This spring we headed off on a 12-day journey from Nanning to Kunming. During this joyful and adventurous sojourn, we visited several places of the national minorities found in Southwest China's Yunnan Province.
Getting off the plane in Nanning, we drove to the mountainous landscape of Baise, a revolutionary base of the Communist Party before the country's liberation in 1949.
In the nearby mountains, one can find massive crevices that have been transformed into magical lakes by flowing waters.
Many people of the Yao minority live on top of the mountains near these holes. Although the local government has built new houses at lower elevations for them, Yao people are more accustom to living in high places.
Driving west from Baise, our next stop was Bamei Village, Funing County. It was the most beautiful place I had ever seen, and I went through several packages of film to record the wonders.
Yellow rape flowers blossomed in the field. At the far end stood several small residential houses. To reach the houses, you must cross a lovely small stream with old waterwheels, flourishing bamboo and zigzag paths. Adding to the mesmerizing murmur of the flowing water, the sounds of birds singing and cows mooing left one feeling totally at peace.
This village of 142 families completely lacks electricity. One villager named Huang had a VCD player powered by a diesel engine. He was the town's one-man movie theatre. Every night, Huang plays movies, charging 0.10 yuan per person.
Leaving the village, we drove through Guangnan, Yanshan and Yuanyang counties. We enjoyed different minorities such as Miao, Hui and Hani. The clothes of the women all looked very charming and colourful.
In Yuanyang County, which is the gathering place of the Hani Minority, we were lucky enough to see a local marriage ceremony.
What was interesting was that the bride did not wear bright-coloured dresses. She just wore many silver ornaments, contrasting her long, rich, black hair typical of Hani women.
The Hani minority are very open and romantic. We saw several young couples embracing in the forest with camellia surrounding them. I wonder how young couples living in the city would feel in such a dreamlike setting.
One should also visit Jianshui, an ancient city with a history of over 2,000 years.
The Confucius Temple in the city is the second biggest in the country (the biggest is in Shandong, hometown of Confucius).
Travel tips
Train 1379 departs from Shanghai Railway Station at 10:41am, arriving at Nanning the next evening. You can rent a car. If you want to save money, buses are available. You can stay at a farmhouse for only 10 yuan ($1.2) per day. Even in the hotel, the price is just 60 to 70 yuan ($7.3 to 8.5) for a standard room. The cuisine of Yunnan Province is well-known around the country. Fish-head hotpot, rice flour served with dog, chicken soup, and sweet eggs are all very delicious. Shopping: vinegar, rice wine, Pu Er tea, bacco, red rice, salty vegetables.
( Shanghai Star May 16, 2002)
