Savoring Chinese micro-towns

Sichuan

Danba charms with nature's best

The sun rises late in Danba because it has to "cross" the mountaintop that surrounds the micro-town, while the night in Danba is delightful with the tender sound of Jinchuan River providing a lullaby to residents.

Located in the habitat of Jiarong Tibetan ethnic group, villagers are often seen singing Tibetan folk songs and dancing by the riverbank.

For the young, the bars on the main street serve as their fortified points.

With its proximity to Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan, most restaurants in Danba offer Sichuan spicy style cuisines.

Danba is also famous for producing beauties. Its Badi township is dubbed the "Beauty Valley of Danba". Different from most Tibetan women, Danba girls have lighter skin and are also blessed with good complexion, for the moist climate and mountainous environment. The steep mountains also keep them in good shape.

Locals parade seafish lanterns during festivals. Guo Weimin / Provided by Traveler Magazine

Zhejiang

Dongtou's island appeal

Zhejiang's Dongtou is quite similar to Fujian's Xiamen with its burning sunshine, boundless sea, tanned skin, and summer typhoon. In fact, many Dongtou islanders speak southern Fujian dialect, which makes them unique as they are surrounded by people who speak Zhejiang dialect.

On the harbor, there is a Mazu Temple guarded by a lady of more than 80 years old, who has been the temple guide for as long as the villagers can remember.

Stepping into the small ancestral hall, visitors will find what look like red-painted timber piles behind the incense stand. These are actually fish bones from the 1960s.

Groups of seagulls are often seen flying around the harbor. The birds are considered sacred and are the fishermen's most reliable friends. They direct the fishermen to where the fishes are and make a special sound before rainstorms approach.

If you are in the mood for some crabs, you can find plenty on the beach.

Dongtou has as many islands as fishing villages, beaches and rocks. Each island has a name and a story - ask any villager, they will be happy to share with you some of the bizarre tales.