Lijiang
| Lijiang was the next stop. The roads getting to each city were tortuous because they practically didn't exist. Most of them were not yet paved, but were just bumpy bumpy dirt roads. A one hour drive turns into four hours. We stopped at the Black Dragon Pool which is a small lake with crystal clear waters and buildings dating from the Ming Dynasty. After that we saw a lake with water so blue and clear from the mountains it looked fake. But it wasn't. Along the way we saw beeswax that was bright red green and orange in color. The locals said it was from the minerals in the water...dunno if I believe them. We then drove some more and took another ski-lift up to a viewing plaza to get a better view of the snow-capped mountains (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain?). Met some local Naxi people and toured their new and touristy homes. That night we went to Lijiang Old Town.. So charming and tastefully renovated (after 1997 earthquake which leveled the town). The old emperor's estate was absolutely beautiful. The lighting and colors were dazzling. That night we watched a show with dances from local ethnic groups. Beautiful girls and really goofy effiminate guys. |
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Pastoral Scenes. Black Dragon Pool and fishies! |
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Crystal blue waters and snow capped mountains. See the multi-colored beehive. |
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A pine scented forest on the way to the viewing platform. Rainbow trout and orange salmon the size of your arm! |
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The emperor's estate with beautiful lights. A huge jar of rice wine. Lijiang Old City. |
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Last Updated: 11.2004
