Day 12: Into the World of The Tibetians
Had the local speciality, Naxi BaBa, for breakfast before I move off. Destination of the day, ZhongDian, or better known as Shangri-la.
On the way.
As I proceed towards Shangri-la, I passed by a place where I see many tour coaches. This must be a scenic spot. And so I decided to stop and take a look.
As I moved through the crowd, I saw a small temple and some reconstruction work going on.
Nothing special, I thought. But then I realised that this is where you can see the first bend of the mighty Chang2 Jiang1, China's longest river, which is also the third longest river in the world.
More picture of this temple.
When I took a look in the temple, then I realised that this temple is the home to a 600 years old buddhist treasure. An earthquake here had teared down most part of this temple (this explains the reconstruction work that is on going) but this treasure had survived. It is a pity that no photography is allowed inside the temple. If not I would had show you how this treasure looks like. It was kind of interesting. Anyway, as a result of the earthquake, the normal entrance fee is now wavied . This is to encourage more people to visit this temple despite of the damage. They are now depending on money donation to rebuild the temple and so I contributed my share. I donated my 2 weeks worth of food money. If you make a donation, your name will be carved onto the tablet of benefaction and this will be displayed in the temple once it has been rebuilt. This is to remember those who have contributed in the rebuilding effort. My name is being carved on tablet 110. Many people has already contributed their share before I did.
As I lefted the temple and make my way towards Shangri-la, I realised that I am riding along Chang2 Jiang1.
This is a lady who has her store setup along the mighty river.
I also made a side trip to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, a can't miss experience in Northern Yunnan.
This gorge is one of the deepest in the world and one of China's most spectacular natural attractions.
It takes more than an hour to walk in and out of the gorge. So I decided to have my lunch first. I was shock when they gave me a HUGE bowl of rice.
Alternatively, if you dont like to walk long distances, you can also choose to take a shorter route but this route is steep. Can you see the long flight of stairs? I prefer to walk the long distance.
Pictures taken along the way.
As this is the narrowest part of the gorge, the water is really fast flowing at this location.
Legend has it that a tiger had leaped across this gorge by leaping onto a stone in the middle of the river and then to the other side, thus it's name. Can you see the tiger? Man, are you sure that the tiger leaped over? Its far.
The tiger can leap, I can jump. My Signature Shot!!!
After I lefted the gorge, I entered the Shangri-la province.
Still riding along the river, the mountains of Shangri-la appeared infront of me.
Water rafting in progress.
From here on, I once again rode up to a yet even greater height. I am riding towards 3200 meters above sea level. The altitude is rising but the temperature is dropping. I am beginning to feel much colder. Especially true as the cold wind blows against me as I ride. But then again, I felt that all these is worth it. As this is where I got my first experience with the Tibetians and the lifestyle of highlanders.
This is a huge pile of shit. Hot and fresh. HAHA.
This guy asked to take a photo with me when he found out that I am not from China and I came here all the way from GuangDong on a motorcycle.
Reaching Shangri-la Town.
I see people camping. How I wish I can do that too.
Shangri-la is primary a Tibetian Town.
My dinner, highland speciality, Yak Meat.
The restuarant that I had my dinner.
The shop owner starting a fire manually.
Others are having hotpot. How I wish I can have that too. It would be really nice to hotpot in such a cold weather but it is just too much for me to finish alone. If only I can have some other people to dine with me.
I took a walk in town after dinner. I saw some people doing the local folk dance. I guess this is a good way to keep warm in this cold place. Many others joined in. It was interesting. Watch the video.
That night, I stayed in a 6 person dorm. My fellow roommates were a fun bunch of people. 1 guy from japan who is on a 1 year world tour and 2 girls from Israel who are also travelling around.
*Click HERE to return to the Main Page of The Cold Journey.*
On the way.
As I proceed towards Shangri-la, I passed by a place where I see many tour coaches. This must be a scenic spot. And so I decided to stop and take a look.
As I moved through the crowd, I saw a small temple and some reconstruction work going on.
Nothing special, I thought. But then I realised that this is where you can see the first bend of the mighty Chang2 Jiang1, China's longest river, which is also the third longest river in the world.
More picture of this temple.
When I took a look in the temple, then I realised that this temple is the home to a 600 years old buddhist treasure. An earthquake here had teared down most part of this temple (this explains the reconstruction work that is on going) but this treasure had survived. It is a pity that no photography is allowed inside the temple. If not I would had show you how this treasure looks like. It was kind of interesting. Anyway, as a result of the earthquake, the normal entrance fee is now wavied . This is to encourage more people to visit this temple despite of the damage. They are now depending on money donation to rebuild the temple and so I contributed my share. I donated my 2 weeks worth of food money. If you make a donation, your name will be carved onto the tablet of benefaction and this will be displayed in the temple once it has been rebuilt. This is to remember those who have contributed in the rebuilding effort. My name is being carved on tablet 110. Many people has already contributed their share before I did.
As I lefted the temple and make my way towards Shangri-la, I realised that I am riding along Chang2 Jiang1.
This is a lady who has her store setup along the mighty river.
I also made a side trip to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, a can't miss experience in Northern Yunnan.
This gorge is one of the deepest in the world and one of China's most spectacular natural attractions.
It takes more than an hour to walk in and out of the gorge. So I decided to have my lunch first. I was shock when they gave me a HUGE bowl of rice.
Alternatively, if you dont like to walk long distances, you can also choose to take a shorter route but this route is steep. Can you see the long flight of stairs? I prefer to walk the long distance.
Pictures taken along the way.
As this is the narrowest part of the gorge, the water is really fast flowing at this location.
Legend has it that a tiger had leaped across this gorge by leaping onto a stone in the middle of the river and then to the other side, thus it's name. Can you see the tiger? Man, are you sure that the tiger leaped over? Its far.
The tiger can leap, I can jump. My Signature Shot!!!
After I lefted the gorge, I entered the Shangri-la province.
Still riding along the river, the mountains of Shangri-la appeared infront of me.
Water rafting in progress.
From here on, I once again rode up to a yet even greater height. I am riding towards 3200 meters above sea level. The altitude is rising but the temperature is dropping. I am beginning to feel much colder. Especially true as the cold wind blows against me as I ride. But then again, I felt that all these is worth it. As this is where I got my first experience with the Tibetians and the lifestyle of highlanders.
This is a huge pile of shit. Hot and fresh. HAHA.
This guy asked to take a photo with me when he found out that I am not from China and I came here all the way from GuangDong on a motorcycle.
Reaching Shangri-la Town.
I see people camping. How I wish I can do that too.
Shangri-la is primary a Tibetian Town.
My dinner, highland speciality, Yak Meat.
The restuarant that I had my dinner.
The shop owner starting a fire manually.
Others are having hotpot. How I wish I can have that too. It would be really nice to hotpot in such a cold weather but it is just too much for me to finish alone. If only I can have some other people to dine with me.
I took a walk in town after dinner. I saw some people doing the local folk dance. I guess this is a good way to keep warm in this cold place. Many others joined in. It was interesting. Watch the video.
That night, I stayed in a 6 person dorm. My fellow roommates were a fun bunch of people. 1 guy from japan who is on a 1 year world tour and 2 girls from Israel who are also travelling around.
*Click HERE to return to the Main Page of The Cold Journey.*
posted by ZeeVinCeZ at 10:19 PM
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