A hipster getaway to Dali and Lijiang Ancient Towns — breathtaking Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake~

Text / Provided by Qidou Travel Network Photos / shutterstock.com, provided by Xihong Holidays

Lijiang in Yunnan has since ancient times been a hub along the Silk Road and the Ancient Tea Horse Road; historically powerful Dali Kingdom was the hometown of Duan Yu, the protagonist of Jin Yong’s martial arts novel “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils”; the popular movie “Breakup Buddies” is a modern love story set in Dali…… The beautiful Dali and Lijiang await travelers to weave their own unforgettable tales. Are you ready?

Lijiang Ancient Town is known as the “Suzhou of the Highlands,” famed for its well-chosen location and scientific planning. It is not only a treasure of ancient Chinese urban architecture but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by green mountains and crisscrossed by spring-fed streams, the town resembles a large inkstone carved from jade, hence its alternate name, Dayan Town.

Since ancient times, Lijiang has been a key junction on the Silk Road and the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Built during the Southern Song Dynasty, Lijiang Ancient Town features small bridges over flowing waters and weeping willows gently swaying. Today, it is a top tourist destination where traditional houses have been transformed into stylish guesthouses, hipster cafes, and creative boutiques, blending timeless charm with modern appeal.

In addition to Lijiang Ancient Town, in this secluded wonderland, you can also take the Yunshanping Cable Car up and down Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, enjoy the Zhang Yimou-directed Impression Lijiang live show, visit attractions such as Yuquan Village, Yufeng Temple, and Blue Moon Valley. Moreover, sites like the Jade Pillar Reaching the Sky scenic area, Naxi ancient village in Yu Lake Village, Trout Manor, Tusi Deer Farm, Yulong Academy, and Dongba Courtyards are all worth exploring.

Dali, located in the northwest of Yunnan Province, is an ancient city with a history spanning thousands of years. As early as the Tang Dynasty’s Nanzhao Kingdom and the Song Dynasty’s Dali Kingdom, it served as their capital. Its long history and rich culture have earned Dali the reputation of being the “Land of Literary Eminence.”

Dali is home to the Bai ethnic group and boasts a strong Bai cultural atmosphere. Traditional Bai homes featuring layouts such as “three rooms with one screen wall” and “four sides with five courtyards” carry deep cultural significance. You may have the chance to taste the Bai people’s Three-Course Tea, known for its three flavors — bitterness, sweetness, and aftertaste — which allows you not only to savor the tea aroma but also to enjoy captivating song and dance performances, immersing yourself in the local cultural essence.

Are you a fan of the wildly popular Jin Yong martial arts novel “Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils”? If you’re a Jin Yong enthusiast, you absolutely cannot miss the Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils Film and Television City. Stepping inside, you’ll discover countless classic-style buildings. Dressing in period costume makes you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time, creating unforgettable travel memories.

Dali Ancient Town borders Erhai Lake to the east and leans against the Cangshan Mountains to the west — a place where both mountain and lake form a cultural treasure trove. Erhai Lake is formed by the melting snow from the Cangshan Mountains, flowing through eighteen streams. Taking a boat ride on the shimmering lake offers breathtaking views of the mountains and waters, and you can also witness the traditional cormorant fishing method. The fresh fish from Erhai Lake are a true delicacy; Dali Clay Pot Fish Head Stew is fragrant and delicious, renowned far and wide.

During your journey to Dali and Lijiang, you can also explore nearby famous attractions, heading to Zhongdian to see the First Bend of the Yangtze River ~ Tiger Leaping Gorge, and visit Dukezong Ancient Town and Songzanlin Monastery.

Songzanlin Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan Province and serves as the center of the Gelug sect in the Sichuan-Yunnan region, holding a pivotal position throughout the Tibetan area. The monastery combines Tibetan and Han architectural styles, featuring six main structures, including an 8-meter-tall statue of Sakyamuni. It truly lives up to its title as the “Little Potala Palace.”

More related information
Recommended itinerary: Classic Lijiang ~ Lijiang Ancient Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Dali Cangshan Mountain, Zhongdian Shangri-La, Pudacuo, Five-Star He Fu InterContinental Hotel All-Inclusive Eight-Day Tour [No Shopping, No Hidden Fees]

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