Lijiang

Lijiang, China

This far-flung town in northwest China's Yunnan province nestles in a valley with snow-capped mountains, springs, lakes and frothy rivers for company. It used to be a pit-stop for traders on the ancient Chamagudao (ancient trading route for tea and horses), and has been inscribed on the UNESCO's World Heritage List and placed under the protection of the Chinese central government. Today, in Lijiang live dozens of Yunnan's ethnic minority groups which attract visitors with their mesmerizing customs, architecture, spiritual beliefs, languages, arts and craft.

See and Do

• Lijiang Old Town

  Quaint homes, cobbled streets, crisscrossing canals, weeping willows, gaily-hued flowers, arched or roofed bridges and Naxi old folks in their traditional costumes – it's apparent the town's atmosphere leans more toward “olde-worlde” despite the rapid development in the rest of the country. The showpiece of the Old Town is Sifang Jie (Square Street), which used to be a central bazzar for yak butter, poultry, grain and linen centuries ago. Cruise through the street which still hums with mercantile activities – local trinkets appeal to visitors, especially handicraft enthusiasts.

• Yulong Snow Mountain

  In fact, the name “Yulong” means “dragon of jade” as the deified mountain lends itself quite readily to comparison with a dragon which twists its white rocky spine across a 35km mountain be', in parallel with mighty Jinsha River. It's dotted with 13 vaulted peaks along its length, the highest of which rises to 5596 meters. In daytime, the peaks glimmer, silhouetted against the azure broad sky; at sunset, they are cloaked in a golden hue.

• Shuhe Old Town

  Behind a high, ornately carved gate is a trip down the memory lane. Spring water flows calmly through this secluded, tranquil quaint town against the dazzling backdrop of Yulong Snow Mountain and that ambience makes you feel time has come to a standstill.

• Lugu Lake

  Get lost in thought beside this mountain-hugged aquamarine lake. It's secluded and tranquil. There's a treasure in the air: silence – you could hear a pin drop. Wild ducks swim happily on water. Its natural assets aside, Lugu Lake intrigues with the only matriarchal system in China that is still alive and kicking -learn about how Mosuo, the locals, get “married”.

• Lashi Lake

  This 6500-hectare alpine wetland is a delightful and eye-pleasing mix of a lakes, ponds, shallows and meadows skirted by forested rolling hills. It's a habitat of 57 species of birds, including endangered ones, attracting around 30,000 migratory birds to come to escape harsh winters. Activities abound. A boat ride for bird watch is highly recommended. Best visited in December.

  
  
  
• Tiger Leaping Gorge

  Jinsha River gushes and cuts through the snow-clad mountains of Yulong and Haba to produce one of the world's deepest and most spine-tingling gorge. The 1,700-meter-long gorge contains three sections with a drop of 210 meters and is looked over by 3,000-meter-high peaks. The narrowest section is just 30 meters wide. In its center is a huge rock which, in legend, is the stepping stone of tigers trying to leap across the river.