The feel of Lijiang by John195123
Lijiang is a calming and relaxing place, provided you aren't having to deal with boat-loads of tourists. The cool, morning streets are quite pleasant to walk, amidst the smells of coal smoke and breakfast. It doesn't feel like much of the rest of China- early in the morning. There isn't the hectic chaos of life and pollution of noise that pervades everything in urban China. Lijiang exists as a respite from that world, though China, as always, isn't going to let Lijiang be. You see the construction that comes in the name of progress, bearing the flag of new growth, with all the pomp and circumstance that it carries with it into the new future for China. And I, personally, shake my head. In part in sorrow, for what will be so ravenously and ignorantly lost. In part, for the lack of concern expressed by the people. Beauty is cast in concrete way too easily in China.Five images.
