DALI

Ah Dali - the walled ancient city that has become a tourist meca - a constant flow of tourists clambering off tour group buses and way too many souvenier shops. Narrow cobble stone streets lined with weeping willows, water wheels and canals. Planter boxes with brightly coloured flowers. Traditional dancing in coloured costumes in the market square. In the evening everything lights up with colourful red lanterns inviting you in to the cafes, bars and eateries.


LAKE EHRUI HU Did the ferry trip across the lake that is the sixth largest in China sitting at 2000metres above sea level. Too my bike on the ferry so that I could explore the villages that dot the eastern banks of the lake.

SHAPING MARKETS Caught the local bus up to the Monday markets. Many of the villagers descend the mountains in their colourful attire to sell vegetables and traditional handicrafts. Very touristy and the ridiculous asking prices can be haggled down to one fifth of the price.

CANGSHAN MOUNTAINS They rise above the Dali Valley with Mt. Malong peaking at an impressive 4122 metres. The southern cable car takes you up to over 3000 metres where an 11km waling trail gives you magnificant views over the Dali Valley and Lake Ehrui Hu.