Lijiang

Lijiang is beautiful, and rates up there with Huangshan Mountain (Yellow Mountain) as being the most beautiful and satisfying locations I've been to here in China.

Black Dragon Pool Park in Lijiang Yunnan

The group is staying in a characteristically old Chinese inn with limited facilities called The Old Town Square Inn. It is very cheap... without the tour, I'd be paying about $10 a night for my own double. Given that there are 3 single guys on tour, we are alternating with the single room - I shared with older John last night - a veterinary surgeon. These two guys are a lot older than me - probably in their 50s and 60s - seems like a recurring theme with Intrepid. There are heaps of older people travelling here in China. To say the least, I'm looking forward to getting back into hostels with a younger mindset, especially in Europe. There are 4 of us in our 30s (including the two from Switzerland who are great) and 8 older. Four of them are a group and come from Australia and pretty much stick to themselves.

Close up of pagoda.

Yesterday was a mammoth day with a 10 hour bus ride from Kunming in the south to Lijiang, via Dali. The scenery has made a dramatic shift from the sand dunes of the Tenggen Desert in Mongolia to pristine snow-capped mountains. Even though I doubt I'll ever return to mainland China, this area of the world has given me the appetite to explore Tibet (Lhasa) and Nepal (if and when the political trouble ever dies down there) in more detail. Many travellers I've met have raved about Tibet and go on to say how much they enjoy it over the other areas of China.

We met an amazing lady called Margo yesterday. An Australian citizen, Margo (or Maggie) moved to China (Walnut Grove near Tiger Leaping Gorge) after meeting her Chinese husband back in the 1990s. She gave us a short tour of Lijiang and then joined us for dinner - she's one of those ladies you can't help but instantly fall for - so interesting, entertaining and genuine. I'd say she's in her 50s and so approachable and fun - go Maggie! Her husband Sean will be our local guide for the Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Historical Street in Lijiang

The old part of Lijiang has cobble-paved roads and has all the conveniences that a traveller needs. This morning, I followed John's recommendation of cafes and had an unbelievable breakfast of muesli, yoghurt, an abundance of fresh fruit, the best eggs I've had in Asia, fresh bread, Yunnan coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice, fish cake and bacon all for $9. It was great energy for my hour trek up to the Elephant Hill that gave a fantastic 360 degree view of Lijiang. Lijiang is situated in a very nice valley surrounded by towering mountains - a highly recommended place to visit for anyone doing overland China. Independent travel is probably possible if you come armed with a few handy Chinese phrases, and an abundance of humour, patience and time.

Interesting Naxi dancers.

On top of Elephant Hill

One side of Old Town Inn

Pagoda on Elephant Hill

Pagoda under a branch!

Street in Lijiang.

View of Lijiang from Elephant Hill