ChangBai mountain – fire and ice

With Rafa Goes Around! ...

With Sun Kissed Bucket List ... Lijiang Visitor Guide Lijiang, in northwest Yunnan Province, is one of China's most scenic and culturally rich towns. Famous for its ancient town, UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and the surrounding natural beauty, Lijiang offers travelers a mix of historical exploration and outdoor adventure. The town is home to the Naxi ethnic group and features cobblestone streets, flowing canals, and traditional wooden houses, making it a must-visit destination. Overview Location: Lijiang is located in Yunnan Province, about 150 kilometers from Dali and 500 kilometers from Kunming. Famous For: Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Naxi culture, and outdoor adventure opportunities. Getting There From Kunming: You can fly directly to Lijiang Sanyi Airport (1-hour flight) or take an overnight train (8-9 hours). From Dali: A bus or train ride from Dali to Lijiang takes about 2-3 hours. Best Time to Visit: The best months to visit Lijiang are from March to May and September to November when the weather is mild and dry. Top Attractions in Lijiang Lijiang Old Town (Dayan Ancient Town): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lijiang Old Town is known for its well-preserved ancient buildings, narrow stone streets, and vibrant Naxi culture. You’ll find traditional wooden houses, small canals flowing through the town, and plenty of small shops and restaurants. Mu's Residence (Mu Fu): This grand residence was the home of the Mu family, who ruled Lijiang for centuries. The residence is a fine example of Ming Dynasty architecture combined with Naxi design. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the Old Town. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xueshan): A towering mountain range just outside Lijiang, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is perfect for hiking, cable car rides, and stunning glacier views. The mountain is sacred to the Naxi people and a symbol of their culture. Black Dragon Pool (Heilongtan Park): Located just outside Lijiang Old Town, this park offers a peaceful retreat with a beautiful view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected in the lake. It's a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers. Shuhe Ancient Town: A smaller, quieter ancient town about 4 kilometers from Lijiang Old Town. Shuhe offers a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds, featuring similar architecture and charm. Cultural Experiences Naxi Culture: Lijiang is home to the Naxi ethnic group, who have a rich cultural heritage. Visit the Dongba Cultural Museum to learn about the Naxi language, religion, and customs. You can also witness traditional Naxi music performances at various venues around town. Naxi Ancient Music: This unique musical form dates back to the Tang and Song dynasties. A performance of Naxi ancient music is a great way to experience the traditional sounds of the region, often accompanied by cultural storytelling. Local Delicacies Lijiang Baba (丽江粑粑): A thick, crispy pancake made with wheat flour and stuffed with either savory or sweet fillings. This local snack can be found in street markets and small restaurants throughout Lijiang. Sanyue Rice Noodles (三月丽江米线): A popular rice noodle dish typically served with a spicy broth, pork or beef, and fresh herbs. Naxi BBQ: Grilled meats and vegetables, served with local spices and dipping sauces. It’s a common street food, especially in Shuhe Ancient Town. Butter Tea (酥油茶): A staple among the Naxi and Tibetan people in the region, butter tea is a rich, savory drink made from tea leaves, yak butter, and salt. Rose Petal Cake (玫瑰饼, méiguī bǐng): Similar to XiZhou, Lijiang also features the famous rose petal cake. It's a delicately sweet pastry filled with locally sourced rose jam, and it's a popular souvenir for visitors. Where to Stay Local Guesthouses: Lijiang has many family-run guesthouses located within the Old Town, offering traditional architecture and a cozy atmosphere. These are ideal for an authentic cultural experience. Boutique Hotels: For a more luxurious stay, boutique hotels with modern amenities are also available, often featuring beautiful views of the mountains or the Old Town. Tips for Visitors Language: Mandarin Chinese is spoken by most people, but the local Naxi dialect is also common. English is not widely spoken, so it’s helpful to have a translation app or basic Mandarin phrases. Respect Local Customs: When visiting religious sites or interacting with locals, be respectful of their customs. Dress modestly, especially when entering temples or Naxi family homes. Shopping: Lijiang is known for its handcrafted silverware, Naxi embroidery, and traditional wood carvings. Support local artisans by purchasing souvenirs from the local shops or markets. Nearby Attractions Tiger Leaping Gorge: One of the deepest gorges in the world, Tiger Leaping Gorge is a popular trekking destination about 60 kilometers from Lijiang. The hike offers dramatic views of the gorge and the Jinsha River below. Baisha Village: An ancient Naxi village about 10 kilometers from Lijiang. It’s famous for its ancient murals, which depict scenes from Naxi mythology and daily life. The village is much quieter than Lijiang, making it a peaceful side trip. Conclusion Lijiang is a destination that seamlessly blends cultural heritage with breathtaking natural landscapes. Whether you’re exploring the ancient streets of Lijiang Old Town, hiking the trails of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, or learning about the unique Naxi culture, Lijiang offers something for every traveler. Plan your visit carefully to experience the best of both worlds—ancient history and outdoor adventure.

The exceedingly beautiful falls lie on the China - Vietnam border. The largest waterfall is over 200 meters wide and has a drop of more than 70 meters, in three tiers.

Scenes around the central lakes area ...

A selection of scenes ...

A new shopping experience. With Wei's Travel ...

With KiraVideo ... Welcome to ShaoXing Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of Shaoxing, China. Introduction Shaoxing is a city located in the Zhejiang province of China, known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient architecture, and scenic waterways. It is renowned for its historical significance and contributions to Chinese literature, arts, and politics. Location Shaoxing is situated in eastern China, within the Zhejiang province. It is approximately 200 kilometers southwest of Shanghai and 60 kilometers southeast of Hangzhou. History Shaoxing boasts a history that spans over 2,500 years. It has been an important cultural and economic center since ancient times. The city is famous for being the hometown of notable historical figures such as the ancient calligrapher Wang Xizhi and the modern writer Lu Xun. Its rich cultural heritage is evident in its well-preserved ancient architecture, traditional water towns, and numerous historical sites. Attractions East Lake (Donghu): A beautiful lake surrounded by cliffs, known for its serene boat rides and picturesque scenery. Lu Xun's Former Residence: The home of the famous Chinese writer Lu Xun, now a museum dedicated to his life and works. Orchid Pavilion (Lanting): A historical site where Wang Xizhi composed the famous calligraphy work "Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion." Shen Garden: A classical Chinese garden known for its romantic associations with the famous poet Lu You and his love story with Tang Wan. Bazi Bridge: An ancient stone bridge offering scenic views of the surrounding canals and traditional buildings. Qiu Jin's Former Residence: The former home of Qiu Jin, a well-known female revolutionary and poet. Da Yu Mausoleum: The mausoleum of the legendary figure Yu the Great, known for controlling floods and founding the Xia Dynasty. Keyan Scenic Area: A picturesque area featuring ancient caves, rock formations, and traditional Chinese architecture. Activities Exploring historical sites and museums Taking boat rides on scenic waterways Enjoying traditional Chinese gardens Sampling local cuisine and Shaoxing wine Participating in cultural festivals and events Shopping for local handicrafts and souvenirs Facilities Visitor Center Restrooms Gift Shops Cafes and Restaurants Parking Lots Guided Tour Services Public Transportation Hotels and Accommodations Visitor Tips Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to stay for several hours. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Respect the cultural and historical significance of the site; behave appropriately and follow all rules and guidelines. Take advantage of guided tours to learn more about the rich history and culture of Shaoxing. Try the local cuisine, especially the famous Shaoxing rice wine and local dishes.

The small(ish) and little-known but perfectly-formed park in south west Beijing.