Northwest Yunnan

Almost every traveller to Yunnan visits Dali, and not without reason - the ancient capital of Dali lies nestled between the soaring Cang mountains and picturesque Ear Lake. The region is famous throughout China for it's marble, in fact right across China marble is called "Dali Stone"! Unfortunately, the quantity of travellers to the area has dramatically changed its character, and tourism is the overwhelmingly dominant industry in the area. Many travellers seeking to smoke locally grown marijuana (大嘛 / Da Ma) have promoted a significant and overt market in the plant. Despite the severe change of character in the city, Dali prefecture remains one of the most picturesque regions of Yunnan, and it's easy to strike off alone.