Bordering Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam in the southwest region of China, you will find the glorious province of Yunnan, home to the city of Lijiang. Offering a rich blend of ancient architecture, awe-inspiring views and traditional culture, this is the ideal destination for an adventurous family vacation.
The Old Town on Lijiang is the heart of the city and presents visitors with a bright, vibrant atmosphere, along with cobblestone streets and an impressive network of canals. This ancient city was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997 and includes the old towns of Dayan, Shuhe and Baisha. The stone and mud houses with tiled roofs are embellished with meaningful engravings that symbolize the people and their surrounding nature, leaving you with a sense of life before your time.
Penned as the most ethnically diverse province in China, Yunnan is home to the Naxi people, and they are the soul of this authentic city. While you will genuinely enjoy time in the Shuhe and Dayan old towns, head to Baisha Village at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to immerse yourself in the life of the Naxi. View the 55 Baisha Murals, which took over 300 years to complete, and artistically depict the local Dongha culture. Admire tie-dye art displaying a myriad of bright colors, while traditional music plays in the background.
The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
The natural beauty of Lijiang awaits you at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. As the southern most glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, this mountain range stretches across 35 kilometers, with all 13 peaks reaching an altitude of over 5,000 meters. The shape resembles a jade dragon looming above the clouds, hence the name. A cable ropeway will transport you up the mountain, and a small oxygen tank to assist with breathing is recommended. Once there, you’ll thoroughly enjoy the experience of walking around and taking in the mesmerizing view of the land below and snow-covered peaks above.
Image via Wikipedia
The Blue Moon Valley & White Water River
Located at the foot of the snow mountain, you'll find the idyllic Blue Moon Valley and White Water River. This mountain stream gathers its water from the melting snow and ice running from the glaciers, leaving it pure, clear and at a freezing temperature all year round. The turquoise river shining in the sunlight will leave you asking, "How can anything be so beautiful?" The White Water Terrace presents fan-shaped steps made of limestones and white marble, which produce a silky smooth downstream flow. Soak up the view and appreciate the natural beauty that abounds; you'll feel fortunate to have these images etched in your memories.
Time spent in the Old Town of Lijiang and surrounding areas will undoubtedly treat all your senses: delicious local cuisine, snowcapped mountains and ancient architecture, along with the kind and welcoming nature of the Naxi people and their creative culture. As you wander around the streets and take in the vistas, you will be transported to a place far from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai, allowing you to appreciate another side of China that's well worth your time.
Image via Wikipedia
To book a 5 day, 4 night trip to Lijiang from RMB4,140 per person, scan the QR code below and complete your details with the subject line 'Lijiang.'
[Cover image via Wikipedia]
