The Art of Rice
Bikepacking to the rice terraces of Yuanyang, a World Heritage site and one of the most photographed sights in China.
The Many Faces of Dali
We leave Shaxi reluctantly, wishing we could just rent a house and stay forever. As we make our way out of the valley and towards Dali, however, we must register that change is coming soon. An express highway is already being built. Soon delicate bridges like this one will stand next to a concrete colossus. I’ve […]
Falling in Love with Shaxi
A hunter’s home, I’ve known it since Mali, can be a sign of good luck. When we roll into Shaxi valley I realise that I was right. This is the China of my childhood imagination, even though according to most guidebooks and to the 134-word stub from Wikipedia, this pace is not even sure to […]
South of Eden
We decide to reach Yangtze River via Baishuitai, Haba and Tiger Leaping Gorge, but first we head to the Shangri-la market. Such mountain passes and dizzying switchbacks require a serious caloric load. The typical Tibetan breakfast can definitely accomplish either that, or give me a heart attack. Jon favours a bawl of yak soup and […]
Shangri-La – Paradise Found?
From Litang we stop advancing west and point south towards Shangri La, a place of almost mythical fame among travelers.