When I think of China, I think of martial arts films filled with warriors searching for ancient scrolls to become the ultimate fighter. And of course, the Shaolin monks with their chants of "Amitabha, karma, karma," which I find endlessly fascinating. These films inspired me to embark on my own journey, seeking ancient scrolls and becoming a master warrior. My ultimate destination is Shangri-La, a remote and peaceful land rich in diverse cultures and enviable lifestyles. Join me, fellow warriors, on this incredible adventure!

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Follow our journey at

Travel Together/Travelers

Travel Together/Travelers

Introduction

The journey to this trip was fraught with challenges, particularly concerning the visa process. Initially, we anticipated difficulties due to the unconventional mode of transportation—a bus journey from Mo Chit to China—rather than a flight. The visa application fee of 1,000 baht further fueled our apprehension. However, our determination to embark on this adventure outweighed these concerns. We explored alternative destinations, including Kinabalu, Sipadan, the Philippines, India, and Nepal, but ultimately decided to revisit Shangri-La. Fortuitously, we discovered a visa agency that simplified the process, requiring only a photocopy of our ID card, a passport-sized photograph, and the travel date. The remarkably low processing fee of 300 baht, with a seven-day turnaround time and home delivery, sealed the deal. And thus, our trip came to fruition.

This is my first time on a 10-day, 9-night trip to a place I've only recently learned about, but it's a dreamland for many people: Shangri-La. It was a trip that took only 2 months to prepare, which is very short for an overseas trip (I'm going abroad and only prepared for 2 months! Others prepare for years, booking tickets years in advance, but I did it in 2 months!). And most importantly, the country is China, a country with a vast territory and one of the world's superpowers. And the language is a huge challenge, making it difficult to communicate with people there. With limited time, information gathering is crucial. We need to plan step by step, visualize everything, and be ready to improvise at any moment to reach our desired destinations according to the planned itinerary. However, we didn't do any of that. We didn't do much research. The only serious thing we did was have a brief meeting to discuss the trip and a rough itinerary. We figured out how to get to Kunming City by a certain date, and the rest we'd figure out on the spot. That's right, we're going in blind! It'll be fun, and we'll have stories to tell in our own unique way. Before the trip, the initial plan changed constantly. Our original plan was to take a bus to China both ways, which was exciting at first. Taking a bus from Mo Chit to China? Wow, that's amazing! Everyone was surprised and asked if it was real and if it was even possible. Just seeing our friends confused about our travel route was fun. But the problem was that taking the bus back would take too much time, leaving us with less time to explore. We were afraid it wouldn't be worth the trip, especially considering the bus travel time. So, we decided to fly back instead. We checked the prices, and wow... over 5,000 baht! That's expensive (for someone on a tight budget). But after careful consideration, we decided to go for it. To have more time to explore and experience the journey, we had to make sacrifices. We don't know when we'll be able to go again, so we decided to invest in the trip. Travel is about gaining experiences and getting the most out of it. We don't want to regret it later. We have to minimize regrets. So, here we are, on a spontaneous trip with minimal preparation. We're willing to make sacrifices to make it happen. In conclusion, we're taking a bus to China from Mo Chit (super cool!), and we're flying back. We're trading time for more experiences. Yay, I'm excited!

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Rumors abound about the terrible food in China, with some claiming it's inedible and others fearing they'll go hungry. To avoid such woes, I packed plenty of Thai staples like instant noodles and chili paste. Don't forget to bring a travel kettle for those instant noodle cravings, as hot water is readily available at transportation hubs, trains, and even convenience stores (if you're feeling brave). Snacks like candy, gum, and chocolate are also essential to keep hunger pangs at bay. With these provisions, you can rest assured that you won't go hungry in China.

Embark on a quest to acquire provisions for survival in the martial world.

An International Student Identity Card (ISIC) can be used to get discounts on admission to tourist attractions, sometimes up to 50%.

