Blogs from Yunnan, China, Asia - page 148

31/3/06 Finally I got to visit Lijiang, no...I'm not aiming at the Jade Dragon mountain or the TLG, I was coming to see an eco tourism project which is operated by an ngo, try to learn how its work. It was a long ride from Kunming. A 9 hours journey, first we drove through Dali new town. It was totally changed from what I had seem 10 years ago. A small city converted from a shabby little town. The road out from Dali new town seem familiar, the only different was the highway toll booth added. The highway by-pass Dali old city and we travel up road along the er-hai. And we approaching Lijiang after 3 hours drive. Sky was clear and I saw the Lijiang town from a distant at the end of the highway, ... read more

It may sound like a total cliche but every place we go in China is more eye-poppingly beautiful than the last. We thought Dali was about as oldy-worldy Chinese as we would see. Oh my God! Lijiang is so much better. Some of the centuries old cobbled streets are so narrow that you can touch the buildings on both sides as you walk down them. There is no traffic allowed into the old town, even bicycles must be walked. Every little wooden fronted dwelling that lines the maze of alleyways is selling something. Souvenirs carved from jade, wierd medicinal treatments, local Naxi style clothing, it's all on sale. Almost every lane is lined with weeping willows and accompanied by a tiny stream running along side or underneath some rustic stone bridge. These are not ordinary streams, ... read more

Wow, Lijiang is even more beautiful at night. I am SOOO disappointed about my camera, the pictures at night are awful because I can't turn the flash off. All the roofs have lighting underneath, many trees are lit, and red lanterns everywhere! It is just gorgeous - I have been wandering the cobbled streets for about 2 hours, getting lost (just a little) and enjoying holiday. Last night I went to a restaurant/bar where they had live entertainment. Many were in traditional Naxi costume (the Chinese minority that lives in this village) and sang traditional music as well as "cover" artists for Chinese pop music. The crowd was so into it, singing along like you would to Neil Diamond songs in a bar - such a fun atmosphere! They also have several Naxi women dancing in ... read more

Summary - Pearl River Delta - 18th March 2006. Pearl River Delta, covering an area of 45.000 sq. km, it is a triangular agricultural heartland in Southern China. With a history of more than 800 years, Zhongshan City is situated at the south of the Pearl River Delta, is featured by an extensive area of field and rich attractions by the riverside. Lignan River Village, a network of waterways, is famous for its preservation of traditional agriculture and fishing practice that is a rarity in today´s hi-tech world. You travel here back in time with many traditions. Monkey and Bear. Pearl River Delta - 18 maart 2006. Lieve vrienden en vriendinnen, Vandaag een wat minder uitbundige aflevering in vergelijking met gisteren van onze travelblog. Allereerst is het 06.30 uur als wij vertrekken uit het hotel, voor ... read more

Not quite, but the Chinese do have some fanciful names. So now that we finally are in our own place and have the internet (at last1) I can resume the tale of our travels. I left you in China in Lijang. This is where we'll briefly resume before showing you the picturesque Tiger Leaping Gorge. This has just taken me 2 hours (those pics take an age to load - so you'll have to wait for the next installment before you can see the amazing Tibetan faces of Zhongdian.... read more