I am Azu | 2021-11-02 | 31000

Five stunning citywalk routes in western Taiwan: See the sights, savor the food, and explore the charm of the city on foot

Preface

Visiting ancient city buildings, tasting authentic food, and slowly experiencing the local flavor—this is the original intention of our CITYWALK.

Be a citywalker, wandering the streets and alleys, getting up close and personal with the people who live there, and experiencing the true charm of a western city on foot. Locals carry on history in their own unique way, exuding both the fragrance of history and the modern atmosphere with their unique cultural characteristics, while keeping pace with the times.

Lhasa

【Attractions】

1. Danjieling Temple

Located in Dangyelin Community, Barkhor Street, Chengguan District, Lhasa City, it is a subsidiary temple of Samye Monastery. It is one of the four major forests in Lhasa and the earliest one built among the four major forests.

The temple has always been very popular. In history, it was very large. Now only a three-story building remains, hidden in the alleys of the old city of Lhasa. Many believers who cannot go to Samye Monastery due to the long distance will choose to come here to worship.

2. Sakya Monastery

Sakya Monastery is the main monastery of the Sakya sect. Its outer walls are painted with three different colors of red, white and black, symbolizing Manjushri, Guanyin and Vajrapani. Under the blue sky, black becomes the main color, giving people a strong visual impact.

The famous demon-repelling incense of the Sakya main temple is also available here. If you make a small offering or say something sweet, you can easily obtain it. This incense is said to be very effective in treating evil spirits, harm from non-human beings, and possession.

3. Chongsaikang

The Chongsaikang Market in Barkhor Street has been a famous commodity distribution center in Tibet since ancient times. No matter what the weather is like, there are always crowds of pedestrians and tourists coming and going here.

Groups of Khampa men in Tibetan robes stand among the passersby, observing each other and bargaining. Some stand alone, spreading a white cloth and scattering antique trinkets. These scenes, full of life, have inspired many tourists to pick up their cameras and make a special trip to capture the humanistic portraits of the Chongsaikang merchants.

【gourmet food】

1. Sweet tea and Tibetan noodles

Teahouses are everywhere in the streets and alleys of Lhasa, and have become one of the most prominent features of Lhasa. Sweet tea, Tibetan noodles and fried potatoes are the main items on the menu of all teahouses. Order a cup of sweet tea and a bowl of Tibetan noodles, and savor the aroma of tea and milk mixed in the sweet tea, and savor the aroma of barley in every bite of Tibetan noodles.

Tips:

Tour time: Gather at 14:30, explore Barkhor while enjoying the afternoon sun, and return to Barkhor Street Square at 18:30, a total of 4 hours

Guiyang

【Attractions】

1. Jiaxiu Tower

Jiaxiu Tower is located on a huge rock in the Nanming River, surrounded by the famous local commercial district. The calm Nanming River reflects the skyscrapers on both sides, highlighting a very beautiful night view.

There is another scenic spot with great historical charm to match Jiaxiu Tower, that is Cuiwei Garden: an ancient architectural complex from the Ming and Qing Dynasties consisting of Gongnan Pavilion, Cuiwei Pavilion and Longmen Academy.

Suggested visit duration: 1 hour. This place is less than 900 meters away from Wenchang Pavilion and can be visited together.

2. Wenchang Pavilion

First built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, this is also the Kuixing Tower of Yangzhou Prefecture School. It is a traditional sacrificial building with an architectural style similar to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.

There is Times Square 200 meters south of Wenchang Pavilion and Huaihai Road Food Street 250 meters west of it, so you can explore the entire area while taking a walk.

3. Caijia Street

Located in the most prosperous central area of ​​Guiyang, it is the shortest food street in Guiyang. Although it is short, there are definitely many foods worth trying here. Don’t miss out on Caijia Street, Pangjie Stinky Tofu and Jinpai Luoji Intestine Noodles.

【gourmet food】

1. Crispy Duck

The crispy duck in Guiyang is basically monopolized by "Danjia Crispy Duck". From the name, you can tell that the main feature of this snack lies in the word "crispy".

2. Tofu dumplings

Guiyang snacks are diverse. Some old Guiyang people must still remember the following "doggerel" about Guiyang snacks before liberation: "Tofu dumplings, sausage noodles, lotus leaf rice cakes, cake shops; first-class big steamed buns with brush heads, and wontons with sauce..." The tofu dumplings mentioned in this "doggerel" are the tofu dumplings of Leijia, which was founded in 1874.

