It’s nearing midnight and you’re strolling the streets of Dali, then you spot a row of well-dressed, college-aged youngsters squatting by the roadside. Upon closer inspection, you notice cardboard signs beside them, “begging for rice, a conversation, a cigarette… and adoption”?!
A recent “begging” trend has emerged in Dali, a city in the Yunnan province of China known for its charming old towns, scenic mountain views, and delicious mushrooms. In recent years, Dali has grown into a popular tourist destination. According to China News, Dali welcomed nearly four million visitors in 2024, a 20.7% increase from the previous year.
One of 2023’s most popular C-dramas was Meet Yourself, a slow-paced romance about a woman who quits her job to go soul-searching in Dali (think Eat, Pray, Love’s influence on Bali’s tourism). Since then, sojourning has become increasingly popular among young people, who travel on a budget for an extended stay in Dali.
Some have taken up “begging” to maintain their nomadic lifestyle, though the intention is not always money-based. For many, it’s a social experiment, waiting for memorable conversations and to connect with other wanderers. For others, there’s a more serious approach to making a living through begging, with one blogger claiming that he received 6,800 RMB ($938 USD) in just 13 days.
Similar to the underlying sentiment in Meet Yourself, the rising “beggar” scene in Dali reflects China’s broader cultural movement that embraces lying flat and quitting the rat race. Where genuine human connections and an escape to a quieter, more scenic way of life are far more desirable.
But it’s not just “beggars” occupying the streets of Dali after dark. The old town comes alive with other creative street vendors as well, such as charging 10 RMB ($1.40 USD) for a tarot reading or 15 RMB ($2.07 USD) for an original poem.
Another vendor has put up a sign saying, “Hi stranger, if you enjoy freestyle rap, please say ‘hello’ for a performance. Donations are welcome.” His neighboring vendor has a box of “fortunes” written on folded-up paper, charging 2 RMB ($0.30 USD) for a fortune telling.
And others have laid out straw mats, inviting passersby to take a seat and share their life’s drama. Another charges 5 RMB ($0.70 USD) for an all-you-can-eat sunflower seed buffet while the vendor tells you weird stories.
The streets of Dali have become an open marketplace for young people to socialize and make friends after sunset. As one RedNote blogger shared, “It was awkward at first, but I sat down and ended up chatting with strangers for over three hours…Dali is a magical place, everyone has a story to tell, and all you need to do is listen.”
Cover image via Unsplash.