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Survival equipment:

To avoid falling victim to this, we must have the following additional equipment:

1. A popular language translation guidebook is Survivor China: [Spoil] Click to reveal hidden text This new type of language learning book is easy to read and practical. With just a touch of your finger, you can get help or clarification by pointing to the words and pictures you want to communicate with the locals. It is suitable for people who have no language foundation but want to travel, study abroad, or are interested in Chinese. The book divides the conversation content into categories for easy use, starting with basic information about the country, travel, accommodation, food, tourist attractions, greetings, and emergencies. With this book, you are guaranteed to survive.

2. Essential information, such as the location you intend to visit, should be saved as an image and printed for easy reference. Additionally, note down the bus routes you will be taking, or, for convenience, print out all the relevant information from Pantip.com.

3. Offline maps helped us a lot. With this, you can rest assured that you won't get lost. But I still got lost, haha.

4. City maps and budget accommodation guides

5. Lastly, and most importantly, without which everything we have prepared could collapse in the blink of an eye, is the mouth itself. You must dare to ask, even if you cannot speak.

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Travel plan

Friday, April 10, 2015: Departing Bangkok (Mo Chit) - Chiang Khong (Chiang Rai)

Saturday, April 11, 2015: Chiang Khong - Laos (Huay Xai) - Kunming

Sunday, April 12, 2015: Kunming - Lijiang

Monday, April 13, 2015: Lijiang (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - BLUE MOON VALLEY - Lijiang Old Town)

Tuesday, April 14, 2015: Lijiang-Shangri-La

Wednesday, April 15, 2015: Shangri-La - Taocheung - Yading (Milk Lake)

Thursday, April 16, 2015: Yatieng-Daoceng

Friday, April 17, 2015: Daocheng - Shangri-La

Saturday, April 18, 2015: Shangri-La - Lijiang - Kunming

Sunday, April 19, 2015: Kunming-Thailand (Don Mueang)

The itinerary was created after the trip was completed because the original plan was completely different. The original plan was to visit Deqin (What's good about Deqin: The golden Meili Snow Mountain when the morning sun shines on the snow on the mountaintop, which is 6,740 meters above sea level, but I could only stand and watch from afar. Mingyong Glacier, waiting for us to trek and admire its beauty), but in the end, we had to turn the ship around when we discovered that the scriptures I was looking for were not there.

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Travel expenses

During this trip, we spent a total of 20,280.90 baht. All details are below.

Friday, April 10, 2015: Departing Bangkok (Mo Chit) - Chiang Khong (Chiang Rai)

Today is the most crucial day to determine whether our plan will be successful. What's going on? ...

Today marks the commencement of our journey, a momentous first step that embarks us on an extended and enriching travel experience abroad.

Today is Friday, the start of the long Songkran holiday weekend, which everyone is eagerly anticipating. Since January, all bus tickets have been sold out. Thankfully, there were still some available, otherwise this trip would have been a disaster.

The airline ticket we obtained was for "Jett Kiew" airlines, a name that elicited a chorus of warnings and anecdotes. I was genuinely afraid that Jett Kiew would not get us to Chiang Khong on time. I feared delays, traffic jams, breakdowns, and everything in between. The thought of missing our connection to China and losing a day of our trip filled me with dread. (This was my fear.) Ha ha ha!

The bus departed from Mo Chit Bus Terminal on time at approximately 5:20 PM. I couldn't believe it! I felt relieved that we were finally on our way. We slept on the bus for about 12 hours. When we arrived in Chiang Khong District, I was so grateful to Khun Kliaw for getting us there on time.

Saturday, April 11, 2015: Chiang Khong-Laos (Huay Xai)-Kunming

***The actual bus stop is located at the intersection leading to the Chiang Khong border crossing, where you can cross the bridge to the Lao side. There are shared taxis available in that area. However, we were unaware that we needed to disembark there. How could we have known? The information we had prepared was not up-to-date. Furthermore, the border bridge was only completed around 2014, resulting in the cancellation of cross-border travel by boat and the implementation of bridge crossings instead. Who could have known? The information we found online was outdated. 555

Map of Chiang Khong town, the area where we got off the bus with Jeh Gleaw.

