The Ancient City of Lijiang

Formerly a mountainous safe haven for the ancient Chinese Naxi minority, Lijiang is now a traveler's destination for those looking for a peak into their vibrant culture. The potent smell of exotic food fills the village air, most of which incorporate Yak meat, milk, and appendages. A smell that you can't escape with all the cologne in the world...Elders dance in customary fashion around the main square accompanied by live instruments. Local people hand make decorative crafts using leather, silver, and wool similar to those of Native Americans. I spent a few days in this ancient flashback and though I felt like a tourist (not a traveler) when inside the protected Naxi village, I could feel the pride minority people have in their ancestral culture.

Leshan

In the mountains outside Leshan lies the famous Giant Buddah. This gargantuan creation is a testament to the synthesis of ancient Buddists and the natural world. In this day in age we need a serious resurgence of this relationship.

POUND IT!

Yangshuo

Some of my favorite experiences on this adventure have been getting lost in random towns. Whilst mountain biking with a friend I stumbled upon a vibrant village outside Yangshuo and even took a ride down the river in a bamboo raft!

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Hiking one of the biggest gorge’s in the world was truly one of the times on this journey where I “got my nature on.” The natural beauty left me in awe the higher I climbed. The pictures speak for themselves.

The Great Wall

That once in a lifetime feeling...

Welcome to China

The second I landed in China I stood before a vast cultural difference from the meticulous Japan I had just departed from. Definitely a place where I had to be culturally relative…The lack of Westernized ways began to take its toll on my outlook of the country i.e. spitting, smoking, and hole in the ground toilets. I was however, pleasantly surprised with the savory cuisine that put all rumors of bad food to shame! Fresh ingredients and homestyle dishes were delectable. This was only the beginning of my exploration of Chinese culture.

SUMIMASEN!!!

I had way too much fun with these guys…The havoc we reeked on Japan…memorable to say the least.

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