China Trip 2013 - Dreaming Dragon - Chinese Martial Arts

China Trip 2013 - Dragons Roaming the China Border

Friday 13th September

This year’s touring party consisted of Master Zhao Junhui, Dipen and Flavio, who was making his first trip to China with Dreaming Dragon (and second in total). We met up at London Victoria Station and took the Gatwick Express to London Gatwick Airport. A late afternoon flight was taken heading for China.

Saturday 14th September

We arrived at Beijing International Airport early on Saturday morning. After having lunch at the airport, we took an afternoon flight to Kunming, where we were met by Jian Hua and some of Master Zhao's friends. They kindly helped us with our luggage and drove us from the airport straight to a lovely restaurant on the outskirts of Kunming. This restaurant is famous for the naturalness of their cuisine as the restaurant grows their own vegetables. It was a lovely setting for a restaurant. At the restaurant we were met by Zhang Qing, an old friend of Dreaming Dragons, and also by many new friends and their wives. We were anticapting a quiet dinner with close friends, however, it was full-blown party with many new warm and welcoming friends...as such, the rice wine kept pouring!!!

Sunday 15th September

After such a long and arduous journey the previous two days and the party of the previous night, today was about taking it easy. Master Zhao met us at our hotel at lunchtime from where we took a taxi to visit an old friend in Kunming who was a well-known doctor. We were welcomed with lots of good tea and a variety of fruit and snacks. We enjoyed the afternoon their relaxing and chatting with our hosts who told of us of their visits to England...and promised to meet up in London when they visited us next. In the early evening we said our goodbyes and such was the kindess of our hosts that they gave each of us gifts of Pu'er tea in wonderful gift set. It was very touching indeed. We were met outside by Zhang Qing who then drove to a large restaurant complex on the outskirts of Kunming. Kunming continues to grow at a rapid rate and there always appears to be so many new places rising up every time we visit there. At the restaurant we were met by Kai Long, who was formerly an officer in the Chinese Army and now is a very important local Government offical. Other guests included many more retired Chinese Army officers and current local Government officials. It was a large banquet with lots of different delicious dishes to sample...and as always, lots of quality rice wine which meant a lot of toasting all night...this is how friendships are made in China...and these friendships can last a very long time. After dinner, although it was late, we headed off to another large entertainment complex where we had relaxing massages and just took it very easy...and also some more food!!!

Monday 16th September

This morning we first took a cab to the local Air China office to make changes to Flavio's international flight as he now intended to stay in Beijing for some wushu training after our time in Yunnan. Afterwards we met with Jian Hua and Saosi (Chinese for "Sister-in-law) for lunch at the Old House chinese restaurant. After lunch, we wandered around the market near the restaurant where we purchased a few items. After walking around the martket for much of the afternoon, we then got in to cars driven by Jian Hua and Zhang Qing, and drove again to the outskirts of Kunming to a very lage restaurant in a small town. As always the food was great and the wine brought along by Jian Hua was pretty strong. After dinner, we visited a local tea house where we were welcomed by the owner of the establishment who then entertained for the evening with tea and fruit. Flavio and Dipen also took part in a game of Mahjong at the tea house!

Tuesday 17th September

Early start today and after breakfast we were met by Master Zhao and Jian Hua who drove us to a small town outside of Kunming. We arrived at the town, Fungmi, at around lunch time. Here we were met by Kai Long who is the government offical in charge of the large area which includes this small town. We were escorted to a restaurant on the outskirts of the town that is well known for making honey and growing many varieties of vegetables. The locals work here in almost a commune which enables them to work together and earn a good living. The management of the commune is in the hands of the locals and is such a good idea implemented by the local government. We had lunch with the local managers and Kai Long. On the menu was a dish of bees...Flavio ate the whole plate of bees and told Dipen (who is a vegetarian) that it was delicious!!! Again there was lots of rice wine and both Flavio and Dipen had to do a lot of toasting. As the weather was hot outside, they did get a bit tipsy but were in full control of their faculities. After lunch, they were entertained at the home of one of the local managers with tea and fruit...which gave our two Dragons a chance to get sober again and they even helped a few of the locals with preparing the some of the local crops!! Afterwards, we head to the restaurant where had dinner the night before for more delicious food followed by another visit to the local tea house for tea and more mahjong!!!

