Exploring the Yangshou Countryside

The rain continued today, but we decided to head out anyway. After spending yesterday cooped up inside, we figured we should just get out there and get wet. We rented mountain bikes and bought a map of the area.

Our first stop was a tourist spot, Moon Hill. They call it Moon hill for the rock formation at the top. It creates a moon-shaped crecent when viewed from a distance. We climbed up the tiny mountain for a better view. The journey took us 500+ steep, winding steps. To our surprise, we were followed up by a pair of Chinese women. They were carrying coolers of water and juice drinks. The Chinese are nothing if not enterprising. After repeatedly trying to discourage their commitment to quenching our thirst, we finally lost them at a split in the trail. We took the path named Vanity. They stuck with Moon Palace where most of the other hikers went. At the top we could see over farm plots and a handful of tiny villages. Back on the bikes, our map was just detailed enough to get us really lost. It had a handful of roads and bike paths on it. After several wrong turns we eliminated all other options and finally ended up on our intended bike path. We rode through stunning Karst landscapes. We biked past oxen, fields of fruit trees, rice paddies, and family homes nestled along the river. Most people in the villages were very excited to see us. We got a lot of mileage out of “Ni-how!”, Hello! in Chinese. The farther we got from the main roads, the bigger the smiles.
The villages had a completely different feel to that of the city. The living conditions were basic. There was a water pump in front of most residences. Homes were compact. Most appeared to have electric. Laundry hung in the windows. One woman was putting her oxen away for the night in a tiny barn filled with hay. Life seemed simple and full of hard work. Over the last few days we have seen villagers bringing food to the resturants in town. We were facinating to see all the local produce show up throughout the day. Now we know where it all comes from.