Slow Travel in Yunnan’s Ancient Towns: Embrace the Charm of Lijiang and the Untouched Beauty of Shangri-La

Written by Moleskine Editorial Department, 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 3-hour flight from Taiwan will take you to the picturesque ancient town of Lijiang, and Shangri-La, located about a 4-hour drive away, captivates visitors with its bright and beautiful scenery. Here, a colorful ethnic culture, a history rich with stories, and diverse geographical landscapes are best experienced at a leisurely pace, allowing you to savor their wonders. The high altitude will occasionally “remind” you to take things slowly and gently. Slowing your pace not only helps avoid altitude sickness, but this unhurried rhythm is also the best way to explore the region.

In the past, many who longed to visit Lijiang and Shangri-La were deterred by lengthy transfers and layovers. Fortunately, since June this year, Mandarin Airlines has launched direct flights to Lijiang, allowing travelers to immerse themselves directly in the town’s classic charm. Shangri-La is no longer an out-of-reach paradise. With these direct flights, you can plan a quick three-day, two-night trip to Lijiang, but a more recommended option is a six-day, five-night exploration journey covering both Lijiang and Shangri-La. Take your time strolling through Lijiang to appreciate the refined beauty of China, and experience the serene harmony surrounded by mountains in Shangri-La.

 

Lijiang was once an important stop along the ancient Tea Horse Road, situated on the trade route connecting Sichuan, Yunnan, and Tibet. Thriving commercial activities spurred local development, and the most famous Dayan Ancient Town boasts an 800-year history, while the even older Baisha Ancient Town dates back a thousand years. Lijiang is also home to diverse ethnic groups such as the Naxi, Bai, and Yi peoples. Its rich cultural history makes it absolutely worth a visit. Follow in the footsteps of the ancients and witness the timeless beauty of the ancient town as time flows on.

 

A mere 40-minute drive from Lijiang Airport brings you to Banyan Tree Lijiang, situated at an altitude of 2,400 meters. Upon entering the resort, you’ll be immediately struck by the breathtaking view: a lake reflecting the sky and clouds paired with a traditional Chinese three-tiered pavilion forms a perfect picture. In the background, the 5,600-meter-high Jade Dragon Snow Mountain serves as a borrowed scenic element, while the foreground features willow trees gently swaying along the lakeshore. Together, they create a moving scene of Lijiang’s beautiful mountains and waters, along with classic Chinese garden architecture—something that captures the heart instantly.

Banyan Tree Lijiang has 124 villas and suites, with rooms that blend traditional Chinese architecture with the local Naxi culture. Built using local pink-hued stones and Naxi gray bricks, the roofs feature natural materials such as tiles and teak, reflecting the style of Naxi residential homes. Each room faces north, offering unobstructed views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The private courtyard includes a 37-degree Celsius hot tub, where guests can enjoy a moment of secluded soaking, whether to unwind, gaze at the snow-capped mountain, or simply bask in the peaceful solitude amidst the gentle breeze.

Exit the main gate, turn right, and after a 15- to 20-minute walk, you’ll reach Shuhe Ancient Town. It takes about 15 minutes by car to get to Dayan Ancient Town. Shuhe, along with Dayan and Baisha Ancient Towns, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving the primitive simplicity of the ancient towns. Cobblestone paths and small bridges over flowing water exude a leisurely vibe in every corner. In contrast, the bustling Dayan Ancient Town (Lijiang Old Town) is lined with shops, featuring vibrant shawls embroidered with Dongba pictographs and a dazzling array of goods. Its bar street shines brilliantly at night. In terms of both scale and liveliness, Dayan far surpasses Shuhe. One is like a natural beauty with no makeup, while the other is akin to a glamorous lady all dressed up—it all depends on your personal preference.

A spa treatment that combines natural plant essences, aromatic essential oils, and the skilled hands of therapists is an unrivaled indulgence during your stay at Banyan Tree. To ensure the professionalism of the therapists, Banyan Tree Group established a dedicated SPA Academy to train its own 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 uniform high standard ensures the professionalism and reliability of the therapists.

 

The multi-element spa experience is a grand project aimed at soothing stress and relaxation. Each step is closely connected—from spacious and comfortable therapy rooms, calming aromas that soothe the mind, gentle spa music, nurturing massages, to the post-treatment quiet time with tea and fruit—all together provide a holistic sensory experience for sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste. During the spa, the nutrients of the essential oils are absorbed through the therapist’s expert touch, relaxing your entire body. The skilled and delicate techniques, with perfectly measured pressure and positioning, bring immense relief from the inside out. The sensory-stimulating spa awakens your senses while also helping them gradually relax, allowing your mind to settle peacefully. You may even drift off to sleep, and upon waking, your previously tense body and mind will have been completely rejuvenated, achieving a profound sense of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.