Let's move on. We negotiated a price of 50 baht per person with a songthaew to take us to the Thai-Lao border. We weren't sure if it was a good deal, but we agreed to avoid missing the bus to China. We hopped on the songthaew. (There were also songthaews available where we got off the bus.)

The journey from the starting point to the checkpoint was surprisingly quick. After completing the necessary procedures at the checkpoint, we exited the Thai border without incurring any expenses. The process was smooth and hassle-free.

We then took a bus across the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge for 25 baht each. The bus was comfortable, and we crossed the Mekong River into Laos in no time. Welcome to Laos! Upon arrival, we paid an entry fee of 40 Thai baht.

Don't waste any time, hurry up and take a shared taxi from the checkpoint to Wang Thong Hotel. I was worried that we wouldn't make it in time for the bus. At that moment, I was very nervous because I wasn't sure what time the bus would arrive. I asked the price, and it was 100 baht per person. Wow, that's expensive! I almost cried. There were four of us, so it would cost 400 baht. That's a lot of money for a one-way trip. I tried to bargain, "300 baht, uncle, please?" He said no. "Please, uncle, we're going on a trip but we don't have much money. Please give us a discount." The uncle thought for a moment and then nodded. Thank goodness he was kind enough to give us a 25 baht discount per person. Phew, that's a relief. The distance from the checkpoint to Wang Thong Hotel wasn't that far, it only took 15 minutes to get there.

We made it just in time. The train from Huai Sai to Kunming departs at 10:30 AM, giving us plenty of time to freshen up. Ah, refreshing.

Wow, I'm excited. We're going to be on a sleeper train (or should I say, sleeping on a train) because it's a sleeper train going to China. Is this really happening? Has our life really come this far?

The area around the bus stop has two or three shops, but there is not much food or supplies available to stock up on for the sleeper bus. It seems we will have to rely on supplies from Thailand.

This is the bus that will take us on our journey through mainland China. It will travel all the way to Kunming City in Yunnan Province.

The atmosphere on the sleeper train

Before the train departed, we coincidentally met fellow Thai travelers. We were very lucky to have found travel companions. They were a male-female couple from Chiang Mai. I can't remember their names. Their destination was similar to ours, but their travel plans differed from ours. No worries, we still have plenty of time to get lost together before we part ways. Haha! Let's get lost together first.

- The journey from Huai Sai to Kunming takes approximately 22 hours, which is the longest I have ever slept in my life. This is a unique experience that I would recommend to anyone looking for something different and exciting.

- The sleeper train was very clean and comfortable, according to reviews. There was no smoking or foot odor, just a slight natural body odor. The blankets were clean, but the air conditioning was not very cold. Overall, it was a good experience and I would rate it 8 out of 10 (price 320 yuan).

- The roads in Laos are quite steep, as they constantly ascend mountains, with some rough patches.

Along the way

Rest stop

The translation of the provided text is:

At 4:00 PM, I arrived at the Laotian checkpoint and completed the exit procedures. The cost of leaving Laos was 20 baht. Wow, am I really going to cross over and step into a superpower country? My heart is swelling with excitement.

We have now left Laos. The land I am standing on is the border between Laos and China.

The vehicle continued for another 200 meters, arriving at the Mo Han border crossing into China. This crossing was a stark contrast to the Laotian border crossing, appearing grand and befitting of Asia's leading power.

Upon arrival, passengers are required to disembark and have their luggage scanned through security machines, similar to airport procedures. Chinese authorities are known for their strictness, but the process was efficient and without excessive formalities. Entry was granted without any fees, which is commendable. As visitors contribute to the local economy, it is reasonable to waive entry fees.

I am now standing in China! I am incredibly excited, but I am trying to keep my cool as the leader of the trip. I am actually a very easily excited person, but I like to pretend to be indifferent. I don't know why I do that.

