A walk through DaLi ancient town, YunNan province

With Walk China ...

Dali, located in Yunnan Province in southwestern China, is a charming and culturally rich destination that attracts visitors with its stunning natural scenery, ancient history, and vibrant local culture. Here's a guide for visitors to Dali:

Historical and Cultural Significance:
Ancient City: Dali Ancient City, also known as Dali Old Town, is a well-preserved historical town that dates back over 1,000 years. It served as the capital of the Kingdom of Dali during the Tang Dynasty and later as an important trading post on the ancient Tea Horse Road.

Bai Minority Culture: Dali is home to the Bai ethnic minority, whose unique culture and traditions are evident throughout the region. Visitors can explore Bai villages, interact with locals, and learn about their traditional customs, architecture, and craftsmanship.

Top Attractions:
Erhai Lake: One of Dali's most iconic natural attractions is Erhai Lake, a vast freshwater lake surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Visitors can take boat cruises on the lake, cycle along its shores, or hike to viewpoints for panoramic views of the water and surrounding mountains.

Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple: Located just outside Dali Ancient City, the Three Pagodas are iconic symbols of the region and date back to the Tang Dynasty. The pagodas are set against the backdrop of Cangshan Mountain and are surrounded by lush gardens and temples.

Cangshan Mountain: Cangshan Mountain is a scenic mountain range that towers over Dali and offers numerous hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and opportunities for outdoor adventure. Visitors can hike to waterfalls, explore alpine meadows, and enjoy panoramic views of the valley below.

Xizhou Ancient Town: Xizhou Ancient Town is another well-preserved historical town near Dali, known for its traditional Bai architecture, historic courtyards, and vibrant market streets. Visitors can wander through the town's narrow alleyways, visit ancient temples, and sample local delicacies.

Cultural Experiences:
Bai Architecture: Explore the distinctive Bai architecture found throughout Dali, characterized by white-washed walls, gray tiled roofs, and intricately carved wooden decorations. Visitors can tour traditional Bai homes, visit ancient temples, and learn about local building techniques.

Cultural Performances: Experience traditional Bai music, dance, and theater performances at local venues and cultural centers in Dali. These performances often showcase traditional costumes, musical instruments, and storytelling techniques unique to the Bai culture.

Practical Tips:
Weather: Dali enjoys a mild climate year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is most pleasant and the landscapes are lush and green.

Transportation: Getting around Dali is convenient with its network of buses, taxis, and bicycles. Many attractions are within walking distance of Dali Ancient City, while others can be reached by public transportation or organized tours.

Accommodation: Dali offers a range of accommodation options, including boutique hotels, guesthouses, and traditional courtyard homes. Staying in Dali Ancient City allows visitors to immerse themselves in the town's historic atmosphere and vibrant culture.

Dali offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and traditional charm, making it an enchanting destination for visitors seeking to explore the treasures of Yunnan Province. Whether hiking in the mountains, wandering through ancient towns, or immersing oneself in local culture, Dali has something to offer for every traveler.

YunNan map

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A taste of China at home : HoiSin sauce

Introduction: Hoisin sauce is a thick, flavorful condiment commonly used in Chinese cuisine as a dipping sauce, marinade, or glaze for meat dishes. While store-bought hoisin sauce is readily available, making it at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your taste preferences. This DIY hoisin sauce recipe is simple to prepare and uses easily sourced ingredients. Ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce 2 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth) 1 tablespoon honey or molasses 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon chili oil or paste, or sriracha or other chili sauce (optional, for heat) Method: Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, peanut butter, honey or molasses, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sesame oil, Chinese five-spice powder, black pepper, and chili paste (if using). Mix until smooth and well combined. Adjust Consistency: If the hoisin sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or additional soy sauce. If it's too thin, you can add more peanut butter or honey to thicken it to your desired consistency. Taste and Adjust: Taste the hoisin sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, honey for sweetness, vinegar for acidity, or chili paste for heat, according to your taste preferences. Store: Transfer the homemade hoisin sauce to a clean, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Allow the flavors to meld together for at least an hour before using the sauce. Usage Tips: Use homemade hoisin sauce as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, or roasted meats. Brush it on grilled chicken, pork, or tofu as a flavorful marinade or glaze. Stir it into stir-fries or noodle dishes for added depth of flavor. Adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and spiciness of the hoisin sauce to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your homemade hoisin sauce in your favorite Chinese dishes! Hoisin sauce is commonly used as a condiment for Peking Duck. Peking Duck is a famous dish from Beijing (formerly known as Peking), where roasted duck is served with thin pancakes, along with condiments such as hoisin sauce, sliced scallions, and cucumber. When enjoying Peking Duck, diners typically spread hoisin sauce onto a pancake, then add slices of roasted duck, along with some sliced scallions and cucumber. The pancake is then rolled up and eaten as a delicious and flavorful wrap. Hoisin sauce complements the rich, savory flavor of the roasted duck with its sweet, salty, and umami notes. It adds depth and complexity to each bite and enhances the overall dining experience. While hoisin sauce is a key component of Peking Duck, you can also use it as a condiment for other dishes, such as stir-fries, grilled meats, spring rolls, and more. Its versatility makes it a popular choice in Chinese cuisine.