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Latest Lijiang hotel reviews
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I took in the Tiger Leaping Gorge on a day trip from Lijiang which also included the first bend of the Yangtze River. Around 15km in length, the gorge is located about 100km (62 miles) northwest of Lijiang, lying between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xueshan) and Haba Snow Mountain (Haba Xueshan). The Yangtze River passes through a series of rapids under steep 2000 metre cliffs. Legend says that in order to escape from a hunter, a tiger jumped across the river at the narrowest point (still 25 metres wide), hence the name.
Tiger Leaping Gorge is a contender for the world's deepest river canyon, depending on the exact definition used. The gorge is not considered navigable. In the early 1980s, four rafters attempted to go down the gorge and were never seen again. In 1986, the first known successful attempt to sail through the gorge was made by the first expedition to float down the entire length of the Yangtze.
There are a couple of trials that run along the entire length of the gorge but I chose the easy and new 'low' path that cuts its way through the mountain at various places. This is the upper section of the three and the most popular for tourists to visit. Each section has its own Tiger Leaping Stone along with a leaping tiger statue on one side of the gorge. There is a warning about visiting, though, and this is that you shouldn't stop along the path as the area is prone to rock falls and, indeed, there were several guys standing along the path with loudhailers to make sure that you didn't stop. When you get to the end of the path you'll cross over a bridge and then there's a path that takes you down to the leaping stone.
My day trip to the gorge and the first bend of the Yangtze River cost Y180. This includes the Y50 entrance fee to the gorge itself.
Written May 11, 2009
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One of the must see (and for that matter hear), things to do in the evening whilst in Lijiang is to pay a visit to the Naxi Orchestra. This music shouts China and is the ancient music, the traditional Naxi classical music that is regarded as a 'living fossil of Chinese music.'
The orchestra is made up of 33 men and women - the men wearing silk clothes and the women wearing the local costume. A woman announcer, who spoke both Chinese and English, came on stage and introduced some of the eldest guys - about 6 of them are in their 80's with the eldest at 86. Above them over the top of the stage are black and white photos of previous players. The woman announcer also mentioned about some of their instruments - the oldest of which was 175 years old and, of course, these are nothing like we have back home. There was no conductor - the 86 year old guy was the conductor who played some kind a hanging chime thing which he struck in time and he also chanted the rest of the orchestra at the beginning of each piece of music. The music is traditional Naxi music and also features some singing by the women, a flute solo and 2 operatic songs. All-in-all it was great to both see and hear and it will stay with me for a long time, as music does that to your senses.
Tickets costs between Y100-160.
Written May 11, 2009
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The main market is located right in the southern part of the old town and is quite some experience. As well as the everyday fruit and veg, you'll also find live animals for sale such as chickens, ducks, rabbits and even dogs in very small cages. There certainly isn't a shortage of food for sale here. More photo's can be found in one of my travelogues.
Written May 11, 2009
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These three wells are located near the main market at the southern end of the old town, near the Mu Mansion. One well is for drinking water, one for washing vegetables and the other for washing clothes.
Written May 11, 2009
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This small bridge is located just outside the main entrance of the Mu Mansion. It was built by the Mu chieftains in the Ming Dynasty. It is 3 meters long and 9.6 meters wide with moats flowing north, south and east. It is so named as it's meant to resemble a saddle.
Written May 11, 2009
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The Mu Mansion is where the Mu Clan of the Naxi people ruled for over 470 years. During their reign, this residence was the centre of politics, power and wealth in ancient Naxi. Although it is simply a residence, it holds the majestic essence of a palace. In the heyday of the Mu, the residence covered an area of over 100 mu (about 16 acres) and consisted of almost one hundred buildings. It could be said that it was a miniature Forbidden City. Unfortunately during warfare in the Qing Dynasty most of the residence was destroyed. The present day Mu's Residence was rebuilt from 1996-1999. The reconstruction is based on the original site and captures the magnificent image of what life was like at this great palace.
Mu's Residence today covers an area of 46 mu (about 8 acres) and spans a length of 369 meters (about 404 yards). It sits against the Shizi Mountain (Lion Mountain) and faces east in the direction of sunrise. The residence is made up of two areas: the office area and the living area. Upon entering the gate, one can see Yishi Hall (Meeting Hall) at the end of a vast square. This is the beginning of the office area. Behind the Yishi Hall, there is the Wanjuan Pavilion, 'wanjuan' meaning numerous books. The pavilion houses thousands of sutras and many paintings and calligraphy works of famous scholars. Behind the Wanjuan Pavilion, lies Hufa Hall, the place of sacrificial activities. These main buildings all lie on an axis to the residence. Shizi Mountain can be reached from the rear of the residence.
Open: 8.30am-5.30pm. Admission: Y35.
Written May 11, 2009
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These are the views from the top of the Wangu Tower on Sleeping Lion Mountain which is really just a small hill to the west of the old town. Here you get great views of the old town including the nearby Mu Family Mansion plus those of the new town that encircles the old town. The best view lies to the north which is that of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Written May 11, 2009
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This modern tower, built in 1997, is located on the top of Sleeping Lion Mountain which lies to the west of the old town. It was named after the Naxi word "Wengu" which means "on the hill". It offers great views of the old town plus the new town but, better still, that of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Admission: Y15.
Written May 11, 2009
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This excellent museum is located in the Black Dragon Pool Park to the north of the old town. It features many cultural and ethnic displays on the local Naxi people. Exhibits include pottery, costumes, musical instruments furniture, books and manuscripts that show their language through an extraordinary system of pictographs - the only hieroglyphic language still in use.
Open: 8:30am - 5:30pm. Admission: Y30.
Written May 11, 2009
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This pavilion is also named Payun Pavilion and was originally built at the Fuguo Temple 30km to the west in 1601 as a villa and family temple of the Mu chieftain. The pavilion was so called for the eave angles which are said to be in the form of five flying phoenixes.
Written May 11, 2009
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Reviews and photos of Lijiang attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Lijiang sightseeing.
This pavilion is also named Payun Pavilion and was originally built at the Fuguo Temple 30km to the west in 1601 as a villa and family temple of the Mu...
7 members live in Lijiang
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I've got some interesting experiences in Lijiang. I'd love to share with you the 20 tips I've written, the 32 photos uploaded, and 0 travelogues I've created.
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