In Romantic Lijiang, There Lies an Ancient Town Far from the Hustle and Bustle. Have You Ever Been?

In Beijing, I’m used to saying, “There are 365 days in a year, but I have more than 365 stories. I am Walking in the Second Dimension, and on Ctrip Travel, I tell you these stories.”

Amid the busy days of traffic and crowds, I occasionally yearn for a peaceful place, to embark on a romantic autumn journey. Lijiang is a slow and romantic city—the air flows slowly, the snowmelt streams slowly, people and cars move slowly, as if time itself favors this romantic city and deliberately slows its pace.

Every blade of grass, every tree, every brick and tile, every house and building in Lijiang Ancient Town tells endless charming tales and evokes memories of countless views. Walking alone along the flagstone paths of Lijiang Ancient Town, despite the hustle and bustle around, when I hear the clicking sound of stone against footsteps, my heart becomes extraordinarily serene.

With leisurely steps and the golden glow of sunset, strolling through Lijiang Ancient Town, savoring a touch of tranquility, spending a stretch of time, then stepping into a few favorite shops, chatting with warm-hearted shopkeepers—whether discussing life or bargaining—enjoying this romance that transcends time, basking in the quietude under the sun, moving forward beautifully.

Under the blue sky and white clouds, beside small bridges and flowing water, walking through the ancient town, you can unexpectedly see clusters of blooming flowers in corners and along walls. These vibrant and lively flowers break the gloomy and antique atmosphere of the gray brick and stone, adding a unique color to the ancient town. The coffee shops, bars, and tea houses along the ancient streets—modern leisure spots favored by today’s people—blend this contemporary style with the ancient town, creating a distinctive charm.

On a journey through Lijiang Ancient Town, you absolutely cannot miss the allure of delicious food. As the saying goes, “No spice, no joy.” But this isn’t Sichuan or Chongqing—here, without spicy flavors and mushrooms, it wouldn’t be authentic Lijiang cuisine. The ancient town is full of local specialties, a rare opportunity for foodies. Though it’s impossible to taste everything, picking a few of the most representative local dishes for a try is entirely feasible.

Lijiang is also known as the “City of Romantic Encounters,” a place of love that countless people yearn for. Many who have experienced heartbreak or dissatisfaction with life escape the noisy cities to come to Lijiang, seeking their own stories of romance and beauty. On this trip to Lijiang, I encountered this cat in the ancient town. As the saying goes, cats have nine lives—though unverifiable, judging by its worldly-wise and calculating gaze, it is clearly no ordinary mortal creature.

After nightfall, Lijiang Ancient Town takes on a different kind of charm under the twinkling lights. Bathed in the glow of lanterns, the ancient town becomes even more steeped in antiquity, as if instantly transported back to ancient times. The streams and weeping willows gleam brilliantly under the lights. From ancient times to the present, this town, with a history of over 700 years, never seems to have ceased its nighttime illumination...

Lijiang Ancient Town is lively—you can revel all night long; yet it is also serene—you can sit in a sun-drenched courtyard and daydream. In this ancient town full of serendipity and love, you can cast aside all worries, wander through Lijiang Ancient Town, and leisurely enjoy the warm sunshine and the splendid nightlife.

I am Walking in the Second Dimension, a Beijinger born within the imperial city and raised under the red flag. Having traveled to 80 countries, what I miss most is the African continent. Even now, when I mention travel, my heart still races. If the world were a stamp album, then every stamp is worth collecting. Thank you for following. Welcome to comment and share your lifestyle and travel stories with me.