Go Deep in Lijiang: Admiral inspires Malaysians to hike in Yunnan
Yang Piyuan and Ai Lin are having cross-bridge rice noodles in a noodle house of Kunming
Yang Piyuan and Ai Lin are Malaysian teachers. Recently, they started a trip in Yunnan. It was their third time to travel in Yunnan. This time, they decided to set foot on northwest Yunnan’s Lijiang and Dali.
Their guiding principle was their 3S Walk —a Slow, Steady and Safe Walk.
The photo is taken in the old town of Lijiang
Unlike the competition between the tortoise and the hare, there was no race to be won. However, arriving at a pit stop before nightfall was a goal to be attained because hiking at night was not an option for the two. Some parts of the hike were dangerous, and to do so after sunset might lead to adverse outcomes.
With the world-famous Ming Dynasty navigator Zheng He (1371-1435CE) in mind and recalling his amazing ability to overcome the myriad of hazards he encountered was a motivation that helped push these two walkers along.
The photo is taken in the Black Dragon Pool in Lijiang
What was their motivation to go on this hike?
Their first visit to Yunnan was about a decade ago. They were here to pay homage to Zheng He. The tour started in central Yunnan’s Jinning district, from where the story of Admiral Zheng He and his Seven Voyages commenced.
Zheng He Memorial Hall in Jinning district, central Yunnan's capital city, Kunming.
During one of the sea expeditions that was embarked on more than half a century before Christopher Columbus sailed west, the Admiral even led his fleet to the continent of Africa. Different flora and fauna were often brought back to China during these voyages, but on this particular journey, they returned with a live giraffe from Africa!
That historical fact inspired these two walkers to value the environmental beauty that Hutiaoxia, or the Tiger Leaping Gorge in particular, and China, in general, endow. Hence, they took the time to appreciate what Mother Nature had to offer. That, and taking their physical ability and age into consideration, served as essential reminders to not rush to their designated pit stops.
The photo is taken in the old town of Lijiang
The “walking adventure” started from Lijiang, located some 80km away from the gorges. The charming Old Town of Lijiang is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it has been one since 1997. Before the following morning bus ride to Hutiaoxia, the two spent time in immersing themselves in the culture and architecture of the Naxi ethnic group, one of China’s fifty six. That time was spent in imbibing in the ethnic group’s living pictographs, murals and food!
The photo is taken in the old town of Lijiang
After a delightful meal of Xiaoguo Rice Noodles, the two procured their trekking poles on the outskirts of the Old Town. That little act of shopping heightened the anticipation of the hike the next day.
While other visitors enjoyed the nightly live performances of talented singers in Lijiang Old Town, the two decided to call it an early night.
The photo is taken in the old town of Lijiang
Reporting by Yang Piyuan; Editing by Mo Yingyi; Photos providing by Ai Lin