159: Chapter 159 Arrival

The off-road vehicle slowly drove away from the airport and headed down the highway, the scenery outside the window constantly changing.

On both sides of the road were vast stretches of rubber plantations, where dai people villagers were carrying bamboo baskets and tapping rubber.

Rubber remains one of Xishuangbanna's main economic crops. Many Dai people make a living by tapping rubber, heading up the mountains before dawn every morning and not returning home until noon. Though the work is hard, it is fulfilling.

On the other side was a clear tributary of the Lancang River winding through the mountains. Several small bamboo rafts floated on the water as fishermen cast their nets. Occasional crisp shouts drifted over, filled with the essence of daily life.

"Chen Mo, look! They're tapping rubber!"

Su Yingxue pointed at the rubber trees outside the window and said curiously,

"This is my first time seeing rubber being tapped. It looks so unique."

Chen Mo looked in the direction she was pointing and explained with a smile,

"Yeah, Xishuangbanna's rubber is very famous. The climate here is particularly suited for rubber trees. Many Dai people rely on this for their livelihood, heading out before dawn to tap the rubber. It's very hard work."

The driver also chimed in with a smile,

"That's right, Boss. We Dai people either tap rubber, grow tea, or work in tourism. Our lives may not be wealthy, but they are stable and honest.

It's December now, the dry season, which is a good time for tapping. Once the rainy season starts next year, we won't be able to do it anymore."

"I see."

Su Yingxue nodded.

As they spoke, the off-road vehicle passed a dai people village. The houses were typical dai people bamboo houses, wooden structures with pointed roofs covered in thick thatch. From a distance, they were arranged in a picturesque manner, nestled among lush green bamboo groves and banana trees, looking exceptionally beautiful.

Beneath the bamboo houses, rice and corn were drying. Some Dai women, dressed in brightly colored traditional Dai Clothing, sat on bamboo stools weaving cloth.

"Master, what's the name of this village?"

Su Yingxue asked curiously.

"This is Manjinglan Village. It's one of our larger local dai people villages, inhabited entirely by dai people. Now, many tourists visit to watch dai people songs and dances and eat dai people cuisine."

The driver said with a smile,

"In our dai people bamboo houses, the ground floor is usually for storage and livestock, while the upper floor is for living. It's airy and cool, perfectly suited for our climate."

"It's so unique!"

Su Yingxue couldn't help but exclaim,

"It's much more interesting than the apartment buildings we live in. Being able to see green trees just by opening a window is so comfortable."

Seeing the joy in her eyes, Chen Mo said with a smile,

"If you like it, we can go inside later to take a look, experience the dai people's lifestyle, and try some local food."

"Really? That would be wonderful!"

Su Yingxue clapped her hands happily, her eyes full of anticipation.

The off-road vehicle continued forward, and the scenery became even more beautiful. Vast groves of tropical fruit trees came into view—pomelo, mango, and jackfruit trees. Although December wasn't the season for mangoes and jackfruit to ripen, the branches were already heavy with small fruits, brimming with vitality.

Occasionally, small roadside stalls appeared, selling local specialties like Roasted Bamboo Worms, Pounded Chicken Feet, Pineapple Rice, and various tropical fruits. The air was thick with rich aromas that were truly mouth-watering.

"Chen Mo, look at that stall! They have Roasted Bamboo Worms. I've heard they're delicious. Should we go try some later?"

Su Yingxue pointed at the roadside stall, her eyes filled with curiosity.

Chen Mo looked at Su Yingxue dotingly and said,

"Sure. As long as you're brave enough to eat them, we'll go try. But bamboo worms look a bit scary, so don't be afraid."

"I'm not afraid!"

Su Yingxue puffed out her cheeks and said,

"I want to taste the dai people's specialty food. I can't come all this way for nothing."

Hearing this, the driver couldn't help but laugh.

"You're a brave young lady. Our dai people's Roasted Bamboo Worms are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—very fragrant. Many tourists love them. You should give them a try; if they're not delicious, you don't have to pay."

As they spoke, the car entered Xishuangbanna's city center. The streets were lined with various tropical plants, and the streetlights were designed to look like betel nut trees, which was very distinctive.

On the streets, there were locals in traditional clothing and tourists from all over the country, coming and going in a bustling scene.

Most of the roadside shops had signs in both Dai Script and Chinese, selling dai people clothing, unique handicrafts, and food. There was everything one could want, all bursting with local character.

"It's so lively here!"

Su Yingxue said, looking at the scene outside the window,

"And the air is so good, and the sky is so blue. It's much more comfortable than Magic City."

"Yes, Xishuangbanna is like that. It feels like spring all year round, with a pleasant climate and beautiful scenery. It's a great place to relax."

Chen Mo said with a smile,

"We'll go to the hotel to drop off our things first. Then I'll take you to eat some Dai people cuisine and walk around to really experience the local customs."

"Okay, okay!"

Su Yingxue nodded repeatedly with a smile.

While driving, the driver enthusiastically introduced Xishuangbanna to them:

"Bosses, in Xishuangbanna, besides the dai people, there are also the hani ethnic group, Bulang people, and Jino people—thirteen ethnic groups in total. Each has its own characteristics. The dai people's Water-Splashing Festival is the most lively of all, but it's only December now. The festival isn't until mid-April next year. If you come back then, you'll see the most vibrant side of the Dai countryside."

"Water-Splashing Festival? That sounds so interesting!"

Su Yingxue turned to Chen Mo and said,

"Can we come back for the next Water-Splashing Festival?"

"Sure. As long as you like it, we'll come back next time."

Chen Mo nodded with a smile. Seeing her so happy made him very happy as well.

The car slowly stopped in front of a hotel near the Lancang River. The hotel's architectural style also resembled a dai people bamboo house—quaint and elegant, blending perfectly with the surrounding scenery.

Chen Mo helped Su Yingxue out of the car and looked up at the hotel.

"We'll stay here. You can see the Lancang River just by opening the window, and at night, you can even hear the sound of the river."

Su Yingxue nodded, her eyes full of joy.

"That's wonderful! This place is so beautiful! Chen Mo, thank you for bringing me to such a great place."

"No need to be so polite with me."

Chen Mo smiled and rubbed her hair.

"Let's go. We'll check in first, then I'll take you to eat something delicious and explore this beautiful Dai countryside."