When you’re travelling in China it is wise to book your onward travel tickets as far in advance as possible purely because of the number of people on the move.  However, when in Dali, Yunnan in Winter, beware the weather. Most backpackers leaving Dali will be heading north to Lijiang and by bus that means via one single road which ‘goes over the top’.

NB: Even if you can book your own tickets (more…)

Where to stay in Dali, Yunnan?  We suggest the Number 4 Guesthouse on HuGuo Road, otherwise known as the Yuan Garden Hotel.  Beware the ‘vultures’ at the gate to Dali Old-town where the bus will drop you off – they will convince you to stay outside of the city walls!

Be brave, don your backpack and walk under the southern gateway (more…)

Mama Naxi is not a figure of backpacker folklore nor a myth of ancient China.  She is as real as you or I and, amongst backpackers from every nation the world over who have been to Yunnan, Mama Naxi is the Mother of China, the Patron Saint of Backpackers. (more…)