Beyond China’s big cities: Exploring a hidden rural market in Yunnan

[00:00:00]Good morning, everyone. We are off to explore local market today.

[00:00:04]Early in the morning, you will see locals making their way to the market with bamboo baskets strapped to their backs.

[00:00:12]Some are on their way to sell fresh produce, while others are already heading home with baskets full of groceries.

[00:00:20]For the people here, going to the market isn't just about shopping.

[00:00:24]It's a way of life that has been part of the local culture for centuries.

[00:00:29]The tradition dates back to the days of the ancient tea horse road and old folk customs.

[00:00:35]Market days are still held according to the traditional calendar, and on those mornings, villagers from the surrounding mountains and valleys gather to sell everything from home-grown fruits and vegetables to hand-dyed textiles, handmade tools, local snacks, and even livestock.

[00:00:56]>> [music] >> The uncle carried this on his back is selling a traditional Chinese feather duster.

[00:01:17]It's basically a bamboo stick tied with real chicken feathers. Back in the day, people used it to gently sweep dust off their furniture.

[00:01:28]This is actually a really interesting find. These are essential supplies for the torch festival. The grand day is the most important festival in the local area.

[00:01:38]During the festival, every village erects a massive torch that can reach heights of 10 to 20 m. Once lit, they are meant to burn continuously for a very long time, typically throughout the entire night.

[00:01:51]The small wood flakes stuck inside help the fire spread evenly from the bottom to the top, keeping a massive blaze glowing red all night long.

[00:02:00]Symbolically, this represents driving away evil spirits and disasters.

[00:02:33]This is a local specialty called pea jelly. It's a snack made from ground peas, and many locals just grab a bowl of it for breakfast.

[00:03:04]Has anyone seen this fruit before? It's called mangosteen. It has tough exterior, but tasty interior with segments as like garlic cloves. So, let's try it.

[00:03:19]Kind of look like a garlic, right?

[00:03:23]It's so fresh and juicy, and it has perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Imagine fruit tastes like a mix of lychee and peach with a hint of strawberry. It's so tiny.

[00:03:37]>> [music and singing] [music and singing] >> This is a snack called crispy chilies which are made entirely of chilies. They are pan fried and they're super crispy so they taste just like spicy potato chips.

[00:04:00]The best part is they are harsh or overpowering at all. Instead, they have a rich roasted aroma with a distinct nutty flavor.

[00:04:28]This is a real fresh meal. You have to finish it the same day. I remember one time I left it some overnight and it completely saw in the next day.

[00:05:11]She stir fries the tea stuff and leaves from oxidizing lot in a green color and bring out that amazing nutty aroma.

[00:05:39]Local Slavic embroidery work. Pretty flowers are stitches on coasters, earrings and all sorts of small pendants.

[00:05:53]These embroidered clothes and hats are just daily wear for local elderly ladies.

[00:05:58]Even when they come to sell their goods in the thousand selling market, they always put on their beautiful hats and ethnic outfits.

[00:06:06]Such a lovely attitude towards life.

[00:06:09]No matter how busy their ordinary days are, they dress up nicely and greet every day with grace.

[00:06:18]>> [music] [music] >> Welcome to the insect feast. It's a special Yunnan delicacy, but it's definitely only for the brave.

[00:07:05]Wow, this is so cool.

[00:07:15]So, what do you guys think? I personally love wandering around the market. This this vibrant energy and the sounds of vendors calling out.

[00:07:24]I think that's what real markets feel like, isn't it?

[00:07:42]But the market is about much more than buying and selling.

[00:07:45]It's a way people catch up with old friends and relatives, watch traditional performance, and sometimes even enjoy horse racing or folk singing.

[00:07:55]Long before shopping malls exist, markets like this were the heart of the community.

[00:08:01]A place where trade, culture, and everyday life all came together.

[00:08:06]Even today, these markets continue to connect nearby villages and preserve a slower, more traditional way of life that's becoming increasingly rare.

[00:08:22]>> [music] >> I feel like when you come to see that these the best place for in this tiny hole-in-the-wall spots, those place will give you the most authentic local taste.

[00:09:05]Think pea porridge, xidoufen, it made by slowly simmering ground white peas into a smooth pale yellow porridge, and it has a rich savory flavor of cilantro and Sichuan peppercorn oil. The classic way to eat it by dipping fried dough sticks, youtiao, into it.

[00:09:22]Fried dough sticks are seriously ultimate breakfast, aren't they? You can find them all over China.

[00:09:28]But today, I'm having it mixed with rice noodles. If you come to Dali, I definitely recommend that you try this xidoufen.

[00:09:36]It looks kind of terrible. I taste really really good.

[00:09:43]All right, that is all for today. Thanks so much for hanging out with me. See you next time. Bye.