Stepping into Lijiang, to the Poetic Distant Land of My Dreams

There are things that, if you don’t do them now, you might never do them later; there are places that, if you don’t visit them now, you might never go there. This is a saying I've always believed to be very true. But sadly, while I think it's right, I haven't been to many places... I admit I'm a person who lacks action... The years have slipped away quietly in endless daydreams...

I'm someone who loves mountains and waters, so Yunnan is a place I've very, very much wanted to visit. And the one that attracts me the most is you, Lugu Lake. When I was little, I loved reading travel books. For a while, I had to flip through a few pages every night before bed. The beauty of Lugu Lake was etched into my mind back then. This time, I must fulfill this childhood dream of mine.

Day 1: Shenzhen – Kunming. Actually, our stay in Kunming was very short; we had to head to Lijiang the next day. The reason we came here first is that a college roommate of mine works here. After graduation, we scattered everywhere and it's hard to meet up. This time, I certainly couldn't miss the chance. We took an afternoon flight, and by the time we reached Kunming, it was already pitch dark. The moment we stepped out of the cabin, I noticeably felt the thin air here — it took longer to get a satisfying breath. But I've heard the healthier you are, the more noticeable it is. Is that really true? Can any expert explain?

Exiting the terminal and walking about 200 meters to the right, there's a bus (basically no different from an airport shuttle). It took us near our booked hotel, at 13 RMB per person. However, the waiting time was a bit long, nearly half an hour. Xiaohei said she was thirsty, so I walked back to the terminal to look for a convenience store but found nothing. I spotted a stall selling freshly squeezed juice. Going up to check the menu, the cheapest glass was over 50 RMB. I decisively turned around and left. Xiaohei, just bear with it a bit longer.

From the airport to the intersection near the hotel took about 45 minutes, not too far. After getting off, we quickly found our hotel. Since we'd leave Kunming for Lijiang early the next morning, we didn't dwell much on the hotel choice — budget was key. After checking in and dropping our luggage, we rushed off to meet my college buddy. Not having seen him for years, I was really happy. All sorts of memories from college days came flooding back. Haha~

Every time I fly, I must have a window seat, for no other reason than to feel this sensation of being above the clouds. I never get tired of it, no matter how many times.

This photo: We were on an afternoon flight, just in time for sunset — how could we miss it! Xiaohei said I'm crazy, taking so many photos just on a plane. I said, if I don't take lots, how can I justify my 64GB memory card... Want to say something? …

Today's main itinerary was Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. From Dayan Ancient Town to the mountain takes about an hour. We had to set off at 7:20, so we got up just after six.

For Xiaohei, today was a memorable day because it was her first time seeing snow. She was super excited early in the morning. But... tragedy was looming... more on that later.

We queued up and boarded the cable car, along with four other travel companions. We hit it off quickly; I find people traveling are usually more outgoing and easy to get along with — haha.

The altitude slowly rose, and the vegetation gradually changed. Truly, we must pay tribute to the workers who built this cable car — you've worked hard!

The weather was absolutely perfect, couldn't be better.

This photo: After getting off the cable car, it was time to rely on our own legs. Standing at the observation deck, the scenery was incredibly beautiful, with a feeling of having the land under my feet.

The temperature on the mountain was very low, and the wind was strong. Without a down jacket, you simply couldn't stand it. I usually think I'm not afraid of the cold, but I was shivering... However, faced with the stunning scene, the cold didn't matter. Start shooting ~~~ Want to say something? …

This photo: Not long after, Xiaohei couldn't take the cold anymore. She couldn't stay outdoors and couldn't go any higher, so she said she'd sit inside and wait for me. Alright then, I continued climbing with an elder sister from our group. She is from an ethnic minority, from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and has excellent stamina. She kept guiding me and encouraging me to go up. Thank you, Sister Xiaoman~ Want to say something? …

This photo: Want to say something? … Under Sister Xiaoman's lead, I exerted all my strength to climb to 4,680 meters above sea level. The highest peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain exceeds 5,000 meters, but tourists can only go up to 4,680. Any higher, I probably couldn't have made it anyway... But after all, I successfully reached the highest point accessible, worth commemorating.

