The Ride From Dali to Lijiang via old National Road and a Little Scare at the end of the Day

With the mopeds done with prayers and me having a quick run around Dali Ancient City, We regroup around 5pm and it was a group decision time after taking photos of Dali South Gate. 

Ride the national road or the highway to Li Jiang. So far up to this point in China, we had always used the highway and never the national road. The rumour is that the national road is slower but the view is amazing and you get to see the people’s life more up close. The highway is beautiful but boring.

The Start of National Road from Dali to Lijiang.
Just look at that windmills which we rode up to and zig zag around them over the mountain 

I personally wanted to do national road ... it's something new and mysterious which I do not want to be stuck riding highways everyday in China no matter how great the road is. I persuaded them to run half half. 

First half national road and second half highway. Best of both worlds, national road while there is still light then hit the highway once the sunset. I enjoyed every moment of it and just like that it ended.. 60km of national road and we were at the next highway tollgate back on the highway to Li Jiang.

China National Road from Dali to Lijiang 

View from National Road from Dali to Lijiang

View from National Road from Dali to Lijiang

We reach Li Jing earlier than Kunming, around 9pm ... looks like the moped group is getting faster. All of us checked in to this amazing historical building inside Lijiang Ancient City converted into a hotel. I notice Azu was outside just waiting. I had a smoke with him and chatted about mom's condition and then I asked why has he not go into his room yet. 

Liwang Hotel in Lijiang

Azu told me he was waiting for Jazz who was in the room but there was no answer on door knock or phone or anything. I fearing the worst ask the reception to open the door with a spare key. Jazz was lying in bed, apparently collapse the moment he arrive Li Jiang and was hit by altitude sickness. The rest of the gang came and quickly we gave him some altitude medicine for sleep.

Apparently he had the altitude sickness symtoms during the national road ride but did not say anything ... a dangerous ride this is turning out to be but somehow we made it. The next morning Jazz was all good, feeling ok and full of spirit. 

I told him ... keep talking today ... thats how we know you are ok ....

Ancient City of Lijiang

Ancient City of Lijiang

Traveled on: Jun 2023