Riding the Waves in Lijiang: A Kaleidoscope of Colors

📍 Lijiang · 👁 1 reads · ❤️ 53 likes

Right after exiting Lijiang Railway Station, I headed straight for Bus No. 18 to Dayan Ancient Town. I got off at Zhongyi Market, had lunch nearby, then entered the old town to drop my luggage at my pre-booked accommodation. One thing worth mentioning: the buses from Lijiang Railway Station to the old town are very cheap—only 1 yuan per ride, self-service ticketing—and there are many buses, all clearly marked on the bus stop signs.

This is a classic Naxi wooden-structure building, with clusters of ancient houses, shady green trees, and winding paths leading to secluded spots.

Don't be fooled by its fierce look; it's actually adorable and playful in nature.

I stumbled upon the Celebrity Wax Museum in Lijiang, which is something of a landmark here. Many people gather to take photos with their favorite stars and celebrities!

Oh no, it's raining again. Lijiang is indeed in its rainy season this time of year.

A couple strolling in the rain, chatting and laughing, seemed so happy. And a word of advice: always carry an umbrella in Lijiang!

The rain stopped, and the sky over Lijiang burst open in an instant—so beautiful.

When in Lijiang, you must sit around Sifang Square and watch the Naxi elderly do the 'dance.' Around 6 p.m. every day, this traditional dance takes place, and you can join in the fun.

After the Naxi dance, I climbed up the alleyways towards Lion Mountain Park, capturing the night view of the old town along the way.

There's a free observation deck on Lion Mountain Park, offering a panoramic night view of the entire old town. Pity I didn't bring a tripod; this is the best shot I could get.

The singers in the bars have impressive vocal skills, with beautiful and enchanting voices.

The daytime sightseeing and the evening performance of 'The Romantic Show of Lijiang' left me with lasting memories.

Songcheng Lijiang Eternal Love Scenic Area, echoing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance, deeply explores Lijiang's unique indigenous cultural elements. It has built four major parks: Tea Horse Ancient Town, Nacuo Village, Lijiang Paradise, and Lovers' Sacrifice Valley, and created ten major performance shows including 'The Romantic Show of Lijiang' and twenty projects. Everywhere in the scenic area, you'll see song and dance performances showcasing Lijiang's millennia-old cultural history and customs, ensuring you never see the same show twice in a day.

Besides the Eternal Love show, there are many other fun activities. I spent the whole day snapping photos non-stop, wishing I could capture everything here.

Inside the Eternal Love scenic area, besides the beautiful scenery, there's also an amusement park, perfect for families. Thrill rides include the pendulum ride and drop tower; gentle ones include a double-decker carousel and spinning teacups. The log flume ride is the most fun—even with a raincoat, you'll get splashed by the cascading water.

'Love Song of Lijiang' is the must-see show besides the Eternal Love, an open-air live performance that tells the poignant and tragic love story between Tibetan young man Abuda and Naxi girl Gajimi. Note that it's only on once a day at 6 p.m. and lasts 20 minutes.

As I took my seat, staff repeatedly warned that the first seven rows couldn't be occupied due to splashing water and flames—this only heightened my anticipation. Since it's not reserved seating, it's best to arrive early to grab a good spot in the middle, not too far back.

It began with a folk song and dance, with towering artificial mountains on stage. The horse procession was so lifelike, as if the horses could come alive at any moment, neighing skyward.

The show started with a scene of peace, people living a good life, lads and lasses courting. Tibetan young man Abuda and Naxi girl Gajimi fell in love, crossing ethnic lines and defying ancestral teachings. The clan chief appeared and forcibly separated them, for they had broken the ancient rules.

Abuda left heartbroken, but then a volcano erupted, the mountain god raged, and the scene was utterly shocking.

With no way out, Abuda forged a path into danger, ultimately saving the people from disaster with his own strength, sacrificing himself heroically.

