In Dali, entering the fern kingdom of happiness to the point of dizziness.
In the fern forest kingdom, meeting like-minded friends, then repeatedly exclaiming the beauty of life.
@Dali Cangshan Hiking Home. Huanhuan led us to taste the red azaleas, white rhododendrons, green peppercorns, sword-shaped acid membranes, and delicious homemade snacks.
Met many fern friends. The biggest, most beautiful, and my favorite is Libai. Carried all the way, spores scattered all over, sowing everywhere.
Photographer Xiao Zou kept praising "Good Ferns" along the way, more frequently than I did, exclaiming happiness. Captured dreamy memories, then took me to Silver Bridge Market to enjoy the fried fern vegetables I had been craving all day (not Xiao Zou’s reminder, I had already forgotten when ordering).
I enjoyed today very much. Extremely happy.
A journey full of surprises.
Phoebe’s love for nature also inspired the children to learn a lot about insects and plants. The accompanying adults also benefited greatly.
Spending time with Lizy was one of the best experiences we had in China. Being able to speak English with a local and interact made all the difference!
We met her at a farm, where we had tea and snacks—including her parents' delicious homemade green beans. We harvested some vegetables for dinner, and then she took us to the local market in her cool car :)
We arrived home, and she prepared a delicious and fresh dinner, one of the best meals we had in China. We also enjoyed some local beers and talked a lot about Chinese culture.
Lizy is careful and such a kind person! We absolutely loved this experience!
Throughout the trip, Lucky, her adorable dog, was always with us!
We had an especially fun stand-up paddleboarding experience.
The guide was very easygoing, great at chatting, attentive throughout, and explained everything in detail. Even beginners could stand up and paddle quickly.
Along the way, we stopped at Dengchuan Town, where we tasted super fresh milk and yogurt (with a slight dairy flavor from the March Market), and authentic乳扇 (fermented milk fan), which tasted very traditional (better than those sold in the old town). Before entering the water, the guide prepared fruit and cake to fill us up; after coming ashore, we replenished our energy—very thoughtful.
I am naturally afraid of water and can't swim, but although I fell in at the end, I managed to overcome my fear. That's probably the charm of outdoor activities.
Afterward, we went to a restaurant for a meal, which was the best I’ve had in Dali so far.
Overall, the experience was very relaxing and healing. I want to try other activities when I return to Dali.
Following the guide into the mountains, we reached Guala Ban in Yangjiang Town. Deep inside, there is a farm with a peony plant. The cow was mooing loudly from hunger.
After passing the alpine meadow, we entered the forest. Avoid the nettles, first encounter the Nepal alder, then see many rhododendrons in the mountains, still in bloom with large patches of blood-red color. (Figures 10 and 11 show the rhododendron.) The guide used a stem as a straw for us to drink the nectar from the rhododendron flowers.
Then there are large mountain banyan trees, poplars, and a swing made from kudzu roots. We took turns sitting on it. The big trees often have cavities, and people can stand inside them. There are also some ancient trees that have been felled, leaving thick stumps behind.
In moist areas, the tree trunks are always covered with lichens and mosses. There are also some blue and yellow fungi. The guide said that now is the windy season, and by summer, these colorful tree trunks will grow mushrooms of similar colors.
The endpoint is a pasture with a long stone wall, said to have been built by an old man over a long period. Later, the old man no longer lived there, and occasionally other families came to graze. So we encountered yellow cattle and black sheep. Many households also kept beehives here, which was my first time seeing them.
People often feel anxious and tense in the city, but in the mountains, with no signal, they just keep moving forward, drawing energy from nature each time.
Very surprised, and went with a little dog
Following Wangwang and the feeling of 'Furball' makes the 5 hours pass by quickly. Hiking wasn't as exhausting as I imagined; overall, it was more joyful. I will come back during the mushroom season next time!
An extremely satisfying hiking experience! Guide Li was very professional and enthusiastic, introducing us to various plants and teaching us some hiking tips. Plus, the adorable dog 'Furball' accompanied us throughout, and the kids were excited all along. Although it’s not mushroom season, we were very lucky to find a porcini mushroom! Highly recommended!
