Yunnan province captivates Thai bloggers

For Kanisorn Pringthongfoo, a 48-year-old Thai travel blogger, the outdoor performance Impression Lijiang set against the backdrop of Yulong (Jade Dragon) Snow Mountain in Lijiang, Yunnan province, was a long-anticipated experience.

"I've heard a lot about it from friends and family, and they told me it's something I should witness at least once in my lifetime," he said.

On the afternoon of Oct 18, during his visit to Lijiang, Pringthongfoo's dream finally came to fruition.

"Even though I cannot understand the language, the performance conveys the emotions and story through movement and costumes," he said. "I grasped about 90 percent of what they communicated. It was thrilling, and I absolutely loved it."

Pringthongfoo is among 10 Thai bloggers exploring Yunnan province's Kunming, Lijiang and Shangri-La from Oct 16 to 21, immersing themselves in the local cuisine, breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage.

Earlier on Oct 18, Pringthongfoo visited Yulong Snow Mountain and was captivated by its stunning scenery, describing it as "an unforgettable place".

However, he noted, "There's only a little snow at the peak right now. There will be more later this year."

On the mountain's viewing platform 4,680 meters above sea level, he spotted fellow blogger Patomporn Ruyun doing the push-up challenge.

The 37-year-old completed 20 push-ups, describing the challenge as "not that difficult". He said that reaching the mountain was convenient: take a cable car, then take a short walk to the top.

While experiencing the ancient glaciers, alpine snowfields and swirling sea of clouds up close, Ruyun noted that the snow-covered mountain charm captivated the Thai tourists, offering a landscape unlike anything in their homeland.

As a nature enthusiast, he also visited Shika Snow Mountain in Shangri-La on Oct 21, which is very distinct from Yulong Snow Mountain. There, the larch trees had turned a warm amber, the shrubs displayed a vibrant red, and the evergreens kept their lush green.

"I have a great love for nature. Yunnan offers such stunning mountains and diverse wildlife compared to cities," Ruyun said.

During his visit to Shangri-La's Pudacuo National Park on Oct 20, in the heart of the "Three Parallel Rivers" World Natural Heritage site, he interacted with a squirrel and captured the heartwarming moment on camera.

"Seeing people feeding squirrels and birds is soothing. It showcases the harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife in this stunning environment," said Watcharee Suphaluxana, another Thai blogger.

This trip marked Suphaluxana's fourth visit to Yunnan. In May, while traveling in Kunming, she was enchanted by the vibrant jacaranda trees.

"The entire city was breathtaking, with beautiful jacaranda lining the streets and the riverbanks," she said.

During her recent return to the city, she explored iconic landmarks such as Green (Cuihu) Lake and Kunming Old Street, soaking in the natural beauty and local vibe.

Along with the stunning natural beauty of the mountains, lakes and rivers, Suphaluxana also delved into Yunnan's rich ethnic culture.

On Oct 19, she learned about the Dongba script of the Naxi ethnic group in Lijiang.

UNESCO included ancient Dongba manuscripts in its Memory of the World Register in 2003. The more than 30,000 volumes preserve records of Naxi knowledge, including astronomy, geography, medicine, and rituals.

"It's fascinating to imagine that in ancient times, people could translate their thoughts into visual symbols to communicate with others," she said. "For example, drawing a figure with a specific type of hat indicated whether it was a man or woman. This cultural aspect is incredibly rich, and it amazes me to learn that such traditions exist."

Suphaluxana noted that Yunnan is home to many ethnic groups living in harmony. "I'm absolutely captivated by the ethnic groups' traditional attire. I even tried on an outfit in Shangri-La, and it looked adorable. It's something I've dreamed of experiencing," she said.

Natthavipa Phuvichayakarn shared a similar view, noting that donning traditional costumes from other countries is one of the easiest ways to participate in cultural exchanges.

"China is home to numerous ethnic groups, offering a unique opportunity to experience a wide range of traditional attire," she said. "For instance, during my visit to Shangri-La, I wore a Tibetan-style dress. I enjoy exploring the traditional costumes available across different regions in China."

Her favorite traditional Chinese celebration is Spring Festival. As someone with Chinese heritage, she looks forward to receiving hongbao, envelopes with money inside, from her elders each year.

Pringthongfoo, who also has Chinese heritage, is deeply familiar with traditional Chinese holidays like Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival.

"When I was young, I participated in the ceremonies even though I didn't fully understand their significance. But they were family activities, so I enjoyed them," he said. "As I grew older, I began to learn more about Chinese ceremonies and culture, gaining understanding little by little."

"This time, I plan to share Yunnan's hidden gems with my fans, focusing on Kunming, Lijiang and Shangri-La. I'll delve deeper than the typical tour, weaving together the rich stories that make this region so special," said Pringthongfoo.

"I aim to encourage Thai people to truly understand Chinese culture. It's important to explore why chopsticks are integral to Chinese dining, why many Chinese people travel abroad, and how to safely travel in China," he said. "As a travel blogger, my role is to facilitate cultural exchange and communication."

Suphaluxana plans to capture China's stunning landscapes, vibrant costumes and delicious cuisine.

"I aim to share these images with my Thai followers to give them a glimpse into China's beauty and diversity," she added.

"Given the opportunity, I would love to visit China repeatedly and experience its unique seasonal charm: spring, summer, autumn, and winter," she said. "Each season and city offers distinct perspectives, scenery and sensations."