Stories from China (Part 17)

This entry is part 17 of 40 in the series Stories from China

May 31, 2023

Stories from China (Part 17)

By Simon J. Lau

I made it to Dali, in Yunnan province. Yunnan is a landlocked region in southwest China that borders Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. Because of its location, it is one of the most ethnically diverse provinces in the country. Historically, it served as the capital of the Dali Kingdom, which once encompassed present-day Yunnan along with parts of Laos and Myanmar. After the kingdom fell, its people, primarily the Bai, came under the control of the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty and later the Ming dynasty.

In the 20th century, rail and air transport finally connected Dali to the rest of China. Today, it is a popular tourist destination. With its mix of cultures and long history, I wanted to spend some time here to experience a part of China I had never seen before.

I’m staying in Dali Town, the old town and historic center of the region, separate from the modern city just to the south. It is known for its Bai architecture with whitewashed walls, dark tiled roofs, and carved wooden details. The cobblestone streets are lined with shops, cafes, and food stalls shaped by centuries of Bai culture and other ethnic influences.

First stop on my list: street food. It felt like the perfect place to explore and have dinner.

Finally, I challenged myself to beat the amazing $28 a night room I found in Wuhan. I think I may have done it here. How does this look for $14 a night? The room might be lightly furnished, but it has plenty of space, and the big windows let in a ton of light. It even comes with breakfast, or so I am told. I will find out tomorrow.