Lijiang Streets

My remaining hours in Old Lijiang were spent hopping from shop to shop, snacking and buying some last-minute gifts.
I can see why, through all the Chinese people I have met over the years, why Lijiang Old Town is often mentioned as a favorite travel spot. Its endless maze of unique and character-rich shops, streets saturated with people from all over the east, culture-rich art, language and architecture, dominated by the Naxi and Tibetan people, and prominence of art and peace is unrivaled throughout the world. All this is surrounded by accessible yet wild natural wonders, now a rarity in China.

Thousands of different people walk down the twisting alleys each day, with their own purpose for coming here. The seemingly limitless shops and restaurants cater to some but not all. I can see visiting here for weeks at a time for several years, and not break the surface of where to eat and what to buy. It’s that massive… and it is growing. With Old Town real estate dwindling, neighboring villages are building their own village-style outdoor malls. I don’t see any of them carrying the history and charm of Lijiang nor bringing in the sheer number of visitors. People-watchers, this is your Mecca.

Here’s a crappy picture, but it is a nice example of the Dongba script.

 

Every restaurant is unique, each has its charm, and because of the highly competitive environment, you are virtually guaranteed a good meal anywhere.

 

 

 

 

We located a popular Tibetan lounge and ordered American/Tibetan fusion. All of it was excellent, especially the soup.

Pork dumplings

Fried potatoes and veggies

Fried potatoes and veggies

Steak and fries…

 

Walking past many food vendors, I see more of the same, as well as some new dishes.
Fried chicken feet.

Some fruity drink with some weird root in it.

Spicy grilled crab pieces

 

Tofu squares filled with chilies

 

Frying chicken on a stick

Fried lotus root smothered in chili paste

 

Old building house modern craft shops.

Every corner is a work of art.

 

Jewelry I thought was produced in a factory turned out to be hammered out on the streets in the evenings.

 

A silversmith making a bracelet

 

 

More street food:

Fried stuffed bread (stuffed with red beans — so it’s a little sweet)

 

Spicy squid

Pineapple sticky rice

 

Sweet gelatin ( bing fen )

Chicken on a stick

Pancakes (flaky fried bread, stuff with meat)

Making fries in chili powder

 

 

These look like dragonfly larvae

 

Every traveler is here for their own reasons.

 

A calligrapher helps keep the Dongba writing system alive.

 

We head to the airport to catch a late flight back to Chengdu. I had only spent a few days here and I didn’t see nearly enough. I would have to return. In 2016 I did.