dec–Feb is dry but cold (-10 °C nights) and great for Meili photography. Mid-summer (Jun–Aug) is lush but cloudier and wetter.

Entry requirements

No special permits; standard Chinese visa. Domestic flights accept passports or Chinese ID. Bring sunscreen (UV is strong at 3,000 m) and cash—many small eateries still prefer WeChat/Alipay or RMB notes.
In short, Shangri-La is now easier than ever to reach by high-speed train from Lijiang, rewards visitors with authentic Tibetan culture and pristine alpine scenery, but give yourself a day to adjust to the altitude and pack for changeable high-plateau weather.