We booked Phoebe's natural plant observation tour, led by a young, knowledgeable female translator who softly introduced the local flora and fauna along the way. As city dwellers and migrating birds, we learned a lot about different plants and animals, realizing that life can be diverse. Surrounded by the natural environment, we experienced spiritual cleansing, and felt the energy of nature nourishing our bodies and minds—perfect for busy urban dwellers like us. Walking between mountains and fields, we saw mountains, streams, sunshine, and the energy of nature—that was truly wonderful.
The experience was perfect. Teacher Yangmi led our team, and we were accompanied by "Little Stream" throughout the journey, sharing laughs and interesting moments. We learned about the process of making milk fans and tasted some that weren't fully dehydrated yet, with a texture similar to burrata. We arrived at the edge of a village, walking and exploring plants and foraging for wild vegetables. The flavors of different wild vegetables were also very unique and fascinating.
The dyeing experience was also very special. We picked flowers ourselves and printed them onto small pouches. The overall atmosphere was very good, and Teacher Yang took great care of us. If given the chance, I would love to come back and experience more activities!
Our family of three, with a 7-year-old boy, chose the creekside plant dyeing activity. The team leader Yan Zi is a responsible and adorable girl, very dedicated in explaining the various plants we encountered along the hike. She also prepared raincoats, hot milk tea, fruits, and snacks for us. She even brought her adorable little dog, Dian, to keep us company. The kid was super happy, and it was a wonderful afternoon~ I will participate in other activities when I come back to Dali.
She also brought her adorable little dog to keep us company. The kids were super happy, and it was a wonderful afternoon~ We will participate in other activities when we visit Dali again.
Yesterday, I took the whole family to participate in Teacher Xiao Jing's creekside hiking and plant dyeing. Starting from the departure point, walking a short distance will lead to a beautiful mountain valley creek. We could sit on rocks, drink tea, eat fruits, and use collected plants for dyeing on cloth bags. Compared to climbing small slopes and being exposed to the sun during the hike, the creekside is cool and quiet with natural white noise. We could probably lie around all day with a folding chair or if we don't mind hard rocks.
Teacher Xiao Jing knows a lot about plants and explains them very interestingly. Throughout the entire trip, I didn’t encounter any plants she couldn’t identify. Very impressive. She has a gentle personality, speaks little but is very willing to chat, making it a very pleasant experience.
In short, this was my second day in Dali, and this activity is currently my number one favorite haha.
The activity recommended by friends at Cangshan Hiking House. After checking the weather forecast with rain expected, heading up the mountain and going to the beach are less suitable. Going uphill to pick tea was my choice.
This activity really suits me. I focus on finding tender tea leaves, and don't need to speak much along the way. Meanwhile, the team leader keeps intermittently introducing the flowers and plants encountered on the path. There’s eucalyptus, whose aroma is very fragrant, described as woody scent, but I think it smells like guava, getting more fragrant the more I smell. There are walnut trees, which produce many fruits with each bloom. There are spices for Tom Yum soup, green plants used in toothpaste (smelling like menthol), flowers that can be brewed for tea to reduce internal heat, and some whose names I can’t remember...
The new experience has added to my anticipation of drinking naturally air-dried white tea! I also drank white tea on the team leader’s vehicle, and I liked it!
I also envy the companionship between the team leader and the dog. The puppy is really adorable; as soon as it sees me, it comes over to say hello! No longer afraid of dogs, I gently stroke it and play with it.
Dali has come multiple times already. This time, I’m experiencing life at a leisurely pace as a traveler, immersing myself in the local atmosphere and discovering the customs hidden in the streets, alleys, and fields. Without a good guide, it's really difficult. When I came across a van traveling post, it immediately resonated with me. Avoiding crowds and check-ins, this grounded feeling immersed in dirt and plants is the kind of travel experience I seek.
Yangmi led us into Dali's fairyland, forging a connection between our journey and nature through her innate vitality, like a magical power woven from grass and natural elements.
If possible, I would give six stars — this is the most enjoyable activity I’ve experienced in Dali!
Sailing through Dali’s Xihu Lake, even rain at the start didn’t dampen our spirits. We felt the strength of our paddles in the rain. The guide led us through reeds, where we saw wild ducks and egrets, and even enjoyed watermelons on the water.
The team leader's humor is humorous and witty, the teaching is relaxed and efficient, and throughout the process, attention is paid to everyone’s feelings. Safety measures are in place. I'll come back next time!!
The first time I tasted fresh butter directly scooped from a bucket, its texture was very much like cheese—creamy and fragrant when chewed.
The ancient towering trees with intertwined roots have stood along the Tea Horse Road for hundreds of years. Watching the passing travelers, from horse-drawn carriages to modern motor vehicles, as the wind blows, the seed pods of Denga hummingbird tree produce a melodious clattering sound like flowing water, as if telling us about the wonderful years they have experienced.
Today's biggest happiness was for Gua Gua—city dogs can run freely in the wilderness without worries, chasing butterflies, squirrels, small birds, and frogs. In the process, Gua Gua even managed to plunge into the vegetable patch! Gua Gua, you’re now a dog who has also traveled the Tea Horse Road.
We leisurely walk while picking beautiful flowers and plants, dyeing them onto our bags, and also harvesting wild vegetables that grow freely, which we then turn into delicious wild vegetable tempura. This was my first time learning that wisteria flowers are edible.
My friend Xiao Jing and I sat by the river listening to music, frying tempura, eating fruits, drinking tea, and chatting—all at the same time (ha ha ha, so many things happening simultaneously). Looking up, I noticed the sky was painted in so many colors—such a spontaneous gift from nature.
