Blogs from Yunnan, China, Asia

A recent exploration of and area to the north west of Jinghong.... read more

On the path from the river - Xiao He is Jiang - up to Man Gong, near Yibang.... read more

Kunming, China (May 21, 2019) We spent the afternoon Tuesday in Kunming, first going to see Lake Dian - one the 8th largest lake in China which is on the southern edge of the city. While it has picturesque views and a nicely developed waterfront park, sadly pollution is a problem. Historically, Kunming had no water shortage, since the city was right next to one of Asia's biggest freshwater lakes. But 90 percent of Kunming's wastewater was pumped untreated into the lake until 1990. In addition, much of the marsh system around the lake was destroyed in a misguided effort to raise rice production by filling the marshes in with trucked-in soil, and agricultural runoff is still a problem, and over half the fish population has been killed off. The lake water is now undrinkable despite ... read more

Kunming, Yunnan, China (May 20, 2019) Dynamic Yunnan is a fusion of traditional folk songs and dances set to modern choreography drawn from the rich legends of Yunnan’s ethnic minority populations. There is no central theme other than the cultural celebration, enriched by the colorful traditional costumes. It is a high energy routine that integrates all ages of dancers, themes of nature (sun, moon, rain), young love, a drum dance. It is broken down into a Prologue (Dawn of Life), 4 Acts (Sun, Earth, Homeland, Pilgrimage) and the spectacular solo Spirit of the Peacock Epilogue. The peacock is a Dai worship totem and a symbol of love…called the Sun Bird. Yang Liping emulates the subtleties of the bird’s movements in her dance moves in a vivid and graceful style that is mesmerizing. Spectacular performance!... read more

Would be there every year, beautiful lake+amazing people, fall is the best season, pick up a hostel with local coffee and music, you then have all the time in this world.... read more