Let's continue our journey. From here, we will enter China time, which is one hour ahead of Thailand time. However, your smartphones will automatically adjust to the new time zone. At 5:00 PM, we will stop for dinner in Mohe City. We will have 1.5 hours to eat and walk around, and the bus will wait for additional passengers during this time.

- The food at Mo Han Pass is excellent. My first meal in China was very impressive, and my perspective on Chinese food has begun to change. Therefore, do not believe what you have heard until you have tried it yourself. This review is no exception.

I don't know what this dish is called. I just pointed at it. It looks delicious though.

This appears to be french fries.

The atmosphere of the border town of Mohan

The journey continued at 6:30 PM. Upon entering China, the first thing that caught my attention was the excellent condition of the four-lane roads. The roads were straight and cut through mountains, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. The lack of bumps and unevenness made for a pleasant experience, earning a perfect score of 10. I was able to enjoy a long and restful sleep during the journey. There were a few stops along the way, including a fuel refill and a bathroom break.

The open-air toilets along the way in China are truly amazing. With only low partitions separating each stall, they offer an "open-air, open-eye, open-everything" experience. While I haven't personally tried them, my fellow travelers have described them as an "amazing" encounter. However, I'm not eager to try them myself.

We passed through a Chinese military checkpoint, where they simply opened the luggage compartment, shone a light inside, and waved us through. From 1:00 AM to 5:00 AM, we stopped in Mojiang to allow the driver to rest. We then continued our journey.

Sunday, April 12, 2015: Kunming - Lijiang

This morning, around eight o'clock, we, the martial arts masters, arrived in Kunming. Aloha... Kunming is a major economic city in Yunnan Province, China. Most of the province's transportation systems start here. There are very complete transportation systems, including subways, inter-city trains, and airports. This city is very convenient. The weather is not hot either. Even though it is April, which is scorching hot in our country, people here have to wear jackets throughout the city. You can take a leisurely walk here.

At 9:00 AM, take bus route C71 to the train station.

The atmosphere on the C71 bus

Following the directions of the officers we asked around the area, we couldn't understand a word. We relied on a survival guide for China and pictures printed from the internet, specifically from this Blue Room forum. We must express our gratitude for the excellent information provided. We sat until the end of the line, no need to worry. It took half an hour, and the bus arrived at the bus station.

Time to go, let's find the train station.

Turn left at the intersection and walk straight ahead. You will see the Kunming Railway Station on your right.

Immediately walk straight in. In the morning, there are a lot of people, as befits the most populous country in the world. Before entering the building, you must have your bags checked. Everything must pass through the eyes of the officials before entering the train kingdom. It's really big.

Queue to enter the scanner.

The station has automated ticket machines, but I didn't know how to use them, so I just walked past. I walked to the right and went to the ticket office. The staff member suggested that I go to window 1, but it turned out to be the window for people with disabilities. I guess they thought I was disabled because I couldn't speak Chinese! Haha, they were really nice. The ticket seller spoke English, but with a bit of a Chinese accent, so it was a little difficult to understand. I finally got my train ticket to Lijiang for 89 yuan. It's the cheapest seat available, and the train departs at 20:49.

The original plan was to go around 11 am, but it was already full, so we had to make the most of our free time. Let's go explore Kunming City.

Luggage storage is available here for 5 yuan per bag, with no time limit. After exiting the ticket office building, turn right and walk straight to the end to find the luggage storage room. The restrooms (free) are located opposite the luggage storage room and are reportedly clean. After storing your belongings, you can step outside and take a picture with the iconic landmark of the train station.

The golden bull is truly formidable.

Our current mission is to find a picnic spot for lunch in a park somewhere in Kunming.

Wandering around, I realized I had no idea where I was. The offline map wasn't helping either. So, I was officially lost. But hey, since I was already lost, I figured I might as well keep walking. I had plenty of time to get lost, so why worry?

The city is truly beautiful. Everything is pleasing to the eye. From the outside, it looks very clean. Walking is not tiring either. The weather is cool and comfortable. I really don't want to think about Thailand right now.

