...Many journeys happen because of intention, the dream of getting there... But sometimes it comes from coincidence, coupled with the trust of those who give us the opportunity... This time for me was the same when a friend was unable to travel due to commitments. This trip was therefore entrusted to me to be the representative to join the media trip with AirAsia...

...with the final destination being "Yunnan Province, in the cities of Dali and Lijiang, China"...

...This 6-day, 5-night journey begins with a flight on AirAsia from Don Mueang Airport to Kunming, China. The flight takes approximately 2 hours and arrives at Changshui Airport in Kunming. From there, the journey continues by bus via the expressway to Dali and Lijiang, respectively...

...The following are some of the places in Dali that I will be sharing photos of: Dali Old Town, Cangshan Mountain, Shuanglang Fishing Village, Butterfly Spring, and the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple (the largest temple in China)...

...This photo set will be a journey from the start of boarding at Don Mueang Airport to the last day, the 3rd day in Dali. .. The "Lijiang" photo set will be the next photo set. ..

P.S. All the pictures in this review are selected from the full albums of each place. If you want to see more, please like our page https://www.facebook.com/ForzanuFoto and you can see them from the full albums.

...From Don Mueang Airport, I boarded a flight around 8 am on flight FD582. The journey took about 2 hours to reach Kunming city. After listening to the safety instructions, I soon fell asleep for a long time.

... before drifting in and out of sleep while taking pictures of the sky and fluffy white clouds through the airplane window. Sitting by the window is still like a special bonus that always comes with a beautiful view of the sky...

...The view from above looking down reveals the grandeur of the city, and as we begin to float closer, the familiar term "mainland China" comes to mind...

...Adjusting our watches to match the local time in China, at around 11 am, we arrived at "Changshui Airport, Kunming" safely. (Kunming time is 1 hour ahead of Thailand)... From the baggage claim belt, we picked up our luggage to prepare to meet the bus and tour guide who would take us to various places. ..

...While waiting, I took some pictures of the interior of the airport building. The design features parallel curved lines, using a dazzling gold color that gives a sense of grandeur. The curved lines are well-designed and impressive...

...As soon as the guide team and the car arrived at the airport, we were ready to set off immediately. We stopped at a restaurant in downtown Kunming as our first stop to refuel with lunch before spending another 4-5 hours on the superhighway to Dali City... The distance from Kunming to Dali is about 320 kilometers, starting from the expressway ending at the Dali toll gate... For those who are traveling on their own from Kunming, you can also take a train to Dali City as another route..

...The Chuxiong road is a comfortable drive with plenty to see along the way. The road surface is smooth, the route is scenic, and there are gas stations along the way at rest stops. It seems that there is a lot of development in terms of safety systems and maintenance on this road. There are hardly any officers or police officers, with technology such as cameras being used instead, as well as speed checks at regular intervals. ...

...Slow cars keep right, fast cars keep left, alternating with our home country... The evening sunlight on the first day of the journey gradually faded away... I didn't stop or visit anywhere today, only the pictures I took through the car window.

...and we only stopped to stretch our legs when we stopped at a gas station by the side of the road. There was a minimart and a bathroom, just like at home, but much larger...but what I was most impressed with since arriving in Kunming was the "weather". The time I traveled was during the hottest summer in our country, April...but the weather was only as cool as in this picture. It was comfortable to walk around, the air was like Chiang Mai during the cold season...

...We took a car ride from around three in the afternoon in the blazing sun. By the time we reached the accommodation area in Dali, it was almost seven o'clock, approximately four hours.

...Finally, we arrived at the old town of Dali from the accommodation area in the same area as the old town of Dali. .. Making it easy to walk to the popular tourist spots .. Let's take a tour at night first ..

...In this kind of good weather, I must say it's really good... With a camera slung over my shoulder, my right hand holding the camera, and my left hand holding a bottle of beer, I slowly sip and absorb the local atmosphere, letting it gradually blend and mellow with me. It's a great pleasure...

...Most of the tourists are Chinese people who come from other provinces or nearby cities. There are also some Europeans, although not many...

...In the old town of Dali at night, there is a zone, an alley, that is set aside as a zone of light, color, and sound... There are restaurants, live music, and loud music playing, all next to each other like Pattaya in our country... So you don't have to say how much fun it is... Just walk into the alley and walk back out, it takes about 15 minutes... As soon as you leave the alley, your ears are ringing as if you've been knocked out by something...

... before finally deciding to return to my accommodation to prepare for the next day. On the first day of my trip, I didn't take many photos. I just took a short walk to soak up the evening atmosphere before heading back to rest and recharge. I plan to wake up early tomorrow and capture some morning shots of the old town, which should yield more interesting results.

