< Previous70 THE JOURNEY71 72 OURNEY PRISTINE AND PICTURESQUE PHENOMENON With majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain watching over the city where time has stood still since ancient eras, and traces of ethnic Naxi culture still be, a visit to Lijiang cannot be anything but dream-like and enchanting.PRISTINE AND PICTURESQUE PHENOMENON 72 THE JOURNEY WITH MAJESTIC JADE DRAGON SNOW MOUNTAIN WATCHING OVER THE CITY WHERE TIME HAS STOOD STILL SINCE ANCIENT ERAS, AND TRACES OF ETHNIC NAXI CULTURE STILL BE, A VISIT CANNOT BE ANYTHING BUT DREAM-LIKE AND ENCHANTING. Text and Photos by Urasa Chittamvanich73 Located in the northwestern region of Yunnan province, Lijiang is the main area in China inhabited by the Naxi, one of China’s 55 minority ethnic groups. The earliest recorded history of the city can be traced as far back as the Warring States Period (476-221 BC). With the advent of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) the local economy reached a peak with the development of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road, which made a great contribution to both commercial and cultural communication between the provinces of Tibet, Sichuan and Yunnan. Lijiang’s high elevation of 2,400 metres yet low latitude ensures a pleasant year-round climate and magnificent nature, as well as an abundance of natural resources. The climate, spectacular snowy mountains, crystal-clear streams and undisturbed landscape are a main reason why Lijiang has become a popular off-the-beaten-track destination. JADE DRAGON SNOW MOUNTAIN Sitting majestically around 25 kilometres north of Lijiang is Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the southernmost mountain in China with a main peak that is 5,596 metres above sea level, snow-capped all year round and ascended only once. The mountain is composed of 13 peaks altogether stretching 35 kilometres from north to south, with a width of 20 kilometres. From a distance the mountain resembles a dragon laying in clouds, which is how it got its popular name, though its lithology is mainly limestone and basalt, which are black and white, and it also gets called the "Black and White Snow Mountain". In 2007 the mountain and immediate area was approved by the National Tourism Administration as a national 5A– class scenic spot. A cableway takes visitors up to the upper level of the mountain. Advance reservation and also registration are strongly recommended, as well as carrying an oxygen can for the high altitude. 74 SPRUCE MEADOW Spruce Meadow lies in an old spruce forest at an altitude of 3,240 metres on the east piedmont of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The colour of the meadow changes every season, inviting visitors to revisit time and time again. Apart from its pristine beauty, Spruce Meadow is considered to be a “kingdom of natural medicine” because countless plants used in Traditional Chinese Medicine can be found here. The meadow is accessible via a cable car ride followed by a 15-minute walk through forest. For those who want to save their energy fully for the meadow can take the battery- operated shuttle car at an additional cost. Due to the high altitude, it’s best to keep an oxygen can at hand. BLUE MOON VALLEY Nestled at the foot of the mountains is a stunningly blue waterway that originates from melting snow, and meanders through a verdant valley of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It comprises of four large lakes with a deep turquoise hue and dozens of small white waterfalls. The crescent-shaped valley and the hue of the water gave rise to its name. There are plenty of spots for absorbing the pristine nature to the fullest as well as for taking that perfect IG photo. We suggest walking to the other side of the valley which tends to be less crowded and thus, more tranquil. THE JOURNEY Photo by Peemtawat Saengfai75 IMPRESSION LIJIANG Impression Lijiang is an impressive live outdoor performance set against the majestic natural backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, under the bright blue sky. Directed by renowned Zhang Yimou, the director of many famous Chinese films who also co- directed the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008, Impression Lijiang by 500 Naxi and Yi locals in costume. Visitors will be able to watch an authentic portrayal of the region’s history as well as ethnic culture and customs being played out, although the entire show is in Mandarin with English subtitles, and not the ethnic language. The 12-metre-high stage is made from red sandstone, symbolising the red clay of Yunna-Guizhou Plateau on which Lijiang is located. It’s a striking contrast to the bright blue sky and the snow-capped mountain in the background, and the sight of a large number performers moving in unison on it is breath- taking indeed! It is also worth noting that Impression Lijiang takes place at 3,100 metres above sea level (for comparison, Mt. Fuji’s tallest peak is 3,776 metres) and to be on the safe side it’s recommended to have an oxygen can at hand, which are available at the foot of the mountain or in shops around the town. Also, visitors with heart disease, altitude sickness or any other ailment which may make them uncomfortable or unwell at this high altitude should consider carefully before purchasing a ticket. BAISHA OLD TOWN Once Lijiang’s political, economic and cultural centre, Baisha Old Town was the original settlement of the Naxi tribe over a thousand years ago. It was also once a centre