Lijiang: China’s Ancient Town in the Clouds
Lijiang (丽江) in Yunnan province is a perfectly preserved Naxi minority town at 2,400 meters elevation. The old town is a maze of cobblestone streets, canals, and wooden buildings with tiled roofs — a UNESCO World Heritage site that looks like it hasn’t changed in 500 years. Snow-capped Jade Dragon Mountain looms in the background.
The old town is beautifully restored but touristy. The real magic is in Shuhe Old Town (束河古镇), a quieter version 30 minutes away. The Black Dragon Pool offers the classic view of Jade Dragon Mountain reflected in the water. The Mu Palace was the residence of the Naxi rulers. And the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain cable car takes you to 4,506 meters for views that justify the altitude sickness.
Day trips from Lijiang: Tiger Leaping Gorge (one of the deepest gorges in the world, excellent hiking) and the First Bend of the Yangtze River. Lijiang’s Old Town comes alive at night with bars playing live music — mostly Chinese pop covers. Stay in Shuhe if you prefer quiet.