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Before this trip, I have not heard about Lijiang before, and had no idea about the existence of the place.
I'm totally taken away by the beautiful scenery, such as the ancient towns, the rich cultural experience, the natural landscape, the river, lakes and mountains. Here is where I could totally forget about the annoying city life, fully indulge and enjoy the warm sunshine despite the cold weather, a healing adventure that one can never forget.
The charm of Lijiang is still not very well known to the outside world, still awaiting to be explored. I think this place shouldn't be missed by anyone who loves to take photos.
~Jade Water Village (Yu Shui Zhai)~
The water stream here is the main sources for the Lijiang river. This is the place where the Naxi ethnic group worship the Goddess of Nature .
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| view of the Jade Water Village |
Inside the pool there are tonnes and tonnes of Salmon fish.
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| salmon fish... some are in gold colour too |
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| wind chimes with wooden plaques |
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| thousands of wooden plaques hanging |
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| water flowing down |
The water from the upper stream can be consumed. Apparently the water is holy and pure and can is good for health.
~Dong Ba Wan Shen Yuan~
This is an interesting place. From the entrance, it looks like a typical ethnic group village, but from inside is the window to the beautiful world
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| Entrance |
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| The wall full of ancient arts |
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| Jade Dragon Snow Mountain behind |
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| some wooden houses at the side of the compound |
Most beautiful view here.
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| The road to heaven |
~Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Snow Mountain)~
Before we continue to the mountain scenic area, we had our lunch at this restaurant. The restaurant is very crowded, the line is super long to get our food. It was a buffet lunch but the choices are limited, it's more like a mixed rice buffet lunch, just fill my plate with the dishes that I want to eat. I wouldn't want to go back queue up again.
Here's my lunch of the day. Doesn't look great but edible, the peanuts were nice, the crackers were tasteless, the corns were fine, overall is just OK.
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| my mixed rice buffet lunch |
After done with lunch, the way to take the cable car up to the foothill is amazingly beautiful, the entire mountain as the background.
Small pone nearby, very calm and beautiful
Even the trees and the grass are so nicely maintained. Felt so happy and relaxed to be here.
I fell in love instantly with beauty of Lijiang
Already reached the foothill via cable car.
Enjoy the nature
The wooden path for visitors to walk on to get a closer view and enjoy the surroundings.
Untouched beauty of nature
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| At the foothill - so close yet so far |
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| Wild life near the foothill |
Next time I had the chance to come again, I would definitely go up to experience the glacier, the view surely is more magnificent and memorable.
~Blue Moon Valley~
It is called Blue Moon Valley because of the crescent shaped of the valley and the water is blue colour on a sunny day, which look like a blue moon on the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain.
This place is also known as the mini version of Jiuzhaigou. The mini version is already so super breathtaking, I could really imagine how amazing Jiuzhaigou is. Haven't been this close to nature for a long time, all the time spent on the journey are well worth.
I was stunned to see this. Felt to thankful to be here. <3
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| the clearest, bluest water |
The flawless blue waters were so inviting
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| amazing view |
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| so clean, so pure...the water is so clear can see straight to the bottom |
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| a mini waterfall, again with the snow mountain in the background |
~Shuhe Old Town~
The Old Town is smaller scale as compared to Lijiang Old Town. The atmosphere is slow in the sense that it is very relaxing and quiet.
Interesting thing I saw... water plants in the super clear water drain.
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| I felt this pony looks sad ;( |
~Black Dragon Pool~
Black Dragon Pool is actually a park, if the weather is good, the snow capped mountain's reflection can be seen in the water.
~Old Town of Lijiang~
In the old town of Lijiang, there are rows and rows of shops selling souvenirs and food. It's abit touristy, but definitely pleasurable to stroll along the streets, see the locals, shop, drink and eat.
As compared to Shuhe Old Town, this place is more happening and lively.
There was a flower exhibition. Lucky me again...
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| full bloom |
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| beautiful flowers blooming along the street |
Two days in Lijiang wasn't enough at all. There are so much to see and explore, so many places need to be spent more time on to truly enjoy. One more amazing place not covered in this trip is Lugu Lake, a beautiful high altitude lake.
It's been weeks now, I am still blown away by the sheer beauty of Lijiang.
