The First Bend of the Yangtze River in Lijiang China
Lijiang is a realm of imagination, which catches the eyes of the world and his wife with the snowcapped mountains, unique topography, luxuriant forest, great rivers, small sleepy ancient towns, sensuous lakes, and the mystery of ethnic culture...visiting this famous Chinese city, you should not miss nine attractions:
1-Lijiang Ancient Town
Also called Dayan Old Town, built over 800 years ago. The old town consists of clean streams flowing freely through the road network, the colorful cobbled streets, swaying willow trees, historical buildings and stone bridges. There are over 22 different ethnic minorities making Lijiang their home. Now and then you may see local folks in their own traditional dress. Rambling around this charming ancient town, you will be attracted by the unique atmosphere and surprised by its ancient yet simple sense of "Harmony of Heaven and Man."
2-Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
The mountain has 13 peaks extending for 35km from north to south, alongside the deepest gorge in the world: Tiger Leaping Gorge. It is snowclad year round, with grandeur and sublime. Fan Steep, its top peak, is 5,596 meters above sea level against the sky. The mountain is precipitous, picturesque, and peculiar, charming with the scenery sites of Spruce Meadow, River of White Water, River of Black Water, Dry Sea, Serac Forest etc.
3-Baisha Mural Paintings
Located in Baisha Township, 8km north of Lijiang, there are 53 groups of mural paintings in different temples with fine and smooth lines, bright colors, vivid patterns and harmonious composition. Painted from the early days of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) to the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), these mural paintings are an artistic representation of the different religious cultures such as Buddhism, Lamaism, Daoism and the Naxi Dongba religion.
4-Black Dragon Pool Park
Where you can see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from afar and the reflection of the mountain in the pool in a clear day. This park is the source of the water system of the Old Lijiang Town as the clean spring from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain gathers here.
5-Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture
One of the most-watched sites in Lijiang. The museum has over 12,000 displays, among them more than 2,500 pieces are belong to the Naxi People. These cultural relics including clothing, artifacts, Dongba hieroglyphics, and the Dongba scriptures which have recorded the Naxi astronomy, geography, literature, art, history and religions.
6-First Bend of the Yangtze River
About 51km outside of Lijiang, the Yangtze River makes a sudden V-shaped bend and flow to the northeast. This extraordinary turn, nearly 180 degrees, creates breathtaking views that startle the imagination.
7-Shigu Village
Also known as Shigu Town (literally: Stone Drum Town), which is located on the opposite of the First Bend of the Yangtze River. Since ancient times, this town has been important, linking Tibet with the outside world. Here Tibetan people bring their quality fell, hide and herbal medicine and take home tea, salt, cloth and other necessities. When market day comes, the town is incredibly crowded and noisy.
8-Tiger Leaping Gorge
The gorge is 80m or more at the widest, or only about 30m at the narrowest, a most dangerous section of Yangtze River about 18km long. From the top of the gorge tourists can look down the steeply angled mountain sides to the rushing Golden Sands River (Jingshajiang)
9- Naxi Ancient Music
Aka Dongba Ancient Music. It was listed as one of the masterpieces of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity. Known as a "living fossil," ancient Naxi music originated form Taoism music that dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), and three types of the original music have been handed down orally to the 280,000 Naxi people living in Lijiang today.
For more Lijiang tour information please visit http://www.chinafacttours.com/
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
