Encounter Yunnan, Enchanting Lijiang
Day 1: Flight from Chengdu to Lijiang, leisure stroll in Dayan Ancient Town.
Our plane was originally scheduled for 6:45, but due to Chengdu's notorious heavy fog, we didn't take off until 10. After a 1 hour and 5 minute flight, we arrived at Lijiang Sanyi Airport. (Here I have to complain about Air China: the entire flight, even after a 4-hour delay, they only gave us a small bottle of water.) Our good mood was dampened by the morning delay and the light rain in Lijiang, but it was just a minor hiccup. In the afternoon, Lijiang welcomed us with sunshine.
This mouthwatering roasted suckling pig! Ah Fei said he'd prepare one for us when we got back. Actually, that night, I went out alone to borrow something from Ah Fei and managed to enjoy some of that roast pig. I ended up chatting with him for a long time.
About travel, about Tibet, about Nepal! Ah Fei, who knows travel so well, gave me a lot of encouragement. The story of a backpacker—I thought that was my dream! After finalizing everything, we tough girls didn't forget to repeatedly remind Ah Fei to arrange a handsome guide for us, knowing how weak our stamina is.
In the afternoon we really began our leisurely ancient town life.
A keepsake photo in front of the café at the highest point of Dayan Ancient Town. Unfortunately we didn't have time to sit inside—next time!!!
Sunny day, mood absolutely fantastic! How relaxed I felt. Finally we reached the 'landmark building' of Dayan Ancient Town, and couldn't help but snap a typical tourist photo.
Day 2: We set off for Meili Snow Mountain at 8 in the morning, laughing all the way, and arrived by 7 p.m.
In the morning, we welcomed the sunshine of Lijiang. Our club guide called to wake us up! At the Free Life Base Camp, we gathered all our luggage, big and small, ready to head to Meili Snow Mountain (PS: Dayan Ancient Town's uneven cobblestone streets make dragging a suitcase extremely difficult, dear friends, keep this in mind). Yeah, ready to go! Our handsome guide was waiting for us at the club!
Finally, our journey to Meili Snow Mountain began. First, we passed by the First Bend of the Yangtze River—scenery was just so-so.
The primary requirement for traveling in Yunnan is being able to endure long car rides, because distances between sights are vast and mountain roads are treacherous. But what's a little cost to see the most beautiful scenery?
Next, we embarked on a long, long ride!!!!
At 2 p.m. we finally reached Benzilan. After a simple 'lunch', our guide Yak told us that Baimang Snow Mountain was heavily snowed in, and we might not be able to reach Meili Snow Mountain. Our emotions went on a wild roller coaster!!! Amid all the discussion...
Sichuan girls rarely see snow, so unafraid of altitude sickness, we all went crazy playing!
Our super energetic handsome guide—Yak! Ah Fei from the club really didn't let us down~ Thanks, Bro Fei! Hehe!
In the end, we still safely crossed Baimang Snow Mountain. The weather turned worse and worse: dense fog, winding mountain roads, plus the snowball fight just now, and we all got a little taste of 'altitude sickness'.
In a daze, we arrived at the Meili Snow Mountain scenic area. First to greet us was Moon Bay. Bad weather limited photo opportunities, but actually...
The tough girls had already adapted to the plateau climate and started goofing around again.
After much calling and urging from the guide, we reluctantly got back in the car and continued advancing toward Meili Snow Mountain. By then the weather was getting worse and worse, and we could feel the chill just sitting in the vehicle. We could only sigh at the fickleness of plateau weather.
'Finally, we've arrived at Meili Snow Mountain!' 'Where's the snow mountain?' That was our conversation when we first got there. Looking at our watches, it was nearly 7 p.m., and with the heavy fog, the mountain refused to show itself. Disappointed, we returned to the hotel, praying for tomorrow.
Day 3: Hiking Mingyong Glacier
Today, our guide finally let us sleep until we woke naturally. At 9:30 we set off for Mingyong Glacier on Meili Snow Mountain. But how could we waste such a beautiful morning? Perhaps our prayers from yesterday worked—though we didn't see the golden sunrise on the peak, at least today we got a full view of Meili Snow Mountain.
Lady Luck really smiles on us again and again, and this was just the beginning. However, the hike to Mingyong Glacier left all of us completely exhausted, collapsing—agony mingled with joy.
Before reaching Mingyong Glacier, the scenery along the way was gorgeous.
Mist and clouds swirling, this place is only 85 km from Tibet. For us who've always dreamed of Tibet, it was pure mental torture.
We were getting more and more familiar with our guide Yak. By the time we reached Mingyong Glacier, we fully realized the importance of 'building good relations'.
