Lijiang

Spiritual, mysterious, vibrant, artistic, charming… even if we use all the words we know, it’s still difficult to describe the actual experience Lijiang offers. This ancient minority town has the most beautiful landscape like nowhere else in the world, resembling the mystical ethereality of Dongba Culture. Century-old wooden houses are transformed into boutiques; open-air cafés and teahouses set at crystal clear streamside. The more you explore Lijiang, the deeper you will be lost in the enlightened minority labyrinth.

Dayan Ancient Town – In the center of this charming town is a square first built in 1126 during the late Song Dynasty, surrounded by cobblestone streets, wooden houses and flowing canals. Most of the population of Dayan Ancient Town consists of Naxi Ethnic Minority. Walking around the town, you will be able to distinguish at least ten different types of Naxi buildings. The Naxi are descendants from Tibetan nomads and live in matrilineal families. The traditional religion of the Naxi is Dongba. Believers practice witchcraft, and are skilled in traditional medicines.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountains – This 5000 meter (16667 feet) high mountain range earned its name because of the resemblance to the form and shape of a dragon and being covered with snow year-round. The mountains interlock the Yungui and Tibet Plateaus. Take the chairlift half-way up to a large meadow. You will be greeted by a stunning view of the Snow Mountains and probably by a group of Naxi women enthusiastically waving at you.



Tiger Leaping Gorge – At the narrowest part of the Yangtze River is Tiger Leaping Gorge. With a dramatic drop of 3000 meters (12795 feet), the gorge is a contender of the world’s deepest canyons, and undoubtedly, among the most amazing natural wonders. Legend has it that a tiger jumped across the river in order to flee from the hunter, but before falling into the river it froze in mid-air. Even today, you can still see the tiger-shaped rock. Backpackers often spend days trekking across the mountains. A one-day excursion for the highlight can also be arranged for travelers less adventurous