A slow travel experience through Yunnan’s ancient towns—gently embracing the Old Town of Lijiang and the earthly paradise of Shangri-La

By Moleskine Editorial / Reported by Lin Qin-Hui

 

If you wish to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of city life or slow down your fast-paced routine, Lijiang and Shangri-La in Yunnan are perfect destinations to return to simplicity. Just a flight of a little over three hours from Taiwan will bring you to the picturesque Old Town of Lijiang, while Shangri-La, just a four-hour drive away, captivates visitors with its radiant scenery. Here, the vibrant ethnic cultures, history rich with stories, and diverse geographical landscapes invite slow exploration, allowing you to savor every wonderful detail. The high altitude will gently “remind” you to take things slowly and softly. Slowing your pace not only helps avoid altitude sickness, but this leisurely rhythm is also the best way to truly appreciate the area.

In the past, many who longed to visit Lijiang and Shangri-La were deterred by the long transfer times and complicated travel routes. Fortunately, since June of this year, Mandarin Airlines has launched direct flights to Lijiang, allowing travelers to immerse themselves directly in the town’s timeless charm. Shangri-La is no longer an out-of-reach earthly paradise. With these direct flights, you can plan a brief three-day, two-night trip to Lijiang, though a more recommended option is a six-day, five-night exploration of both Lijiang and Shangri-La. Stroll leisurely, appreciate China’s classic beauty in Lijiang, and feel the serene harmony surrounded by mountains in Shangri-La.

 

Lijiang was once an important stop along the ancient Tea Horse Road, located at the crossroads of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Tibet. Its bustling commerce spurred local development, with the renowned Dayan Ancient Town boasting an 800-year history, and the even older Baisha Ancient Town dating back a thousand years. Lijiang is also home to diverse ethnic groups such as the Naxi, Bai, and Yi peoples. This rich cultural heritage is absolutely worth visiting, as you follow in the footsteps of ancient travelers and witness the timeless beauty of the ancient town.

 

A mere 40-minute drive from Lijiang Airport brings you to Banyan Tree Lijiang, nestled at an altitude of 2,400 meters. Upon entering the resort, you’ll be immediately struck by the stunning views—a lake reflecting the sky and clouds, paired with a traditional Chinese three-tiered pavilion, forming a perfect picture. In the background, the 5,600-meter Jade Dragon Snow Mountain looms majestically, while in the foreground, graceful willows sway by the water’s edge, combining the beauty of Lijiang’s landscape and classic Chinese garden architecture into a breathtaking scene that captures your heart at first sight.

Banyan Tree Lijiang features 124 villas and suites, with rooms that blend traditional Chinese architecture and local Naxi culture. They are constructed using locally sourced pink sandstone, Naxi grey bricks, and natural materials like clay tiles and teak wood, reflecting the style of Naxi dwellings. Each room faces north, offering unobstructed views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The private courtyard includes a heated massage pool kept at a constant 37°C, where guests can enjoy a moment of solitude—whether unwinding, gazing at the snow-capped mountain, or simply savoring the unique feeling of being alone under the gentle breeze.

Walk straight out the main gate and turn right; it takes about 15 to 20 minutes on foot to reach Shuhe Ancient Town, or around 15 minutes by car to Dayan Ancient Town. Shuhe, along with Dayan and Baisha, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserving the primitive simplicity of the ancient town. With its flagstone paths, small bridges, and flowing streams, every corner exudes a laid-back vibe. In contrast, the bustling Dayan Ancient Town (Lijiang Old Town) is lined with shops, offering a dazzling array of colorful shawls embroidered with Dongba pictographs and other goods. The Bar Street is brightly lit, far surpassing Shuhe in both size and liveliness. One is like a natural beauty with no makeup, the other a glamorously dressed stunning lady—your preference depends on your taste.

The SPA treatments at Banyan Tree, which combine natural plant essences, aromatic essential oils, and skilled therapists’ techniques, are an unparalleled highlight of your stay. To ensure the professionalism of its therapists, Banyan Tree Group established its own SPA Academy to train in-house talent. Since the opening of the Banyan Tree Lijiang SPA Academy in 2007, Chinese therapists have gathered here for training. Only after completing comprehensive theoretical and practical courses are they qualified to serve guests. This consistent high standard ensures trustworthy expertise.

 

The multi-element SPA is a grand project of relaxation and stress relief, with each step intricately linked. Spacious and comfortable treatment rooms, soothing aromas that calm the mind, soft SPA music, nurturing massages, and calming tea and fruit served during quiet post-treatment moments all create a holistic sensory experience for sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste. During the SPA, essential oil nutrients penetrate the body through the therapist’s expert touch, with skillful techniques applying just the right pressure and targeting the ideal areas—resulting in a deeply soothing experience from the inside out. The sensory-stimulating SPA awakens your senses, while simultaneously allowing them to gradually relax and your mind to settle peacefully. You may find yourself drifting into a deep sleep, and upon waking, your tense body and mind will have been completely refreshed, achieving a profound sense of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.