The former capital of the Naxi Kingdom, Lijiang nestles at the foot of the mighty Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, set in a picturesque idyll of green fields, pine forests and mountain-dominated vistas. Now a city of two halves, the recent development has little to explore whilst the old town offers a fascinating step back in time. Cobbled streets form a quaint maze ripe for exploration, where gently gurgling streams, draped with weeping willows, are crossed by old stone bridges and the traditional Naxi houses that line these lanes are festooned with lanterns. This is the quintessential Chinese 'old town' which, though a popular tourist destination, has managed to retain its old world atmosphere. A visit to the old market square is a must – here you'll find Naxi women in traditional dress, plenty of local delicacies to taste and even traditional dancing to watch. Otherwise the best way to explore is simply to stroll.
The channeling of the Yangzi River between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain has created one of China's most spectacular natural sights, Tiger Leaping Gorge. Stretching 16 kilometres, sheer walls of rock drop over 3,000 metres to the writhing waters of the river below, backed by the mist-shrouded peaks of the mountain massifs. Be prepared for some breathtakingly dramatic panoramas. Along the length of the gorge you'll find a number of waterfalls and a variety of eco-systems, and though hiking the length of the gorge has become popular, it is not considered an easy walk!
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, also known by the Naxi name of Mount Satseto, reaches an impressive 5596 metres in height and is considered to be a holy mountain by both the Naxi and other ethnic minorities in Lijiang. Composed of 13 colossal peaks, with Shanzidou being the highest, the changing of the seasons is said to change the faces of the mountain, whether it is capped by snow or swirling in high altitude mists. If you are lucky enough to view the massif on a sunny day, you can see all 13 of its peaks. The mountain is popular for hiking, mountaineering, botanizing and skiing in the winter, with year round chair lifts to whisk you up to the high meadows.
The Black Dragon Pool, backed by the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, offers one of the most spectacular viewpoints in China. Named for the legend of the black dragon that calls the pool home Black Dragon Pool is situated close to the old town in the Black Dragon Pool Park. Whilst the sight of the mountain massif reflected in the waters of the pool is worth the visit alone, there are plenty of other activities to keep you farther entertained. Visit the Dongba Research Institute and the Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture for an insight into the Naxi culture, take an easy hike over Elephant Hill or simply walk amongst the small temples and pavilions that dot the park, admiring the mountain views as you go.
Baisha village, part of Lijiang, is one of the oldest parts of the city and one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi people. Full of traditional architecture and cultural relics, the must see attraction of Baisha village are the beautiful frescoes. Spread between several buildings, including temples and palaces, the frescoes depict Naxi daily life as well as being influenced by Buddhist, Mahayana and Daoist beliefs. The ones in the Dabaoji Palace are the best known. A great place to just wander, you'll see farmers ploughing the land, cattle in the fields, women in their traditional clothing and people gathering timber to cook their dinner, giving a wonderfully authentic experience.
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