Wednesday 18th September

After breakfast, we were met at our hotel by Master Zhao, Jian Huan and Saosi. With the car boot stocked out with water and food as well as our backpacks, we set off on our journey to Dali. After 4 hours of driving through some beautiful landscapes of Yunnan we arrived in Dali at midday. We made our way to a local restaurant just outside of Dali Old Town which is a favourite of Dipen's and had some wonderful local dishes there. Afterwards we made our way to our hotel and rested for some rest. In the early evening, we were met by Yang Mun, who is a very high ranking officer in the Chinese Army and also former student of Master Zhao. Together we headed off to a lovely Bai Restaurant where Yang Mun had booked a private room and gardens which was really beautiful...here we had lots of delicious food and more rice wine. After diner, we headed into Dali Old Town, where we wandered around and browsed in local shops before making our to a bar in the centre of the Old Town which had an open-air stage. The performance was great and we enjoyed it with lots of beer and tea....after which Dipen and Flavio were encouraged to take the stage with one of the singers. Dipen belted out the first verse of a well-known Chinese song and then gave enpromptu Tai Chi performance as he didn't know the second verse!!! Flavio disappeared off the stage quietly during the performance...what a Ninja he is!!!

Thursday 19th September

Today was the Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhong Qiu Jie) in China which is arguably China's second most important festival after the Spring Festival (Chun Jie). After spending the early part of the morning walking around Dali Old Town, We then headed off to Baoshan, which is the hometown of Master Huang Ping, and where all of her family currently reside. At lunch time we stopped over at a restaurant en route for a spot of lunch. In the early afternoon, we arrived in Baoshan where were met by Master Huang Ping's brother-in-law, Yang Ge, who escorted us to the hotel where we would be staying. After checking in and grabbing a quick shower, we then made our way to the home of Master Huang Ping's younger sister, Huang Hong. We spent the afternoon there with Master Huang Ping's father and family, enjoying some traditional Chinese food for this festival. In the early evening, we all made our way to a restaurant at the hotel where we were staying. In the private room there, we were met by all of Master Huang Ping's family as well as other elder members of the family. Again there was lots of delicious food and rice wine...lots of toasting again. As is customary, Dipen gave a toast on behalf of Dreaming Dragon. After dinner, we headed off to Yang Ge's home where we had more tea, fruit and moon cakes...and together admired the Moon in the night sky which is a feature of this festival. It was really special to be able to experience an important festival in China, but it was even more important to be able to experience it with people who feel like our family too. Especially as this festival is a real family event.

Friday 20th September

Today was to be another easy day...although after breakfast Flavio and Dipen, accompanied many of Master Huang Ping's family paid a visit to a local mountain. They drove part of the way up the mountain and then walked the majority of the way, enjoying the view and taking the opportunity to get to know more about their family in China. At the top of the mountain, Flavio and Dipen performed some Tai Chi forms and also played Pushing Hands together. Afterwards, they walked back down and drove to a small cafe in town, which is well-known for their noodle dishes. Dipen and Flavio each had 3 bowls...it certainly was delicious. After spending the rest of the afternoon relaxing at Yang Ge's home, in the early evening we went back to the local Mountain along with all the members of Master Huang Ping's family to visit a buddhist temple there. This temple is also well-known for also having a special restaurant that provides vegetarian dishes that look like meat dishes. To Dipen's surprise, this dinner was also a surprise birthday party for him to celebrate his "21st" birth day (again!!!). His Chinese family presented him with many birthday cards as well as verse of "Happy Birthday" in Mandarin, before presenting him several gifts. Also, much to Dipen's surprise and joy, Master Zhao had spent the afternoon arranging for special birthday cake to be made for Dipen's birthday. Dipen is known as Kung Fu Panda at Dreaming Dragon...if you want to know why then look at some of the photos of him from the 2008 China Trip!! Hence, Master Zhao had arranged for a special Kung Fu Panda cake to be made! After having a wonderful food at the restaurant and enjoying the wonderful family atmosphere, we all headed back to Yang Ge's home to continue the party and to have some of the delicious cake. During the evening, Master Zhao gave Huang Hong some tips on Qin Na training!!!

Saturday 21st September

After breakfast, Flavio and Dipen took to spending the morning walking around Baoshan browsing some of the shops. Having made their way back to the hotel at lunch time, they were met by Master Zhao who then took them to a restaurant in Baoshan where they were introduced to some retired Chinese Army Officers as well as some currently serving Officers. Some of these former Officers were to be accompanying us for the rest of our road trip and would become very good friends during the trip. After lunch, we left Baoshan with our new friends, including Tian Ge and the larger than life Lao Yang Ge, and headed off down south towards the city of Mangshi. After a long drive through more beautiful landscapes, we arrived in Mangshi in the evening. We drove directly to a restaurant, beautifully set by the side of a small lake, where we were met by the local Officers of the Chinese Army. These were friends of Tian Ge and thus we were also very welcomed with copious amounts of rice wine...again, this the best way to build friendship in China! After dinner, we made our way to an offical Chinese Army Hotel...well, at least we knew that security would not be an issue at this delightful hotel in the middle of Mangshi!

