The most exotic, wonderful time we spent in China (so far) was in this magical fascinating place. Dali old town (ancient village) has an international flair. It attracts travelers from all over, mostly from China and other parts of Asia, but also many people from Europe and the Americas. Jazz, Rock and Flamenco pours out of speakers, mingling with the local music, which is played on a pipe made out of a fluted two lobed dried gourd. You can eat all kinds of food, Tibetan, local, Chinese, Korean...and Pizza! Unlike most other places in China we've been, coffee and bread is abundant. And so are the smiles and endearing good nature of the native people. It is a very tourist-friendly place with many English speaking guides, shopkeepers, resort hosts and vendors. Dali is situated near the foothills of the Himalayas, on the southern end of the legendary Silk Road, in Yunnan province, south of Tibet.