Travel in Lijiang

2009-02-26 17:26:32 作者：phpcms 来源：浏览次数：0 网友评论 0 条

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Lijiang undoubtedly ranks among the most beautiful ancient towns in China. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1997.

"The Old Town of Lijiang, which is perfectly adapted to the uneven topography of this key commercial and strategic site, has retained a historic townscape of high quality and authenticity. Its architecture is noteworthy for the blending of elements from several cultures that have come together over many centuries. Lijiang also possesses an ancient water-supply system of great complexity and ingenuity that still functions effectively today."
Location: Lijiang, at an elevation of 2400 meters, is located in the northwest of Yunnan Province. Dominated by the majestic Yulong Snow Mountains (highest point 5596M), Lijiang offers a variety of activities: hiking, bicycling, horsebackriding, bird-watching, and encounter with the splendid Naxi culture (art, music, Dongba characters - an ancient system of writing).

Best time to visit: March, April and November. Lijiang receives 85% of annual precipitation during the rainy season from May to October, especially in July and August. Summer average temperature: 18 - 25°C. From November to April: dry season with blue sky and warm sunshine. Winter average temperature: 4 - 12°C.

Cycling around Lijiang

1. Discover some ancient towns outside Lijiang: Shuhe, Baisha (Frescoes), Yuhu, Xuesong (Yufeng Temple).

Shuhe 束河 is located 9km from Lijiang. In the photo 5, local people were selling fruits and vegetables on the 900-year-old Qinglong Bridge 青龙桥 . Shuhe's infrastructure was under renovation in September 2003. Many development projects were in progress. Today, there 's little chance that you could see Shuhe like it was in the photo 6, 7 and 8, taken in 2003. Wish the charming restaurant in the photo 2 would survive.

New: According to a traveler's report in April, 2004: Shuhe was undergoing an "operation". Ancient houses were being transformed into banal souvenir shops, bars and hostels. Lijiang's tragedy was repeating in Shuhe.

Baisha 白沙 is less than 5km from Shuhe. Xuesong 雪嵩 is another 5km north of Baisha. People go to Baisha for Frescoes, and Xuesong for the Yufeng Temple, and the house of Joseph Rock. Don't miss their peaceful old towns. In contrast to the excessive development taking place in Lijiang and Shuhe, they are tranquil and full of original Naxi ambiance. I found some excellent photos on www.wright-photo.com.

2. Hongshang village: Cycling in the mountains.

Naxi Dance: In the Hongshang village, we happen to see all the women of the village dancing in the courtyard of a big farmhouse. They were preparing for a Naxi dance performance. In the photo 9, women were in Naxi traditional dress. In the photo 10, they were in normal dress. They showed us how to dance and let us wear their beautiful traditional dress.
Later a young girl invited us to her home on the top end of the village, offering a panoramic view of Lijiang and the surrounding valley.

3. La Shi Lake (Alt 2437m): 8km from Lijiang, abundant vegetation and famous for bird watching in winter.

4. Black Dragon Pool park: 500m from Lijiang downtown, offers an excellent view of the Yulong Snow Mountains.