Like Luang Prabang in Lao and Guanajuato in Mexico, the old town of Lijiang, northeast of Dali, has been so well preserved that it is accredited by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Most visitors are mesmerized by the town’s narrow cobblestone alleys and a network of small flowing canals that crisscross lines of lantern adorned wooden houses.

Lijiang is located about 2,400 meters above the sea level and tucked away in a mountain range and vast fertile fields. The town itself is divided into two parts; the new town and the old town. Obviously, it is the old town that attracts travelers. The architecture seen at temples and houses here was developed by the Naxi who are descendants of Tibetan Qiang tribes who migrated from Tibet and occupied the area over 1,400 years ago. It is simply a pleasure to stroll a small alley or relish a morning tea with freshly made dumplings at a local restaurant by the canal. The Naxi sandwich – goat’s cheese, tomato and fried egg between a pair of thick flatbreads – is a recommended fare of the Nazi. Plenty of restaurants serving western food are also available in the town.

The town’s most lively part is the Old Market Square where travelers can observe the daily life of Naxi women in traditional dress selling food in front of the house. It is the center of the town where all the streets in the old town meet. On the northern part of the town is the Black Dragon Pool, the main water source of Lijiang. This scenic lake is surrounded by a beautiful shady park and dotted with pavilions, a museum and the 16th century Five Phoenix Hall. The whole park area is definitely good for photo opportunity.

Yulong Xueshan (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain)
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain or Yulong Mountain forms a stunning backdrop to Lijiang. Rising at 5,600 meters (18,360 feet), it is only 15 kilometers away from Lijiang City. At different elevations, the snow-capped mountain is home to rare animals and one fourth of all plant species in China. The mountain can be accessed by cable cars and ski lifts at different altitudes. They can take you up to some scenic plateaus at 3,300 meters above the sea level where you can hike or take a horse ride on a vast breathtaking meadow of wildflowers and plants. At 4,500 meters high, you can walk on a trail to see captivating glacier views. Since the mountain is located in a high elevation, you may experience the symptoms of altitude sickness. Consult with your physician before taking this trip.

The Tiger Leaping Gorge
Besides Yulong Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge is another dream destination among adventurers. It is one of the deepest gorges in the world with more than 3,500 meters from the waters to the mountain peak. The area, consisting of deep gorges with a variety of forests, raging rivers and stunning waterfalls, is ideal for hiking. Dotting with evergreen peaceful farming villages, the scenery of the gorge is majestic. Accessing the gorge has been made easier recently, making it more convenient for those who do not have time for hiking. Buses can take travelers up and down the gorge as far as the upper rapids. The best time is between May and June while the wet months of July and August are not recommended since the trails can be very slippery.