...The alarm on my phone went off at 7 am sharp. It was the same song as always, but today I woke up in a different place, making it easier to get out of bed.

...After completing the physical tasks, it's time for a spiritual mission to refresh and rejuvenate by taking in the morning atmosphere around the accommodation, which is adjacent to the Dali city wall...

...Dali is an ancient city located in the west of Kunming, surrounded by walls on three sides. To the west, it borders the Cangshan Mountains, which are about 4,000 meters high. ... On the other side, it borders Erhai Lake, the second largest lake in China, with an area of almost 250 square kilometers. ... 40 km from north to south and 8 km from east to west. This point itself can be called a strategic location, a unique feature that the people of Dali are proud to live in a land that is hard to find anywhere else. And more than that, with an altitude of 1,900 meters above sea level, the weather here is cool all year round.....

...The morning atmosphere is very different compared to the night when people are walking around shopping and strolling... But what amazed me and made me feel the order was the "cleanliness of the area". Even in terms of Chinese manners, which we may have heard that they may be undisciplined, spitting on the street, or whatever... But this area seems to be very well taken care of and cared for...

...There may be some minor omissions, but overall, considering the time it took, it must be said that the cleanup was very fast...

...In the early morning, before the sun got too high, the air was pleasantly cool. I was wearing a T-shirt and jeans, and I was walking around comfortably, looking for places to take pictures. The traces of water that had been used to clean the floor were still there, and they created some interesting angles for my photos.

...After this picture, I walked around looking for a shop to eat 2-3 steamed buns. It was a light breakfast before we continued our journey to the "Changshan Mountains" in the next picture.

...As mentioned above, Dali City is bordered by the majestic Changshan Mountain to the west, stretching for about 50 kilometers from north to south. With an average altitude of 3,500 meters above sea level, the mountain boasts the highest peak, "Malong," at around 4,122 meters. While snow covers the peak during winter, it had already melted away by the time of my visit in April...

...The morning sun began to shine brighter, but the cool air and the gentle breeze kept the heat at bay. Starting a new day with such a refreshing morning, we, the tourists, couldn't help but feel happy...

...Then it's a cable car ride to the top, with each car accommodating around 8 people... Inside the cable car, it can be a bit stuffy as it's built to withstand the weather and the wind, making it a little difficult to breathe...

...As you can see from the picture, the pine forest stretches on both sides with the cable car in the middle... In addition to its abundant natural resources and being home to a wide variety of wildlife, the Cangshan Mountains are also the source of 18 streams... that flow down to nourish the people of Dali City, as well as several other tourist destinations such as Huanglong Lake, Heilong Lake, Xingpi Waterfall, and Sima Lake. In addition, many rare plant and tree species have been discovered in the Cangshan Mountains as well.

...It takes about 15 minutes to reach the cable car stop... Before going up, the air below was good, but as soon as I arrived at this point, I must say that I forgot about the air below.

... Although during the days of travel, the mountain range that can be seen will no longer be covered with snow, unlike during the winter season when it is covered with snow. But today, the greenness of the forest on the mountain range can still be seen densely.

...From the photo stop and walking area above, walk down a little further to enjoy the various views.

...At this point, there is a small waterfall. It can be assumed that during the rainy season, especially with the location of the bridge, this angle would be another beautiful spot for taking pictures...

...at the nature trail observation point (I don't know what it's called in Chinese, but in our country we would use this term)... There is a well-maintained walkway with a fence along the entire path for safety.

...Each step taken, accompanied by the gentle breeze and the intermittent click of the shutter, speaks volumes of the joy found in the embrace of nature...

...The lush forest, the sunlight, and the intricate shadows always create a pleasingly beautiful picture for me.

...The beauty and delicacy of the Changshan Mountains gradually seeped in, bit by bit, amidst the grandeur and abundance of the Changshan Mountains, the cradle of all living things, the source of countless water sources... Including Lake Taihu, the second largest lake in China, also originates from the Changshan Mountains...

...From what I've observed while walking along the path, I'd say this place is very clean. If you ask if there's any garbage, I can honestly say that there is some, but it's mostly small pieces that have ended up in nooks and crannies where the wind might have blown them, or scattered on the ground among the small rocks and pebbles.

...The nature trail seems to go on for a long way, but due to our limited time, we only had about 40 minutes to walk ... We then walked back the same way to the stone bridge in the 7-8 pictures above.

...It's time to return to the bottom again... Leaving only admiration for the scenery surrounded by forests, trees and abundant nature... Coming here may only be once in a lifetime, but it's still very impressive...

