June 16th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, places, things to do & see
As you wind your way along the banks of the Duliu River, between Congjiang and Rongjiang in South Eastern Guizhou, you get great views and a tiny glimpse into local river life. Villages located on the opposite bank often don’t have road access so it is not unusual to see passengers being ferried across in [...]
June 15th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, places, things to do & see
Despite Basha’s close proximity to Congjiang (south eastern Guizhou) it remains an excellent place to experience a taste of the Miao ethnic minority culture.
Said to be descendants of the 4,000 year old Chiyou army this village certainly seems to have retained many of its traditions including a gun salute that was performed at weddings. [...]
June 13th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, places, things to do & see
The weather, heavy traffic and re-construction on highway 321 between Sanjiang (Guangxi) and Congjiang (Guizhou) has left the road in a bit of a mess. A great diversion to escape part of this nightmare drive is a small mountain road which winds it way up from Sanjiang to come out about halfway to Congjiang.
Despite [...]
June 7th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, places, things to do & see
Gorgeous Greens
Rain over the past few months has blessed the countryside with a magnificent array of greens, each variation fresh, vivid and lush. As I mentioned last week one of the best ways to experience the magical scenery is to take a bike ride. Over the past couple of months I have been trying to [...]
May 29th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, places, things to do & see
Number 1: View from high up!
Sublime views of the surrounding area and karsts can be gained from getting up high, putting the landscape into a whole new perspective.
There are a couple of ways to do this and any effort involved in my humble opinion is well worth it. The huffing and puffing of climbing [...]
May 28th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, places, things to do & see
Number 2: Cycling
Cycling is an incredibly popular and rewarding way to experience the magical scenery. Imagine yourself surrounded by towering limestone karsts with rice paddies carpeting the land in seemingly endless shades of vivid green.
Options abound, from easy, flat, tar roads that pass through local villages not too far from town through to unknown trails [...]
May 27th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, places, things to do & see
Number 3: Hike (or Boat) from Yangdi to Xingping along the Li River
The most spectacular and well known section of Li River lies between Yangdi and Xingping. (So famous that part has been immortalized on the 20 yuan note.)
A great way to experience this particular section of scenery is to take the easy, but long, [...]
May 20th, 2009 | by admin | published in latest posts, places, things to do & see
This small piece of classic China featured in the 2005 movie The Painted Veil, starring Edward Norton and Naomi Watts.
Stepping through the archway into the old town it is just like stepping back in time.
The village oozes charm and tranquility with well preserved Ming and Qing dynasty houses, faded just enough to remind you [...]
