The Linden Centre

My Getaway adventure to Dali is almost up, but I had the upmost pleasure of visiting a true hidden gem called The Linden Centre, which is a beautifully restored and luxurious courtyard home for visitors from near and far to truly experience the culture and history of the local people including the Bai Minority.  Upon entering this nationally-protected heritage site, I was warmly welcomed with a demonstration of The Linden Centre’s “Three Tea Ceremony” customary of the Bai people…

Even better, one of the cofounders of The Linden Centre, Jeanee Linden, just happened to be on the premises to share with me more, and here’s the introduction from her family about The Linden Centre:

The opening of the Linden Centre in Southwest China is the incarnation of our nearly three decades of experiences garnered while living in Asia.  It embodies our desire to establish a base for learning, sharing, and exploration amongst the communities thousands of years old.  The Centre is inspired by the breadth of living cultural traditions in the region, by the serene beauty and year-round spring weather found throughout the Yunnan Province, and by a vibrant and sentient connection with a timeless history.  Above all, the Linden Centre is founded on the desire to share the spontaneous hospitality extended to all visitors by the Yunnan people.                                                                        

                                                                                            – Brian and Jeanee Linden and their sons Shane and Bryce

I really enjoyed the time I spent speaking to Jeanee and was truly inspired with the passion and dedication they’ve put forth to share the Linden Centre with all the visitors who are fortunate enough to experience it for themselves.  As we continued to speak more in depth about the philosophy and vision of the two founders, I noticed that an elder group of Bai musicians were setting up and ready to perform some of their favorite tunes from centuries ago.

And as I began to make my way around to interview some of the dancers…

…I couldn’t help myself but get into the festive mood myself with some dance and celebration!

I am not sure how much Jeanee enjoyed being pulled into the fray herself during the performance, but she was a good sport and more than did her part to show how appreciative she is of the Bai people.

With the opening performances all out of the way, it was time explore more of the premises.  And as I see more of the remarkable work that was put into it all, it’s easy to understand how The Linden Centre has garnered so many awards including Tripadvisor.com’s China Hotel of the Year 2011, Travel and Leisure’s Global Vision Award 2010, and Best Boutique Inn for Sina.com Travel Network 2010.  Now, it’s time to make our way to their deck for some refreshments and a breathtaking view of the landscape.

And when the skies are this blue and the weather so warm and inviting, you know it was the perfect time to work on that tan and soak up some of that Dali sunshine!

If you’d like to find out more about The Linden Centre, then please check out their website at:   http://www.linden-centre.com  Here’s a quote from their information pamphlet by Lao Tzu that sums it all up pretty well…

  “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with the first step.”

So let’s get walking!!!  I hope you enjoyed my Getaway adventure to Dali because I certainly did!  Have a great weekend and I’ll catch up with you all again soon!