Sunday, October 10, 2010

China (Lijiang, Yunnan) Sept 2010 D-25 & D-26

Map of Lijiang, Yunnan, China

Hostel: Panba Courtyard Guesthouse and Hostel - CNY30 dorm (2 nights)
Sleeper bus: Lijiang>Kunming - CNY193 departing 20.00
Food & groceries:CNY36
Taxi & bus: CNY17
Total expenses incurred:CNY306

Panba Guest House, Lijiang, Yunnan

Lijiang was my last UNESCO site I visited for this China trip. Finally my 30 day visit to China is about to end soon ! I spent two nights here and adopted a laissez-faire approach in exploring Lijiang, wondering ups and downs the old town and taking a laid back attitude in this final leg of my visit to China. What a leisurely way to end my 30 day journey in China !

At night, Lijiang old town made an abrupt change and the town had turned into a vibrant and lively place filled with colorful neon light; local friendly bars, cafes, and restaurants holding night performances and singing sessions to entertain and lure visitors to wine and dine at their establishments - so just sit back and relax till the wee hours of the morning ! But the noise pollution around the area may drive away people who like a quiet and calm environment!

As for my 3 days in Lijiang, I have this to say "what an experience for me to see the true character of Lijiang - An old preserved Lijiang by day and a modern version of Lijiang by night - what a contrast ! An old ancient town in China with a dual character is in a making "

As my last few days in Lijiang was close to the China's 61st anniversary celebration starting on Oct 1, all the train tickets from Dali to Kunming were sold out. I had no choice but to buy a sleeper bus ticket (CNY193) in order to catch a connecting train to Guilin for my flight back to Kuala Lumpur on Oct 1.

The ancient city of Lijiang, Yunnan - Old wooden buildings, Naxi homes, small canals & streams , the tall hanging Yang Liu trees, hanging red lanterns - all looked very scenic and pleasing to our eyes ! A UNESCO world heritage site.



A re-constructed water wheel & a concrete wall proudly written with some Chinese characters which mean "UNESCO Cultural Heritage - Ancient city of Lijiang" with a signatory from an ex-President of China, Zhang Zhe Min.


Well preserved cobbled stone streets in Lijiang old town


" Lijiang is 160km from Dali. The old town of Lijiang was built over 800 years ago during the Southern Song dynasty. Cobbled stone streets, Naxi-style homes, flowing canals and streams with clear water, water wheels, hanging Yang Liu trees - it was love at first sight the moment I set foot on Lijiang ! More attractions await you in surrounding Lijiang eg Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Lugu Hu & Shangrila .... so put on your Nike or Li-Ning air walk shoes and head to the Tiger Leaping Gorge !

The Secret of Life : Money is not yours until you spend it "

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