Tips:

Tour duration: 13:45-14:00, meet at Jiaxiu Tower, end at Minsheng Road at 17:00, total 3 hours

Lanzhou

【Attractions】

1. Yellow River Mother Statue

The Yellow River Mother Statue has become a local city landmark. It consists of a "mother" and a "baby boy", symbolizing the Yellow River Mother and the descendants of the Chinese nation respectively. It is the most historically valuable of the many sculptures depicting the Yellow River Mother in the country.

When you come here, you can also experience the tradition firsthand, take a ride on the ancient sheepskin raft, play around the 100-mile Yellow River scenic line, and listen to those far-reaching anecdotes. The statue of the mother of the Yellow River lies between the 100-mile Yellow River and the hustle and bustle of traffic, peaceful and tranquil with a slight smile.

2. Zhongshan Bridge

Zhongshan Bridge was named in memory of Dr. Sun Yat-sen. It is the earliest and only modern steel-frame bridge built on the Yellow River that has been preserved to this day. Designed by Americans, constructed by Germans and participated in by Lanzhou people, this "first bridge" has gone through a total of 110 years.

It takes about ten minutes to walk through Zhongshan Bridge to reach Jincheng Pass. Under the bridge is the surging Yellow River, and the heavy bridge structure here tells the historical heritage.

3. Baita Mountain

A white pagoda stands atop a mountain, dotted with temples. Climbing and gazing back, you'll experience the beauty of a modern cityscape amidst the ancient architecture, creating a sense of time travel. Beyond this, the area boasts a wealth of historical significance worth exploring. Don't forget to visit the altars of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism while you're there.

【gourmet food】

1. Beef Ramen

Lanzhou beef ramen is undoubtedly a well-known delicacy in the country. The locals have very high requirements for the noodles and soup. The ramen made by authentic process is very chewy, and the rich soup is fresh and sweet.

2. Hand-pulled lamb

A very distinctive Northwestern delicacy. Grab a handful of delicious lamb and take a bite. It is not greasy or smelly, and is paired with hot and sour dipping sauce. Whether you eat it directly after slicing it or fry it until it is golden brown, it is irresistible.

3. Sweet mash

As one of the street snacks in Lanzhou, its production method is similar to that of Laozao. It has a light fragrance and is slightly sweet and very refreshing. However, its raw materials are selected coarse grains, and authentic sweet mash is hard to find in other places.

Tips:

Tour duration: Go to the Yellow River Mother Statue to gather and start your Jincheng exploration tour at 14:00 and end at 18:30, a total of 4.5 hours

Kunming

【Attractions】

1. Army Military Academy

Marshal Zhu De and Ye Jianying's alma mater, known as the "crucible of the Chinese revolution," was founded 15 years before the Whampoa Military Academy and was once as famous as the Baoding Army Officers School. It has educated two founding marshals and over 20 generals, including South Korea's first Prime Minister and Defense Minister and the Chairman of Vietnam's Provisional Government, making it a veritable "cradle of generals."

2. Yunnan University

Yunnan University, recognized as one of China's "Top Ten Most Beautiful Campuses" for its vibrant ginkgo biloba paths, is a popular choice for afternoon strolls. Visitors often overlook the campus's tranquil beauty in the morning. Ancient cypress trees, playful squirrels, the campus designed by Lin Huiyin, and the Physics Building, a testament to Sino-Soviet friendship, all speak to Yunnan University's rich history.

3. Qianwang Street

Qian Wang Chi, arguably the wealthiest yet most low-key individual in Chinese history, was once ranked by the British newspaper The Times as one of the world's wealthiest men in the late 19th century. Experience the typical, slow-paced lifestyle of Kunming on Qianwang Street.

4. Guanghua Street

Wenmiao Street, the old pharmacy, the Monument to the People's Heroes, and Nie Er's former residence are truly iconic symbols of Kunming. From the Ming Dynasty to the Republic of China, this old street has witnessed countless events, making it a place Kunming residents will never part with. Here, you can find authentic antiques and discover the centuries-old atmosphere... Its mottled, ancient spirit embraces both the past and the present.

