The jacarandas in Dechang are in full bloom, but there are no tourists here.

A 30-minute high-speed train ride from Xichang will take you to the 2,000-year-old city of "Dechang," where the beautiful legend of Phoenix City is still told. This morning, I climbed the Phoenix Pavilion and saw a beautiful blue-purple street, the middle section of Changping Road. During the May Day holiday, Changping Road was quiet. It's simply peaceful for those of us who are afraid of crowds. Online, I saw the jacaranda streets of Xichang crowded with people and traffic, but Dechang offers a sense of tranquility. Local customs: Lisu ethnic group, fire grass weaving Recommended attractions: Phoenix Pavilion, Bell and Drum Tower Recommended food: Barbecue, hoof flower, tofu pudding