Top Menu

Navigation

Archive | Asia

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

Wednesday, May 14th – A long Wait For Going To Lijiang

By on 14. May 2008 in China
At Chengdu's Airport, after the Earthquake in Chengdu, on May 12th, 2008, at 14:28 - 7.9 on Richter Scale!

At Chengdu’s Airport, after the Earthquake in Chengdu, on May 12th, 2008, at 14:30 – 7.9 on Richter Scale!

After our flight Chengdu – Lijiang for Tuesday was canceled, we looked at alternatives. Unfortunately, none seemed really practical: we thought about taking a bus to Chongqing and fly from there, but it would have meant a 5 hour bus drive, not being sure when and especially if we were able to get tickets. Continue Reading →

Tuesday, May 13th – No Way Out?

By on 13. May 2008 in China
At Chengdu's Airport, after the Earthquake in Chengdu, on May 12th, 2008, at 14:28 - 7.9 on Richter Scale!

At Chengdu’s Airport, after the Earthquake in Chengdu, on May 12th, 2008, at 14:28 – 7.9 on Richter Scale!

We had booked a flight from Chengdu, Sichuan to Lijiang, Yunnan, before the earthquake hit, but now, whether you have a ticket or not makes very little difference, there are just not enough flights. Not to mention that all train stations are closed until further notice and that busses are just totally overbooked! Continue Reading →

China – The Human Factor

By on 10. May 2008 in China
People's Park, Chengdu, China

People’s Park, Chengdu, China

Since we spent more than five days in this city on and off we strayed to all kinds of places. Our favorite was People’s Park. Its entrance is guarded by the statue of a ferocious looking soldier pointing his gun at the people’s enemies? The inside of the park is very peaceful with lots of elderly people joining Tai Chi groups or just dance away, alone with a partner, all to the same music. Continue Reading →

Sim’s Cozy Garden Guesthouse In Chengdu

By on 9. May 2008 in China

 

At Sim's Cozy Backpackers, Chengdu, China

At Sim’s Cozy Backpackers, Chengdu, China

One reason we stopped again in Chengdu was this incredible hostel, one of the best we have stayed during our 10 month travel. Comfortable, squeaky clean and quiet rooms with AC, TV & DVD player, two big and airy inner court yards, a competent travel desk, a big terrace to enjoy the superb food or a late night drink and lots of cozy communal space, are just a few features that make this place irresistible. For us, two adorable very young cats, an extensive book exchange, the free DVD library and WiFi in the whole building made it even more difficult to leave this oasis. Continue Reading →

Leshan – The Biggest Buddha

By on 8. May 2008 in China
Leshan, the Biggest Bhudda, near Chengdu, China

Leshan, the Biggest Bhudda, near Chengdu, China

Who would not like to see the tallest Buddha in the world sculptured into a cliff overlooking the river? So naturally, we stopped in Leshan, where we checked into the “Post and Telecommunication Hotel”. If the name is a turn off – maybe the nearby post office is to blame – the rooms are super and quiet, but it lacks all the facilities of a traveler hostel. The price included a Chinese breakfast which was rice porridge and pickled, spicy vegetable. We really tried…Nevertheless, the best place to stay in Leshan! Continue Reading →