It tells of the Naxi ancestors' trials and tribulations in creating civilization over the long course of history. In a great catastrophe, the Naxi people nearly perished, but with divine help, the Naxi ancestors established their own kingdom.

A giant roc flew in from beyond the sky. From afar, it seemed like a great eagle suspended in mid-air, until the lights came on and you realized the soft, undulating wings were actually formed by eight strong men linked together...

Act II: 'Legend of the Caravan' — the most stirring. On the ancient Tea Horse Road, the sound of horses' hooves still echoes in our ears. We don't know the names of the mule drivers, only their collective title: the caravan. Lijiang became famous through the Tea Horse Road; in a sense, its glory was trodden out by horse hooves.

Before departure, a lover's words were so tender, deeply moving. A promise: 'Wait for me, I will marry you'—how it tugged at our hearts!

Such stories happen all the time, but the caravan's steps never cease. Under the setting sun, the brave men of the caravan seem to be embarking on their next journey!

Lijiang prospered through the tea-horse trade. During the 471-year governance of the Mu chieftains, Lijiang maintained friendly relations with neighboring ethnic groups and countries like Myanmar, Nepal, and India, making it an economic and cultural hub in southwest China. In 1382 AD, the Ming central government honored the Lijiang chieftain for his loyalty, patriotism, and good governance by bestowing the surname 'Mu.' When the news spread, various ethnic groups and friendly neighbors came to offer congratulations!

A dazzling array of dances: traditional, Indian, court-style, and Tibetan. Behind them was the chieftain's seat, and the entire scene was designed to wish the chieftain long life and prosperity. The grand spectacle had the audience cheering with delight!

Persian maidens from afar brought Persian dances to congratulate the chieftain. The performance was full of Persian flavor, with jade vessels as the main prop—whether cradled or stepped upon, they added to the grace. The big screen behind them showed a moonlit scene, lending an ethereal air to the dance.

Act IV: Yulong Third Kingdom. The Naxi people venerate free love. Despite cumbersome rituals, young men and women unhesitatingly pursue their true loves. Brilliant green light and shadow interplayed; a pair of Naxi youth danced gracefully amid the light, their sleeves fluttering, movements enchanting. Their beautiful figures flickered in the gorgeous stage effects—a scene so visually stunning that the audience burst into applause.

Finale: Searching for Shambhala. In the closing segment, images of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the old town alternated on screen, seasons changing, stars revolving. What remains constant is our eternal quest for the Shambhala in our hearts.

After the performance, it was past 9 p.m. I walked through the Songcheng Eternal Love area, photographing its night scenery.

After a day here, I realized it's not just a simple performance venue, but a condensed version of Lijiang, allowing me to appreciate the culture and uniqueness of the Naxi people.

Shuhe Ancient Town is called 'Shaowu' in Naxi language, named after the treasure mountain behind it that resembles a towering pile of peaks, meaning 'village below the high peak.' It's one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi ancestors in the Lijiang basin. Compared to Lijiang Old Town, it's much quieter, less commercialized, and retains more of the original flavor of an ancient town.

A table full of dishes, three of us ate to our hearts' content. This was the most comfortable, best-tasting, and most atmospheric meal I've had in Lijiang. Restaurants in Shuhe Ancient Town are generally a cut above those in Dayan Ancient Town, and much more affordable. This place is quite famous locally; many celebrities dine here when in Lijiang. Totally satisfied!

Changing the filter, take a look at Shuhe Ancient Town through my lens.

I thought to myself, when I'm old, maybe my beloved and I could find a place like this. Bask in the sun, reminisce about old times. I'll hold your hand, you'll lean on me. Count your wrinkles, count my gray hairs, and never part for a lifetime.

In Shuhe Ancient Town, from day to night, it's always peaceful. Life here is laid-back, neither as bustling as Dayan Ancient Town nor as sentimental as Shaxi Ancient Town.

The world is vast, Lijiang isn't large, yet I still haven't fully understood you. Looking forward to meeting you again!