for silk embroidery and the most significant stop along the ancient Southern Silk Road. The legacy carries on today at Baisha Naxi Embroidery Institute, located on the main cobblestone street, where craftsmen keep their fingers busy with many colourful threads and materials. Baisha-style mural painting can also be observed here, too. Visitors to the old town can stroll along the cobblestone streets, browse for local crafts, stop for traditional Chinese tea or else coffee at a café – many offer seating on the second floor with a pleasant view of the neighbourhood. The view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain makes a perfect backdrop to this charming town. took two years to produce and cost USD 31 million. It is the first live outdoor performance in China held during the daytime (at 11.15 am and 1.15 pm daily). The one-hour show consists of two parts – “Impression of the Snow Mountain” and “Impression of the Anciently City” – with singing, dancing, horse riding and drumming Photo by Peemtawat Saengfai76 THE JOURNEY LIJIANG OLD TOWN Listed as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1997 by UNESCO, Lijiang Old Town is one of the four best-preserved ancient towns in China. Parts of it date back as far as the Naxi Kingdom (658-1107) and were built during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The old town is called ''Gong Ben Zhi'' in Naxi language, which literally means “trading port for food”. The old town, which covers only 3.8 sqm of land, is most notable for its unusual traditional architecture and canal system. The majority of its buildings date back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Qing Dynasty (1644-1912) and harmoniously combine features from the Han, Bai, Tibetan and Naxi ethnic groups. The buildings are mostly made of timbre, with carvings of people and animals on the doors and windows. There are a total of 354 bridges in the old town, or the amazing statistic of almost 93 bridges per square kilometre. Many of the old pools and wells are still in use today, and most of the dwellings stand in front of, or along, a stream with willow trees caressing flowing water. We recommended to linger here until dusk, when the old town is lit up and the ambiance turns more magical. Nightlife in Lijiang Old Town is quite lively, with small theatres dotted around that present music and dance shows, and restaurants and bars. Today, old houses are being converted into shops one after another, with many becoming photo studios where visitors can dress in traditional costume with make-up, then be taken to locations around the old town for the most unique photo sessions. MINISO, the Chinese low-cost variety store chain, has turned up as well as international F&B chains Starbucks, KFC, and McDonald. Photo by Peemtawat Saengfai Photo by Peemtawat Saengfai77 BLACK DRAGON POOL Just one kilometre from Lijiang Old Town lies Black Dragon Pool, situated at the foot of Elephant Hill along the northern edge of the old town. The town’s water source, the pool is round-shaped, covers an area of 600 sqm and is about 15 metres deep with clear spring water that gushes from the bottom. It’s a perfect spot to appreciate an inverted image in the pool of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The Black Dragon Palace nearby, simple and elegant with trees planted in its courtyard, was first built in 1394 and is simple and elegant. Its main hall is dedicated to the Dragon King while the side hall worships noble people. FLIGHT: Ruili Airline operates direct charter flights from Bangkok to Lijiang, presently on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Please check the latest schedule at: www.rlair.net. ACCOMMODATION: Club Med Lijiang fits the bill for travellers of all ages with its premium all-inclusive package including a broad range of activities within the resort. The picturesque Jade Dragon Snow Mountain can be seen from practically every spot. Visit: www.clubmed.co.th, call: 02 035 6788 or email: askme.th@ clubmedcustomerservice.com ATTRACTION: We highly recommend visitors to contact an agency such as Weekend Tour to take you around the city and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and to book Impression Lijiang as seats are limited and sell rapidly. Apart from Black Dragon Pool itself, the immediate area offers many attractions to visit, such as The Five Phoenixes Hall, Dondba Culture Museum, and Locking Green Bridge. If you are up to a hike one morning, take the trail up to Elephant Hill which leads past a dilapidated gazebo, across a spiny ridge, past a communications centre and then back down the other side. Do bring your passport for registration before you start the hike.COME SLEEP WITH ME 78COME SLEEP WITH ME 88 A BALINESE OASIS OF COMFORT AND CUISINE For your next Balinese escapade, choose to stay at Best Western Kamala Jimbaran, where modern comfort meets affordability. 80 ASTONISHING VISTA With a superb panoramic view of Jade Dragon Mountain in Lijiang, China, backed by the signature all-inclusive vacation policy of Club Med, the holiday is to be remembered. 82 AN ISLAND OASIS FOR COUPLES AND FAMILIES Nestled on the soft sands of Mai Khao Beach in Phuket, overlooking the Andaman Sea and hugged by Sirinat National Park. 84 RETREAT IN STYLE As one of the premier properties of the Best Western chain, this establishment in Jakarta offers a fusion of stylishl. 86 TRENDY AND ADULT-EXCLUSIVE The Outpost Hotel Sentosa sets the new norm of a vacation in Singapore. 79Next >