Traditional buildings in Dali

CCTV.COM (06.11 2003 18:01)

    You'll find a number of traditional buildings. The homes were built like the courtyard houses in Beijing, but the two styles differ in many details. The most striking is this huge whitewashed wall facing the main living room. Elegantly decorated, the wall is highly functional. In the afternoon, when the sun moves to the other side of the courtyard, the white wall reflects light into the main living room. It's a simple but ingenious way of making the most of what nature has to offer.

    People here have a passion for flowers and so each courtyard, big or small, is a beautiful garden. The locals are mainly the Bai people, which can be translated as 'the people of the color white'. But you can still find the influence of Chinese Han culture.

    Back out on the streets and sooner or later everybody heads to Yangrenjie, or the Foreigner's Street. The street has become something of a contemporary legend in Dali.

    It's lined with cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops and is the best place for travelers to enjoy a moment of rest. You can swap tips with other backpackers or get a taste of home by sampling the pancakes, pizza and coffee on offer.

Editor:Han Ling