On the southwestern edge of China lies a land that has been particularly blessed by nature. It boasts stunning scenery that people willingly become "addicted" to, as well as delicious forest delicacies that are impossible to resist. We're talking about Yunnan – a place where fairytale-like nature perfectly blends with the culinary legend of the kingdom of mushrooms. Whether you're seeking refuge for your soul or want to embark on an adventurous journey of flavors, Yunnan offers answers that will exceed your expectations.
People who come to Yunnan for the first time are often "affected" by two things. One is a slow poison. It works subtly, but its effects are profound. You might simply sit in a cafe in the old city of Dali, gazing at Mount Cangshan, and spend an entire afternoon doing just that. Or you might wait for the sunset by Lake Lugu, watching as the water transforms from blue to gold and then to dark.
And suddenly, you realize that you will never return to that rushed pace of "sightseeing." This poison has great inertia – upon returning to the city, you'll find yourself thinking about that incredibly blue sky, involuntarily comparing the air here and there, and late at night after a long workday, you'll ask yourself: Why am I not in Yunnan?
The second "poison" is a refreshing one. It comes quickly, goes slowly, and is addictive. Every year in June and July, as soon as the first rain falls, entire mountains begin to "ferment." Mushrooms like matsutake, termitomyces, see hand jin, green mushrooms... sprout from the ground overnight. The locals call it "mushroom picking" – it sounds like an easy task, but in reality, it's an adventure.
Some mushrooms may look beautiful, but after consuming them, you might see little people dancing (one of the signs of poisoning). It is this dangerous, yet enchanting quality that makes eating mushrooms a ritual experience. When they put a pot of mushroom fondue in front of you, the broth is golden and translucent, you take one spoonful, and the entire flavor of the forest explodes in your mouth.
So you see – Yunnan is truly a "poisoned" fairytale land. Its poison lies not in causing harm, but in temptation – the temptation to slow down, change your life for the better, and raise your standards of taste. And before you know it, you've willingly succumbed to its charm. And that is where its greatest appeal lies.
Marie Liu