It was noon, and I was planning to go to the park to have lunch. However, there was an entrance fee, which I was not expecting. Feeling disappointed, I decided to change my plan and have lunch at a restaurant instead.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, the group of four surprised the owner by ordering only one dish.

The fried rice costs 11 yuan, and I also ordered 3 yuan of plain rice to eat with the fried rice. I was confused. I ate it with the provisions I had prepared, which were delicious. The owner of the shop walked around us many times, wondering what it was and what we were eating. So we called him over to try it and see if Thai food was delicious. He just made a blank face. In the end, I don't know if it was delicious or not. 555 This meal was very cheap and very filling and delicious.

We then took a shortcut and came across a McDonald's. We decided to have a quick bite and use the restroom for 16 yuan. After resting our legs for over an hour, we continued our walk.

A photo with the owner of a fruit shop, who also presented a fish sauce chili paste as a souvenir.

The majority of the city sells fruit and snacks from carts. Notably, there are many pineapples with holes (known as "ตาโบ๋") available at reasonable prices.

The fruits there are delicious and have won the hearts of many Thai people like us.

Lost in Kunming City

After a tiring walk, I arrived at the train station to wait. While waiting, I ate plain rice that I had bought earlier in the day with chili paste that I had brought from Thailand. It served as my dinner.

At 8:49 p.m., it was time to board the bus to Lijiang. It was very chaotic, with people cutting in line everywhere. I don't know where they were in such a hurry to go, as everyone had assigned seats. They just kept cutting in line. When we realized it was almost time to board, we rushed to put our bags at the exit door to reserve our seats. All the seats were already taken, so we ended up sitting in the aisle. We were afraid of being cut in line.

"Please do not cut in line. I have already reserved this seat."

Subsequently, a massive crowd of humans gathered at the exit, creating an overwhelming sense of congestion. The sheer number of people was astounding.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, we encountered a Kunming student who, like us, was traveling to Lijiang. He spoke English and approached us as we were taking pictures without a care in the world. We exchanged greetings as strangers do. As the train moved, passengers engaged in various activities, including fortune-telling. The smell of cigarettes permeated the air, but the bathrooms were surprisingly clean, with no overflowing trash or strong odors. Did I sleep on the train with a hard seat? Not a wink. My body ached, and it was uncomfortable. But we endured it for the sake of budget travel. Such is the essence of life's experiences. The main activity on the train was playing cards. That night, in my carriage, I counted at least four or five games in progress, including my own. It was a way to pass the time until we reached our destination at 6:00 am.

The atmosphere in the train carriage was very lively. I will continue later. After this, I will take you to see the magnificence of the snow on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Now, I need to sit down and work first. ^^

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April 13, 2015: (Lijiang, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Lake)

The Journey to Lijiang Old Town

At approximately 6:00 AM, the train arrived at Lijiang Railway Station. As the doors opened, a wave of frigid air instantly hit us. The temperature was incredibly low, and the sky was still dark. We questioned whether it was truly 6:00 AM, as our bodies struggled to adjust to the sudden change.

Our next objective was to find a bus, as reviews had mentioned their affordability. However, we were unable to locate it due to a lack of specific directions. We ended up wandering around and stumbled upon a taxi stand. The drivers quoted an exorbitant price of 30 yuan per person for a ride to the old town, and they refused to negotiate. After a tense standoff, we decided to resume our search for the bus stop.

Fortunately, we encountered a friendly Chinese individual who had previously assisted us on the train. He kindly negotiated a taxi fare of 10 yuan per person for us. As we approached the old town, the sky began to brighten, revealing a breathtaking sight. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain majestically stood before us, captivating our attention. We were filled with excitement and anticipation, realizing that we were about to experience real snow. We expressed gratitude for the opportunity and for our determination to reach this point. We continued to gaze at the mountain until we arrived at Lijiang Old Town at 7:00 AM.

