The first time I went to Chiang Mai, I couldn't believe it was the second-largest city in Thailand. The city looked so different from my imagination _ in my mind's eye, major cities must have many modern and high-rise buildings. But almost all the buildings there are low and ancient-looking, especially in the Old Town in the centre. Trees and flowers were all around, making it look like a big garden.
Because my first time to Chiang Mai was for a working trip, I stayed less than two days and had no time to really get to explore. I thought that maybe Chiang Mai had a modern side I hadn't seen.
But I was wrong. The second time I went there, I understood the style of the place. Different from our traditional concept of major cities, Chiang Mai is important because it represents the style and spirit of northern Thailand, especially its retention of the Old Town and its feeling.
I stayed in a guest house in the Old Town run by a Chinese, the proprietor said he opened seven years ago. They had seen many places, but at last chose to live in Chiang Mai. Different to many Chinese who come to Thailand to build careers or make a living, they chose the spot to enjoy life, because the city made them feel tranquil and relaxed. He suggested that if I wanted to know the city deeply, I should stay at least a week.
Chiang Mai reminds me of a similar city in China: Lijiang, in Yunnan province. Lijiang also has an Old Town with a history that goes back 800 years and was once a confluence of trade along the old tea horse road.
To Chinese, Lijiang means "land of idyllic beauty" and to "stand aloof from worldly strife and hold oneself aloof from the world". Lijiang is far from large and modern cites, and has amazing natural landscapes such as the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and, of all the snow mountains in Eurasia with ocean glaciers, it has the one nearest the equator.
The town has attracted a flood of visitors and the Old Town has fast become a destination for young Chinese artists, students and adventurers _ just like Chiang Mai to the Thai art community. Many backpackers lay down their burdens and stay there; some of them even find a job, for example as waiters in small bars. Not only do they serve the customers, but also chat with them and share their experiences.
During the day, Lijiang is a quiet town. People go there to read, think, write and create artworks. When night arrives, it becomes a scene of revelry. The famous "Bar Street" is a line of clubs with live music; a popular song Di Da was created there and spread throughout China.
Many young Chinese in major cities are aspiring to this style of life, but we have no chance and no time to experience it.
I admire those who can give up what they have in the city and choose life in a small town. At the moment, there's something of a phenomenon of young people escaping the bustle and pressure of major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and going back to their home towns or choosing to live in smaller cities like Lijiang.
One of my best friends gave up his job in Beijing earlier this year. Before he left, he said he could not bear many of the problems in the city _ the crowds, the traffic jams, the pollution, especially the high cost of living.
Even though he would earn less than he would working in Beijing, it would be enough to live in his home town and be free of the "city diseases". I respect his courage, but I cannot make the same decision. I think many young people have valid reasons for thinking they cannot leave major cities: they are not willing to give up the rich resources.
For me, living in the city means I can easily find various kinds of food, I can enjoy the culture _ to watch a drama or concert. I can easily get something popular and fashionable. For some people, they not only consider their own lives but also the previous and next generations. Major cities have the best education and medical resources, so they do not want to leave.
We're also proud of having a job in a major city. We want to prove that we can make it. We are also afraid of others laughing at us if we flee.
So despite having to bear big pressure, we stick around. And we can only experience the lifestyle in places like Chiang Mai and Lijiang during our travels. In my view, the meaning of travel is not about how many tourist attractions you chalk up on your list. The best way to travel is to feel the different lifestyle, to taste the different pace of life, and to experience something you don't in your daily routine.
Major cities and small towns represent different ways of life. There are pros and cons. How many people can follow their hearts choose what they really want?
Cui Yuchen is a Chinese journalist based in Bangkok on the FK exchange programme.