After lunch, the main event of the day was finally upon us! This was the most unforgettable part of the journey. A round-trip hike of 20 km. In the car, Yak kept warning us, 'Decide for yourselves — it's really tiring and exhausting. You can ride a mule up the glacier.' We, who are usually fearless, would never take such advice, and told him spiritedly, 'We'll do it ourselves...'
Off we went hiking the glacier, everyone grinning from ear to ear. Alright! Just wait and see what happens next.
Less than 20 minutes in, we began to run out of steam......... Altitude sickness, plus rain from the day before made the path more treacherous. Many sections were mule trails, and the 'dirty, messy, and dreadful' conditions spoke for themselves. The process was brutal; on the way, who had the heart to take pictures? Now thinking about our movements—only climbing, pushing, pulling, shouting... all sorts of ridiculous antics, painful to recall.
Utterly pulled and pushed up by our guide, so embarrassing!!! Helpless city slickers...
'Dead weight' and guide Yak, a photo to remember!!
Finally, all of us reached the top, and we happily took a group photo.
Rather than us triumphantly summiting, it's more like Yak triumphantly shaking off a few burdens. Right now he must be feeling utterly relieved! Sigh, seems we only look full of energy in photos.
After a 3-hour hike, we were just over 200 meters from Mingyong Glacier. Seeing the glacier up close for the first time, all the hardships of the journey vanished. Until the guide said, 'Quick, it's time to head back down...'
Day 4: Meili Snow Mountain—Shangri-La—Songzanlin Monastery
At 6:50, I woke up early and, still carrying the 'gift' left by yesterday's Mingyong Glacier hike, I opened the curtains. Wow!!! Meili Snow Mountain was fully revealed before my eyes! But the most spectacular part—the golden sunrise on the peak—hadn't started yet. After breakfast with my friends, I faintly heard a commotion in the hotel corridor. Could it be? Once again forgetting the high-altitude warning against running, we sprinted all the way....................
No matter what altitude sickness, it was all worth it!!
PS: Since we're all lazy girls, couldn't carry heavy stuff or walk much, all the photos along the way were taken with phones. Dear photography lovers, remember to bring a DSLR—we feel we let this beautiful scenery down.
Breathtakingly beautiful~~ Nature's superlative craftsmanship.
There's a saying in Tibetan areas: 'Only those blessed with fortune can see the golden sunrise on Meili Snow Mountain.' Looks like we, despite poor stamina, are lucky lazybones!!! Hahaha, feeling smug all around.
Slowly, Meili Snow Mountain began to turn white. The 'golden mountain' lasted only about 20 minutes. Seeing the golden sunrise, everyone cheered — all the weariness of travel vanished in an instant.
Blue sky and white clouds accompanied our laughter and chatter all the way. Passing Baimang Snow Mountain again, we suddenly realized that we were just passers-by here. But thankfully, all of this will become our most beautiful memories.
After a morning of 'car touring,' Shangri-La promptly welcomed us with sunshine.
In the afternoon, the itinerary was Songzanlin Monastery — the Little Potala Palace, a prelude to our future Tibet trip!
Praying, how could I suddenly think of past lives and this life in that moment?
Oh well, we danced a messy 'Guozhuang' dance at Moonlight Square.
We really are some thick-skinned tough girls.
Another day's itinerary ended. Back at the hotel, guess what we were going to do? I'm sure you can figure it out!
Today was a free day to collect our thoughts and prepare to return to the familiar city. We chose Shuhe, which is quieter than Dayan Ancient Town. We strolled along the small shops by the street, sat down when tired for a cup of Pu'er tea, enjoyed local delicacies, sat roadside listening to music, staring into space.......... flipping through photos of the past few days. This is the power of tranquility. When your heart is so calm, perhaps in a certain moment you can see the best version of yourself.
In Shuhe Ancient Town we also had the best meal of the entire trip—a gourmet feast. We four pretty girls couldn't stop smiling. We loved it so much—how could we love this restaurant's food so much? Eating delicious food, listening to music, sitting by the window, watching passersby, I felt: This is life! This is the life I want to pursue!
Friends visiting Lijiang, I sincerely recommend this restaurant—delicious and affordable, great service, awesome experience. Thumbs up!
Even the best trips must end. This journey began quietly and ended quietly. But the craziness, surprises, exhaustion, and stunning moments—only we who truly lived them can understand. The trip I once anticipated is now over. I always believe that every journey leaves something behind in our hearts, more or less... I'm leaving, but I'll come back. Thanks to all of you I met: Ah Fei, Yak, the driver, my sisters~~
Travelogue Directory
1. Lijiang Old Town
2. Meili Snow Mountain
3. Mingyong Glacier
4. Shangri-La
5. Shuhe Ancient Town
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