I arrived in Lijiang early in the morning, the mist still hanging in the air as I rolled my suitcase along the cobblestone streets. The sound of the wheels clicking against the stones felt like they were waking up the ancient city, knocking at its doors.
Day 1: Lost in the Ancient Alleys
After dropping off my luggage, I dove straight into the maze of narrow streets in the old town. No map, no destination—just wandering where my feet took me. On either side of the paths, traditional Naxi houses stood, their walls weathered by time and their wooden doors and windows decorated with intricate carvings, telling stories of the past.
At a corner, I followed the mouthwatering smell of something baking and stumbled upon a small shop selling Lijiang baba—a local flatbread made with buckwheat flour. The owner, a friendly Naxi lady, told me it’s one of the city’s favorite breakfasts. I took a bite, and wow—it was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a subtle nutty flavor from the buckwheat. So good!
In the afternoon, I climbed up to Lion Hill for a stunning view of the old town. The grey-tiled roofs and white walls stretched all the way to the foot of the Yulong Snow Mountain. The sunlight peeked through the clouds, casting a golden glow on the city. Standing there, feeling the breeze and listening to traditional Naxi music in the distance, I felt like I was transported back in time to the heyday of the Tea Horse Road.
As evening rolled in, I headed to Sifang Street—the liveliest part of town. Elderly Naxi folks sat in groups, chatting and soaking up the sun, while kids ran around, laughing and playing. I grabbed a coffee at a street-side café and just sat there, watching the world go by and soaking in the relaxed vibe of Lijiang.
Day 2: Exploring Yulong Snow Mountain
The next morning, I took the cable car up to Yulong Snow Mountain. As I climbed higher, the temperature dropped and the air thinned. Despite wearing a thick down jacket, I could still feel the chill.
At the Glacier Park, 4,506 meters above sea level, I stepped off the cable car into a breathtaking snowy landscape. The snow-capped peaks glistened in the sunlight, and the air smelled fresh and crisp. It was pure, unspoiled beauty.
I walked along the wooden path, marveling at the glaciers and icefalls cascading down the mountain. I even touched the ice, feeling the coldness of it and marveling at how nature had shaped this majestic scene.
In the afternoon, I visited Blue Moon Valley, also known as “Little Jiuzhaigou” for its clear, turquoise waters. The lake, surrounded by snow-covered peaks and lush forest, looked like a scene from a dream. I walked along the shores, listening to the sound of the flowing water and just soaking in the serenity.
Day 3: Immersed in Naxi Culture
On my last day, I decided to dive deeper into Naxi culture. I took a trip to Baisha Village, the birthplace of Naxi traditions. The village was small but rich in culture, with well-preserved architecture and ways of life.
I visited a local Naxi home where the owner introduced me to the Dongba culture, showing me ancient Dongba scriptures and paintings. The Dongba script is an ancient pictographic language used by the Naxi people, recording their history, beliefs, and traditions. The Dongba paintings were vibrant and filled with mystical religious themes.
For lunch, the host treated me to a special Naxi dish—salmon hotpot. The freshwater salmon from Lijiang was tender and delicious, especially with the local dipping sauce. It was mouthwatering.
In the afternoon, I went to Black Dragon Pool Park, one of the best spots to capture the reflection of Yulong Snow Mountain in the water. Sitting by the lake, I watched the mountain’s reflection form a perfect picture in the calm waters. It was one of those moments where you could just sit and be completely at peace.
Three days in Lijiang flew by, but the city’s beauty and tranquility will stay with me forever. It’s a place that makes you reflect on time, life, and everything in between. Lijiang is definitely a spot I’ll visit again!