Lijiang(266 views)

Release date:2011-09-27 00:02:22

Lijiang is the most famous tourist destination in Yunnan Province. Proximity to Tibet gives it yet more importance as those who cannot cross the border can experience Tibetan culture and traditions here. Like most of the tourist places in China, Lijiang in Yunnan Province has lots of attractions including ancient towns and villages and scenic spots.

The land equally blessed with traditional customs and abundant natural scenery has famous attractions like Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge and Jade Spring Park.

With history of more than 800 years, Lijiang Old Town remains the top attraction, especially for those who love to visit historical places and ancient traditions. Lijiang Old Town is located on the lap of mountains and on the banks of river and perhaps the only old city without a city wall. Due to the multiracial inhabitants settled here long years back, the ancient city reflects the aspects of different cultures. You can see different architectural styles like Bai, Han, Tibet etc blended into Naxi architectural style rendering it a unique look. This well preserved ancient city is noted for its ancient water supply system that works efficiently even now. This town, which was once a trading town on Chama Road, is listed as World Heritage Site in 1997 by UNESCO. In fact this town is a cluster of three quarters like Baisha Quarter, Shuhe District and Dayan Ancient City District.

To the north of the town and about half an hour drive, there is another attraction named Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. As it has the advantage of being closer to Lijiang City, tourists those who love adventure flock in during peak season. It has 13 peaks and Shanzidou is the highest peak with 5600 meters. This place is good for hiking and offers beautiful scenery viewed from the top. Tram service is available to go to the Glacier Park where you can climb stairs to the top. With 35 kilometers long and 20 kilometers wide, mountain lies snow and mist covered resembling a dragon and hence the name. It is said that this area was an ocean about 400 million years ago. There is an interesting legend about this mountain but most touching is that here, young people used to give their life for the sake of their love as to escape from arranged marriages. Hence this mountain is considered as holy among local Naxi people. Here, you can find plenty of rare flora and fauna and each live in different temperatures giving different views at different levels. There are few scenic spots on this mountain like Yushanping, a grassland and Ganhaizi, grassland where there was a lake once.

Tiger Leaping Gorge, which is reputed as one of the deepest gorges in the world has 18 rapids. The gorge is divided into three sections and as you move further and further, the speed of the flow becomes crazier. The water flow that starts from the Jingsha River is the narrowest section of all. Amidst the river there is a rock, which as per legend was used by a tiger to step on while crossing the river. The middle section of the gorge drops about 100 meters and gains speed. Thrashing water on to huge rocks and stones makes ear-deafening sound and creates many dangerous whirlpools. Third section has the craziest water flow and steeper cliffs and one may find a wild beauty in this ferocious nature of water. Rafting in the calmer sections is allowed here. There are also wonderful sightseeing spots to capture in your camera and good hiking spots, but be careful of steep climb.

Black Dragon Pool located in Jade Spring Park is yet another important attraction in Lijiang, Yunnan Province. It is situated very near to Lijiang Old town and foot of Elephant Hill. The Black Dragon Pool with 40 hectares is vast and is a fantastic place to see migratory water birds and beautiful flowers. Other things to see in the Jade Spring Park are Deyue Pavilion, Longshen Temple, Hanyue Stage and Suocui Bridge. On a good weather you can see snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the background.

For those who are curious about anything ancient, Lijiang is the right place to stop by. Old Naxi architecture, ethnic minorities and their age old customs and traditions, ancient towns and villages, pristine nature altogether makes the trip to Lijiang both adventurous and enchanting.

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