The trip to the Fengyu Ancient Town market exceeded my expectations! Today was still a VIP group, and guide Xiao Li took my daughter and me along the way. We were very happy. First of all, Xiao Li's driving skills truly lived up to their reputation. Without exaggeration, he drove that last-century minivan with the momentum of an off-road vehicle plus a sports car—steady and fast! Second, Fengyu Ancient Town is a very rustic place. The market was full of locals, and we encountered fewer than 20 tourists throughout the whole trip. The goods at the market were fresh and looked healthy (all had insect holes). For many things we had never seen before, Xiao Li would introduce them and invite us to taste them. We ate as we walked along. Third, after visiting the market, we took a short walk in the ancient village and had afternoon tea. It felt so comfortable—hot tea 🍵 plus cheese sticks, very satisfying! They were very thoughtful in preparation, and there were also freshly bought fruits and boiled peanuts from the market. The plums were very sweet. Most importantly: Xiao Li himself is a person with a light about him. He is not just a guide or narrator, but he travels with us with his 'passion'. I'm not particularly good with words, and I don't know if I expressed it clearly. He has been on this route many times, but I could still see his love for all kinds of things during this short trip—photographing, observing, sharing. It was really fun to hang out with Xiao Li! I hope we can do an activity together again next time! Because of family matters, I left Dali early, so I didn't participate in the fern and Cloud Mountain Ridge activities. I'll leave it as a thought for next time, and I'll come again!
Walking in the ancient temple amidst the rain with He Chen, Bai Temple, and companions, encountering a grand event, meeting enthusiastic aunties, and wandering through the forest—this was a feast for the ears, nose, eyes, and touch. Eating at local eateries and drinking fresh milk was a delight for the taste buds. A pleasant journey full of surprises. He Chen's car is interestingly decorated with care, with plant specimens adorning every corner, colorful and beautiful seat cushions, and a light woody fragrance that I love. So no matter the distance or road conditions, whenever I get into his car, the journey is never dull. Along the way, studying the car decorations, admiring the scenery, and listening to his introductions about the locations, landscapes, local customs, and dietary habits—every word was engaging. I think such a serious, knowledgeable, thoughtful, and professional leader is rare. Under He Chen's guidance, we stumbled upon a grand event where the aunties warmly invited us, making me feel the simplicity and beauty of the locals. We were no longer just passersby or spectators in the journey; we could also be participants. He Chen is acquainted with local uncles, so he took us to several temples that are not open to the public. Walking quietly in the ancient temples, listening to He Chen's explanations, I noticed the floor tiles—they were truly special and beautiful. Following his pointing finger to the subtle corners of the eaves, I discovered the care and ingenuity in the architecture. I captured very satisfying angles and photos. The rice fields by the roadside were beautiful, and the natural forest in the rain was so fresh and ethereal, like a fairyland. Walking in the rain, smelling the fragrance of pine needles and grass, listening to the drizzle, and seeing the eye-pleasing tender green and deep green... Experiencing nature freely—this is what I wanted.
Great experience! After visiting the lively market, we also explored a quiet ancient village. The driver's skills were excellent, and taking kids along was fun. The tea break was wonderfully prepared, and the photos had a story-like quality. In short, it was a fantastic market trip.
The guide, Xiao Li, was very nice, humorous and enthusiastic. He took us around the village market, let us try many local foods that were good and cheap! We also hiked into the village and had a tea break under a big tree. Very
Super good! The guide Zhenhao was very thoughtful, warm-hearted, and thorough. I asked questions all the way, and he could basically answer them all! In the first half of the day, we visited a market, deeply experiencing the daily life of locals without any commercialization. He even helped us bargain, haha. The second half was spent wandering around the village, with beautiful surroundings. I want to come again. In short, I recommend this route and guide Zhenhao!
Hiking through the pristine ancient villages, walnuts were scattered all over the ground. I just picked up a stone, cracked them open, and ate them. In front of these centuries-old trees, we can feel the greatness of nature and the miracle of life. They have witnessed the development and progress of human history. Thanks to Xiao Li from Hiking Home for showing us the scenery of the ancient villages!
