China (Dali, Yunnan) Sept 2010 D-24

Map of Dali, Yunnan, China

Hostel: The Jade Emu International Hostel - CNY30
Train: Zhangjiajie>Kunming-CNY179 (hard sleeper) departing 05.20; Kunming>Dali-CNY50 (hard seat) departing 09.00
Food & groceries: CNY74
Total expenses incurred: CNY333

Jade Emu Hostel, Dai, Yunnan

To get to Dali from Zhangjianjie, I had to first take a sleeper train to Kunming(CNY179) and then a morning train to Dali (CNY50). I had to endure a long journey of 22 hours before arriving in Dali.

On arrival at the Dali train station, I took a public bus to Jade Emu International Hostel (CNY30 dorm) run by an Australian married to a local Chinese. I had a great stay in this hostel even though the time was short.

Dali is located at an altitude of 1900m this explained why the weather here is so cooling throughout the year. I spent the entire afternoon and evening exploring the old Dali town, taking pictures of old North & South Tower Gates; the Jade Green mountain backdrop; running water cascading and passing numerous small rocks in the middle of an old Dali street, Three Pagoda standing tall in the park, bars and cafes filled with foreign & local tourists drinking cheap Chinese ice-cold beer, latte, cappuccinos and coffee; a panoramic view of Dali town from an old Tower Gate and City Wall etc

Dali, Yunnan

" Dali is a miniature city so if you have been travelling for weeks in China, take a short break and unwind yourself here. Not to miss visiting the Erhai Hu region to admire her natural beauty.

The Secret of Life : Don't make promise when you are in joy. Don't reply when you are sad. Don't take decision when you are angry. Think twice. Act wise "

China (Lijiang, Yunnan) Sept 2010 D-25 & D-26

Map of Lijiang, Yunnan, China

Hostel: Panba Courtyard Guesthouse and Hostel - CNY30 dorm (2 nights)
Sleeper bus: Lijiang>Kunming - CNY193 departing 20.00
Food & groceries:CNY36
Taxi & bus: CNY17
Total expenses incurred:CNY306

Panba Guest House, Lijiang, Yunnan

Lijiang was my last UNESCO site I visited for this China trip. Finally my 30 day visit to China is about to end soon ! I spent two nights here and adopted a laissez-faire approach in exploring Lijiang, wondering ups and downs the old town and taking a laid back attitude in this final leg of my visit to China. What a leisurely way to end my 30 day journey in China !

At night, Lijiang old town made an abrupt change and the town had turned into a vibrant and lively place filled with colorful neon light; local friendly bars, cafes, and restaurants holding night performances and singing sessions to entertain and lure visitors to wine and dine at their establishments - so just sit back and relax till the wee hours of the morning ! But the noise pollution around the area may drive away people who like a quiet and calm environment!

As for my 3 days in Lijiang, I have this to say "what an experience for me to see the true character of Lijiang - An old preserved Lijiang by day and a modern version of Lijiang by night - what a contrast ! An old ancient town in China with a dual character is in a making "

As my last few days in Lijiang was close to the China's 61st anniversary celebration starting on Oct 1, all the train tickets from Dali to Kunming were sold out. I had no choice but to buy a sleeper bus ticket (CNY193) in order to catch a connecting train to Guilin for my flight back to Kuala Lumpur on Oct 1.

The ancient city of Lijiang, Yunnan - Old wooden buildings, Naxi homes, small canals & streams , the tall hanging Yang Liu trees, hanging red lanterns - all looked very scenic and pleasing to our eyes ! A UNESCO world heritage site.

A re-constructed water wheel & a concrete wall proudly written with some Chinese characters which mean "UNESCO Cultural Heritage - Ancient city of Lijiang" with a signatory from an ex-President of China, Zhang Zhe Min.

Well preserved cobbled stone streets in Lijiang old town

" Lijiang is 160km from Dali. The old town of Lijiang was built over 800 years ago during the Southern Song dynasty. Cobbled stone streets, Naxi-style homes, flowing canals and streams with clear water, water wheels, hanging Yang Liu trees - it was love at first sight the moment I set foot on Lijiang ! More attractions await you in surrounding Lijiang eg Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Lugu Hu & Shangrila .... so put on your Nike or Li-Ning air walk shoes and head to the Tiger Leaping Gorge !