After about 20 minutes' drive, we arrived at Blue Moon Valley. The guide explained that we could choose to tour Blue Moon Valley by electric cart or on foot, and he would wait for us at the end point. Without a doubt, we chose to walk—besides, the electric cart cost money.

Upon reaching Blue Moon Valley, Xiaohei was clearly much better, her complexion no longer so pale, officially announcing a full revival. A little face reveal~ Haha~ Want to say something? …

This photo: It was around 1 p.m., the sun almost directly overhead. The light was too harsh... and I could feel the UV rays were extremely strong. Xiaohei cried out that after getting home I couldn't call her Dahei (Big Black)... Fine...

This photo: What would it feel like to live here? Leave it to your imagination, take your time.

Around 3 p.m., we started heading back to town. The guide said he could drop us off at nearby Shuhe Ancient Town, but we'd have to get back to the inn on our own. I'd heard Shuhe Ancient Town was wonderful — a small town full of cozy living — so we decided to check it out! Indeed, it's a town with a leisurely, slow-paced vibe, perfect for zoning out!

Our one proper meal in Shuhe Ancient Town was quite good in terms of value and taste. The young waiters were warm and attentive, and the restaurant had a relatively high flow of customers.

We ordered a set meal for two. The Dongba grilled fish suited our taste perfectly — aromatic, spicy, and flavorful.

The sizzling plate tofu with coating wasn't as heavily seasoned as street snacks, but it was delicious. It was scalding hot when served.

"Water Nature Yang Flower" (a local aquatic vegetable) — I tried it for the first time, simply stir-fried, light, and not bad.

The signature small pot rice had lots of potato chunks, fried crispy on the outside and soft inside, along with green peas, cured sausage bits, and minced carrot. A must-order house specialty; the taste was superb.

Standing on the inn's balcony to take a shot — the weather was incredibly fine!

This photo wants to say: Slowly, I walked to the foot of Lion Hill and met this old lady. I don't know if she was buying something or waiting for her family to come home. She just stood at the doorway, gazing into the distance. And what I did was lift my camera, press the shutter, and capture this moment. What? …

This photo: The reason I went to Lion Hill was that I'd read in travel guides that from there you can see the panoramic view of Dayan Ancient Town. I didn't have that much time to wander the entire town, so being able to photograph the panorama would make me content.

This photo: Personally, I prefer the ancient town during the day. At nightfall, the ancient town doesn't become more tranquil; instead, it's imposed with things that don't belong to it. Neon lights and feasting — perhaps it's paradise for those seeking romantic encounters. But for me, quietly watching the sun slowly set in the distance is the greatest satisfaction.

The vehicle was a nine-seater business van, and it came to pick us up right at the inn's doorstep. As we dragged our suitcases downstairs, the young innkeeper also woke up. After he helped us check out, the van arrived.

The vehicle soon entered the mountainous area, winding endlessly through the pitch-black mountains. Up one slope, then another, followed by a series of hairpin turns descending — this cycle repeated for nearly the next eight hours.

After about an hour and a half of driving, I had already lost all sense of direction. Checking the time, it was 8 a.m., and I still hadn't seen the sun... How high up are we exactly?

Soon, we reached the first rest stop. On this road, you really can't afford to miss any rest stop. First, because your back aches from sitting and you must get out to move. Second, because you don't know how far away the next rest stop is, so you'd better expel any excess water and waste from your body — you know what I mean. Third, because the views at these rest stops are just too damn good to pass up.

And sure enough, the moment I stepped out of the van, I was stunned by the sight before me...

Can I call this "Sunshine on Jade Dragon"? Haha~

Before coming, someone told me that Meili Snow Mountain is the real snow mountain. My heart was tempted, but Meili was just too remote... So I had to give it up. However, after arriving in Lijiang, I heard that now you can't go to Meili either; it's been closed off. Well then, we'll save Meili for next time. Ha~

The route to Lugu Lake, you could say for the first four hours, basically circled around Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. At that point I realized how truly, immensely huge Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is... I'm at a loss for words. Many tourists may only see a small part of it, but if you go farther, you'll really discover many different facets.

