Jade
Spring Park (yuquan park),commonly known as Black Dragon Pond
Park (heilongtan park), is one of the most beautiful parks in all of
Lijiang.
The park derives its name from the fact
that the water in the pond is clear and pretty, like a piece of jade.
Upon entering the park, visitors encounter the Suocui Bridge, under
which there are three small waterfalls running swiftly.
A tower here houses numerous pictures and
drawings on its beams, pillars, doors and windows. Today, this tower
is used as a museum in which many precious historical cultural relics
as well as calligraphic and paintings are displayed.
How to get there: The
park is located 2km north of the ancient town. Take a taxi(RMB6) to
the end of Xinda Jie. Alternately, walk along the Yuhe river or the
Xindajie to the park.
Cost: RMB20
Opening Hours: 8am-6pm
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Simply
dipping into Tiger Leaping Gorge as part of a tour group rarely allows
visitors to fully appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the area. As
such, many people set out on their own treks through the gorge, in
search of breathtaking views and inspirational sights.
Although the new road through
the gorge was unsuccessful (it has largely destroyed the natural
harmony of the region), many people still try to trek through the
whole gorge. Please note however, that the great trek is for brave,
adventurous and well prepared people only.
Most trekkers begin their trip at
Lijiang and take buses heading in the direction of Zhongdian,
descending at Tiger Leaping Town (Hutiaoxiao Zheng) which is 90km from
Lijiang. It is a good idea to spend a night in the town and rise
early for the trek ahead.
From the town, cross the bridge at
Qiaotouto to the other side of the Jingsha River (Yangtze), a track
from here, leads up the mountain path to the summit. (2050M above sea
level) The route continues up the Haba Snow Mountain, with the great
river below and the Yulong Snow mountain opposite.
It should take about two hours to reach
Luoyu(2400M) where the route becomes more steep, and another three
hours should find you at the half way point. Bendi Wan village is a
good spot for a brief rest. From here, continue down the route,
passing a huge waterfall. By nightfall, you should have reached a
village (it's not really a village) called Walnut Garden, a good spot
to stay the night and prepare for the next day's challenge ahead of
you. Although along the route there are too much stunningly beautiful
scenes to see on both sides of the river, it is really dangerous to
linger on the trekking route and fail to reach the Walnut Garden
before it gets dark, since the route is narrow and there are no lights
available. (You can rent electric torches in the town).
After a good night's sleep, continue the
trek to the most dangerous part of the trek: the Slippery Talcum Plate
where the route is really slippery, the slightest carelessness can be
treacherous (on average 3 people a year are killed in the gorge due to
carelessness and poor preparation). At the end of the slippery road, a
ferry awaits, marking the final victory of the trek. After crossing to
the other side of the river (RMB10), a few kilometers walk will lead
to a small town called Daju. The last bus from Daju to Lijiaing leaves
at 1:30PM. If you don't make this, don't panic! There are a few
guesthouses in the town itself to hole up for the night in.
Attention: It is also
possible to trek the other way round by starting at Daju and
ending at Tiger Leaping Town.
Although the trek is always hair-raising,
in rainy season it can be a nightmare, so check out in the Cafes in
Lijiang for the latest information and weather forecast.
Dongba House, The Prague Cafe, and
The Sakura Cafe all have good maps drawn by forerunners. These
maps are rough but really really helpful and very practical (forget
the published maps there is nothing useful on them).
Remember to wear proper trekking shoes
and clothes.
Cost: The General
Admission fee for the area is RMB35
Lodging Options:
Tiger Leaping Town (Hutiaoxia
Zheng):
The Traffic Hotel, has standard rooms and restaurant.
Tel 0887-8806345
Yulong Hotel: 86-887-8806196
Xiayun Hotel: 86-887-8806109
Walnut Garden(Hetaoyuan):
Sean's Guesthouse, the most famous with the best
travel information and guide service. Tel: 86-887-8806300
Chateau De Woody, offers nice western food and beer.
Pager: 0887-127865257
Daju:
The Snowflake Hostel, has a good restaurant
and ticketing service. Tel:0887-5326091
Tiger Leaping Gorge Hotel, is the most
"luxurious" place in town.
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The
complex of imperial buildings known as the "Mansion of the Mu
Clan" provide a fascinating insight into the local culture and
traditions of of Lijiang. When the clan chief moved his original
residence here, the clan became the most powerful and prestigious in
the region, reaching a climax during the collapse of the Ming Dynasty.
Over the years, many buildings in the
complex were raised to the ground as a result of various wars and
plundering. In 1996, the local government initiated a large-scale
renovation and expansion scheme. Today, the majority of the surviving
buildings are a mixture of traditional Han, Bai and Naxi styles of
architecture.
There is also a wealth of rare trees and
flowers here, many of which are exclusive to Lijiang and rival the
imperial botanic gardens of ancient times. A trip to the Mansion takes
between one and two hours.
How to get there: The
Mansion buildings are conveniently located within the old town in the
south. Vehicles are not allowed in the ancient town, so the best way
to get there is to walk. From most locations in the town, the Mansion
can be reached in 15 minutes.
Cost: RMB35
Opening Hours: 8:00-19:00
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The
Yangtze River Bend, as its name denotes, is the spot where the south
running river suddenly turns northward due to changes in the shape of
the nearby mountain ranges which form a mammoth V shape at this
spot.
With the gradual deposit of fertile soil
at this spot, a village slowly came into being, now called Shigu Town,
meaning "stone drum" in Chinese. Since ancient times, this
town has been important, linking Tibet with the outside world. Here
Tibetan people bring their quality fell, hide and herbal medicine and
take home tea, salt, cloth and other necessities. When market day
comes, the town is incredibly crowded and noisy.
How to get there: The
First Bend in the Yangtze River is located near Shigu town,
which is 55km west of Lijiang city. The Bend is usually seen in
conjunction with Tiger
Leaping Gorge as part of a one day tour. From Lijiang city,
numerous travel agents sell this trip, which should cost around RMB160
including admission costs, bus fares and lunch.
If you are going on your own, take the
bus to Shigu which is available from the Lijiang main bus terminal,
but the bus is really few, you can also take the buses to Judian and
get off from Shigu. These buses are much more.
Cost: the bend itself
does has any charge, but the Red Army Memorial Hall charges RMB5
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Sightseeing
Index