Our next destination was to find a hotel. We didn't book in advance, planning to walk around and find something spontaneous and authentic. The first hotel we were looking for was the International Youth Hostel. We walked around in circles for a couple of rounds but couldn't find it, even though the spot we were standing at and the hotel's location were supposed to be the same. We couldn't find it, so we wandered around for a while before deciding to find a new place to stay. As we walked, we came across The Family Hotel.

Affordable and charming accommodation, 150 yuan per room. Three beds, but can accommodate four people.

The owner is very friendly and I highly recommend this place. We arrived at the accommodation at 8 am and had to hurry to change clothes and prepare for our trip to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Preparations for Conquering the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

1. Oxygen cans can be purchased near your accommodation for 25 yuan per can. If you don't bring any, the car taking you there will stop for you to buy some along the way, but they are much more expensive at 100 yuan per can. It is recommended to bring your own.

The shop where I bought the canned oxygen is a pharmacy and cigarette shop, not far from my accommodation.

2. A red winter coat that can withstand temperatures below zero. If you don't have a car, you can rent one for 50 yuan.

3. Sunglasses. It's very sunny up there, and the reflection off the snow can be very harsh on your eyes.

This is sufficient. Let's avoid unnecessary complications.

At 8:45 AM, we set out to find the bus station to the park, unsure of its exact location. Armed with only a picture of Lijiang's Old Town map and an offline map on our phones, we began asking for directions. We encountered several individuals offering tours, but we politely declined. Finally, at the guardhouse before entering the Old Town's north gate, we met a kind elderly couple. We simply showed them the picture, as we couldn't speak Chinese. They explained the route in Chinese, using gestures and pointing, making it clear for us to understand. The bus station was within walking distance of the Old Town, and it took us 10 minutes to reach. The bus fare was 30 yuan per person, and we agreed without much negotiation due to time constraints.

The bus stop for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is located opposite the statue of Chairman Mao.

Chairman Mao is raising his right arm, indicating that he is on the right path.

Around 10 am, we arrived at the park entrance. The scenery along the way to the park was breathtaking. We were able to gaze at the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain throughout the journey, and just seeing it made me happy.

Imagining myself amidst the pristine white snow, grinning from ear to ear as I sit by the car window. During the rainy season, the landscape transforms into a vibrant green, with the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain serving as a majestic backdrop. The contrasting beauty of each season offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

- The park entrance fee is 100 yuan per person, but we have ISIC cards, so it is reduced to 50 yuan.

• After passing this checkpoint, you can purchase a cable car ticket for 180 yuan and a cable car ride for 20 yuan.

10.17 am: Queued for the cable car. The wait was 2 hours long. By the time we boarded, it was already noon. It took forever!

"Excuse me, which lane is this? Haha, no one can overtake me!"

Exhausted from fighting through the crowd to get on the bus.

To avoid long queues and delays, we must adopt a more assertive approach, similar to our Chinese counterparts. Otherwise, we risk waiting until 3 pm to board the cable car. By embracing a proactive attitude, we can ensure a comfortable and timely ascent to the summit. Let us embark on this journey to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and hone our skills.

And then we have to queue up for the cable car. Just the view from the cable car is amazing.

The cable car ride was exhilarating, with sudden jolts at each pylon that sent shivers down our spines. The breathtaking views from the cable car were like stepping into a winter wonderland. The stunning scenery left us speechless, unable to contain our excitement. We couldn't help but express our awe, feeling as if we were transported to a magical realm. The experience evoked vivid images from Chinese films, adding to the surreal atmosphere.

This is the first level of excitement. I want to shout out loud that... oh my god, it's amazing!

12:20 PM. The cable car took us to the top of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Let's go and experience our first snow!

