Hop on a motorcycle and ride across China. Ride into the West. Out of urban industrialization and into the borderlands. Over packed dirt and concrete to a land still breathing with its own lungs. Bring your friends. If you think you’re dreaming, pay more attention.
From Collages

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Day 22: Mingle to Zhongye, Gansu


Distance: 190 km
Expenses: gas 30rmb, hotel 25rmb
Events:
  • P, T and Evan visited a Buddhist temple with Tibetan style stupa. They were treated to a breakfast of fruit and tea by the local caregivers. After driving around all day looking for Mati Si, they found it in the late afternoon
  • Mati Si is a Buddhist temple built into a mountain's rock face. China has rebuilt part of it, but it is obvious, only for the purposes of tourism. The Cultural Revolution was mostly responsible, as it was for many Buddhist places, for its destruction earlier this century.
  • D paid a shepherd 10 rmb to watch his bike while he went for a great two hour hike. On this hike he was also chased by a yak.
  • D opted out of the scenic route and went directly to Zhongye to have his moto fixed. While in Zhongye, he was also able to explore the city, including its unique outdoor garden area.

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