Spring Blossoms, Return to Lijiang: In Shuhe Ancient Town, I Rediscovered the Long-lost 'Poetry and the Faraway'

This is Liu Xiaoshun's travel and lifestyle research institute.

Recently, with spring in full bloom and the season brimming with life, I'm sure many friends can't resist the urge to travel, to embark on a refreshing and memorable 'spring outing'.

Lately, I've returned to the famous tourist city of Lijiang in Yunnan. I've truly lost count of how many times I've been here. Every time, Lijiang feels both familiar and yet reveals something new.

It's fair to say that whenever I come to Lijiang, I find the long-lost 'poetry and the faraway' in life. Perhaps that's the meaning of travel.

Part 1: Returning to Lijiang, staying in the 'faraway'

In the morning, I flew from Guangzhou to Kunming, then caught a high-speed train to Lijiang. After a whole day of travel, it was nearly evening when I arrived. Luckily, the weather was fine with cloudless skies. Stepping out of the train station, I saw Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance.

While still on the train, a friend in Lijiang messaged me 'welcome back.' I've never lived long-term in Lijiang, but every visit does feel like coming home. This place seems to have a magic that soothes my mental exhaustion.

Coincidentally, the inn I'm staying at this time is near Shuhe Ancient Town, and it's called 'Faraway Inn.'

Stepping into Faraway Inn, it lives up to its name instantly. The architecture and decor blend traditional elements with modern style perfectly, relaxing me right away.

Then I settled into a spacious room on the third floor with a balcony view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

The view is extraordinary, and the interior is equally impressive!

Solid Chinese-style wood furniture, silk bedding, a well-appointed bathroom, and every smart device and appliance you could need. Even the bathtub is exquisitely designed.

Though I barely caught a glimpse of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain before night fell, just knowing it's right there in front of me brought a rush of feeling: 'Lijiang, I'm back.'

Staying at this Faraway Inn instantly brought back the 'poetry and the faraway' that had long been missing from my life.

After dinner, I strolled through nearby Shuhe Ancient Town. It was late, so most shops were closed and few tourists were around. But a wandering singer still sat by the roadside, singing with a small crowd gathered around to listen.

Shuhe Ancient Town isn't as lively at night, but it has a unique flavor. It seems to hold countless stories and secret reflections.

No matter how people judge Lijiang, this place has endured in hearts for decades, with an endless stream of visitors. It must have its own unique charm. 'A hundred people see a hundred different Lijiangs'—I wonder what kind of Lijiang you see?

Part 2: Horseback riding, picnic, and coffee beneath the snow mountain

On my second day in Yunnan's Lijiang, we set out early from Faraway Inn in Shuhe Ancient Town and arrived at a horse ranch at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

With friends, I went horseback riding and had a picnic. Life's trivial worries seemed to vanish into thin air.

The distant snow-capped peaks, the vast yellow rapeseed fields nearby, and Lijiang's signature high-altitude blue sky—any mental drain is instantly healed in such surroundings.

Next to the ranch, the 'Forest Life Little Fairy Tale' café is a lovely photo spot. The little white wooden house overflows with fairy-tale charm. The owner, I heard, came all the way from Taiwan.

Both coffee and desserts are of genuinely high quality, rivaling boutique cafés in big cities. But crucially, big cities can't offer this unparalleled natural environment.

At noon, we had a hearty farmhouse-style chicken hot pot right by the ranch. Under Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, whether horseback riding, picnicking, sipping coffee, or simply eating—everything takes on a ritualistic beauty.

Travel may have no intrinsic meaning, but perhaps the little something it adds to your life is truly meaningful to you.

Part 3: Lijiang's hidden gem, Shuhe Ancient Town

During this Lijiang trip, I focused on Shuhe Ancient Town, which I consider Lijiang's 'hidden gem.'

I'm not sure how well you know Shuhe Ancient Town. Many visitors to Lijiang spend most of their time in Dayan Ancient Town.

People often call the busiest Dayan Ancient Town 'Lijiang Old Town,' but actually, Lijiang Old Town includes several other old towns, and Shuhe Ancient Town is one of them.

Shuhe Ancient Town lies about 8 kilometers north of Dayan, roughly a 20-minute drive. It's not remote and is quite accessible.

When you arrive in Shuhe Ancient Town, you'll find scenery that's every bit as beautiful as Dayan, but with far fewer tourists.

So Shuhe lacks the hustle and bustle, offering instead a quieter, more leisurely pace. The overall atmosphere feels more authentic and unspoiled.

If you want to experience Lijiang's 'slow life' without jostling through crowds, Shuhe Ancient Town is a wonderful choice!

Shuhe Ancient Town has many trendy cafés and shops. Finding time to while away a leisurely afternoon here is pure bliss!

Faraway Inn sits just outside the north gate of Shuhe Ancient Town, so you can walk into this old town anytime to savor Lijiang's unique charm. It's incredibly convenient!

Part 4: Leaving Lijiang, but the 'faraway' lingers

On my third day in Lijiang, it was time to leave. A sudden reluctance washed over me.

This trip, I chose to stay at Faraway Inn, a place with a legendary story.

Why legendary?

Mainly because this boutique guesthouse outside Shuhe Ancient Town's north gate took a staggering six years to complete. Many locals had come to know it as the guesthouse that was 'forever' under construction.

Now, Faraway Inn has finally opened its doors. I came specifically to experience this legendary Shuhe boutique stay and see what it's like inside.

Faraway Inn has three floors. The ground floor is the lobby with a courtyard blooming year-round. The second and third floors hold the guest rooms.

I stayed on the third floor with a distant view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The entire guesthouse is decorated with such meticulous care that it fulfills every Chinese classical romantic fantasy you can imagine.

Moreover, Faraway Inn regularly hosts cultural and art events. You can enjoy live traditional music and arts right on the premises.

Without stepping outside, you can immerse yourself in Lijiang's cultural essence, understand the city more deeply, and form a richer connection. Perhaps this is the true 'poetry and the faraway.'

It's no wonder that after three nights at Faraway Inn, I found it hard to leave. I hope to return to Lijiang soon, to rediscover the 'poetry and the faraway' right here.

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