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The Rice Terraces Of Yuanyang

By on 31. October 2015 in China

Photo Essay

Rice Terrasses of Yuanyang (here in Duoyishu), Yunnan, China

Rice Terrasses of Yuanyang (here in Duoyishu), Yunnan, China

At 05:00 am, we set off and arrived at the village of Duoyishu, long before the sun peeked around the mountain edge. We listened to the village coming to life and gasped at the unreal scenery, an enormous area of terraces carved from the mountain slopes, still sitting there in the semi-darkness. Even the chilly temperatures could not distract us from this most impressive scenery. It was just the six of us enjoying this magic awakening. Continue Reading →

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Different Ways To Explore China

By on 23. May 2008 in China

 

From left to right: Gilles, Murielle, Martin, a German biking around the world, Camille, Michael - Yuanyang, Yunnan, China

From left to right: Gilles, Murielle, Martin, a German biking around the world, Camille, Michael – Yuanyang, Yunnan, China

Our fellow travelers in Yuanyang were, as usually, most interesting! Martin has traveled to China 11 times since 1992 (!) and knows every corner of Northwest & Southwest of China. He had lots to tell about how the country has transformed in a positive way. Especially the attitude towards foreigners has changed dramatically, reflecting the official government policy. Continue Reading →

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On The Way To Yuanyang

By on 22. May 2008 in China
Rice Terrasses of Yuanyang (here in Duoyishu), Yunnan, China

Rice Terrasses of Yuanyang (here in Duoyishu), Yunnan, China

Squashed in our narrow seats riding the bus for almost 8 hours from Kunming to Yuanyang, we often asked ourselves if this trip was worth the trouble. The air was stuffy and worst, some passengers smoked. When the first person was lighting a cigarette, Gilles immediately went up front to the driver to complain. However, when he saw that the driver was smoking as well and that no “No smoking” sign could be seen, he gave in. The trip took us along farmland where rice, tobacco and corn are grown. Often we passed long stretches plastered with greenhouses. Continue Reading →

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Disappointing Dali

By on 19. May 2008 in China
One of the four big gates surrounding Dali, Yunnan, China

One of the four big gates surrounding Dali, Yunnan, China

Dali’s Old Town is surrounded by high walls, its four big gates leading to the city center at the “Point of the four directions of the wind”. Different to Lijiang, “real” people live here, but the architecture is nowhere as remarkable. Basically, there is a main drag with souvenir shops where Chinese tourists are shown around by local tour guides dressed in Bai costumes. Our lack of enthusiasm for this place may also have to do with the fact that it rained, rained, rained… Continue Reading →

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A So Very Chinese Travel Experience

By on 18. May 2008 in China

 

In the streets of Dali, Yunnan, China

In the streets of Dali, Yunnan, China

Another entertaining bus ride took us from Lijiang to Dali. Of course, as usually we were the only foreigners on the bus. We left Lijiang in the morning and for the next three hours passed little communities or rural areas with people working in rice fields. Our Chinese co-travelers always found a reason to loudly, repeat loudly, discuss various issues. The card games going on around us repeatedly seemed to turn into a veritable fight, but when we turned our heads, everybody was smiling at us. Continue Reading →

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Rip Off At Wenchu Temple

By on 17. May 2008 in China
Cobble-stone streets lined with traditional Naxi architecture in the Old Town of Lijiang, Yunnan's number one tourist destination, China

Cobble-stone streets lined with traditional Naxi architecture in the Old Town of Lijiang, Yunnan’s number one tourist destination, China

Depending on which way you choose to walk up to the “Looking at the Past Pavilion”, you may pass Wenchu Temple. There, we were taken for a ride, big time! Continue Reading →

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Wenbi Monastery & Baisha

By on 16. May 2008 in China
Wenbi Monastery, Lijiang, Yunnun, China

Wenbi Monastery, Lijiang, Yunnun, China

Our visit of Wenbi Monastery 10 kilometers south of Lijiang was one of the highlights of this trip through Southwest China. We followed the advice of our host who warned us against visiting Jade Peak Monastery, which is packed with Chinese tour groups. He also organized our transport, because it would have been even very difficult to reach the village at the foot of the mountain by public transport, not talking about the steep road up to the monastery. Continue Reading →

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Tourist Magnet Lijiang

By on 15. May 2008 in China
Cobble-stone streets lined with traditional Naxi architecture in the Old Town of Lijiang, Yunnan's number one tourist destination, China

Cobble-stone streets lined with traditional Naxi architecture in the Old Town of Lijiang, Yunnan’s number one tourist destination, China

The Old Town of Lijiang is Yunnan’s number one tourist destination, famous for its Naxi architecture. The Naxi are the prominent ethnic group in the area with a very interesting history and a religion that shows their Tibetan ties. The city’s cobble-stone streets are lined with houses built in traditional Naxi style. These buildings have been tastefully restored and together with the red lantern give this area an irresistible romantic charm. The many small canals that crisscross Old Town even manage to emit a certain peacefulness, despite the hordes of Chinese tour groups that come and go in waves. Continue Reading →

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