Journey to Lijiang and enjoy a leisurely and relaxing time

Number of days：3 days
Time: October
Average cost: 1500 yuan
With whom：a person
Updated: 2021.08.16

When I think of Lijiang, I'm always filled with fantasies. It's a place so many artistically inclined people yearn for, a place filled with poetry and distant dreams. If you're looking for a place to spend the rest of your life, away from the hustle and bustle, Lijiang is truly the perfect fit.

Pristine snow-capped mountains, a filter-free blue sky, a turquoise lake... Romantic and comfortable Lijiang brims with both a romantic and artistic atmosphere and the allure of an ancient city. By the Lashi Sea, time seems to slow down. You can stop and walk as you please, taking in the mountains and water, the fireworks display in the ancient city, and the vibrant mountain flowers. No matter how many times I've been to Lijiang, I always yearn for it.

When I think of Lijiang, the first thing that comes to mind is Lijiang Old Town. The entire old town is paved with cobblestones. Walking along the cyan cobblestones, humming a little tune, I can't help but feel relaxed.

I stumbled into an alley and felt a rare sense of quiet, filled with the breath of life. In the distance, melodious music drifted in. It turned out to be a resident singer from a quiet bar, singing a folk tune with his hoarse voice.

In the ancient city, you won't get lost if you follow the water. There are also various small alleys. You can stroll leisurely through the streets, walk into different alleys at will, and look at the shops on the street. Many of the shop entrances are very distinctive. At night, Sifang Street becomes especially lively, with Naxi grandmothers dancing around bonfires. This artistic street during the day becomes truly lively at night, with tourists joining in the fun by following the rhythm.

Lishui Jinsha - a business card that represents the culture of ethnic minorities.

I heard that if you go to a city and want to experience the local folk culture, then you must watch a local cultural performance.

Lishui Jinsha is Lijiang's longest-running, most-attended, and most-visited show.

With top-notch lighting and stage design, and professional actors, the spectacle definitely doesn't disappoint. We've secured a prime spot, so let's get excited!

The lights go out, and the show begins. A Dongba begins a prayer behind a curtain, Dongba hieroglyphs looming, snow-capped mountains behind them. Like the magnificent opening to a beautiful article, this scene features Dongba characters and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain goddess. Dongba priests also share stories about Naxi history and the indomitable spirit of the people of Lijiang. The second article focuses on "Water." Water is such a spiritual object. The graceful movements of the Dai women, like a gentle trickle of water, soothe the heart. They carry flower baskets and dance with their bodies. The candle dance is truly beautiful. As people immerse themselves in the moment, the candles suddenly light up, as if by magic. The dancers' steps sometimes moved gently, like the surging waves of a calm lake; other times, they whirled like leaves caught in a whirlwind, darting swiftly... Her movements were light and graceful, like the wings of a spring swallow, joyful and like the beat of a drum, slow and gentle like the sound of a bass piano, and joyful like the joyful leap of a bird. Her movements were undeniably free, graceful, and unrestrained. The entire theater was filled with her passion.

"Mountain" is the highlight of the entire program, as it vividly displays the customs and practices of representative ethnic groups. For example, the "Bangbang Club" of the Naxi people, the "Pig Driving Tune" of the Hualisu people, the "Weaving Felt" of the Tibetan people, and other scattered gold and jade pieces strung into charming garlands all demonstrate the unique mountain spirit of the Yunnan people. This chapter concludes with the theme of “Love.” This chapter focuses on the cultural symbols of Lijiang. Take Lijiang's wedding culture, the Mosuo people's walking marriage, and their Axia walking marriage, where people visit at night and return home in the morning.

As time passes, those old stories may no longer be revisited, but fortunately, in Lishui Jinsha, we can still fully experience Lijiang's customs and people. This city is very tolerant, and multiple ethnic groups live here and tolerate each other.

It allows us to feel the colorful culture here, which is also one of the magic of coming to Lijiang.

The weather in Lijiang is really good, with clear blue skies, white clouds, and the beautiful Qingxi Reservoir and Black Dragon Pool. There is always a magical charm that makes people transcend the world and return to peace.

Lijiang is a place where mountains and rivers coexist, possessing the gentleness of the Jiangnan water towns while retaining the unique boldness of northwest Yunnan. No matter how many times I visit, I'm captivated by its unique charm.