【gourmet food】

1. Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles

Recommended address: Guandu Ancient Town

Price: 20-25 yuan per person

Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles has a history of over a hundred years and was introduced to Kunming over fifty years ago. If you have tried Kunming's Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles, you will find that no other place can compare to the authentic Kunming version.

Place raw pigeon or chicken eggs in a pot of boiling duck broth, followed by raw pork belly slices and then chicken slices. Stir gently, then add cooked meats such as roast pork. Add garnishes like leeks and pea tips, rice noodles, and finally seasonings. The broth is piping hot, but not steaming hot, so be careful not to burn your mouth.

2. Steam Pot Chicken

Recommended address: Golden Temple Back Mountain Food Circle

Price: 20-30 yuan per person

Steamed Chicken was once named one of the top ten classic Yunnan dishes in China. It is cooked in a unique earthenware steamer produced in Jianshui. It not only preserves the original flavor of the chicken, but also has a nourishing effect by adding Panax notoginseng and Cordyceps.

3. Wild fungi

Recommended address: Golden Temple Back Mountain Food Circle

Price: 80 to 150 yuan per person

July and August are the seasons for eating wild mushrooms. Whether you are eating wild mushroom hotpot or mushroom dishes, you can enjoy the fresh and fragrant wild mushrooms when you come to Kunming this season.

Tips:

Tour time: Meet at the South Gate of Yunnan University at 9:00 AM and disband at Dounan Flower Market at 4:30 PM, totaling 7.5 hours. You can also join the [Night Tour of Kunming] (5:30 PM - 9:00 PM) to experience the vibrant city and learn about Kunming in one night.

Dali

【Attractions】

1. Dali Ancient Town

The ancient city of Dali has gone through a hundred years of vicissitudes. It faces the rippling Erhai Lake to the east and the evergreen Cangshan Mountain to the west.

The ancient city is fleeting during the day. There are five main streets running from south to north and eight streets and alleys running from west to east. The whole city is laid out like a chessboard. If you just want to sightsee, one day is enough to visit all the attractions in the ancient city. In addition to Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, there is also a group of interesting people here. Walking on the street, you will find friends everywhere. The livable climate, long history, and diverse ethnic symbols make Dali Ancient City full of literary and artistic atmosphere.

2. Renmin Road Vegetable Market

Every local wet market is like the rings of a region's annual growth. It's filled with elements you see everywhere in your daily life, yet rarely notice: the breath of life, seasonal vegetables, the down-to-earth bustle...

Walking into the vegetable market in the ancient city is like walking into a delicate old movie. You come and I go, you sell and I buy, and every frame is the original flavor of life.

3. Bed Sheet Factory Art District

This is the continuation of an old factory, hidden in Dali's ancient city, at No. 56 Cangping Street. The street becomes narrower and quieter as you walk, until you reach the Bed Sheet Factory Art District. Here, you'll find a photography museum, a theater, a gallery, a cafe, and a unique creative market, where artists and artisans constantly tell new stories.

4. Catholic Church

Located in Dali Ancient Town, Dali Catholic Church, built in 1927, is a classic structure that blends local Bai culture with Han, Western, and other ethnic influences. This ingenious blend of diverse cultural, artistic, visual, and architectural styles creates a powerful visual impact.

【gourmet food】

1. Dali Casserole Fish

Dali casserole fish is one of the famous local dishes of Dali. The casserole used to cook "Dali casserole fish" is the Xiangyun earthenware pot produced in Xiangyun Village. The ingredients are also very particular. The processed casserole fish has a rich and pure aroma and unique flavor.

2. Tubawan

The so-called Tubawan refers to eight dishes. During festivals, weddings and funeral banquets, people in Xuanwei need to serve Tubawan, but different seasons have different corresponding dishes, and it is not fixed. Generally, there are four meat dishes and four vegetable dishes. After being served on the table, the aroma is overflowing, which will whet your appetite.

Tips:

Tour Time: Morning session: Meet at Dali Ancient City South Gate at 9:00 AM and disperse at Renmin Road at 11:30 AM; Afternoon session: Meet at 3:30 PM and disperse at 5:30 PM. Enjoy a 2.5-hour extraordinary experience.

Conclusion

Every city has its own untold story, each one taking place in its hidden streets and alleys. Whether a city is new or familiar to you, I believe that if you take the time to explore these cities with us, you will surely discover their unique charm.