An American Reporter’s Jureney in Yunnan China：
Last summer, my American journalist friend Lila finally fulfilled her long-cherished dream of visiting Yunnan. Over three weeks, she wandered across Yunnan’s magnificent landscapes and immersed herself in its rich local customs. After returning to the United States, she spoke of her journey with deep emotion, her eyes filled with reluctance and fond
Lila’s Yunnan adventure began in Xishuangbanna. In Gaozhuang, the lush tropical rainforest struck her as wonderfully novel, a stark contrast to the skyscraper-filled cities she was used to. “Walking through the dense woods, listening to the calls of birds and beasts, breathing in fresh, moist air, I felt as if I had stepped into an untouched primeval world,” she told me.
While in Xishuangbanna, Lila also joined the local Dai people’s Water-Splashing Festival. Graceful peacock dances and joyous water-splashing revelry brought her unique refreshment and delight amid the summer heat. “It was then I understood: splashing water is not merely a ritual to pray for blessings and ward off misfortune, but a reflection of the simple, pure way of life of the Dai people.”
Farewell to Xishuangbanna, Lila traveled to Lijiang. She had long heard tales of the ancient town’s charm, yet only when she stood within it did she grasp its ineffable magic. “Stroll along bluestone paths, gaze at clear brooks, listen to singers strumming melodies at Sifang Street. To be in Lijiang is to let your soul rest in paradise,” she exclaimed sincerely.
In Lijiang, Lila visited Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. “Though I did not climb to the summit, exploring Blue Moon Valley and White Water River allowed me to witness the snow mountain’s grandeur and sacredness up close — an experience I will remember for the rest of my life.” Despite slight fatigue from altitude sickness, her face glowed with genuine joy.
What lingered most vividly in Lila’s memory was her encounter with Erhai Lake and Dali Ancient Town. “Erhai Lake shines like a sapphire nestled between the Cangshan Mountains and the old town, crystal clear and breathtakingly beautiful.” Watching the shimmering ripples on the water, Lila fell into quiet contemplation. The lake’s serene peace washed over her, casting aside the hurry of her busy life.
“Compared with Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient Town resembles a wise elder who has weathered centuries. Every tile and every inch of land here is steeped in profound history.” Lila listened intently as her guide recounted Dali’s past and present. She imagined travelling back through time, wandering the ancient streets beneath shifting morning clouds and evening rains.
Three weeks slipped by in a flash, and Lila tearfully bid farewell to the Yunnan that had captured her heart.
Back in America, she said to me: “Yunnan’s beauty lies in its scenery, but even more in its people. This land nurtures not only stunning vistas but also sincere, warm folk customs. Every mountain and stream here reads like a poem, and every local wears a heartfelt smile. That is what touches me most deeply about Yunnan.”
Lila’s stories gave me a brand-new perspective on my hometown. Those of us who live in Yunnan often grow accustomed to its beauty. But through Lila’s eyes, I rediscovered Yunnan’s enchantment. The landscapes we see every day are, to outsiders, treasures worthy of our admiration and pride.