Today, we headed out to our one and only destination Balagezong Scenic Area, a pristine and secluded area deep in the mountains.
The scenery on the way in was already very beautiful and have me and Hubby wowing away. The grand canyon, mountains cliffs, the river gorges wow.
On our way in, we heard the story behind Balagezong and the story of how one person Sina Dingzhu from Bala Village in Balagezong, gave up his wealth and fortune to build roads through the cliffs and mountains making the village accessible to the world. You can read more about his story here. In the past, it actually took 5 days to walk from Bala Village to Shangri-La. I am pretty sure there’s a lot of such isolated villages across China but it takes a lot for one person to change everything and this man did it.
Now back to the beautiful Balazegong, where I shall let the pictures talk about the beauty of this place. If we came at the first half of the year, it will be more beautiful with the snow capped mountains and the waters being a clear turquoise blue. Oh well, next time perhaps.
First we visited the Echo Wall Aerial Walkway and glass observation deck, which boasts the highest vertical drop in China’s altitude with a drop of over 1000 meters into the canyon. The views from the walkways was amazing.
I still find it amazing how they built the walkways into the sides of the mountain cliffs so high up. There’s even a zipline across – if you can see the faint lines. I am too faint hearted to try but some of my tour group members did try and they said it’s super fun! It takes just 5-10 mins to zipline across compared to us walking 30 mins. Hah.
We headed for lunch at one of the local restaurants in Bala Village for lunch. I think it is a good idea as it provides the local villagers with a income. The guide said don’t be too fussy with the food but I think they are pretty good! No photos unfortunately. I already said I am not a foodie photo person.
Next, we had a walk around Bala Village and visited the house of Sina Dingzhu, which has now been converted into a museum.
Last attraction is a visit to the Shangri-La Grand Canyon. Walking along the broad walk next to the gushing river is very relaxing and even though it took 1 hour ish to complete the walk, no complaints.
Now for the best part, instead of walking for another 1 hour ish back along the board walk, we went river rafting!! It was FUN! At first, when the guide told us about river rafting, this came into my mind. I am like – I don’t know how to row, and I don’t know how to swim so there’s absolute no way I am going to put myself at risk in a foreign land. I want to make my way back alive.
But don’t worry, it’s not as adventurous as the above. You have the local villagers rowing, they are very professional and friendly and the rafts are very stable and the journey smooth sailing.
Last attraction before we board our bus and head back to the hotel is the millennium old Bodhi tree. As you know, Bodhi tree is a sacred tree associated with the path to enlightenment as the Buddha is said to attain enlightenment under the tree. And this Bodhi tree is huge.
After spending the whole day at Balagezong, we headed back to the hotel for a buffet steamboat dinner. Steamboat again!! Yummy. Look at my happy face.
After dinner, we decided to head out to explore the surroundings and to walk off the food. And also enjoy the cold as it’s our last night in Shangri-La.
But the streets were so deserted, we headed back to the hotel to pack up for tomorrow and rest for the night. Heading back to Dali tomorrow.