Stepping out of the cable car, I was greeted by a breathtaking sight: snow-capped mountains, glistening snowflakes, and a vast expanse of white. Words fail to describe the overwhelming emotions that surged through me. It was like witnessing something so awe-inspiring that it rendered me speechless. The feeling was akin to a heart overflowing with joy, threatening to burst if not expressed. I stood there, mesmerized, oblivious to everything else. The need for a restroom, the whereabouts of my travel companions—all faded into insignificance. I simply inhaled the crisp mountain air, my eyes feasting on the panoramic vista, and my heart swelling with a profound sense of wonder. Who could have imagined that an ordinary person like me would find myself in such an extraordinary place? A dream come true, an epitome of magnificence and grandeur.

Snowwwwwww Where's the red water, Hale's Blue Boy?

Let's go. We'll start walking to the highest point they'll let us go.

During my visit, I was fortunate to experience a period of low visitor traffic, allowing me to capture numerous photographs without the presence of crowds. This contrasted sharply with other days, when the site was reportedly teeming with visitors, resembling a bustling marketplace.

"Making the most of it! Taking photos every 100 meters, no need to worry about time. Oh, life is good!"

The trail was occasionally dusted with snow, adding a touch of magic to the scenery. Even this small amount of snowfall was enough to create a breathtaking spectacle.

It took 4 hours to be on top, capturing every detail to conquer the peak.

Translation:

Strolling and taking breaks, sucking on oxygen. What helps is chocolate, so bring plenty. I guarantee it's delicious. Haha, it really helps.

Mountain peak and clouds

It's time for individual photos. Come on, come on!

I am the OP myself. (Please translate well, haha)

Translation:

Is there anything else I can help you with?

Pretty Meow Sister with an Innocent Worldview

A clumsy, innocent girl named Fai.

Sam really likes Yaem.

Three steps forward, two steps back. Will I ever reach the top at this rate? What are they filming over there?

The man in the photo is taking off his shirt and posing in the snow. He is not wearing any other clothes. It is unclear if he is cold or not.

And now it's time for me to start practicing my basic martial arts skills.

Hey, hey, hey, what are you going to do with the rock? Hey, Phi Fai.

The Power Rangers franchise has also arrived.

You're looking good all by yourself, huh?

Translation:

The speaker is describing their experience getting closer to a hidden scripture. They ask someone to take a picture, but the person taking the picture doesn't understand what they're saying. The speaker then lifts their camera, and the person taking the picture realizes what they want and takes a photo. The speaker is happy with the result, even though it took a long time to get one good picture.

Translation:

The higher we climb, the closer we get to the glacier. This glacier is thousands of years old.

A captivating view that will leave you mesmerized.

We are almost at the summit. One oxygen can is already used up. I only brought two cans. Will we make it?

We have successfully conquered the highest point at 4,680 meters above sea level. We are overjoyed!

We met three groups of Thai people. The first group consisted of three people named P'Boy, P'Jack, and P'.... We met them by chance while taking photos and ended up talking and taking photos together. We all had the same goal of going to Yating, so we agreed to share a taxi. We arranged to meet at 8pm in front of McDonald's to discuss the details, and then we went our separate ways because they had bought a tour and needed to make time. We continued walking because we were the ones who set the time, taking photos at every spot that our camera memory could handle. As we walked, we came across...

Group 2 of Thai people

Group 2, I don't know how many people came, but I just know that they were people who stopped by to say hello and then went their separate ways.

Group 3, this group is awesome. Only one person, named Som, came alone. She was so cool! I was a little jealous because I wanted to do that too. Not only did she come alone, but she didn't even bring any oxygen when she climbed the mountain. Amazing! We met at the top of the mountain and then walked back down together because she could speak Chinese.

4:30 PM, descend the mountain and wait for the free bus to Bluemoon Valley. Take a half-hour walk.

The stunning emerald-green pool of Bluemoon Valley is nestled amidst towering mountains, with the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain standing tall in the background. The name "Bluemoon Valley" originates from the mesmerizing sight of the moon's reflection casting a blue hue on the water's surface during moonlit nights.

Translation:

Is there anything else I can help you with?

