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.
From Lijiang Airport to Town
by bpacker
There are plenty of cabbies* at the airport to ferry you to town. Each ride just 60rmb on a metered cab. It's slightly higher if you choose to take a private mini van (usually 100rmb). The distance between the airport and town is about 15km.
*it's a different story in the wee hours of the night. arrange for your hotel to pick you up if the airport is deserted.
Lijiang Old Town
by vigi
Lijiang Old Town (also known as "Dayan Town") is a traveller's oasis. It was first built during the late Song Dynasty nearly eight centuries ago, a main stop on the Southern Silk Road, played an important role in the old days on trading activities between China and other Southeast Asian countries. The Old Town has been in existence for approximately two millennia, it was rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1996. There are also a variety of beautiful parks and temples around Lijiang. Once you are in the Old Town, you will find it hard to tear yourself away and return to the hustle bustle city life.
Old Market Square
by John195123
Also called Sifang Jie, this is the main square in town. What is most sad about the square is that it was once the stomping grounds of Naxi traders, though now it holds Naxi and Han souvenir stalls that don't all sell real Naxi crafts, but stuff you find all over China, in each place called the craft of the local people. But, there's often a lot going on in the square: you can catch a dance, don some furs, grab a terribly fake long gun and get on a horse for a photo, or avoid the scene like the plague.
Four images.
Black Dragon Pond
by John195123
I guess it's interesting... didn't get in because of the rip-off price of 80 yuan for the protection fee... BS...
Anyway, the sign outside says that, "The following people are exempted from paying for the Lijiang Old Town Maintenance Fee... 3. Disabled Chinese veterans; Children under the height of 1.2 meters; Retired people; Old people above the age of 70."
First of all, the 80 yuan fee is absolutely absurd. If it were a private city, but it's not. This is China. Tourists shouldn't have to pay a maintenance fee, and considering that without tourists, the place wouldn't exist... what a rip-off.
Secondly, we're traveling with two retired people. But the woman at the ticket window said that the sign was wrong and they had to pay. Bull. What a scam. This is part of my problem with China. What is written is law, and if not it should be removed. Follow your contracts.
Well, to get to Snow Mountain (which we needed to do for acclimatization) we had to pay the 80 yuan ripoff. So, we decided to head back to the pond. Yeah, it's sort of pretty and maybe there's more to do than it seems, but it's not really worth the 80 yuan. I'll add photos in a few months!
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villagers of Baisha
Tourists 3
Waterfall 1
Mr. Yang's Sign
