The cloud in Yunnan just patted your head

In November 2019, a group of students from California joined us on an adventure along parts of the Ancient Tea and Horse Road in Northern Yunnan.  We spent 6 incredible days exploring the history of Tea and Horse Road, experienced some of the rich culture of Yunnan’s ethnic minority groups, tasted some truly delicious Yunnan cuisine, and challenged ourselves with hiking and cycling. One of our most popular destinations for educational programs, we at The Hutong love to share experiences with learners in the high mountains of Northern Yunnan.

Yunnan, literally meaning “South of the Clouds”, lies in the southwest of China. It borders Laos, Myanmar (Burma), and Vietnam as well as the provinces of Guangxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Tibet. The province is one of the most diverse in China and is famed for its multitude of ethnic groups, whose diverse customs can still be seen today. 

Minority groups

Of China’s fifty-five officially recognized ethnic minorities, twenty-five can be found in Yunnan: about one third of the population is not ethnic Han Chinese.

The Bai people, just one of these ethnic groups, are extremely hospitable; all guests are received warmly and treated well. 

Climate and Scenery

Most part of Yunnan enjoys a pleasant climate that is mild in winter and cool in summer, making it an excellent year-round vacation destination. The main scenery of Yunnan is farmland, miles of crops, rice, tobacco, and rapeseed flowers blooming yellow along the countryside.

Tea and Horse Caravan Road 

The “Tea and Horse Caravan Road” of Southwest China is less well known than the famous Silk Road. Its route crosses some very high and dangerous terrain. The name of the road indicates its importance in the trade of tea and horses, but other products passed along here as well. Horse caravans carried tea, sugar and salt from Sichuan and Yunnan to Tibet and brought back colorful local mountain goods. 

Hiking and Cycling

Hike this epic trail along the same mountain paths once traversed by horsemen carrying tea into Tibet. Tiger Leaping Gorge is a scenic canyon on the Jinsha River, a primary tributary of the upper Yangtze River. Legend says the name comes from a hunted tiger escaping by jumping across the river at the narrowest point using the rock in the middle.

At a maximum depth of approximately 3,790 meters from river to mountain peak, Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world. The inhabitants of the gorge are primarily the indigenous Naxi people, who live in a handful of small hamlets. The Tiger Leaping Gorge hike is famous for its scenery and level of challenge, however if you’re not a keen hiker, there are still other opportunities to explore the area’s farmlands and villages on two wheels. 

Lovely Old towns：Xizhou & Shaxi 

Xizhou is a small village in Dali, and lies against Er’hai Lake , considered the “mother lake” for local people. The Cang Mountain is to her west, adorned with flowers and a northerly wind. Xizhou is famous for her traditional Bai style buildings, lively local culture and delicious handmade snacks. Xizhou is honored as one of the 10 most beautiful ancient villages in China.  

Located Southwest of Dali, Shaxi has a special position in Dali’s history. Not only was it a large town, founded over 2400 years ago, but it also played a pivotal role during the Tang Dynasty, where it used to be an important post for the old Tea Horse Road. Visitors from all over came here to do business.  

Who is our Hutong Northern Yunnan Destination Program Master?

Ian Gabrielson:

Coming to The Hutong from the USA, Ian is the Hutong’s Director of Education, responsible for helping design and execute our Education programs across greater China. Ian has traveled all around China, but Northern Yunnan holds a special place in his heart. For it was along the banks of the Jinsha River,  in an old town on the Tea and Horse Road that Ian had his very first date with his now-wife, Lianne, back in 2011. 

Our Northern 大师 (Dàshī), Ian brought his love for Northern Yunnan when he joined The Hutong and began developing our Tea Horse Road programs back in 2015. It was then that he met our incredible local partners and friends in Lijiang and Shaxi who help make our programs in Yunnan so special. Along with them, Ian has led over 25+ programs to Northern Yunnan. With so many fond memories and inspiring experiences over the years, Northern Yunnan is truly Ian’s Shangrila.

Learn more about The Hutong Education at 

https://education.thehutong.com

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