Early morning on our final day in Jianshui and, quite by accident, we walked into an area in the old town that is undergoing restoration… a big make over.

Billboards explained what was being attempted.  It was good to have Kenzo to translate!

A computer generated overview of the whole area was on show. It appeared to be quite an ambitious project but one that will make Jianshui an even more interesting place to visit.

The most imposing building in the complex is the Chongwen Pagoda, also known as the Wenchang or Wenfeng Pagoda. The thirteen story brick structure was built in the 13th Century during the Yuan Dynasty.  It has been repaired a number of times since, including 1555 and between 1654 and 1655.  

A nearby two-storied building in dire need of some TLC… and a lot of hard work.

The other side of the same building.  New bricks ready for the work of restoration.

We walked on, soaking up the atmosphere. This was the colourful entrance to a plastic flower and plant shop. One of my great hates in life; plastic flowers… but they were colourful.

Goods were being carried to a market in the traditional way.

You could buy almost anything you could possibly want.  Anybody for some geese?

 …or maybe a sad looking tortoise. This one no doubt on its way to a soup pot.

Frogs for dinner? You don’t find these on our supermarket shelves.

That’s what I love about markets… no shelves filled with cans and boxes of ‘food’.

Moon Cakes looked somewhat more palatable. It was coming up time for the big Moon Festival in China so there were lots of feverish activity taking place in this bakery.

Fresh fruit looked really good… Plump bunches of grapes and pears.

Various grades of sunflower seeds, peanuts and lentils.

Various grades of rice wine… a necessary ingredient in much Chinese cooking.

The pork buns were being freshly made and looked very good.

A happy group of smokers!

An interesting form of transport for people and goods coming into the market.

We began to think about getting lunch before we had to catch the train back to Kunming. Kenzo ducked down a small non-descript sort of lane.  I followed, but I’d never have ventured into this lane without Kenzo leading the way.  We had to literally duck down to pass through a low door way and into a tiny courtyard.  Inside there was a middle aged lady sitting on the lowest of stools trimming a green leafy vegetable. And so we stayed there for lunch… a good choice.

Delicious stir fried, fresh leafy greens…

… a slow-cooked chicken dish…

… and at last, some crispy skinned, succulent duck. Head and all!

‘Twas a very good meal to last us for the journey back to Kunming by train.

More from Kunming anon.

David

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