This photo wants to say: Get in the van and keep moving. As I sat, I grew numb. Not just my head numb, but my butt too... Lugu Lake was still an unknown distance ahead. At this point, I truly had to admire the road construction workers — you guys are simply amazing... Head numb, I don't know how much time passed. The driver stopped at a place and turned to tell us, 'Looking down from here is Jinsha River, and also some '18 bends' or however many (head dizzy, can't remember). You can get out and take photos.' Before coming, I never imagined we'd pass by Jinsha River, so I was suddenly super excited. Getting out and seeing it, I was blown away... I feel I didn't capture the colors of Jinsha River properly. It's like a winding piece of jadeite inlaid into this three-dimensional land. It's so tranquil that from afar you can hardly detect whether it's flowing. The driver said we'd follow this twisty, winding mountain road ahead to reach the opposite mountain across Jinsha River... In front, there were countless mountains still to cross... Want to say something? …

Next to this picture, there's actually a lot of household garbage. While humans change and adapt nature, they're also destroying it. I sincerely hope such beautiful scenery isn't ruined by these unnecessary things.

This photo wants to say: After a nap, I felt somewhat improved but still a bit dizzy and weak. But time really can't be wasted like this, so I decided to go out for a walk. By then the sun had set, the temperature dropped a lot. Wearing my down jacket, I set off. The inn was right by the lake, and going through the back door, you can walk right to the lake's edge. This was my first intimate encounter with it. Haha~ Behind the inn there was a small flower bed with my favorite Gesang flowers, absolutely love it~ Want to say something? …

Due to yesterday's exhaustion and discomfort, today we didn't hesitate to sleep until we woke naturally. The moment I opened my eyes in the morning, I saw the fantastic weather outside. A beautiful day began~ I walked to the balcony to share with you all the scenic photos outside. I really can't find any reason not to stay in Daluoshui, can you?

In the upcoming post, Xiaohei will appear a lot. She's my designated model. Since she's not professional, her posture and expressions can sometimes be a bit stiff. But with my continuous guidance, she's improved a lot; actually, we're improving together. Haha~ I wonder if there are any other friends here who've seen my photos on other platforms? Haha~ Feel free to give advice and exchange. One more thing: this place truly is a photography paradise. Alright, here come the photos~ Want to say something? …

This photo: I really feel a bit envious of people living here. Maybe they aren't wealthy, maybe their lives don't have some... but living here, what more do you need? Self-sufficient, at peace with the world — isn't that the most natural life?

This photo: This place might be the liveliest spot around Lugu Lake, but if I had to choose again, I'd still stay in Daluoshui. I'm a guy who loves tranquility~ Want to say something? …

Today we were heading to Shuanglang. Dali Shuanglang, a place I've longed for. From Lijiang to Shuanglang, the whole journey takes about two and a half hours, all on the highway. After the heart-wrenching mountain roads at Lugu Lake, facing these highways, we can only feel grateful~ During a rest stop, the vehicle parked at a place called Jianhu Lake. Standing on the high viewing platform, we could take in the entire view of Jianhu Lake~ If we had enough time, Jianhu Lake would truly be a place worth lingering at.

This photo: Uh... since... neither Xiaohei nor I can ride an e-bike, and we're afraid of accidents hitting people, we both chose bicycles... In fact, if you don't know how to ride an e-bike, don't force it. On the road, we witnessed an accident. When traveling, safety comes first. Before coming, travel guides all said that the stretch from Shuanglang to Wase is China's most beautiful cycling route. Whether it's the most beautiful is a matter of opinion, but from what I've seen, nothing beats it. Erhai Lake is incredibly vast, so wide that you can't see the end at all. Cangshan Mountain stretches endlessly, like a guardian, watching over Erhai Lake for millions of years. Want to say something? …

This photo: Erhai Lake before sunset is so serene that people seem to forget the passage of time. The sea breeze blows gently, stirring not just the hems of clothes but also the soul. Living in the city, we are bothered by too much noise and carry too much pressure. At this moment, it feels like a rebirth, all the dust from the bustling city being thoroughly cleansed. Let's feel this calm once more, just like this, quietly, quietly, faintly... Want to say something? …

This isn't a technical post; you won't find so-called travel guides here. What we have are just our memories. I hope everyone can continue to walk happily on the road and discover the beauty of nature~