Two of my students decided that today was the day for me to learn about their history and culture so we set off at 0800 (early for me but they are used to getting up at 0600). Caught the local bus into the city centre and then another bus to the Youjiang District. I'd never have managed on my own as naturally all bus signs are in chinese characters!! First stop was a lovely little pagoda set on the side of a hill overlooking the city - not a tourist attraction- as you have to know where to find it without any signs. The streets of the district were suitably decorated for National day as we crossed the road to the entrance of the Yinglongshan Park.

The park is a delightful oasis in the city and being a nationl holiday was full of people. Being the only foreigner in sight I was an attraction in itself!! If I had a kwai for every photo taken of me I'd be very well off by chinese standards. The park is beautifully landscaped with lots of different sitting areas where people can sit and contemplate the world. There is also an area set aside for the rock scribings done by Deng Xiaoping.

Next stop was the Baise Uprising Memorial Museum with an imposing statue of Deng Xiaoping out the front. The museum was set out so that you could follow the cultural revolution in a chronological order and was well worth a visit. There were some fine exhibits as well as depictions of vital scenes from that era. An unusual ceiling allowed much natural light into the musem which added to the atmosphere. The imposing intricate bronze doors at the entrance would hold back almost anything!! Then it was off to see and walk over the Youth Red Army Bridge...little did I know what was awaiting me....

We then started climbing Houlong Mountain which gave us beautiful views of the Youjiang River and the city. At the top was a circular resting area complete with the Drum Tower with Bell and some ornate bronze pillars. By this time I was glad to see flat ground - climbing in 34 degree heat is not much fun despite the magnificent views.

Had a much needed rest and refreshment stop here and viewed the Youjiang Minzu Museum which shows the diversity of the ethnic minorities in the province. And then the true challenge of the day......the 400+ steps up to the Baise Uprising Martyr's Monument. If I thought I was tired before.....well my legs were screaming for a rest, I was sweating profusely and must say not a pretty sight!!! BUT it was worth the effort to see the monument that means so much to the people of Baise. The locals were shocked that I had made the effort to climb up to see "their" monument and I now star in many holiday snaps!!