Have you ever been to a paradise? If you want to know what it looks like, I think Lijiang in the Yunnan province of China can perfectly define it. Whenever you want to run away from all the disturbing and unhappy things, or if you want to find a place to share happy hours with your lover, Lijiang definitely is a perfect place to go.Lijiang has the best preserved ancient town in China - the Old Town which has been listed in the World Cultural Heritages by UNESCO in 1997. Built on the hillsides of three mountains, it is combined with nature in an organic and integral unity. Tile-roofed houses are arranged closely side by side within the brace of green mounts, where the common people's residences, simple in shape and elegant in decoration, draw wide attention as a crystallization of the Naxi culture and techniques.
Here, you can enjoy the most peaceful moments in your entire life. Above you is a blue sky with fluffy white clouds, and you can always hear birds singing. Walking in the street, you can see so many antique and historical buildings with national characteristics. It would make you feel like you are in an ancient city. Since this city is not one of those modern cities like Chicago or New York, you will truly feel like you are breathing for the first time in your life because the air in Lijiang is so fresh.
In Ljiang, the people are very nice and friendly; you can get help from them whenever you want. I have some tips for you if you want to take a trip there. First, you should book your hotel on the Internet in advance. Second, you should bring a thick jacket with you because the weather here is cold at night.
Lastly, the food here are very spicy. One time, my friend and her boyfriend ate at a restaurant here and all the dishes were spicy. My friend's boyfriend ended up having diarrhea after eating. However, if you are a fan of spicy food, then you would most likely love the food here. If you cannot handle food that are too spicy, then I suggest you talk to the boss of the restaurant and ask him to tell the chef not to add anything spicy while cooking. Other than that, Lijiang is a beautiful place to spend your vacation in!Lijiang is located in northwestern Yunnan Province, China. It's a world of cultural heritage. Lijiang has attracted many people with its tranquil ancient town and beautiful scenery. Have you been there,you will never wish to leave.
The Old Town of Lijiang
The old town of Lijiang was built by the ancestors of the Naxi ethnic minority during the late years of the Song and early Yuan dynasties (from 12th to 13th centuries), and named Dayan at the time.
The people of Naxi, while developing their land of snow-clad mountains and turbulent rivers since ancient times, have created the "Dong Ba Culture", a culture all-embracing while unique.
Black Dragon Pool Park
Located just to the north of Lijiang, Black Dragon Pool is a famous pond located in the scenic Jade Spring Park. It was built in 1737 during the Qing Dynasty and offers a spectacular view on the region's tallest mountain, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, over its white marble bridge. The park also features several smaller temples and pavilions.
Lake Luguhu
Lake Luguhu is located in the northeast of Lijiang City. The lake surface is 52 square kilometers. The water of the lake is generally clean and green, with different shades of color: now turquoise blue, now sapphire blue, now white-gray, simply beyond one's imagination.
Around Lake Luguhu lives an ancient nationality - the Mosuo nationality, a branch of the Naxi nationality. Up to now, the Mosuo people retain the vestiges of matriarchal society and follow the tradition of "walking marriage."
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Ten miles from Lijiang is Jade Dragon Snow Mountain(Yulong Mountain). Its landscape includes one of the southernmost glaciers in the modern world. Shanzidou, the main peak of the mountain at 18,000 feet above sea level, looks like a gigantic dragon clad in white snow all year round. Access to the mountain is provided by a cable lift to Dragon Spruce Meadow, halfway to the glacier peak.