Xiao Li, a local from Eryuan, said that his favorite town in Dali is Fengyu. Now I know why... 'Little Dali' is as enjoyable as Dali town, but has its own unique beauty. Standing in the ancient village and looking down at the basin below was amazing. I also understood why a person from Jiangnan over four hundred years ago had the chance to come here... On the first day of the third lunar month in 1639, Xu Xiake set out from what is now Eryuan county town and arrived at Fengyu. 'On the first day of the third month, He Changjun came on horseback to the front of the Confucian Temple, gave me a packed meal as a gift, and then I went out the south gate. After one li, I passed the drill ground, where the main road went southeast. I took a fork and went southwest along the western mountain. After four li, the western mountain ended to the south, and there was a stream coming out of the western gorge—this was the Fengyu stream, quite large. To the south, Tianma Mountain crossed and clamped it, facing the southern end of the western mountain like a gate. The water flowed out from between them, eastward into the southern slopes and fields of Cibi Lake, then south past Liancheng and into Putuo Kong. The road followed the western mountain's southern end upstream. After five li, a stone cliff suddenly rose on the northern bank, its head towering and looking west—that is, facing west. Inside the valley opened up a bit, and there was a village under the towering head in the valley, called Shanguan. On top of the towering head, a temple sat on the stone peak, looking very prominent. This was probably the back mountain of the county, branching south from Santai, and this was its southwestern end. Inside, the main ridge curved slightly west, and in the south it formed an east-west valley with Tianma. Following the northern bank of the stream for another three li or so, I reached the foot of the main ridge to the west, then turned south. After one li, I crossed a stream and went south along the eastern mountain. After one li, I reached Menjiangmen post, where a guard was by the roadside. Another two li south, a small hill sat across the gorge, choking the water's throat. The Fengyu water came from the south, and the Tiejiacang stream came from the west, joining to pound the eastern cliff. The road then went along the cliff, climbing above it. After two li, I came out south of the choke point. A village was on the eastern slope, as if tying the mouth. From this village, the mountain valley opened wide to the south: west was Fengyu, east was Qishi back mountain, forming a north-south grand valley, very open. Three streams ran through it, from Shangsi in the south to here in the north, about twenty li, all with fertile fields connected, and valleys forming villages. The winding gorge led into seclusion, and the spiritual marsh by the water was sandwiched by water. The ancient Zhuchen Village and Peach Blossom Spring had long faded, but this hidden gem remained—truly a marvel. Following the eastern mountain south, I reached Xinshengyi, five li in total, then turned west across the valley. Crossing the valley for five li, I arrived at the foot of Fengyu on the western mountain. This was Sheshangpan, the ancient Fengyu county.'
Fengyu ancient town market village tour
Everywhere you see elderly women in ethnic costumes, the people are simple and friendly. They let you try before you buy.
A bowl of cold noodles costs 3 yuan, a baked cake bigger than my face is 2 yuan, and super delicious Bai cuisine averages less than 30 per person... Only then can you feel that the countryside air is sweet.
I came to Yunnan again this year for Chinese New Year. The market in Eryuan was so much fun, we tried food all the way, and I learned about Yunnan's Jia Ma (paper effigies). My species guide is still being updated. Xiao Li also took us on a forest hike and picnic. It was a fulfilling day, a special New Year's Eve ✌🏻 Happy New Year 🥳🧨
Xiao L's market-going activity was extremely fulfilling and full of sincerity! The handsome Xiao L provided so much positive energy, hahaha! 1. We drove an hour and a half to Fengyu Town to visit the market, and the scenery along the road was picturesque. We arrived at the market around ten o'clock, just when it was lively. We could see many animals, crops, and some local snacks and delicacies. The villagers in the market were very simple and honest, and Xiao L let us try anything we wanted. If we were really interested in something, we could buy it. There was an SF Express pickup point in the market where goods could be shipped. I thought the pig blood sausage was very fragrant, haha. Inside the market, there was a very exquisite farmhouse restaurant. The owner loves life and has a beautiful courtyard. We ordered some Bai ethnic specialty dishes and tasted the local flavors. Because the pork in the market was also freshly slaughtered every day, with such fresh ingredients, the quality of the food was indeed taken to a higher level. Then, the enthusiastic Xiao L arranged a hiking route and took us to explore an abandoned village from the past. However, the village had exceptionally beautiful scenery, and deep inside, we unexpectedly discovered Li Jian's studio and Meng Fei's studio. It seems that celebrities also want to come to such extremely quiet places to relax, haha. At the foot of the mountain, under a big tree, Xiao L prepared perilla, papaya, and tea for us to have a short tea break. Of course, it wasn't over yet. Xiao L's philosophy is never to backtrack, so we drove to a milk factory and a small shop that makes rushan (a traditional dairy food). The rushan popsicles and rose milk popsicles in this small shop were really delicious! We also saw the process of making rushan. And thus ended a fulfilling and interesting experience that began with a market visit!
So fun I came to Yunnan for the New Year again this year. The market in Eryuan was so fun, with free tastings all along the way. I also learned about Yunnan's Jiama woodblock prints, and my species guide is being updated. Xiao Li also took us on a forest hike and picnic. It was a fulfilling day, a special New Year's Eve ✌🏻 Happy New Year 🥳🧨
A fulfilling day Xiao L's market activity was very, very fulfilling and full of sincerity! Handsome Xiao L provided so much emotional value, hahaha! 1. We drove an hour and a half to Fengyu Town for the market, and the roadside scenery was picturesque. Arriving around ten o'clock, the market was bustling. We saw many animals, crops, and local snacks. Since the villagers were very simple, Xiao L let us try anything for free, and if we were really interested, we could buy. There was a SF Express pickup point in the market for shipping. I thought the pig blood sausage was quite tasty, haha. There was a very exquisite farmhouse in the market; the owner loved life and had a beautiful yard. We ordered some Bai ethnic specialties and tasted the local flavors. Since the pork in the market is freshly slaughtered daily, the quality of the food was elevated. Then the enthusiastic Xiao L arranged a hiking route, taking us to explore an abandoned village. The scenery there was exceptionally beautiful, and deep inside we unexpectedly found Li Jian's studio and Meng Fei's studio. It seems celebrities also seek such extremely quiet places to unwind, haha. Under a big tree at the foot of the mountain, Xiao L prepared perilla and papaya and tea for a short break. But it wasn't over yet; Xiao L's philosophy is not to backtrack, so we drove to a milk factory and a shop that makes rushan (a local cheese). The rushan popsicles and rose milk popsicles at this shop were really delicious! We also saw the process of making rushan. And that concluded our fulfilling and interesting experience that started with the market!
