WuXi 无锡 walking tour

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.

Bonus film - autumn in BeiJing ...

KunMing: 20 Kid-Friendly Places to Visit Kunming Zoo (昆明动物园 Kūnmíng Dòngwùyuán): Zoo with a variety of animals, shows, and educational programs. Dianchi Lake (滇池 Diānchí): Scenic lake with parks, boat rides, and recreational activities. Yunnan Nationalities Village (云南民族村 Yúnnán Mínzú Cūn): Cultural theme park with ethnic minority exhibits, performances, and crafts. Green Lake Park (翠湖 Cuìhú): Park with gardens, pavilions, and scenic views. Yunnan Museum of Minority Nationalities (云南民族博物馆 Yúnnán Mínzú Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Yunnan's ethnic minorities, cultures, and traditions. Yunnan Railway Museum (云南铁路博物馆 Yúnnán Tiělù Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Yunnan's railway history, technology, and artifacts. Yuantong Temple (圆通寺 Yuántōng Sì): Buddhist temple with historic buildings, gardens, and statues. Yunnan Wild Animal Park (云南野生动物园 Yúnnán Yěshēng Dòngwùyuán): Safari park with a variety of animals, shows, and interactive experiences. Haigeng Park (海埂公园 Hǎigěng Gōngyuán): Park with lakes, gardens, and scenic spots. Kunming Botanical Garden (昆明植物园 Kūnmíng Zhíwùyuán): Botanical garden with diverse plant collections, greenhouses, and walking trails. Kunming World Horticulture Expo Garden (昆明世博园 Kūnmíng Shìbóyuán): Garden with themed areas, pavilions, and horticultural displays. Western Hills Forest Reserve (西山森林公园 Xīshān Sēnlín Gōngyuán): Nature reserve with hiking trails, temples, and panoramic views of Kunming. Kunming Grand View Park (昆明大观楼 Kūnmíng Dàguān Lóu): Park with traditional Chinese architecture, gardens, and viewpoints. Yunnan Nationalities Museum (云南省民族博物馆 Yúnnán Shěng Mínzú Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Yunnan's ethnic minorities, history, and cultures. Kunming Stone Forest Geological Park (昆明石林风景区 Kūnmíng Shílín Fēngjǐngqū): UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique limestone formations, caves, and trails. Golden Temple Park (金殿公园 Jīndiàn Gōngyuán): Park with a Taoist temple, gardens, and scenic landscapes. Yunnan Military Academy Museum (云南陆军讲武堂博物馆 Yúnnán Lùjūn Jiǎngwǔtáng Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Yunnan's military history, uniforms, and weapons. Kunming Daguan Park (昆明大观公园 Kūnmíng Dàguān Gōngyuán): Park with lakes, pavilions, and traditional Chinese architecture. Yunnan Nationalities University (云南民族大学 Yúnnán Mínzú Dàxué): University campus with architectural features, gardens, and cultural events. Kunming Zoo (昆明动物园 Kūnmíng Dòngwùyuán): Zoo with a variety of animals, shows, and educational programs. KunMing: 30 More Places to Visit Yunnan Provincial Museum (云南省博物馆 Yúnnán Shěng Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Yunnan's history, culture, and artifacts. Yuantong Mountain (圆通山 Yuántōng Shān): Scenic mountain with temples, pagodas, and hiking trails. Kunming Golden Temple (昆明金殿 Kūnmíng Jīndiàn): Taoist temple with a golden pavilion, gardens, and cultural exhibits. Yunnan Railway Museum (云南铁路博物馆 Yúnnán Tiělù Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Yunnan's railway history, technology, and artifacts. Kunming Western Hills Forest Reserve (昆明西山森林公园 Kūnmíng Xīshān Sēnlín Gōngyuán): Nature reserve with temples, hiking trails, and panoramic views of Kunming. Kunming Flowers and Birds Market (昆明花鸟市场 Kūnmíng Huāniǎo Shìchǎng): Market with flowers, birds, pets, and gardening supplies. Green Lake Park (翠湖 Cuìhú): Park with gardens, pavilions, and scenic views. Dianchi Lake (滇池 Diānchí): Scenic lake with parks, boat