The Mountains Are High

"For years since China’s economic reform, many ambitious young Chinese have migrated to bustling cities to get rich and seek career fulfillment. But the highly competitive rat race has also forced some to rethink their ultimate pursuit. All this happened as China’s economic growth slowed and job opportunities waned. In recent years, phrases describing those who opt for a pressure-free life, such as “tang ping” (lying flat), have stormed into China’s everyday lexicon. Some of the urban escapees – including author Alec Ash himself – ended up in smaller cities such as Dali, in Southwest China. In this beautifully written book, Ash introduces us to them. They fittingly call Dali “Dalifornia,” for its chilled vibes, California-like good weather and picturesque mountains."