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Lijiang: A Hub to Explore Yunnan_01

Highlights of Lijiang and Surroundings:

Lijiang, located in Yunnan Province, China, is renowned for its rich historical heritage and natural beauty. The ancient city, clear lakes, and majestic mountains make for a magnificent picture.

Explore the streets and alleys of Lijiang Ancient Town: take a leisurely stroll on the cobblestone streets, admire the ancient buildings on both sides, and explore the traditional culture of the Naxi ethnic group. Sample local snacks found in the streets and alleys.

Afterwards, head to Lion Mountain and climb the Wangu Tower for a panoramic view of the entire Lijiang Ancient Town. On a clear day, you can even catch a distant view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the north. Continue to Mu's Mansion, a Naxi-style palace within the ancient city, to appreciate it up close. In the evening, experience the nightlife of the ancient town in Sifang Street, and perhaps enjoy a drink at a bar.

Relax in Shuhe Ancient Town: escape the hustle and bustle of Lijiang and spend some quiet time in Shuhe Ancient Town. Walk on the simple stone-paved roads, admire the wooden buildings that bear the marks of time, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon in a tranquil café. It's the epitome of contentment.

Savour the Best Lijiang Bacon Ribs: Lijiang bacon ribs, with the passage of time, become even more flavourful and are hailed as a representative delicacy of Yunnan. "Yu Jie Bacon Ribs" in Xiangshan Market is well-known. Operating since 1999, it even participated in the filming of "A Bite of China 2." This eatery mainly caters to locals.

Capture the Beauty of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain has always been considered a sacred mountain by the Naxi people. With an altitude of about 5,596 metres, its rocks are mainly composed of limestone and basalt, creating a striking contrast between black and white. The snow mountain boasts rich natural tourism resources, including snowy peaks, glaciers, alpine meadows, and pristine forests. Located just over 30 kilometres from Lijiang, if you have the time and interest, you can spend half a day visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, exploring Spruce Meadow and Blue Moon Valley.

Blue Moon Valley can be reached directly by taking the park's shuttle bus. Originating from the melting snow of the snow mountain, it flows down along the steep cliffs and eventually forms a clear, sweet river in the deep valley upstream. On clear days, the water appears blue, and the valley resembles a crescent moon, looking like a blue moon embedded at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, hence the name Blue Moon Valley.

If you prefer not to enter Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you can take bus routes 3 or 6 to Qingxi Reservoir on a nice day. This is one of the water sources for Lijiang residents. There is a path in the middle of the reservoir, dividing the entire reservoir into two halves. There are two arch bridges on the path, and many willow trees. On clear days, you can see the reflection of the entire Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on the water’s surface.