rides, and recreational activities. Kunming World Horticulture Expo Garden (昆明世博园 Kūnmíng Shìbóyuán): Garden with themed areas, pavilions, and horticultural displays. Stone Forest (石林 Shílín): UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique limestone formations, caves, and hiking trails. Yunnan University (云南大学 Yúnnán Dàxué): University campus with historic buildings, gardens, and cultural events. Kunming Dragon Gate (西山龙门 Xīshān Lóngmén): Taoist temple complex with sculptures, caves, and panoramic views. Green Lake Park (翠湖 Cuìhú): Park with gardens, pavilions, and scenic views. Kunming Cuihu Park (昆明翠湖公园 Kūnmíng Cuìhú Gōngyuán): Park with a lake, pavilions, and walking paths. Kunming Confucius Temple (昆明文庙 Kūnmíng Wénmiào): Confucian temple with historic architecture, gardens, and cultural events. Yuantong Temple (圆通寺 Yuántōng Sì): Buddhist temple with historic buildings, gardens, and statues. Kunming Grand View Park (昆明大观楼 Kūnmíng Dàguān Lóu): Park with traditional Chinese architecture, gardens, and viewpoints. Kunming Flowers and Birds Market (昆明花鸟市场 Kūnmíng Huāniǎo Shìchǎng): Market with flowers, birds, pets, and gardening supplies. Yunnan Museum (云南省博物馆 Yúnnán Shěng Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Yunnan's history, culture, and artifacts. Kunming Western Hills Forest Reserve (昆明西山森林公园 Kūnmíng Xīshān Sēnlín Gōngyuán): Nature reserve with temples, hiking trails, and panoramic views of Kunming. Kunming Dragon Gate (西山龙门 Xīshān Lóngmén): Taoist temple complex with sculptures, caves, and panoramic views. Green Lake Park (翠湖 Cuìhú): Park with gardens, pavilions, and scenic views. Dianchi Lake (滇池 Diānchí): Scenic lake with parks, boat rides, and recreational activities. Yunnan Nationalities Village (云南民族村 Yúnnán Mínzú Cūn): Cultural theme park with ethnic minority exhibits, performances, and crafts. Yunnan Provincial Museum (云南省博物馆 Yúnnán Shěng Bówùguǎn): Museum with exhibits on Yunnan's history, culture, and artifacts. Kunming Golden Temple (昆明金殿 Kūnmíng Jīndiàn): Taoist temple with a golden pavilion, gardens, and cultural exhibits. Yunnan Nationalities University (云南民族大学 Yúnnán Mínzú Dàxué): University campus with architectural features, gardens, and cultural events. Kunming Cuihu Park (昆明翠湖公园 Kūnmíng Cuìhú Gōngyuán): Park with a lake, pavilions, and walking paths. Kunming Confucius Temple (昆明文庙 Kūnmíng Wénmiào): Confucian temple with historic architecture, gardens, and cultural events. Stone Forest (石林 Shílín): UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique limestone formations, caves, and hiking trails.

Top videographers - bjKina, AnyuXu and DearNessie - take you on a tour of Beijing ... First song : Going Home by Faye Wong, from the album To Love, 2003. Note : highly addictive music straight ahead ... A fantastic video film by AnYu Xu ... Includes a great hyperlapse along Beijing's south-north axis, from [TianTan, the Temple of Heaven], QianMen, through Tian'AnMen, GuGong ('Old Palace', the 'Forbidden City' / Palace Museum), JingShan Park, the Drum and Bell Towers and onto the Olympic Park and Olympic Forest Park ... New (old) BeiJing - fashion, food and the vibe, with DearNessie. A vlogging masterclass - 'show don't tell'; plus deft editing and great music ...

With Garland Nixon ... Bonus films ...

A beautiful 'garden within a garden'. The first film BeijingBuzzz ever made; a 'one shot' movie. Filmed at the end of September 2010.

With Chinese Street View ...

JuYong Pass is an interesting section of the Great Wall, close to Beijing (slightly nearer than BaDaLing along the same valley), has a steep climb on the west side.