...If you're traveling to Dali, I think this is another must-see tourist spot, especially if you come during the winter when there's snow on the ground. You'll definitely get to see the beauty and grandeur in a different way, and it's sure to be stunning.

...From the Cangshan Mountains, the next tourist destination is "Butterfly Spring", located 30 kilometers from Dali City... In the past, this pond was a gathering place for many butterflies... Especially during the blooming season, it created a lot of beauty... Although the number of butterflies has decreased significantly today, it is still a place for young people and many people who want to relax...

...The highlight of this place is the "Butterfly Pond", which is a small pond about the size of a 7-11 convenience store. It's surrounded by large trees that spread their branches over the pond, creating a sense of being embraced by nature...

... and another beautiful thing is the clarity of the water in the pool, which is emerald green ... and a few small fish that bring a lot of life to the pool ...

...In the past, this butterfly pool was a place where young Bai people would come to pray for love. Although this practice may have declined today, the guide told me that young couples still enjoy coming here for walks and dates. So, while many things may fade over time, they don't necessarily disappear completely...

... The area around the butterfly pool is also full of trees and flowers that have been planted in abundance, decorating the walkways. Although the time of my visit was in the afternoon, which might be a bit torturous with the sunlight, I think this place would be quite sweet and romantic in the evening. As I walked and took pictures, I tried to close my eyes and imagine what it would be like in the evening light. It would definitely be a pleasant place to take a stroll...

...From this image, we will start with the next image and then cut to the next day's journey for you to see.

...From Ghost Butterfly Pond, we continue our journey to the "Three Pagodas at Chongsheng Temple"... Chongsheng Temple is located about 1 kilometer north of Dali Ancient City... It can be said that it is not far from the old city, so it is another popular place for tourists who travel to the old city to visit the beauty of the temple, as well as to pay respects and make wishes at Chongsheng Temple.

...The beauty of the location of these three pagodas is considered to be truly in accordance with Chinese beliefs... because the Changshan Mountains are behind them on the west side, and in front of them is Lake Erhai, which is opposite the mountains on the east side...

...From the morning at Wat Chong Seng, you will see a beautiful blue sky behind the pagoda. Because the sunlight from the east side of Erhai Lake shines directly on the west side of the mountain range.

...Chongsheng Temple is an ancient temple that was built during the Tang Dynasty. It is the largest temple in China and a source of pride for the people of Dali. The three towering pagodas have been a symbol of Dali City from ancient times to the present day.

...As the temple grounds are vast, it can take several minutes to walk to the innermost part. The temple also offers a car service for tourists to save time ...

...From the picture, this is the top of the temple... The temple allows tourists to walk up to the top of the tower, even though it's only a few floors, but when you look down, it's still a beautiful sight...

...as mentioned before about the location of the temple, from this point looking back will be the east, which is the location of Erhai Lake. Let's try to speed up the time. If it is in the afternoon when the sun is behind us as in the picture, the light will shine to the front that we see...

...The clear and bright air in front might give a clearer view of the old town's atmosphere.

...Almost all Chinese people who come to Chongsheng Temple have traveled both for sightseeing. Of course, it is inevitable to worship and pray for blessings. .. This also includes some foreign tourists who also come to worship and pray for blessings.

...Due to the sheer size of the structure and the vastness of the area, capturing the entire scene in a single shot is a challenge.

...I tried to walk around, looking for different angles to add perspective to the photos I would take... Although there weren't many clouds that day, the bright sky helped to make the photos look more colorful instead...

... Tourists have been flocking to pay their respects and make offerings to the sacred objects without interruption.

...The weather in the morning is not too strong. The sun may look strong, but with the cool climate of Dali, you can still enjoy a leisurely walk...

...although the shape of the incense has changed from what we used to see in our local temples

...But looking at it, faith, belief in the sacred, in religion... is no different anywhere... Religion, belief, faith, these three things are still consistent and exist in believers in one way or another.

...And thanks to the vastness of the temple, coupled with the early morning hours when there aren't many people around, it's easy to find moments to wander around looking for angles to take pictures, admiring the beauty that lies in the tranquility.

...The grandeur and beauty of the three pagodas, standing tall and majestic, still inspire faith and devotion that will never diminish, just as the stability of the pagodas will continue to stand. As in the past, when an earthquake caused great damage to the townspeople, the three pagodas remained unscathed. On the contrary, it created a sense of wonder and amazement, further strengthening the faith of the Chinese people.

...Whether it's the construction process, the materials used, or whatever, it's not a major factor compared to the faith of the Chinese people, both here and from other cities.

...It took almost 2 hours at Chongsheng Temple. It was a comfortable walk. I got many pictures... from many angles... and it was time to leave the temple for the next tourist spot, "Sionglang Fishing Village".

