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Isaac: Xishuangbanna
showed me a different side of China

埃塞克：在泼水节看到不一样的中国

Stepping off the plane from Beijing to of the north, you will find beautifully dec- you second guess yourself about
Jinghong, south Yunnan’s Xishuangban- orated pavilions in the imperial gardens of trying them, I was up for the adventure
na Dai Autonomous Prefecture was like the Dai kings. The pavilions feature an ar- and got to sample some delicious dishes
stepping out of one world and into another. chitectural style similar to that of the Thera- like ant eggs and a traditional salad made
Instantly I noticed the tropical weather and vada Buddhist temples, while the pavilions with chicken feet. Chicken feet were al-
how much hotter it was than the cool spring in Beijing follow the traditional Han style. ready one of my favorite dishes, so getting me was the water splashing. I had watched
I had left behind only a few hours before. The architecture of these incredible pavil- to try them in a different preparation was a several videos online to get an idea of
Not really knowing what to expect, I was ions blends seamlessly into the natural land- real treat. There was also a lot of fish and what to expect, but they did nothing
eager to get out of the airport and see what scape surrounding them and makes them an beef dishes served with each meal. to prepare me for this amazing expe-
the city had to offer. Traveling from the air- excellent place for us today to sit and relax. There were two parts of the trip that rience. People of all ages, from young
port to the hotel, I noticed that Jinghong was 13 ethnic minorities call Xishuangbanna really stood out as highlights for me during children to elderly men and women,
a much smaller, and seemed like a much home. Each minority has its own traditional this trip. The first was when we went to the were part of one giant party and were
more relaxed city than what I was used to clothing, dances, food, performances, and river to release lanterns. Seeing the lan- enjoying the festivities.
in Beijing. The tropical flowers bloomed all customs. During the water splashing festi- terns rise up into the night sky with the city verall, this trip has shown me a com-
around us as we made our way though some val, people from all groups come together to lights as a background was awe inspiring. It pletely different side to China that as a
light traffic to the hotel. celebrate the Dai New Year. During the pa- was also quite moving to walk around and foreigner I would never have expected to
After getting settled, the real adventure rade, you could tell how proud people were watch as people prepared their lanterns for see, and I encourage you all to pay Xish-
could begin, and it did not disappoint. The to be involved and celebrate their festival. launch. They were symbolically releasing uangbanna a visit if you get the chance. It is
entire weekend showed me how people can This woman, in particular, was so excited the issues of the old year in preparation for a once in a lifetime experience that you will
come together and have fun while celebrat- to pose before the camera when it was her the coming new year. never forget.
ing the New Year（Water-splashing Festi- group’s turn to perform. The second highlight for
val）of Dai people. The sights, sounds, and Xishuangbanna is located in the far
tastes of the city were simply wonderful. I south of Yunnan province and enjoys a
was able to learn so much about a part of tropical climate that keeps the area warm all
China that I knew next to nothing about and year round. With a long summer and short
am now eager to learn more about in the winter, there is a wide variety of tropical
future. flowers and trees that are absolutely stun-
In Jinghong, the Mengle Buddhist Tem- ning to see at any time of the year. Wander-
ple sits on the former site of the Jingpiao ing around the imperial gardens on a day
Temple, an imperial temple built by a Dai with a light breeze was incredible. I can
King to honor his queen, who believed in only imagine what it would have been like
Buddhism. The original temple was de- for the king and his queen to walk through
stroyed in a war in 1848. It was not until the gardens, enjoying the tropical sights and
2005 that a new temple was built on the sounds.
sight. Much like the lakes The food I was able to try on the trip was
amazing. While a few dishes might make