Dali day 3

Morning in Dali Old Town before train to Lijiang

 

A snack some sauce-covered flap of something on a stick. Not bad.

 

 

Streets right outside the old town have some good bargains. I bought a traditional Dali Blue tie-dye cloth here.

 

 

 

Killing some time in a temple in the old town. I can’t find munch info on this temple.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Train To Lijiang

The train to Lijiang took a few hours up the mountains through the valley. Lots of beautiful scenery along the way. The new high-speed trains are smooth, roomy, and very comfortable.

 

 

Lijiang Old Town

The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, chosen for its unparalleled preservation of municipal layout dating over 1000 years.  Fueled by the water from the surrounding mountains, it’s intricate canal system lines the jewel-like stone roads of its ancient narrow streets. The Naxi people are the predominant inhabitants, who influenced the region a great deal with Dongba religion and writing. Tibetans and Chinese also live in the valley in great number, but they are not alone–one of the best characteristics of Lijiang is its history of peaceful cohabitation of no less than 8 distinct cultures.

The old town is massive. I have been there twice and I don’t think I have seen it all. And from my last visit, they seem to be expanding it’s borders. Every square foot is filled with shops and restaurants. There’s also at least one open-air market, streets of bars and clubs, several ancient homesteads, and tons of people.

The hotel in Lijiang was conveniently located right across the street from the ancient town’s north gate. It was a traditional Chinese hotel, so service was pretty non-existent.

 

 

 When in Lijiang, head to the streets and eat all that you can.

Of course I just go for Sichuan food no matter my location.

 

 

 

 

 

A local custom of the Naxi is to dance in the town square.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Several food alleys in the old town provide literally hundreds of options, from traditional fare to new creations. Each chef has a station, and they compete loudly and aggressively to sell their goods. With all the mountains, rivers, and lakes in the area, I found these alleys to be the most amazing of sights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walking the streets at night

It’s really the best feeling when there are no crowds