Tunxi- Chinese Ink Stones

Old Street in Tunxi
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko

One of four major Chinese traditional stationary: Yieng Tai (a.k.a. Chinese Ink Stone). The better ink stones come from the oldest mines. There are four major patterns in the ink stone. Fish Scale is one of them and I really can not remember the rest. It will be a good excuse to go back. The design of the ink stones could be very elaborated. Some of ink stones are just for holding to cool down the body temperatures in the hot sunny days..

Tunxi - Old Street

Old Street in Tunxi
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko

This is a very interesting street in Tunxi - Old Street. This street could dates all the way back in Ching dynasty or older.

Huai-Cho is famous for the supply of traditional Chinese stationary: brush pens, Ying Tai, Ink stick and paper. This is a street for one shop shopping for all of them.

Huai-Cho is also famous for its teas. Well informed by all sorts of travel guides, there are four most famous teas in China, and Huai-Cho produces three of them: Mao-Fong green tea, Monkey King green tea and Chi-Meng black teas. Well, you might be able to find all of them on this street. However, this street targets tourists not real tea drinkers.. :)

Tunxi - Breakfast

Breakfast in Tunxi
Originally uploaded by S. Zachko

Even though this was just a normal breakfast for local people, we thought this was unforgettable breakfast we've ever had. After 23 hours trip and jet lag, we just wanted to have a very simple and delicious breakfast before the big hike.

One thing never occurs to me is that there is no milk cows in An-Hua province; therefore, it is very expensive to get a cup of milk. Cream powder and canned coffee are the better substitutes.

Months after the trip, I still miss those little pickle dishes and congee...