Page 19 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (106)

18
CITY LIFE | 城事

Dali: “I am a local, not a foreigner”

大理：“我是老乡，不是老外”

In Dali, Yunnan, nearly carvings and beautifully preserved
100,000 “new residents” have murals.
made this place their home, in- An American running a
cluding a number of international homestay in rural China works
friends. as the best advertisement for The
“In Dali, I am a local, not a for- Linden Center. Since its opening,
eigner,” said Patrik from Sweden, foreign visitors have come in
who settled in Dali six years ago waves, using The Linden Center
and has long since integrated into as a base to explore the surround-
the local community. He and many ing villages. One of the unique
other new Dali residents describe features of The Linden Center is
their experience with phrases like, its cultural experience activities.
“It feels like home” and “I belong Linden enjoys taking travelers on
here.” From initially not understanding in Dali Xizhou, sharing the local Linden explained that he chose strolls through the morning mar-
Patrik has loved nature since Chinese to now communicating culture of Dali. He first came to Xizhou for three reasons: first, the ket of Xizhou Ancient Town, in-
childhood, cherishing unforgettable fluently in Mandarin, Patrik has China in 1984 to study Chinese presence of valuable old houses troducing them to the Bai people’s
memories of the great outdoors. gradually immersed himself in the language and culture in Beijing. that require restoration; second, tradition of three cups of tea, and
“The mountains and waters of Dali vibrant city of Dali. He was deeply impressed by the warmth and inclusiveness of guiding them in creating hand-
are beautiful in every season,” he In addition to farming daily, China’s customs and culture, the local people; and third, the made tie-dye art.
stated. “The landscape here is stun- Patrik uses his spare time to ex- especially having a special af- support from the local govern- The viewing platform at The
ning, and the weather is excellent, pand his agricultural knowledge. fection for rural China, which he ment for their vision. The Linden Linden Center offers a stunning
which is why we decided to make He said, “I hope that in the future, calls “home.” In 2004, Linden Center, his homestay, embodies view of the pastoral landscape of
this place our home.” more young people come to un- returned to China with his wife the principle of “preserving the Xizhou. Linden believes that the
“Full-time parenting and part- derstand and appreciate agricul- and two sons, hoping to find a old as old” and is founded on a world must strive to better under-
time farming” is how Patrik de- ture. Nature is our great mother, traditional old house to renovate Bai residence, “Yang Pinxiang’s stand an open China. “The cul-
scribes himself on his social me- and by working alongside her, we and protect as a cultural exchange Courtyard.” This design max- tural spirit of China has become
dia account. He cultivates organic can lead healthier lives and im- base between China and foreign imizes the preservation of Bai a part of me; it is China that has
vegetables on a farm and engages prove our quality of life.” countries. With this goal in mind, architectural style by maintaining nurtured and shaped who I am,”
with netizens during live broad- Linden from the United States the family traveled around China the traditional layout of “3-room Linden said. “We will continue to
casts, answering questions about met friends from all over the for two years before settling in units and a screen wall,” while work diligently to share the story
organic farming whenever he can. world while operating a homestay Xizhou, Dali, Yunnan. also showcasing exquisite wood of China with the world.”