Tag Archives: Yunnan
Water Splashing Festival in Yunnan Posted by sasha on Apr 16, 2015
Yunnan province is one of the most ethnically diverse places in China – among the country’s 56 ethnic groups, 25 reside here. One such group is the Dai (傣族 – dǎi zú), who live primarily in the southern region of Yunnan known as Xishuangbanna (西双版纳 – xī shuāng bǎn nà) and are also in neighboring…
A Psy-Trance Festival in China – Spirit Tribe Posted by sasha on Apr 13, 2015
We came. We saw. We got our bodies painted, tried spinning poi, and danced the night away under a lunar eclipse. Over the Tomb Sweeping/Easter weekend, a group of 250 revelers descended on a small village outside of Kunming for the inaugural Spirit Tribe festival. Thrown by Beijing’s Goa Productions, this two-day psytrance party attracted…
The Lantern Festival (元宵节) Posted by sasha on Mar 5, 2015
Today is the 15th and final day of the Spring Festival, called 元宵节 (yuán xiāo jié) in Chinese and the Lantern Festival in English. Check out some highlights from the Grand View Park in Kunming where elaborate lanterns are set up to celebrate this special day: 元宵节 – yuán xiāo jié Lantern Festival 春节 – chūn…
A Very Chinese Chinese New Year Posted by sasha on Feb 25, 2015
After a 6-year hiatus from celebrating the Spring Festival in China, I decided to keep it local this year and take a short trip through southeast Yunnan’s Honghe Prefecture in favor of a beach vacation. Check out some highlights from our trip through this stunning part of China, home to many Hani and Yi people…
A Long Journey Home Posted by sasha on Feb 16, 2015
The Spring Festival is fast approaching, and millions of Chinese people are heading home to ring in the New Year with their loved ones. For many, it’s a long and tiring journey home. Trains are packed to the brim, airports are bustling, and roads are full of cars, trucks, and buses all across the country…
My Year in Chinese Posted by sasha on Dec 29, 2014
It’s been a great year, but it’s time to bid farewell to 2014 and say hello to 2015. At the end of the year, it’s always nice to reflect back and do some thinking. Here’s a little story about my year in Chinese to help you with your reading. Scroll down for pinyin and English versions…
Hong Kong to Kunming Overland Posted by sasha on Aug 30, 2014
For many people traveling to China, going between Hong Kong and Kunming is a great way to get in and out of the country – especially if on an extended trip around Southeast Asia. As the financial center of Asia and a huge tourist destination, Hong Kong is ideal for beginning a China adventure. Flights…