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Thuc Ha Ancient Town (Shuhe Old Town)
Thuc Ha Ancient Town was voted as the charming town of China in 2005. This ancient town is quieter and simpler compared to the Lijiang Ancient Town.
Thuc Ha Ancient Town is divided into the old and new areas. The old town is located west of the Qinglong Bridge and the old Sifang Street. It is a historic village with over 800 years of history. The most interesting feature is the ancient stone bridge Qinglong, built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, and Quantou Jiuding Longtan (where the Shuhe River flows through), the habitat of Shuhe residents.
The new Thuc Ha town is a commercial area developed by a company in Kunming. It is lively and more bustling than the old area. The entrance ticket to Thuc Ha Ancient Town is 40 CNY, but it has a simple design, so it's easy to slip in without a ticket for backpackers. You can enter from the main gate and exit from the north gate. Usually, there is no guard there, so on regular days, you may not have to pay the entrance fee, but on holidays, it's not always the case.
Baisha Ancient Town (Baisha Old Street)
The ancient village of Baisha Old Street, dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the 2 km-long white sand wall paintings are the highlights of Baisha Ancient Town. Cycling is recommended to enjoy the simple yet captivating scenery along the way.
You can capture a rustic photo collection while exploring this location. Many foreign visitors prefer cycling to the white sand beach rather than cycling along the river. The distance is only about 4 km from Thuc Ha to Baisha, and you can take a bus to Baisha Ancient Town.
Scenic area of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong)
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain holds a sacred place in the hearts of the Naxi people and the entire Lijiang region. Despite its main peak's modest height of 5,596 meters, no one has ever successfully summited it. Notable scenic spots on this mountain include the giant cable car, Maoniuping, Yunshanping, Lanyue Valley, Dongba Valley, Yushui Village, Dongba Wanshen Garden, and more.
The cable car route with the highest altitude provides a panoramic view of the snow-covered mountain. It is situated close to the snow on the mountain and glacial river at the lowest latitude, ideal for those who want to witness snow in the south. Ji Niuping (middle cable car route) is the second-highest. From this cable car, you can see all 13 peaks of Jade Dragon Mountain. It is also a great spot for capturing sunrise and wildflowers. Yunshanping (small cable car route) has the lowest altitude. If you fear heights, you can still take this cable car, and the scenery is equally breathtaking.
Lashihai Lake (Lashi Seaview)
Lashihai Lake is approximately 15 km away from the Lijiang Ancient Town. This is a destination most tourists will visit and can be explored along with Thuc Ha Ancient Town in a single day. Lashihai is a national water park with a lake and meadows. The best time to visit is during winter, with beautiful weather. There is a large group of rare migratory bird species. You can observe these birds, go boating, ride horses, and experience the fragrant tea road. In spring, cherry blossoms, pear blossoms, and red plums bloom everywhere, creating a beautiful and fragrant atmosphere. Summer is the rainy season, with often unpleasant weather, dust storms, and a nearly desolate landscape. In autumn, Lashihai City has pleasant weather with high, clear skies.
Banh Hu Scenic Area (Wuhu)
Banh Hu Scenic Area (Wuhu) is the ancestral lake of the Mosuo people following the matriarchal system, also known as the plateau pearl. In good weather, it feels like a green sapphire placed in the lake. When you first see it, you will be genuinely amazed by the beauty of Wuhu. When visiting Wuhu, you can explore Luoshui Village or Lige Village. The “Grandma's House” is the oldest house in the entire Rieger. It is believed to have a history of over 200 years. You can buy a small gift for 20 CNY, learn about the Mosuo people's marriage culture, and enjoy the graceful dance of the beautiful Mosuo women.
5. Taboos to be aware of when traveling to Lijiang
As Lijiang is an area populated by ethnic minorities, visiting here requires adherence to and respect for the customs and habits of the local people.
6. Useful Travel Tips for Lijiang
Lijiang Ancient Town is serene and small, yet captivating enough to become one of the top tourist destinations in China. With its charming and spectacular natural scenery, ancient architectural structures, Lijiang touches the hearts of many travelers. If you haven't visited yet, you must make the journey to explore Lijiang. Once you've been here, everyone wants to come back again and again.
Posted by: Nguyen Thi My Duyen
Keywords: Comprehensive, detailed Lijiang Travel Experience (2023)
