A Journey Across Yunnan’s Living Heritage...

"The road is obstructed and long, but if you walk it, you will arrive...” - Chinese proverb

(Yak-riding at Napahai Lake, Shangri-la)

Date: 24 August - 01 September 2025

Route: Kunming - Dali - Lijiang - Shangri-la
Travel Agent: Kembara Sufi

This marks our fourth journey into China, each visit adding another layer to our tapestry of travel. My first encounter was in 2003, when I attended a Banknote and Security Printing Seminar in Shanghai and later took a brief holiday in the classical gardens of Suzhou. In 2009, the two of us explored the imperial grandeur of Beijing for a week. Then, in 2013, we embarked on an epic adventure along the Silk Route, tracing the legendary path from Guangzhou through Xi’an, Dunhuang, Hami, Turpan, and Urumqi, all the way to Kashgar.

Now, more than a decade later, we set off on a new chapter: a 9-day journey into Yunnan. From the vibrant city of Kunming to the serene beauty of Dali, the old-world charm of Lijiang, and finally the mystical landscapes of Shangri-la, this trip promises a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking natural scenery.

(Kembara Sufi group photo at KLIA)

The 9-day Yunnan itinerary:
(24 August - 01 September, 2926)
Day 01: Jurassic Welcome At Kunming Airport...
Day 02: A Traditional Yunnan Dining Experience...
Day 03: A Joyful Mawlid Celebration At Nanmen Mosque...
Day 04: A Dragon Lying In The Clouds Of Snow Mountain...
Day 05: Double Rainbow at A Tibetan Town...
Day 06: Healing The Body, Balancing The Mind...
Day 07: From Tea Treasures to Trendy Streets...
Day 08: Lost Among A Maze of Rocks...
Day 09: End Of The Journey...

Travel is never just about the places we visit, but also about the people we meet, the cultures we encounter, and the stories we carry home.

Next Trip: Jejak Wali Songo, Indonesia

My Travel Blog: munmus.blogspot.com

My Next Destination, The China Silk Road...

"We are not trying to break any world record. We travel in search of adventure and a moment of bliss…"

China Silk Road Exploration

(22 May - 02 June 2013)

Guess what? We are going on a trip again…

The 7000 mile silk route across deserts and mountains span from China, Central Asia, Northern India, and the Parthian and Roman Empires connecting the Yellow River Valley to the Mediterranean Sea.

In 2009 we ventured into the Central Asia Silk route and intentionally followed the route from their reverse order. Our first taste of UNESCO Silk Road sites occurred in Uzbekistan through its towns of Tashkent, Samarkand and Bokhara.

In 2011 we visited Amman in Jordan, Jerusalem in Israel and Damascus in Syria, claimed to be the oldest inhabited cities in the world with significance to the Silk Roads.

And in a few days time, we are going to explore another path of the Great Silk Road. We are going to follow the off-beat uncharted original route from Xi’an, Lanzhou, Dunhuang, Hami, Turpan, Urumchi and Kashgar with a whole host of overland transport methods from domestic flights, buses, trains and ferries.

If we are fortunate, we’ll have the opportunity to ride on a camel caravan from one of the caravansaries along the route...

Next Trip: 2013 - Australia Family Winter Holidays...

My travel blog: munmus.blogspot.com

Momento from China

“Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more...” - Mother Teresa

 

(A set of lacquerware ornaments)

Chinese Lacquerware

Lacquer was a popular form of decoration and protective covering in ancient China. It was used to colour and beautify screens, furniture, bowls, cups, sculpture, musical instruments, and coffins, where it could be carved, incised, and inlaid to show off scenes from nature, mythology, and literature. 

Lacquerware can be made of wood, metal, or just about anything similar which have been covered in a liquid made of shellac or melted resin flakes dissolved in alcohol or a synthetic substance, which forms a hard protective smooth coating when dry. Lacquerware remains relatively light in weight.

In  October 2003 I attended a Banknote Seminar in Shanghai and visited Suzhou. In October 2009, hubby and I travelled to Beijing, and spent a week visiting the attractions with the help of a personal tourist guide. And in 2013 we join Safir Travel for an epic China Silk Route Exploration covering major towns across China.

My China travel:

2003 - Shanghai Banknote Seminar

2009 - Beijing the Great Wall trip
2013 - The China Silk Road Exploration

My Overseas Travel Blog: munmus.blogspot.com

Our Beijing Trip...

"Men tire themselves in pursuit of rest..." - Laurence Sterne

(The entrance of Gate of Heavenly Peace)

Beijing-2009

(19 -22 October 2009)

Hubby will be accompanying me for a business trip to Beijing and later we will be spending a few days exploring the Capital City....

Will be updating my travel blog when I come back!

My Travel Reflections: musmun.blogspot.com

Next Trip: Uzbekistan 2009 - The Ancient Silk Road...