“A long road tests a horse’s strength; time reveals a person’s heart...” - Chinese proverb
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| (Dali South Gate Mosque) |
Day 03: 26 August 2925 (Tuesday)
Route: Dali - Xizhou - Lijiang
Hotel: Lijiang Manbai Haoting Hotel
Breakfast was at 7.00 am. Checked out of the hotel around 8.30 am.
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. From the street stalls, we bought Xizhou Baba, the famous Bai snack - a round, crispy stuffed bread that can be either savory or sweet.
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.
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.
Route: Dali - Xizhou - Lijiang
Hotel: Lijiang Manbai Haoting Hotel
Breakfast was at 7.00 am. Checked out of the hotel around 8.30 am.
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. From the street stalls, we bought Xizhou Baba, the famous Bai snack - a round, crispy stuffed bread that can be either savory or sweet.
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.
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.
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| (Nanmen Mosque is in a festive mood) |
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.
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.
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.
Dinner was at a Muslim Halal Restaurant in Lijiang.
Checked in Lijiang Manbai Haoting Hotel where we will be staying for two nights here.
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