Lijiang
We arrived in Lijiang by train, joining a queue of passengers at the station exit where IDs — passports in my case — were scanned before we could leave. Our driver dropped us at the edge of Lijiang Old Town, where motor vehicles are not allowed. From there, hotel staff carried our luggage through winding cobblestone streets and up the hill to our room, which rewarded us with a magnificent view.
Unlike Dali Old Town, where architectural styles vary, Lijiang’s old town is strikingly uniform, with traditional wooden structures throughout. The narrow lanes are lined with endless shops catering to tourists, yet it remains a wonderfully fun place to explore.
At the top of the hill, we found a restaurant with sweeping views over the town below — a sea of endless tiled rooftops stretching into the distance. As we ate, a cat wandered onto the adjacent roof and paused as if to greet us, adding a quiet, charming moment to an already memorable scene.
My favorite place we visited in Lijiang was Black Dragon Pool. Nestled within Jade Spring Park, this historic, picturesque pond is fed by crystal-clear spring water that creates a mirror-like surface, perfectly reflecting the snow-capped peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the traditional pavilions along its shores. At the time of our visit, a park worker was out in a boat with a hose breaking up the algae buildup.
Beyond the stunning views of Dragon Pool, what stayed with me most was the park’s serene atmosphere. The combination of vibrant gardens, gently swaying willow trees, and meandering stone pathways created a calming space that encouraged slow, thoughtful wandering. As I walked through the park, surrounded by such quiet beauty, I found myself pausing to reflect and fully appreciate my time in China.
Jade Mountain
The sun was shining brightly the day we visited Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. On the way, we asked our driver to stop so we could buy an oxygen canister—just in case the altitude proved challenging.
From the entrance, we boarded a park shuttle that carried us up to some of the bluest water I had ever seen. The mountain lake was dotted with numerous waterfalls, each one more picturesque than the last, creating perfect photo opportunities at every turn.
Like many popular attractions in China, it was quite crowded, but that only added to the experience. The steady stream of visitors made for plenty of entertaining people-watching as we made our way along the trails.
Shangri-La
While Dali had a bohemian feel and Lijiang’s ancient town leaned heavily commercial, Shangri-La offered an entirely different atmosphere. It felt less touristy and far more grounded and earthy. The elevation rose dramatically from Lijiang, and the colors intensified along with it. A brilliant blue sky created striking contrast against the golds, reds, and other ornate architectural accents. Visiting Songzanlin Monastery was especially memorable—we passed through prayer rooms where monks gathered, then climbed winding staircases to the top, where we were rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of Shangri-La city.
