Miles of Starry Skies, Yet Lijiang's Autumn Beauty Steals the Show
Living elsewhere. This phrase has been a life creed for many, put into action with conviction. Here, this 'elsewhere' holds immense importance—it must be a place that calms your heart and strips away restlessness. And you, as if instantly forgetting everything, come just to meet it.
A brief encounter years ago made me fall in love with Lijiang, and I've never stopped missing it. In dreams, I have returned countless times, back to the winding mountain paths around the old town. There, birds sing and flowers bloom, and the lively atmosphere remains, with sunlight tenderly stroking every inch of my skin. In the distance, vast fields of flowers stretch out, and under the azure sky, clouds float like oversized cotton candy.
Different people feel utterly different things about Lijiang. Some see it only as a place for fleeting romance, leaving after a hurried visit. But for me, my love for Lijiang has always been a deep sentiment—an emotion from the bottom of my heart, hard to put into words. From the moment I left, a strong urge arose to return, back to the dreamlike home of all 'wanderers,' this poetic sanctuary.
No other place gives me such a strong sense of 'retreat.' Only after experiencing the clamor of the world does this tranquility feel so precious. Finally I understand why so many willingly give up everything in big cities, come here, rebuild their homes, and never ask about worldly affairs again.
From the first encounter to spending a part of each year idling here, the days remain quiet, plain, and unchanged. How I wish to guard these calm, indifferent years. Even sitting by the window silently watching clouds, occasionally a few birds fly across the sky, or the breeze tousles my hair—it's all a kind of happiness.
Hey, Lijiang, long time no see. I hope you've been well!
These years, I have measured many places with my footsteps,
But like mountain winds blowing for a hundred thousand miles,
You are still the one I love the most.
Whenever I come, I always want to stroll through the old town. Due to the pandemic, it's not as bustling as in the past.
Yet this thousand-year-old town still holds its unique charm, attracting people from afar who long to glimpse its appeal. Walking through its streets and alleys, you feel not just profound history, but an incomparable peace.
Ancient city walls, smooth flagstone paths, shops lining up one after another with dazzling handicrafts, vendors calling out selling various snacks, plus stylish young men and women with all kinds of bags—it's a scene full of life's everyday bustle.
This is a living ancient town, where many dreams begin and hearts find rest. In the daytime, I wander through every deep, secluded alley, gazing at tiled-roof dwellings with mottled walls. Then I come to a spacious courtyard, order a cup of hot tea or coffee, and quietly savor the passing of time.
You are a beautiful prose poem,
In every melody and dance,
A thousand years flow by.
Memory is like a storyteller,
Speaking with the tone of home,
And you are the indispensable part.
I'm so glad that this time I came,
You are still here.
Lishui Jinsha is located at Red Sun Square, only about three hundred meters from the old town—very convenient.
Like a celestial palace, where the music of heaven plays, who knows how many times? It cannot compare to the mortal world, where a new lotus-gathering melody swells. Light waists sway, orioles' tongues trill. Who can be free and unrestrained among the misty waves? But the heavenly court has already urged a shift change. Instead, riding on a colorful phoenix, glancing sideways at the lotus. May we attend this feast year after year.
Watch them: now hands before the chest, now gently tapping foreheads and stroking arms, now lining up in one row, now splitting into three columns. Like children playing hide-and-seek, catching us off guard.
In the revelry of dance, they forget the audience, and even themselves. They simply perform wholeheartedly, switching movements to tell the moving poetic story of Lishui Jinsha.
Watching Lishui Jinsha again after so many years fills me with new emotions. I sigh at how time has changed, yet everything here remains as before. The show has been improved on its original foundation—the lighting is more dazzling, the program more streamlined, yet the stage effect is still as breathtaking.
Compared to the well-known Lashihai, the Dongba Valley horse ranch is less noisy. Located within the Dongba Valley scenic area, this ranch is an important section of the Lijiang Tea Horse Road heading north to Tibet. With Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at its back, there are many lesser-known spots along the way, and the horse groom even took photos for us.
At the end, ethnic minority artists were already waiting there, welcoming us with songs. Against the blue sky and white clouds, a red bridge stood out vividly among the green hills. Visitors laughed and played on the bridge, their joy echoing through the mountains.
We also joined their dance, different from the group dancing in the old town. This was Lisu ethnic singing and dancing, very participatory. With the accompaniment of local instruments and a gentle breeze, we swayed together—a feeling of a trip well worth it.
Inside the park, there's also a pink wall bursting with girlish charm, perfect for photos. With Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as the backdrop and the blue sky as canvas, the pictures come out beautiful even without editing!
Beside the pink castle, there's a lake where the snow mountain casts its reflection. Unnamed flowers are already blooming by the shore. How I long to live here in such serene beauty.
The scenic area also offers accommodation like RVs and cabins. For convenience, we chose to stay here. The guesthouse is decorated in a modern, minimalist, yet spacious style, while blending well with Lijiang's local characteristics, making it easy to remember you're in Lijiang.
Backed by the snow mountain and facing the lake, the guesthouse is a standalone building, very private and roomy. The room has a large floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the lake outside. This trip truly felt worthwhile!
If life is a journey, then both prosperity and desolation are fleeting as passing clouds. In the end, what remains is only the mood with which we viewed the scenery. This trip to Lijiang was wonderful; the scenery is just as it was in my memory, and I encountered new discoveries along the way. I think next time, I will definitely come again!
Traveling during the special period
1. When flying to Yunnan from non-key epidemic areas, the airline will present a QR code before boarding; you need to fill out a form before boarding.
2. Wear a mask throughout the flight; flight attendants will take passengers' temperatures on board.
3. Upon arrival at the airport, you need to fill out the Yunnan health code again and undergo one-on-one verification before leaving.
4. While in Yunnan, you still need to wear masks when entering public places; hotels will take temperatures of guests and disinfect rooms, etc.
5. For personal epidemic prevention, remember to bring extra masks, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitizer. Cooperate with temperature checks in public places.
Things to note while sightseeing
1. Sunglasses, hats, sun umbrellas, and sun-protective clothing are essential when going out. The local UV rays are strong, unless you're not afraid of getting tanned.
2. Bring an umbrella and raincoat, because the weather is unpredictable. Sometimes it suddenly changes, so it's best to have them just in case.
3. The temperature difference between day and night in Lijiang is quite noticeable—hot in the daytime and cold at night. Bring an outer layer to avoid catching a cold.
Travelogue directory: 1. Lishui Jinsha 2. Dongba Valley Tea Horse Road Horse Ranch
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