Loulu Lima
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My 2.5 weeks in China
In Nov 2017, I, with about 100+ US agents, went with ASTA to China to learn about the 60+ minority groups in China along with the history and way of life of the Chinese people.
While Beijing has the Great Wall, Tiananamen Square, Summer Palace, Forbidden City and the Ming Tombs, it also had the best food we had in the entire time there.
Xi'an was great and what a learning opportunity to see the Terracotta Warriors and learn the logic behind it, there was more here with the Silk road and ohh so much learnings.
Of the entire trip, I loved being in Guiyang. Deep in the mountains, where the air is clean, history and way of life left a lasting impression on me. Qianling Park where nature and monkeys roam free.. (and boy are they smart. keep your valuables close and hold tight) We experienced the lives, rituals and history of the Miao and Pumi people.
Let's talk about the minority villages - the people are so beautiful. Remove politics and you have such amazing loving people. They greet you with rice wine filled in horns. if you touch the horns, you are telling them you want to drink the whole thing. As you go through all of the people in the greeting line, they play music and give you more rice wine.. all while climbing stairs...
As we explored the customs of the minority ethnic groups, how they manage agriculture, their wedding rituals, way of life and so much more, I realized how similar we all are rather than different. I take my learnings from the Mayans and Incas, and see so many similarities that it makes me believe that at one point, we were one land mass.... Their language is different, but the human sentiments are similar.
They believe in longevity and their dragons are a combination of multiple animals. The restoration of the previous dynasties and the learnings of their past, it's very beautiful. They have an art - and many things are still hand made - you can see it in the local shops. in the villages you will also see the animals that are for sale - butchered on the streets for purchase. Be careful of street food - some of it is mystery meat. Speaking of shopping - their culture is of haggling, and are not offended by it. So those bargain seekers will have a ball.
My mind, heart and soul is richer from what I experienced. But don't take my word for it, let me plan this amazing trip for you. This is not a trip you do on your own. It is a fully escorted trip, whether you choose to have it private or in a group, the guides I personally experienced or others will be with you through this adventure.