China Photos Part 3 - Xingping
While in Yangshou we took a day trip to the fishing village of Xingping–about a 45 minute (and 4 Yuan) bus ride north.
We had some anxiety about finding the right bus in Yangshou (after a horribly frustrating experienced in Shenzhen) so we did our best to memorize the phrases we’d need to ask for the correct bus, buy tickts etc. However, as we approached the bus station a woman intercepted us and said “Xingping?” We nodded and followed her into a small, crowded bus and she motioned for us to sit on the floor. We complied and ended up in Xingping 45 minutes later.
Xingping is a slightly less popular destination (for both Chinese and foreign tourists) but the Li River cruises that run right by the village are very popular–especially among the Chinese. In the photos you’ll see some larger cruise ships making the run from Guilin to the north to Yangshou.
The distinctive mountains in this area (see also Yangshou photos) are known throughout China and are even featured on the 20 Yuan bill (shown above).
Enjoy the photos.
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| China - Xingping |
-peebo
December 5th, 2007 at 10:30 pm
Another excellent set of pics (and comments!).
The river trip looks enticing and more than a little interesting, largely due to the bamboo raft. Did it feel like a river-worthy vessel?
More pics! More pics!
December 6th, 2007 at 10:46 am
> Did it feel like a river-worthy vessel?
Yeah. I figure they’ve been using this design for hundred of years (guess) so it much be ok.
The rafts were made of bamboo logs lashed together. They were very sturdy but did have very shallow draft. (i.e. there was no flotation structure under the bamboo–just the bamboo). So, when a big boat passed and kicked up a little wake, the rafts get a little wet because even the small waves lap over the side of the bamboo. We just picked our feet up and kept our backpack on the seat.
Funny thing: we say a complete of “modern” rafts. They were made in the same shape and style as you see in our pics (and on the money) but instead of bamboo they used PVC pipe. I’m glad we got the “true” bamboo experience.
December 6th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
So “beerfish”: a fish best eaten w/ beer?
December 7th, 2007 at 5:45 pm
> So “beerfish”: a fish best eaten w/ beer?
While true, that’s not why it’s called Beer Fish.
Beer Fish is a local specialty in Yangshou and surrounding areas. Every restaurant we saw offered some variation on the recipe.
It’s made with fish (probably carp), tomatoes and spices (garlic, ginger, onion, hot peppers, etc.) braised in beer. The fish was served whole or in large chucks with the skin on and bones in. We had it twice and it was delicious.
I found this recipe and it looks about right:
http://www.ratebeer.com/Recipe.asp?RecipeID=71
December 7th, 2007 at 6:01 pm
So this is food software they pirated from Italy? (Joke.)