379718 3 Location 571323 <p><strong><u>Rilong Town</u></strong></p><p>We spent two nights in Rilong. It’s a remote small place which is really just a stopover for those visiting Mt Siguniang. The town is divided into “upper” and “lower” (our terminology) Rilong. Upper Rilong is closer to Mt Siguniang and is the end of town approached from the road from Mt Balang. This appears to be the more affluent end of town. There are some good places to eat and internet access is available.</p><p><strong>Hotel</strong></p><p>We stayed at the Xin Long Hotel. Facing away from Mt Siguniang, it is on the left hand side of the road where there is a blue sign stating 94km to Wolong. It is a large hotel located between the main road and a rushing stream. The rooms are spacious and the beds have electric blankets. The shower pressure was poor, however, the water was hot. At one point, the water was too hot – the hotel had sufficient hot water but no cold water from the taps!</p><p>Just up the road from the hotel was a large pool of water obstructing the road. No problem for cars but a nuisance for pedestrians. A gated path along the side of the road avoided the pool, however, it was guarded by a fierce Tibetan woman. Depending on her mood, she will either bid you pass or banish you to cross the water unassisted.</p><p><strong>Restaurants</strong></p><p>We enjoyed and recommend the food at two restaurants. The first is called “Eat to the Sky” (approximate translation) and in on the left side of the road about 100 metres down from our hotel. There is an open space between this restaurant and the nearest dwelling, on which is painted “Supermarket”. The restaurant staff are friendly – eager for business – and attentive. A meal for two people will set you back about 30-40 RMB. We enjoyed such dishes as Tibetan “French Fries”; a potato pancake; scrambled eggs and shallots; various green vegetables; and beef with celery, shallots and green peppers.</p><p>About 150-200 metres further down the road away from the hotel and the mountain, on the right hand side is a long stretch of 12 shopfronts adjacent to a hotel. We ate a restaurant occupying the second shopfront. It’s name roughly translates as “Grasslands" Restaurant. This was our supplier of Tibetan bread – sweet and savoury. The breads, at 2 RMB each, are highly recommended just off the hotplate. Beyond here the road curves to the left and then right before heading into “lower Rilong”.</p><p><strong>Internet Access</strong></p><p>If you need to check you email or write a blog there is an “internet café” located about halfway between the Xin Long Hotel and the “Eat to the Sky” Restaurant. It’s easily recognisable as it’s the only shop with a metal staircase leading up to a raised shopfront. The shop itself sells various snacks. The computers are in a smoke-filled room at the back of the shop. The connection speed is sufficiently fast and it costs 5 RMB/hour. </p><p>A Kodak shop can be found on the right hand side of the road, roughly opposite the "Eat to the Sky" Restaurant.</p> 2007-08-04T05:02:07-07:00 281018746 2007-07-22T17:00:00-07:00 0 16 255775 5208885 379718 0 178136 0.0 2007-07-20T17:00:00-07:00 Published 0.0 2007-08-04T23:48:12-07:00 94859 0