I initially wanted to start the series as #WordlessWednesday posts, but then decided on more detailed articles. Let’s begin with a spring potpourri! And yes, it really is WOW!!
The first photos from a long trip through Yunnan Province in China
The eagle has landed. Please keep your seatbelt fastened till the trip is over. 🙂Spring greetings from Yunnan province, Kunming, Dali, Weibaoshan (巍宝山) and area.Here we go…..Impressive Landscapes of Dongchuan Hongtudi (东川红土地)彝族 – Yízú (Yi ethnic group)the millenium dragon tree
Some Daoist Temples pics
In a Daoist temple (an article about Daoism here in Yunnan will follow some day)Ancient steles at the left….😀The Catholic church in Dali (after 40 years I still remebered it and just by accidence we now stay in a hotel just 50 meters away).The Dali Catholic Church (大理天主教堂) is a unique architectural fusion. Built in 1927, it combines a traditional Chinese pagoda structure with local Bai (白族) craftsmanship and Christian symbolism. A perfect example of the cultural “Yin and Yang” found throughout Yunnan.Entrance to our hotel – protected [1]See you later….……in the bamboo grove.
Footnotes:
[1] Stepping into the our hotel is like traveling back a century. This heritage property is housed in a traditional Bai-style (白族 Báizú) residence that is approximately 100 years old.
The architecture follows the classic “Three Buildings and a Screen Wall” layout, a signature of the Bai ethnic group’s craftsmanship. While the rooms have been updated for modern comfort, the soul of the building remains intact through its original intricate wood carvings and stone masonry. Located in a quiet alley it offers a rare, peaceful glimpse into Dali’s past, far removed from the modern bustle.
BTW: We met this Bai woman in her traditional Bai dress in Kunming. She’s incredibly witty. Right away, she started calling me her “oldest cousin.” The family rank didn’t last long, though. By the next day, she had already demoted me to “secend oldest cousin.” 🙃
In the local parks, you’ll often find groups of retirees performing traditional folk music. This particular group had a distinct 1920s-30s flair, often blending old Yunnan melodies with a vintage swing.
This group, accompanied by two other female singers, performs folk melodies that have been passed down for centuries. Listening to these songs—deeply rooted in the local culture—was a truly moving experience. It brought tears to my eyes.
A beautiful, unexpected offering!
Through your photos I could recall sounds and smells from Yunnan; thank you for that, Friedrich.
Have a most beautiful day.
( I was most intrigued by those strange artifacts next to the ancient steles, demoted cousin 😄)
Thank you so much, Nick, I know you are familiar with this area. But we stay away from Lijiang which has become a tourist hotspot…demoted cousin friedrich 😎
I did the same and it’s easy to do there since Yunnan has incredible landscapes and alternative places to stay.
I wish you continued relaxation and renewal during your stay.
Those beautiful stones speak another language … wordless prayers like gentle anchors of intention, and balance, as if someone paused and left the world a hair more balanced than they found it. Where someone might knot a thread, or leave a feather, or press their thumb into wax — here a stone is placed.
Thank you so much, Maryline! I am sure you would like it here. We already visited quite a few Daoist temples, all very impressive and still a few waiting for us. 🙏🎶☀️🌹
Yunnan is a place I wanted to visit, but I didn’t get the chance. I love the photos. They give me a sense of the place — and, strangely, I never saw Yunnan written in characters. Seeing what it actually says? That was beautiful, too. Please tell China I remember it and love it.
I will post many more photos. What an amazing place! As we try our best to stay away from busy areas it is relaxing too. But we have a very tough program and already saw a lot. I will tell them in my way 🙃🎸☀️🌷
I wonder how the sheep felt, standing next to the two humans dressed in the skins of their dead brethren!
I am also looking forward to your post about Taoism in Yunnan. I have wanted to visit the area since reading about bai architecture and garden design some years ago. It’s not written about as frequently as Shanghai or Hong Kong design in general, yet I think it embodies what many people consider Classical Chinese design.
Thank you very much! Yes, you are right, Bai architecture is no popular topic, however I like it very much. It is deeply rooted in history (Nan Chao) and Daoism. Plants are everywhere in the courtyards.
Tolle Bilder ! Beeindruckend die Landschaft. Die Musik ist für meine Ohren gewöhnungsbedürftig. Die Tempeln unglaublich schön. Ich wünsche weiterhin eine interessante Zeit.!
Thank you so much for your kind words and wishes!🙏 Yes. It’s truely amazing 😎 If you are interested in the progress please do not miss the next chapters ☀️🎶🙏
Thank you so much for serenading us this morning, Fredrick. You see to fit in well but what ever did you do to get demoted so fast?! Lol.. what a rich experience my friend!! xxx
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