Sunday 22nd September

After having a delicious local breakfast in a local restaurant, we were accompanied to a Buddhist temple high on the mountain on the edge of Mangshi. This was a large golden temple beautiful built on the side of the mountain and overlooking the city of Mangshi...the view was breathtaking. Afterwards we went off for lunch with more new friends from local dignatries at an area which is well-known for having many family-style restaurants. The food was delicious and there was plenty of it. After lunch we got into our cars and headed off further south towards the city of Ruili. As we drove through, the landscape of Yunnan province has changed to a more tropical type...this should be no surprise as Ruili is a city on the border with Burma hence the more tropical climate and trees etc. It was very beautiful!! We arrived in Ruili in the evening and made our to the Army hotel where we were met by Major Zhou, who was head of the local Chinese Army. In the evening, accompanied by Major Zhou and other Chinese Army Officers, we drove to a restaurant outside of Ruili that was again set beside a beauitful large lake. There were plenty of "interesting" dishes served up at this restaurant and again lots of rice wine which helped to forge some deep friendships. Have to say, hats off to Flavio...for young man, he can certainly hold his own when it comes to drinking rice wine...as well as sampling some of the more "exotic" dishes. Afterwards, we headed back to our hotel...and an hour later, we walked to the local food stalls for some more "night food"...and some really fresh and delicious passion fruit juice!!

Monday 23rd September

This morning we headed out of Ruili after breakfast to a small village on the edge of the border with Burma...we were accompanied by Major Zhou. We arrived at the local army headquarters where the commanding officer received us and then escorted us to the Army border post. It was incrediably to see a village which was separated by line...one side of which was China and other side was Burma. Luckily, as were with Chinese Army Officers, we were permitted to take photograph there which would not normally be allowed. After wandering through the village with our guide who was a young lady and serving-soldier in the local army, we were each presented with a sarong ("lunghi") by Tian Ge that is worn by the Burmese men. Afterwards we drove along the border with Burma and headed off to another small town called Wending. There we had lunch at the Army restaurant with lots of officers and being served food by serving-soliders. It was really hot...so we eased off having too much of the rice wine. After lunch we drove along the border taking in the view before heading off to a restaurant in the country. Before dinner, Master Zhao asked Dipen to perform some Chen style Tai Chi forms for Tian Ge...Dipen did not let him down! After some more delicious food and rice wine, it was time to head back to Ruili...and some more "night food"...however this time we had to wear our sarongs instead of trousers!! Everyone wore their sarongs except Dipen...because his kept falling off!!!

Tuesday 24th September

This morning we were escorted to the outskirts of Ruili where we said our goodbyes to Major Zhou who had really looked after us so well during our few days in Ruili. We then continue along the border with Burma until we arrive at another border town called Longquan. Here, again we were greeted by Chinese Army Officers in charge of this area who gave us a tour of the border post here. We were allowed to take photos and Dipen managed to stand on the border line and have a conversation with one of the locals on the Burmese side...a wonderful moment! After some tea at the local Army base, we made our way to a lovely Jinpo restaurant where we were treated to some delicious local cuisine as well as lots of rice wine being toasted by the Army Officers. The local Army Officers were very keen for us to stay the night in Longquan so we booked into a lovely hotel on the edge of the town before making our way to another delightful restaurant later in the evening. Tian Ge was keen for Dipen to give some more martial arts performances for the number of Army Officers who were attending the dinner. So before dinner, Dipen gave a perfornance of Nanquan and Chen style Tai Chi...much to the delight of the watching Officers. After dinner, a visit to the local KTV (karaoke centre) meant the party continued into the night...with lots of singing and dancing...the less said of that the better!!!

Wednesday 25th September

We made an early start this morning and after saying our goodbyes to Tian Ge and Lao Yang Ge, we set off for our long journey back to Kunming with Baoshan being the overnight stop. In Baoshan, we booked into what I would describe as being the best hotel room that I have ever stayed in the whole world!! We met up with Yang Ge, Huang Hong and Master Huang Ping's father for dinner at a local restaurant before getting some much-needed sleep later that night.

Thursday 26th September

We said our goodbyes to our Chinese family in Baoshan this morning before continuing our journey back to Kunming...it would be a long drive but we would be passing through some beautiful landscapes...only stopping at a service centre for some lunch and to stretch our legs. After arriving in Kunming, we settle into a new hotel in the centre of the city before meeting up with Zhang Qing and having dinner at a lovely Jinpo style restaurant.

