Hearts Entwined, Dreams Fulfilled in Lijiang

📍 Lijiang · 👁 1 reads · ❤️ 66 likes

Every tree and flower feels so alive. Looking back now, I'm already missing that sea again.

When I was in Lijiang, for work reasons—though I prefer to say it was fate, haha—I stayed at a guesthouse. Maybe those who've visited here will find the name familiar. It cost a bit over 400 yuan, and I chose the "Mystery Room." Mystery Room means they arrange everything for you. It's all unknown, which felt really fun. The lovely owner arranged a garden-view room far beyond what I paid for. Things like this that exceed expectations don't happen often, so it made me extra happy.

Sometimes, I didn't venture out much, just stayed in or around the guesthouse. Before coming, I'd looked up the guesthouse info—very distinctive architecture and design. Even though I'm no expert, I could sense its unique beauty and charm. Beauty, after all, is universal. Indeed, as they wrote: Flowers in the courtyard, people among the flowers.

The weather during my days in Lijiang was pretty good. A nice touch that added to the mood.

Here, everyone loves strolling around Sifang Street. Sifang Street is the heart of Lijiang, and most of the time it's crowded. Since I prefer a quieter vibe, I just passed by and didn't go back. I still preferred staying cooped up in the guesthouse. A poetic and picturesque place easily turns you into a poetic person.

"Lijiang, the cheapest thing here is time." Thinking about it, that's so true. What they call the luxury of life isn't about how much external stuff you have; what's more precious is not letting the daily trivialities bother you, and being with yourself. Maybe too many of us have got it backwards. Every day we exhaust ourselves dealing with the insignificant, and over time, we lose sight of ourselves.

It seems every place has this kind of memento.

Different forms, similar wishes. Sometimes browsing through the notes left by fellow travelers is quite interesting. Some happy, some sad—like a personal prayer.

Occasionally, on a whim, I'd write something too.

But more often, I was just an observer. Most of what I wanted to say stayed hidden in my heart.

When I went, the temperature wasn't that high yet. Sometimes in the early morning or evening, I'd wear a jacket. Just right.

There were plenty of snacks here too. All kinds of local specialties with diverse flavors.

Walking along the streets, it was a rhythm of stroll—eat—stroll—eat.

Music everywhere you went. So there were lots of shops selling instruments. Seeing such cute little things made me want to get one.

Passing by the heart of Lijiang, Sifang Street.

Really just passing by, stopping for a moment.

An ancient town with more and more travelers.

A shade of blue beyond words, yet I loved it endlessly.

That purity and awe—even as I type these words now, I can still recall those feelings.

Everywhere, there were chic cafés and lyrical little inns.

Everywhere, fleeting melodies and stories that brush past you.

Many say this place is too bourgeois. Well, opinions differ.

Lijiang by night, with its lights and architecture, sometimes looks resplendent and magnificent.

It also makes you think of those ancient buildings and the old times centuries ago.

Memories I don't have, I can only piece together with imagination.

Horseback riding at Lashihai was one of the most unforgettable memories of my Lijiang trip.

Though I'm not the timid type, I was still a bit cautious horseback riding here. The scenery was amazing, and there weren't too many tourists.

The sky this season is always especially blue, like baby blue.

And in different places at different times, there were different shades of blue.

But all were the kind of blue that intoxicates me.

I liked the old houses here and that simple, antique feel. Listening to locals chat or laugh heartily gave an indescribable sense of reassurance.

Luckily, the horses were very gentle. A delightful experience.

Wandering, pausing—Lijiang, a dream.

Local residents also set up stalls here, selling some cheap fruit.

Wispy clouds like jade drift across the sky. I just gaze at these scenes, greedily storing them into memory.

Sometimes when I encounter a beautiful view, I prefer to say I've stumbled upon a beautiful view.

Because that kind of breathtaking sight and experience is rare. Not every scene deserves to be called a view, and not all beauty can be easily encountered.

Take it into your eyes, hold it in your heart.

The small pot rice I had in Shuhe Ancient Town was truly fragrant, really delicious. I never knew rice could be cooked this way and taste so good—it felt like a real bargain. Friends visiting Shuhe Ancient Town must try it; it's super popular with lots of people lining up to eat. Naxi grilled fish was especially aromatic with a milky flavor. The baotou tofu was crispy outside and tender inside, so satisfying to bite into. Then there was water sprite, a local specialty vegetable, simply stir-fried and quite tasty. Overall, a very satisfying food journey!

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is among China's first batch of 5A scenic spots, the snow mountain closest to the equator in the Northern Hemisphere, and the second highest peak in Yunnan, renowned for its "grandeur, strangeness, peril, and beauty." Due to its huge altitude span, with luck you can experience the wonder of "four seasons in one day."

Core attractions in Jade Dragon Snow Mountain:

[Glacier Park] Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is called "Oulu" in the Naxi language. This snow mountain, which combines subtropical, temperate, and frigid zone natural landscapes, is said to be the incarnation of the Naxi protector deity "Sanduo," so it has always been regarded as a sacred mountain by the Naxi people. The cable car takes you up to 4,506 meters, and the rest of the way you climb step by step to the summit at 4,680 meters. From the observation deck, the icy peaks towering against the skyline are especially majestic. Besides, you can get up close and personal with the snow and ice here.

[Blue Moon Valley] Blue Moon Valley is a famous lovers' destination, containing four lakes: Jade Liquid Lake, Mirror Pool Lake, Blue Moon Lake, and Listening to Waves Lake. When you gaze at the whole area from afar, it really looks like a blue-water gem resting in the mountains. Photos of the scenery and people taken casually here are stunning without any post-processing, complemented by the layered green and yellow forests around and the snow mountains towering above. The mysterious hues of Blue Moon Valley will stay with you forever.

[Ganhaizi] With gentle rolling terrain, Ganhaizi is a vast natural pasture. It's also the closest and best place to gaze up at the full panorama of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, where you can see its thirteen peaks lined up in order and even take photos with the wild goats and yaks grazing all over the hills.

[Impression Lijiang] "Friends come, drink! Friends leave, drink!" Just as the lyrics go, if you want to truly understand Lijiang and its people, you must see "Impression Lijiang." This show is mainly about storytelling, divided into "Snow Mountain Chapter," "Ancient Town Chapter," and six parts, showcasing the unique local culture. With no stage lights or flashy sets, over 500 ordinary farmers perform against the backdrop of the snow mountain, using the most natural, simplest acting and the most unadorned singing, dancing with heaven and earth and echoing with nature. It's a cultural feast of Lijiang, very much worth watching.

[Yunshanping] Yunshanping is at a relatively low altitude and suitable for all ages. Known as the third kingdom of Jade Dragon, it's a place where Naxi lovers would sacrifice themselves for love, and it's also a meadow. Surrounded by ancient spruce trees, the vast pasture with yaks appearing and disappearing presents a "highland pastoral scene"!

Travelogue Directory: 1. Lijiang Ancient Town 2. Lashihai 3. Shuhe Ancient Town 4. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain 5. Postscript

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