Chuxiong - Learning about the Yi Tribe people in Yunnan, China

ERHAI -Lakeside RESORT TOWN in Dali, Yunnan, China After leaving Wamao Inn in the old town of Dali, we moved to another hotel situated within a stonethrow away of Lake Erhai and spent a couple of days enjoying this beautful area. We got up and had breakfast at the hotel this morning and met three young women travlling together , one was a doctor, another was a teacher, nice talking to young people in China. We explored the lakeside in the morning after breakfast and spend a bit more time enjoying the lakefront. Absolutely beautiful and the weather was mild. I now understand why so many tourists came to Dali and Yunnan -it’s the Hawaii of China, nice weather all year around, not too hot in the summer nor not cold in the winter. Chinese people come to this cool city to escape the heat in the summer. We won't mind coming back here at all in the future. We took the faast train and went to another city – Chuxiong, a city we never heard of and randomly picked it out from the map just to see if other unknown cities in China are as developed and nicely serviced. It only took an hour and we were there. There were so many people travelling that the only tickets available were first class and we were sitting at different seats. J did an excellent job booking our hotel and it was right near the old town.

WE dropped off our lugguage and had an early dinner and walked to the Yi Tribe Old Town. Upbeat music and happy people including the Yi tribe people in their colourful costumes along with happy tourists were dancing together in the big square just past the entrance gate. I rarely saw such enthusiastic participation by the audiences.

Everyone there was ready and willing to join into the dance even though we didn’t know how to do it. A Few of us stood by trying to figure out the dance steps before joining in the dance. It was such a happy, vibrant atmosphere. It was delightful to see the minority people integrating well in the society, their customs, clothes and cultures being appreciated by the majority of the Chinese society. We walked around the old town taking in the beautiful old buildings all lit up like a Christmas tree. It was getting late but gave us a taste of what to expect. RT, Chuxiong 08082023