Friday 27th September

First up this morning was a visit to the local hospital for Dipen to get a quick X-Ray of his ankle that he broke last year...as Master Zhao has good contacts at the hospital, this did not take too long. Zhang Qing then came to pick us up before we headed off outside of Kunming to a large recreation area which stretched for miles and was full of green fields and natural reservation areas. This particularly area resembles European towns and countryside...it is the place where the Chinese can come and sample a bit of Europe without leaving their borders. The small hotels resembled Dutch-style houses, one of which was owned by Zhang Qing's sister. We were given a tour of the hotel and rooms really did resemble the old mansions houses that are found in Europe...very elegant indeed. After having lunch with Zhang Qing's sister, we were given a tour of the the large recreation area stopping by the Equestrian Club situated in this area, where you can gear up in traditional European equestrian attire and learn how to ride a horse...it was a beautiful place and the horses were magnificent. Afterwards, we left and headed back to the centre of Kunming and had dinner with another Army Officer and former student of Master Zhao, Fu Chan Shen. We had a wonderful banquet with lots of toasting with rice wine...quite strong rice wine I should add!! After dinner, we went off to another KTV establishment where we partied again into the early hours...drinking and dancing!!!

Saturday 28th September

After breakfast we headed south out of Kunming and towards the small historic town of Jianshui...along the way viewing such magnificent landscapes. We arrived in Jianshui in the early afternoon and then after checking into our hotel we had lunch with an Army Officer who had been sent to look after us. We are always well-looked after by Master Zhao's former Army students wherever we go. After lunch, we went outside of Jianshu to visit a scenic area called Swallow Cave. It was a beautiful place and we were guided through the caves by a local guide. We were also given a performance of one of the locals climbing high in the cave without any saftey harness...it was incredible and ever so dangerous!! We then took a boat ride through the caves on a stream that ran through the cave ending at the exit. We then returned back to the hotel where Master Zhao's former student and now the Chief Army Officer of the area was waiting for us at the restaurant. Some wonderful dishes were laid out for us as well as the local rice wine...it did not appear to be strong at the first...but it crept up on you before you realised...it was a great evening.

Sunday 29th September

This morning we made an early start to visit an old historic town on the edge of Jianshui. We were given a guided tour of the town by one of the local guides and having the opportunity to visit inside some the homes of the people living there who were very welcoming. Afterwards we head off to Confuscius's Hall which was in the centre of Jianshui and was the second largest education complex that Confuscius had built in all of China. We then had lunch nearby sampling the local tofu which is made using the water from Jianshui. It is said that there is no better tofu in the whole of China...and this is due to the water in Jianshui...we had to agree!!! After lunch we began our long journey back to Kunming. In the evening we arrived in Kunming and headed off to Zhang Qing's home where we were treated to some delicious home-cooked food...Zhang Qing knows what we like...and lots of delicioius tea afterwards.

Monday 30th September

After the hectic schedule of the last couple of weeks, it was time to relax, not do to much driving...and do some shopping!! We went a large shopping mall in Kunming and browsed the shops there...Dipen bought some gifts for his family there. We had lunch at the food stalls in the mall which were very tasty indeed...followed by more shopping. In the evening, we had dinner with Master Zhao's friends at a large Thai restaurant in the centre of the city.

Tuesday 1st October

Today was the China's National Day...and Kunming seemed very quiet with not too many people around. Most of the people took the opporuntiy to visit family outside of the city or to visit scenic areas as the National Day marked a week long holiday in China. We first headed to bank to make arrangements for Flavio as he was going to stay in China for an extended period. Afterwards we went to restaurant close by for some Kunming style cuisine. Afterwards we went shopping for sports trainers and clothing items...Master Zhao has a good eye for bargains with Dipen being the main beneficiary. After lots of walking and shopping, we headed off to a new Health Centre, where we had a sauna, massage and food...a very relaxing way to end the day...and much-needed too!!!

Wednesday 2nd October

Today was quite a wet and rainy day, so we headed off to an area of the city that is well-known for electronic goods. We browsed alot of shops here viewing some of the latest gadgets that were available. Dipen took the opportunity to buy a new mobile phone, as well as some green tea in another shopping mall. We visited a traditional Tibetan restaurant for lunch which was really wonderful and reminded us of our 2006 trip to Tibet...brought back alot of memories. In the evening, we visited a Jinpo style restaurant with Zhang Qing, taking the local bus to the restaurant...always good experience to sample the local transport system!!

Thursday 3rd October

A late morning today with plenty of packing to do...especially trying to squeeze in the all the goods that we bought whilst shopping in the last couple of days. We had lunch at a local restaurant that we had visited a couple of days previously that served Kunming style cuisine. After lunch we were met at our hotel by one of Master Zhao's former students who drove us to the airport for flight to Beijing.

Friday 4th October

Late start this morning with Dipen making his way to Beijing International Airport for the flight back to London. This had been Dipen’s tenth visit to China and he was already planning the itinerary for the following year’s trip. Flavio was to be met at the hotel by his contact at the Beijing Sports University where he would spend the next few months doing wushu training. They both enjoyed their experiences on this trip and forged many friendships too.

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