Yunnan 03: A Joyful Mawlid Celebration At Nanmen Mosque...

“A long road tests a horse’s strength; time reveals a person’s heart...” - Chinese proverb

(Dali South Gate Mosque)

Day 03: 26 August 2925 (Tuesday)
Route: Dali - Xizhou - Lijiang
Hotel: Lijiang Manbai Haoting Hotel

At 2,090 meters above sea level, Dali enjoys a mild and comfortably cool climate, though the air can feel chilly, especially in the shade. As we explored the attractions here today, I kept my shawl close at hand for warmth. Later, we’ll be traveling onward to Lijiang, where the higher elevation will surely bring a shift in the weather. I can only hope my body adjusts well to the changes.

(Feeling refreshed in the early morning)

(A simple breakfast of sweet buns, eggs and fries)

(Man and sculpture sharing the same pose)

(The early birds,waiting for the others)

This morning our first visit was at Xizhou Ancient Town, a well-preserved Bai ethnic settlement in Dali. It is another gem of Dali, and it feels more authentic and less commercialized compared to Dali Old Town which we visited late last night. Xizhou is known for its Bai Minority Courtyard Houses. Many houses are over 100 years old, decorated with beautiful murals and carvings.

(Visitor Centre of Xizhou Ancient Town)

(The historical overview of Xizhou)

(A traditional Chinese bridge and its reflection)

(The Justice Gate of Xizhou Ancient Town)

(A traditional Chinese herbal medicine shop)

(Yan Jia Hou Lu Restaurant)

(A shop selling varieties of wild mushrooms)

Eager to taste the local delicacies from the bustling street stalls, we bought Xizhou Baba - the famous Bai snack. Golden and crispy on the outside, the round stuffed bread revealed its flavors with each bite, whether in a savory filling or a sweet, indulgent version.

(Trying out the local snacks)

(A Halal street food vendor)

(Embroidered and tie and dye scarves)

(The ancient gate at the main square)

(The main square of Xizhou Ancient Town)

By 11.30 am we left Xizhou Ancient Town to visit a Muslim village where we observed the making of 'Ru Shan', a popular fan-shaped cheese snack from Dali. It is made by stretching and drying fresh cow's milk curdled with a souring agent. Locals and tourists alike enjoy it grilled or fried. Here we were served with tea, local fruits and local snacks and had the opportunity to tour the neat houses and courtyards.

 

(A Muslim Village in Dali)

(The house of Ma Family)

(A pear tree bearing abundance of fruits)

(A taste of sweet wild plums)

From the Muslim Village we walked to the Nanmen Mosque or the Dali South Gate Mosque. It is one of the most ancient mosques in Yunnan province. The mosque was originally built during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). According to records, The South Gate Mosque was initially situated on Cangping Street, after the failure of the Muslim uprising led by Du Wenxiu, the mosque was converted by the Qing government into the City God Temple of Dali. In 1944, it was converted into a district court, but eventually being restored to its original purpose as a mosque. The mosque bears a strong influence from traditional Chinese architecture, with both its main hall and minaret resembling the ancient Chinese architectural styles. We performed our jamak prayers in a temporary prayer room as the main prayer room was crowded with jemaah celebrating the Mawlid. The mosques was well decorated and in a festivities atmosphere There was a food bazaar outside the mosque selling local snacks and dishes.

(Traditional Chinese style with curved roofs)

(The mosque complex comforming to Chinese architecture)

(Meeting and resting place for travellers)

(Wooden structure and beautiful courtyard)

( A prayer room on the upper floor)

(Nanmen Mosque is in a festive mood)

(The crowd at the food bazaar)

We had lunch at Dali Baizu Restaurant in Eryuan County, adjacent to Dali. The family-run restaurant is known for its traditional Bai ethnic cuisine. From crispy popiah, sweet pickled vegetables to tangy Erhai fish. Every bite tells the Bai people’s story of life, flavor, and tradition.

(Traditional Bai ethnic cuisines)

(The ladies with the owner of the restaurant)

After lunch we travelled to Lijiang, about 192 km from Dali. We had a brief comfort stop at a R&R along the highway. As Lijiang is on high altitude, some of us bought herbal medicine. This traditional remedy is used to ease altitude sickness symptoms such as headache, dizziness and fatigue.

(A Yak statue against the mountains at the R&R)

(Herbal remedies to combat AMS)

By 5.30 pm we reached the city of Lijiang and went direct to Lijiang Ancient Town of Naxi Minority, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Old Town of Lijiang contains a mixture of different historical architecture styles. We walked around slowly and breath deeply and watched the crowd. Bought some fridge magnets for souvenirs. There is a bonfire around 7:00 pm at the Si Fang Jie, the central plaza. Many local folks in their national costumes singing and dancing, apparently entertaining themselves and the tourists.

(Lijiang Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site)

(The iconic giant water wheels at Lijiang Old Town)

(Monument reflecting the local Naxi culture and History)

(Wide stone paved street)

(A learned bearded old man)

(Unique blend of architectural styles)

(Lively scene in the old town of Lijiang)

(Locals in traditional costumes)

( A glass of iced sugar cane juice to quench the thirst)

(The wall depicts elements of Naxi culture and history)

After a long day exploring Lijiang’s old towns and nearby attractions, we satisfied our hunger with a hearty halal feast at a Muslim restaurant in Gucheng District, indulging in a spread of mouth-watering local dishes.

 

(A spread of local specialties)

Checked in Lijiang Manbai Haoting Hotel where we will be staying for two nights here. The hotel’s location offers easy access to Lijiang Ancient Town and nearby supermarkets. The room is quite spacious and tidy, with smart facilities. The hotel has a scenic rooftop terrace with the Rizhao Jinshan Mountain views.

(Our lodging for two nights)

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