Monday, August 3, 2009

如斯如画 Chocolate-drop Hillocks

As I read the photocopy materials from some guidebooks during my stay in Bamei village, I decided to spare some short time visiting a district town called Qiubei (丘北) located in Yunnan near to the border of Guangxi. This town would be the pit stop for my plan to visit Puzhehei (普者黑) which is famous for its gorgeous natural karst landscape. Puzhehei is known as backup spot with similar scenery after Guilin and its sibling Yangshuo.

During wet season, a good way to visit the place is via boat ride through the 20km long waterway which will take around 4 to 5 hours, and of course to pay certain reasonable price for the ride. You will pass through lakes full of lotus, see more than 300 karst formation, as well as caves along the ride. I was there during dry season in December, where a lot of waterways are dried up and no lotus for viewing. Therefore, I need other way to appreciate the beauty of PuZheHei and I chose to climb the QingLon (青龙) Hill nearby for aerial view of the whole area. The walk from the entrance to the hill, and back to the village took me around 3 to 4 hours, but it brought me to fantastic view of PuZheHei.

This is the first view I saw when I reached the first view point of QingLon Hill. No regret for the walk, as this is indeed another good way to appreciate the beauty of PuZheHei.


It looks like a painting to me and it was a good moment for me sitting up there having snacks, taking photos and enjoying the beautiful scenery.


There are more than 300 karst formation in this area.

Among the minority ethnics in these villages are mainly Zhuang (壮族), Miao (苗族), and Yi (彝族). I did not explore much on the villages due to time constraint as this place is an additional spot in my trip itinerary.

As I walked further up, I managed to see even a wider aerial view of Puzhehei. The scenery is amazing and worthwhile for the climb.
I was there during winter season, and therefore most of the fields are harvested. However, the villagers started planting for flaxseed for cooking oil.

This photo is taken on the other side of the hill, looking at different view of the area. If you noticed clearly, the lakes are full with dried lotus.

This is very different from my home county, as we see tree with green leaves thoughout the year, even though in dry season.


This bridge lead us to the village from QingLon hill. A hang out place for the locals with rest area.

Alternative way of moving around in the village besides using bicycle and motors.

This river is just located just next to the village. The water is crystal clear providing good reflection for photography, even though the villagers depend on it for daily activities such as washing clothes etc.

Last but no least, this is me enjoying myself at first view point, taking photos, eating, resting....

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