On one of my official trips, I happened to be part of a seminar which was held in a beautiful place called LiJiang, close to Tibet
It is said there is a fairyland beneath the colorful clouds of southern China. A place blessed with fresh air, clear streams, breathtaking snow-capped mountains, and an undisturbed landscape inhabited by a friendly group of people.
Lijiang has the best preserved ancient town in China - the OLD TOWN which has been listed in the World Cultural Heritages by UNESCO in 1997. The Old Town was once the center of Lijiang and continues to maintain the original flavor of the local lifestyle, the typical groups of buildings and the profound cultural heritage of the region. When wandering along Square Street or any other streets in the Old Town, you will be struck by the peaceful surroundings. From enjoying the sight of the setting sun from historic hotels to local farmsteads, there are many favorable things here for travelers. The place is also good for the real shoppers - every age group will find something interesting to take away from this place. I was surprised to find some Russian dolls and Indian handicraft items being displayed in some of the shops.
While at this place, please do not miss Mu's Palace and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. My most memorable experience was being on top of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which is 4680 mts above sea level (almost same as the base camp of Mt. Everest)
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Mountain) is the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Consisting of 13 peaks, among which Shanzidou is the highest one with an altitude of 5,600 meters (18,360 feet), Jade Dragon Snow Mountain stretches a length of 35 kilometers (22 miles) and a width of 20 kilometers (13 miles). Looking from Lijiang Old Town in the south which is 15 kilometers (nine miles) away, the snow-covered and fog-enlaced mountain resembles a jade dragon lying in the clouds, hence, the name Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
One can reach LiJiang by air or road. I took a flight from Beijing to Kunming and from there took a connecting flight to LiJiang.
The pics that I took on top of the Jade Mountain is part of my favourite collections
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