chinese whispers: January 2012

Yunnan September 2011

Have had a few requests for a sequel to Tibet, but as I never quite got around to blogging my tour of north Yunnan in September, thought it only fair to share some of those high-lights first! Northern Yunnan borders on Tibet and there is a lot of influence, with the religion, people, architecture and costumes.....

the trip started in Lijiang, quaint water town, with a heavy tourism influence, but still very pretty. Unfortuantely to say it was a very wet day would be an understatement!

Then on to a 2 day trek through the amazing Tiger Leaping Gorge, seriously hard work if you are not so fit, and carrying your overnight baggage, camera kit etc..-severely overpacked here.

Then on to Shangri-La and the temples. An amazing road trip along 200K of road under construction, a little bumpy to say the least!

The Omega bend of the Yangstse river

And up to the Tibet border, the Himalayas, Meili snow mountain an unconquered peak.

The Minyong glaciers, more temples. Then on to Shigu,and the blue clothed locals, and a fabulous view from on high of the first bend in the Yangstse after 1000km from its source. More treking through lovely unspoilt countryside to see the ancient Shibaoshan buddhist rock carvings, and more temples.

And the colourful Buddhist icons

Lovely Shaxi tea horse town, on the World Heritage list now.

complete with rainbow..

Finally on to Dali, touristy (a slight reief actually and there was coffee and gin and tonic!), but surrounded by interesting villages and on a vast lake with towering mountains, and the longest cable car/chair lift ride ever.

And to make the trip complete, a wonderful foot massage, with dermatop hytosis and killer coponder!!!!!! And it only cost £2.50!!

Read on for more detail and high lights!

Yunnan Yakkety Yak and other wildlife

I loved the flat landscape, the wide plains of the valley floors. Shangri-La and it felt very Tibetan.

The hay was drying on high wooden frames and the yaks were dotted in between.
In town there was the tourist opportunity to sit posed on a a costumed yak but we thought not!

Taking your yak for a walk

Or your cow, in Shaxi

Tea horses, now used for carrying lazy tourists through Tiger Leaping Gorge or up to the glacier..

colourful blankets..

interested in the stupor..

A rare glimpse of a (usually nocturnal) red panda was the highlight of this walk!

Then there were the Golden Yunnan monkeys, found nowhere else, with their painted faces and pouting smiles. Extordinary!

And the temple monkeys, very photogenic

Yunnan Markets and Country Fair

And so to one of the hi-lights of the trip.
I thought we'd peaked with the marvellous street market in Shigu, the town on the first bend of the Yangste.

The long march...

Getting up early was well rewarded with the local colour. Blue. All shades of blue, holding on to their Maoist uniforms and caps.

Three wise men..

How to buy a fish..

Some more amazing characters

There was also Shaxi, an old tea horse town, being gradually restored, but as yet unspoilt. Arrived late in the afternoon,after walking through the countryside, to see the ancient Buddhist paintings. Nearly missed the market, but managed a few shots.
What a hat!

Fantastic colours!

And then a few days later, accidently stumbled on the most incredible country market, held once a year at mid autumn festival, just outside of Dali. Even the guide had no idea that it was on. " Do you want to stop? "he asked!!! As we were practically jumping out of the vehicle!

And so with the sun beating down, we delved into the tightly packed market. A scene of food stalls, incredible costumes. Shopping opportunities for the minority villagers. a chance to meet friends, eat and dress up in their finest, I imagine. It almost became too much with the throngs of people, and everywhere you looked was another photo opportunity. Need to do some research on the different tribes, as there are at least 28 in the Yunnan!
Here are some of my favourites.

Ladies who lunch...