3rd day, morning call was 7am. Our first stop is a Yunnan Tea Centre. Over the years, Yunnan has come out with a popular tea known as 'Pu Er Cha' (Pou Lei in Cantonese). 'Pu Er Cha' are separated according to years they are kept. A 5 year 'Pu Er' doesn't taste that nice, but a 12 year one cost about RM 120 and a 30 year old will cost as much as RM 3000. So like wine, good tea is also cost much.
Our first stop in Lijiang is again the old city which is about 865 years old. A famous Chinese figure, surnamed Mu make his residence here. The old city of Lijiang is also listed in the World Cultural Heritage since 1997. Interestingly, this old city was rebuilt in 1996 after a massive earthquake.
The old city of Lijiang is much more splendid looking than Dali with a happening night life and ton of shops selling trinkets, clothes and food. Perhaps the regret is that no friends were here to enjoy the cold beer I never get to drink.
To be continued..
Chinese tea ladies promoting 'Pu Er Cha'
After lunch, the journey to Dali starts. It will take a little more than 4 hours since is about 400km away from Kunming. The highway was built on high land and we pass through countless tunnels. The Bai people are the most numerous in Dali. Here, the woman are refered as 'Jin Hua'. This city is surround by mountain ranges which makes up 90% of the land mass. The sea level of Dali is about 1974m.
View along the way to Dali.
Our first stop is the Dali old city established during the Ming Dynasty.
The main gate of old Dali City
Bai girls in their traditional costume outside the city
There are grass growing on the roof..
Me on the city street.
Night view at the old city
4th day, visit to the Dali TV city which was built for the 'Tian Long Ba Bu' shooting Chinese version. Its a big place to visit and will take around 3 hours to complete but we only visit a small part of it. The tour guide was smart and she brought us early around 8.30am before it officially open so we can take pictures first then watch the performance later.
Welcoming procession by the Emperor himself (nice escorts..hehe)
A traditional custom looking for husband. The bride is really lovely.
Most beautiful face in Dali? Not me of course. But the face is truly classic 'kuaci' look.
I wondered why we did not visit the famous 3 pagodas (Chongshengsi )but instead go straight to a crystal retail centre instead. :X We also miss out seeing the Erhai Lake up close. Interestingly, many people in Yunnan refer to lake as 'Hai' (sea) since they hope to see them but there are none in Yunnan. The most interesting thing in Dali maybe seeing a number of pretty girls..lol.
Only can see from the bus...
After lunch, we head to Lijiang which is about4 hours away from Dali. This town is about 2400m above sea level. Here, the temperate will be between 10 to 12°C .
Our first stop in Lijiang is again the old city which is about 865 years old. A famous Chinese figure, surnamed Mu make his residence here. The old city of Lijiang is also listed in the World Cultural Heritage since 1997. Interestingly, this old city was rebuilt in 1996 after a massive earthquake.
At the Mu's gate...
The hall where Mu's family receive its guests
Closely-knitted old houses viewed from the top of temple at Mu's Residence
The old city at night with gliterring lights
The most happening part of the city, where two rows of bar shops, bristling with customers singing across each other.
The old city of Lijiang is much more splendid looking than Dali with a happening night life and ton of shops selling trinkets, clothes and food. Perhaps the regret is that no friends were here to enjoy the cold beer I never get to drink.
To be continued..
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