...From Chongsheng Temple, we set off along the edge of Erhai Lake to the northeast towards "Shuanglang Fishing Village"...

...From the top of the mountain road, you can see hundreds and thousands of rooftops, a dazzling sight...

...The body of water you see is "Erhai Lake"... a source of water that has sustained the lives of the people of Dali from the past to the present...

...The reason why this village is often called "Fishing Village" by the Chinese is because in the past, it was an old village where each household was engaged in fishing for fish and aquatic animals. Erhai Lake was the source of abundance for this body of water. ..

...From the viewpoint above, you can park your car. Almost all tourists who come here stop to take pictures before going down to the village below...

...Erhai Lake is located on a plateau in Dali City... It is about 20 kilometers long from north to south and about 9 kilometers wide... It is the second largest lake in China, after Dianchi Lake... If you can't imagine the importance and significance of Erhai Lake, try comparing it to the Chao Phraya River in our country... Which means a route, a source of water for the villagers and townspeople, with stories and a river of life for the townspeople since ancient times... The only difference is that our country is a river, but Erhai is a lake.

...Nowadays, although the fishing industry of the local villagers has almost disappeared, it has become a popular tourist destination for many travelers who are looking for affordable accommodation by the Erhai Lake. At the same time, the villagers have changed their way of life and started selling various goods, including clothes, accessories, fruits, and souvenirs. ...

...After finding a parking space below, walk down to the lakeside, passing souvenir shops, fruits, snacks, and clothes, as shown in the picture above. The alley is about 100-200 meters long.

...before reaching the riverside as shown in this picture.

...This area will have a variety of restaurants, ice cream shops, coffee shops, and other businesses along the way until it becomes a place of accommodation and houses...

...From what I've observed, this area seems to be more popular with people who come for walks. Especially in the evenings and at night, it's likely to be more lively and colorful than it is during the afternoon like this...

...The sun is strong, but the wind is cool... There are a lot of people, but it's not too crowded...

...walking around looking for angles to take pictures, walking forward, walking back to take pictures of the shop, the riverside. These 2 pictures may not look like China at first glance...

...The bright sky, the heart is blooming, the journey of each day is slowly coming to an end...

...Leaving you with these two photos of a fishing village... before moving on to the final part of this Dali series... with photos of the morning atmosphere in Dali Old Town... Enjoy the rest of the show!

...This morning is still the same, grabbing a T-shirt and jeans to catch the morning breeze... The goal is to photograph villagers, people, and various ways of life that can still be found during the time that is still available...

...The more you walk, the more you enjoy it. You wish you could extend the time for another half hour. With the terrain almost 1,900 meters above sea level, walking in the morning sun is very comfortable because of the cool air and the occasional breeze...

...The more you walk, the more you immerse yourself in the area, as it is an ancient city that has been well-preserved and cared for. This has led to Dali being recognized as one of the best-preserved ancient cities in China. It is also listed as one of the most livable cities in mainland China.

...At night, it looks bustling, chaotic, and crowded with people who come to walk, shop, and buy things...

...But in the quiet of the morning, there is still no commotion. .. The sunlight falling on the rooftops and shops is always a charming sight to behold..

...about 15 xiaolongbao for 4 people... I can only say "full"... I'm full because of the taste and the atmosphere... Sitting in a warm shop with the smell of buns wafting all over the shop... Watching people walk in and out of the shop, looking around and watching the time...

...3 days and 3 nights in Dali... With the clock ticking at the same steady pace, but it felt like it passed by very quickly...

...The beauty of traveling is that you always get to see something new and different. .. You get to talk to people you don't understand. .. You get to see things you've never seen before. .. You get to read things you can't read. .. You get to experience the stories of both the city's people and its history... Time in Dali for me is slowly counting down...

...As the time in one place comes to an end, it becomes a new time to begin... The end point many times is not the destination... The time in Dali today has ended, but it is a new beginning to the city of Lijiang... The 3 days of eating and sleeping in Dali, I felt the beauty and charm of the ancient city that is over a thousand years old... Through the care from generation to generation, from small families to large families, to the way of life of the Dali people...

...Under the land according to the belief of the Dali people that the gods gave the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake to live together... Supporting each other, the mountains benefit the forests, the forests create rivers, the rivers create life, and life continues with life... "One water is with Cangshan Mountain, Cangshan Mountain embraces the ancient city"... See you again in the next review, not long to wait.

...Thank you Air Asia for the journey to Kunming and the beautiful journey... and thank you to all my friends who stopped by to see me... ^^

...Review the show Impression Lijiang, a World Heritage Site in the old city of Lijiang, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain .. Don't forget to follow and watch soon.