5:30 PM, we took a similar car back to the old town for 20 yuan per person. The car will stop at the same place where we got on this morning. We walked back to the accommodation leisurely. I haven't had a good sleep since I left Mo Chit. I'm going to take a rest first. I have a bad headache. I need to recharge for tonight.

It was 8 pm, and the sky was still not dark. I had to take a shower and get dressed to meet up with my friends who were going to Yading together. The plan was to rent a car from Lijiang to Shangri-La, so we could also stop by Tiger Leaping Gorge. We went to a tour company near Mac, but we couldn't understand each other. We couldn't agree on a price, and the conversation was dragging on. It was almost 10 pm, and we still had no idea what to do. Then, out of nowhere, my friend Som, who we met on the mountaintop (and who speaks Chinese), showed up. It was like a miracle. Som spoke to the owner of the shop, and we just stood there quietly, waiting for Som to ask us about our travel plans. After some negotiation, we agreed on a price of 600 baht per day. We were okay with that, but we had to pay the full amount in advance. Since we were worried about getting scammed (we had read some reviews), we asked to pay half as a deposit. The owner agreed. But then, as we were talking, he asked for a higher price, 700 baht. Otherwise, he wouldn't go. We were shocked, but we gritted our teeth and agreed. We didn't want to have any problems, and we didn't want to risk getting killed on the way. After we agreed, it was finally time to find something to eat. We thought we would find something simple and easy to eat, but we ended up eating Chinese hotpot.

Translation:

"Feel free to choose any vegetables you like, there are plenty to choose from. If you see something unusual, definitely try it! Water spinach is a must, and there's another strange-looking vegetable that I can't identify."

This is Chinese pork, it looks delicious.

And then you have to put everything in this pot, just like our good old sukiyaki. But here, every shop sells pretty much the same things.

This is amazing! Yak meat is delicious, but I can't eat much because I'm not good at eating strange things.

This is our dinner for 8 people tonight. The taste is quite good. We ordered a variety of dishes, as we are from the countryside and this is our first time in China. We only ordered what we could eat, which turned out to be very little compared to the table next to us. We had two vegetables, pork, and soup for 8 people. This is the first meal we've had in China that we've actually eaten seriously.

After a late dinner, we parted ways with the other members of our tour group and went for a walk with Mr. Som to admire the illuminated sights of Lijiang's old town.

The atmosphere is incredibly lively, with shops lining both sides of the street, open for business all day and night. This creates a stunning display of lights in the evening.

Translation:

"It's unbelievable that in this old town, there are pubs, pubs, pubs lined up in a row! So many! The music is booming, boss. Are we really in the old town? Haha! But they are separated by canals, which act as a barrier. However, they are only about 100 meters apart. You can find everything here! I didn't go in, just walked by."

Translation:

Lijiang Pubs

Translation:

Unable to bear the music, lights, and sounds, I decided to go have a beer at a roadside stall. Haha, it's a completely different vibe.

Translation:

There are many beers to choose from in various cities, including Dali and Lijiang. You can choose any city's beer, they are all delicious. Personally, I like Dali beer, which costs 15 yuan per bottle (local price). You can easily enjoy three or four bottles.

The night view is stunning in photographs. The bustling crowds and the city's vibrancy are truly remarkable. With its snow-capped mountains, serene lakes, historic districts, bustling shopping areas, and lively entertainment venues, this city offers an unforgettable experience.

This is her, Sister Som.

It's very late now, so it's time to say goodbye to Som. Som has to continue her journey to Sapa, Vietnam. I'm jealous of her, traveling alone. As for us, we got lost and couldn't find our way back to our accommodation. We walked around aimlessly until we had to start over at the Mac store. It was after 1 am before we could finally go to sleep.

Another long day in a foreign city has come to an end. It's no surprise why so many people visit this place. This is just the beginning of our real journey. Let's get a good night's sleep and wake up to another exciting day tomorrow.

See you again in Episode 2. I will take you on a journey through the martial arts world, to the city of Zhongdian, or Shangri-La as it is known, and then on to Sichuan Province.

Translation: