Lijiang-World cultural heritage site

Trip Start Apr 06, 2008
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Trip End Jun 20, 2008


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Flag of China  , Yunnan,
Friday, May 9, 2008

From Dali to Lijiang it takes  31/2 hours (173km) by coach.When I see Lijiang, it's like 'love at first sight", the place is so beautiful, difficult to describe it in words.I end up in the very center of the old town, in "no name" guesthouse, for 20 yuan, the cheapest I had in China so far,  including TV and private bathroom.
Lijiang is the center of the Naxi minority (about 300,000 souls), and they are everywhere in town, especially the old ladies are very photogenic Naxi woman in Lijiang
Naxi woman in Lijiang
 .Old Lijiang is worse than a labyrinth, its almost impossible to find a direction among all the tiny alleys and confusing canals.In the night time, Lijiang's canals
Lijiang's canals
 Lijiang develops its own charm, very romantic, and close to be a second Venice, without the gondolas, of course.But the rest is there, the canals, the historic buildings, the taste of fresh Pizzas, and even italian branded expressos go for sale in Lijiang's cafeterias!
The other option is to attend a performance of  the Naxi orchestra.They play a type of  buddhist temple music which has almost been lost in China, and they do this on original instruments, some of them over 180 years old, only able to survive the "Cultural Revolution" because they were buried in the gardens of the Naxi musiciens.
Most of these very talented men are now well over 80 years old, Naxi Orchestra in action!
Naxi Orchestra in action!
 and it's quite fascinating to see& hear them playing, every night at 8pm at the Naxi Music Academy.Tickets go from  100 to 160 yuan per person, I personally liked my balcony seat, its the best place to make photos from as you can see!!
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