The Mountains Are High: a year of escape and discovery in rural China

Alec Ash, a journalist, moved to Dali, a rural valley in China's Yunnan province, to escape the trappings of fast-paced city life and mend heartbreak. He embeds himself in a diverse community of people who reject modernity and live more simply, in tune with the natural world. The Mountains Are High is a candid memoir about how reevaluating what is important and taking a leap of faith can transform one's life.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 08 February 2024
Publisher: Scribe Publications

What is it like to radically change your life? Writer Alec Ash meets the Chinese who are doing just this,‘reverse migrating from the cities to the remote countryside of southwest China — and joins them himself,in an extraordinary and inspiring journey of self-discovery.

In 2020,Alec Ash left behind his old life as a journalist in buzzy Beijing,and moved to Dali,a rural valley in Chinas Yunnan province,centred around a great lake shaped like an ear and overlooked by the Cang mountain range. Here,he hoped to find the space and perspective to mend heartbreak,and escape the trappings of fast-paced,high-pressured city life.

Originally home to the Bai people,Dali has become a richly diverse community of people of all ages and backgrounds,with one shared goal: to reject the worst parts of modernity and live more simply,in tune with the natural world and away from the nexus of authoritarian power. It is into this community that Alec embeds himself,charting his first year of life in Dali among these fascinating neighbours,from political dissidents to bohemian hippies.

The Mountains Are High is a beautifully written,candid memoir about how reevaluating what is really important and taking a leap of faith to reach it can genuinely transform your life. As one of the ‘new migrants tells Alec when he arrives: it is easy to change your environment,far more difficult to change your mind.

Alec Ash,a journalist from Beijing,moved to Dali,a rural valley in Chinas Yunnan province,in 2020,seeking a change of pace and a chance to mend a broken heart. The community of Dali,formerly home to the Bai people,is a diverse group of individuals who share a common goal: to reject the negative aspects of modernity and live a simpler,more in-tune with nature lifestyle.

Alec immerses himself in this community,documenting his first year in Dali among its eclectic residents,ranging from political dissidents to bohemian hippies. The Mountains Are High is a poignant memoir that explores the transformative power of reassessing what truly matters in life and taking a leap of faith to achieve it. As one of the new migrants tells Alec upon his arrival,it is easier to change one's environment than to change one's mind.

Dali offers a unique setting for Alec's journey of self-discovery. The picturesque countryside,with its towering mountains and serene lakes,provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The community is also known for its rich cultural heritage,with a strong emphasis on traditional arts and crafts.

During his time in Dali,Alec learns to appreciate the simple pleasures of life,such as spending time with his neighbors,exploring the natural beauty of the region,and engaging in traditional Chinese medicine. He also becomes involved in local political activism, advocating for the rights of the indigenous Bai people and other marginalized communities.

Through his experiences in Dali,Alec gains a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him. He realizes that true happiness comes from within,not from material possessions or societal expectations. He also learns to appreciate the interconnectedness of all things,and the importance of living in harmony with the natural world.

The Mountains Are High is a powerful testament to the transformative power of personal growth and self-discovery. It reminds us that it is never too late to change our lives and pursue our dreams,no matter how challenging or unconventional they may seem. Alec's journey in Dali is an inspiration to anyone who seeks a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.

Weight: 388g
Dimension: 144 x 224 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914484377