Baisha cycle ride from Lijiang, Yunnan, south-west China
This is not really a walking story, but it's a good story, so it's worth including. And we did have a walk around Baisha village where we bumped into Doctor Ho (no, not "Doctor Who"), made famous by Michael Palin's "Himalaya" BBC TV programme just a few months previously.
This was a day's bike ride from Lijiang, taking us through the suburbs of the expanding tourist centre before crossing the open plain along a busy highway, then through a string of villages to the slopes of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Although it's a long story, it was an entertaining trip, and there are lots of great photos!
- I'll remember most our meeting with Doctor Ho, but "Robin Hood" came a close second!
- The best bit was the musical entertainment in the centre of Baisha
- The worst bit was having to turn back as we were climbing the slopes of the mountain
- The funniest aspect was "Robin Hood " playing a tune on his flute for us
- This was a reminder that a long cycle ride can be uncomfortable - but it gets you further than walking!
- This took us into the real Chinese countryside for the first time, and through some typical villages
- We noticed particularly the new tourism developments along the way
- A useful tip when visiting Yunnan - take some family photos with you
- Also remember to read the guidebook before you go, so you don't miss some of the highlights.
Key Facts
| Location | About 10 km (6 miles) north of Lijiang In Yunnan, South-West China |
| Date walked | June 2005 |
| Walk type | Countryside and easy hill walks |
| Difficulty | Suitable for anyone who enjoys an easy walk, but the bike ride required quite an effort in the hot sun. |
| Distance | 32km / 20miles |
| Height climbed | 200m |
| Time taken | 6 hrs 0 mins |
| Map used | Map on a slip of paper from the bike hire guest house - map from outdoor shop was no use |
| Walk source info | Lonely Planet guide advised Baisha one of the best excursions from Lijiang |
| Getting there | Bike from Lijiang (see also Lijiang story) |
| Places to stay | Wide choice of guest houses and hotels in Lijiang old town - maybe some guest houses in Baisha? |
| Other features | Dr Ho's surgery; views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (with the highest chairlift in Asia) |
| Disabled access | No |
