Our Group
PhotoMann and Roongnapa pose here with Frank (left),
our guide, and Jack (right), our driver Jack. The Songzhanling monastery
in Zhongdian is in the background.
Painted Valley
Roongnapa poses here in the Songzhanling monastery. The 'painted' background
is the Zhongdian valley in the distance.
Zhongdian Valley
The valley as seen from the Songzhanling monastery.
Store Front
A small shop near the Songzhanling monastery entrance.
Remote Monastery
The future of this remote monastery (I can't remember
the name) is in doubt. It's difficult for the last remaining Lama to
get students to study at his remote location outside Zhongdian. Note:
A traveler who visited in late 2000 reported that the Lama had died.
Worshiper
A worshiper prostrates himself inside the remote monastery,
Chou Cheng Alley
Wandering through the alleys of Chau Cheng near Dali.
Bicycle Repair Shop
Bicycle repair is a booming business in China.
Shoe Repair
This woman repairs shoes at her sidewalk 'shop'.
Large Mural
A huge 5 story mural graces the lobby of a new Dali hotel.
Drying Peppers in Lijiang
Walking through the old parts of Lijiang is quite enjoyable.
There are many interesting alleys, streams, buildings and of course,
the people.
Naxi Music
We attended an interesting traditional Chinese Naxi
music concert. This is said to be THE ancient Chinese music. The average
age of the musicians was over 80! The music was used in ancient China
as part of an elaborate musical ritual. Followers of Confucius used
it to promote inner peace.
Xaigei Wequan Hot Spring
Fred Ma, who is a noted travel writer and a chief photographer
for Chinese World Television, is seen here photographing an 80+ year
old Tibetan woman. I was a little shy about taking pictures until he
assured me it was ok. It was an interesting scene. It's too bad the
sun wasn't out. Of course blue sky (a rarity on our trip) would have
been nice as well.
Prayer Stones
These stones were on a prayer mound which Tibetans traditionally
walk around (circle) while praying.
Terraced Hillsides
Many of the hillsides were terraced with rice paddies
and other crops to maximize land usage. This was one of the few worthwhile
landscape images shot during our trip. The weather (rain and overcast/gray
skies) made most of the landscape pictures dull.
Tibetan Burial Ground
Tibetans dismember dead bodies and scatter the parts in open fields.
They believe that the birds that feast on the dead will carry them
up to heaven.
Suggested Yunnan Travel Guides
(Order Through Amazon Books - Click on the book name)
Yunnan
This book is full of objective information on Yunnan. There aren't
many guide books that cover Yunnan. This guide is a must have if
you're planning on going!
China
Yunnan Province : The Best Travel Guide
This comprehensive guide is forthcoming. It will be published in
July 2001.
Lonely
Planet China
As with most Lonely Planet guides, this China edition is an invaluable
resource for planning your journey. It offers you the most up-to-date
information about where to go and where to aviod, how to get there
and get around, where to stay at a reasonable rate. The guide provides
everything you'll need to know for a rewarding visit.
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