Nestled amid Yunnan Province’s breathtaking mountainous terrain, the UNESCO Heritage town of Lijiang invites travelers to lose themselves along its winding cobblestone paths tracing gurgling canals. During my recent 5-day summer sojourn, I based myself right inside Lijiang’s Old Town. On an ambition-packed first day, I perused heirloom gardens, hiked Lion Hill for sweeping views, and reveled in a dazzling Naxi Orchestra performance – fully immersing in the region’s enduring culture. In this post I share my 5-day Yunnan Lijiang Summer Getaway trip.
Checking into My Boutique Guesthouse
I arrived midday via high-speed train from Kunming, Yunnan’s capital. A quick taxi ride through Lijiang’s maze-like laneways lined with teahouses and souvenir vendors delivered me to Yinxiang Chadian. Nestled on a quiet street, this restored historic courtyard residence now operates as an intimate 15-room guesthouse oozing nostalgic ambiance. After a warm check-in greeting complete with jasmine tea, I headed upstairs to my spacious room. Pristine wood furnishings, Chesterfield wingback chairs, and Qing Dynasty-style artwork juxtaposed beautifully against modern amenities like air conditioning and free WiFi. But it was the view from my timber balcony of Lijiang’s tiered rooftops that utterly captivated amid the warm early afternoon sun.
Strolling Through Ancient Baisha Village
Eager to stretch my legs, I joined a free heritage walking tour commencing right on the guesthouse doorstep. Our English-speaking guide Wendy expertly navigated us through lesser-known side alleys ultimately arriving 45 minutes later in Baisha Village – one of Lijiang’s most ancient settlements. We passed heirloom gardens guarded by carved traditional Naxi gates and petite shrines honoring ancestors tucked beneath willow trees. Local Nakhi elders wearing traditional vivid blue garb smiled in greeting as we slowly wandered the village’s main square. We learned of this cultural epicenter which also once served as the former political and commercial hub of the legendary Tea Horse Road trade route linking Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet.
Hiking for Sunset Views from Lion Hill
As the late afternoon sun slowly arced behind Jade Dragon Snow Mountain visible in the distance, I joined other Yinxiang Chadian guests to hike nearby Lion Hill. After passing mural-painted homes, we summited Lion Hill 30 minutes later along winding paved paths decorated with roaring stone lions and fluttering prayer flags. At 2,521 meters, this peak not only delivers supreme views of Lijiang’s sea of rooftops indented by meandering waterways, but perspectives northward of the full Yulong mountain range. We watched mesmerized as the golden hour rays set fire to snowy peaks while the eastern horizon welcomed the full moon’s steady rise into in the cobalt summer sky, ushering in twilight.
Enjoying a Performance by the Naxi Orchestra
Descending, our group made it just in time for a 8 pm performance at Dongba Palace featuring the renowned Naxi Orchestra and Indigenous Music Troupe. As the sun’s remaining rays set beyond outdoors verandah seating framed by towering camphor trees, I was instantly spellbound when musicians dressed in vibrant brocade and headdresses took to the open-air pavilion stage. Principal flutists and percussionists mesmerized during solos playing thousand-year-old instruments like bamboo flutes and hand drums to summon spring and sky gods while dancers vividly interpreting lyrics through swirling movements. This exclusive insight into enduring ethnic minority artistic traditions left me in awe as the last indigenous song finished to rousing applause under a canopy of glittering stars.
Key Takeaways from Lijiang Day 1
Accommodation – Intimate guesthouses inside Lijiang Old Town immerse within the pedestrian-only warren of canals and tea markets versus larger hotels farther outside of town.
Exploration – Wandering less-touristed historic villages and hiking nearby hills unveils cultural insights and postcard-worthy photography vantages without the masses.
Experiences – Performances of heritage music, dance and arts like by the Naxi Orchestra offer precious opportunities to connect with enduring ethnic legacies.
Cuisine – Sample signature Yunnan mainstays like Pu’er tea, yak butter tea, or Crossing the Bridge rice noodle soup as well as Muslim lamb fare from restaurants lining old canals.
Souvenirs – Peruse old artisan workshops along ancient lanes to watch papermaking or ink-art creation then select uncommon mementos showcasing heritage handicrafts.
Conclusion
Lijiang overflows with opportunities to step back in time yet still capture iconic Instagrammable moments against backdrops like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. During my first full immersion day into ancient Nakhi and Han Chinese culture, I gained historical context while crossing off quintessential sightseeing moments. I eagerly anticipate whatever serendipitous cultural encounters my remaining summer days traversing Lijiang’s magical landscapes hold. I hope you this 5 Days Yunnan Lijiang Summer Getaway, Day 1 post.