The Secret of Life : Money is not yours until you spend it "

China (Kunming, Yunnan) Sept 2010 D-27, D-28 & D-29

Map of Kunming, Yunnan, China

Hostel: Nil

Train: Kunming>Guilin-CNY270 (Hard sleeper)
Food & groceries: CNY39
Bus: CNY6
Total expenses incurred: CNY315

Kunming Train Station, Yunnan

Kunming, Yunnan - My presence in Kunming is to take a connecting train from Kunming to Guilin, the last leg of my train journey in China. I spent a full day idling at the Kunming train station awaiting for my train departing at 19.34 to my final destination, Guilin - imagine a 12 hour wait.... patience, patience !

As I had visited Kunming in Sept 1998 so I was not very keen to spare my time in this city. Moreover, it was raining most of the time in Kunming.

Not to leave a blank page on my short Kunming stay in this blog, here is a snippet of stories and pictures which I like to relate in my recent years of travelling. Happy reading !

1) I love taking pictures of Chinese calligraphy. Just look at these Chinese words, isn't it very well and nicely written with a special brush - do you recognize these Chinese words ?

2) I love staying in HI hostels - Hostelling International is the brand name of the International Youth Hostel Federation, the organization that represents Youth Hostel Associations worldwide. As a member of the Malaysian Youth Hostel Association (MYHA), I enjoy staying in HI hostels as most Youth Hostels provide a good night's sleep in friendly surroundings at an affordable price (members are eligible for a 10% discount on the room rate). A sort of birds of a feather flock together feeling for me staying in HI hostels ! Most HI hostels have kitchen facilities, English speaking reception staffs, computer room, water heaters, air-conditioning, dormitory beds with shared bathrooms, private room with ensuite etc to cater to the discerning travelers. For budget travelers, HI hostels are the best option but there are many non HI hostels to pick from the http://www.hostelworld.com/ website including family run hostels operating near train and bus stations, major tourist sites etc. On-line pre-booking is desirable to ensure you have a bed or room on arrival especially during the peak seasons or weekends. Virtually all Youth Hostels affiliated with Hostelling International carry a HI logo prominently displayed on their signboards which are easily visible as you walk towards their premises.

3) I love visiting World Cultural and Natural Heritages - The World Heritage list currently has 800 UNESCO Cultural and Natural heritage sites in 135 countries. You are a "super" traveler if you have visited 80% of the world's UNESCO sites. Malaysia, my home country currently has 4 UNESCO cultural & natural heritage sites ie 1) Mt Kota Kinabalu, 2) Gunung Mulu National Park, Miri 3) Malacca & 4) George Town. Shame on me as I have yet to visit Mt Kota Kinabalu and Gunung Mulu National Park !

4) I love taking snapshots - A pair of identical animated figure heads taken in front of two old solid doors - the left picture was taken in Shaolin Temple, Luoyang and the right was in Confucius Temple, Qufu ! Fear and elegantly looking !

5) I love to wander around, free & easy when I travel - Right place ! Right timing ! Lucky me !

1) China's 60th National Anniversary Celebration at Tiananmen Square - A big salutation to China, Happy Birthday (Oct 1 2009) ! I was one of the million people at the Tiananmen Square - an eye opener for me to experience such a huge crowd !

2) Shanghai Expo - Well done, Shanghai ! (May 1 - Oct 2010) . By mid Oct 2010, some 70mil people had visited the Expo. Lucky me, I was one of them !

3) The Labor Day in Russia - Red Square, Moscow. Right timing ! Right Place !

" The Secret of Life : Travel is not a transaction. It is a very emotional journey leaving behind a big fond memory "

China (Guilin, Guangxi)Sept 2010 D-29 & D-30

Map of Guilin, Yunnan, China

Hostel: Guilin Oasis Inn-CNY35 dorm (1 night) + Guilin Flowers International Youth Hostel-CNY20 dom (1 night)

Food & groceries: CNY60
Bus: CNY25
Total expenses incurred: CNY140

Guilin was the last city I visited in China before flying home. Due to a flight delay, I had to stay on for an additional day in Guilin so I spent two solid days wondering around Zhongshan Nanlu and Zhonglu, near the train station area. I also visited the Cedar Lake (Shan Hu), with two famous twin pagodas. In 2004, my wife and myself were in Guilin and we spent 7 days in Guanxi on a package tour and visited Li River, Yangshuo, Guilin etc.

Guilin - Guanxi

" Finally my 30 day visit in China has come to an end. Another milestone in my world of travelling ! When I was walking across a bridge towards the Guilin airport shuttle bus station from my hostel, I spotted a fisherman on a bamboo raft trying to catch fish. So I begin to wonder, what's next ? Any more country in my priority list of visit ? Like a fisherman, maybe I should cast the fishing net a bit wider as the world has over 800 UNESCO sites for travelers to visit and fulfil their wonderful dreams !

The Secret of Life: Envy is a waste of time. You already have all your need