Lijiang

Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is China’s best-preserved Naxi ethnic ancient city. Founded in the Song Dynasty (13th century), it thrived as a Tea Horse Road hub, blending Naxi, Han, and Tibetan cultures. Famed for its cobblestone streets, canals, and Dongba script, it offers a living museum of ancient China.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a 5,596m-high sacred peak in Lijiang, is the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Revered by the Naxi people as "Three Gods of War," its 13 peaks and 19 modern glaciers dominate the Yunnan skyline. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it’s famed for alpine ecosystems, cable cars, and the epic Impression Lijiang outdoor show.

Tiger Leaping Gorge, a 16-kilometer-long canyon along the Yangtze River, is one of the world’s deepest gorges. Carved by the Jinsha River (upper Yangtze), it plunges 3,900 meters between the 5,596m Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and 5,396m Haba Snow Mountain. Famed for Class IV rapids and the "High Trail" hike, it’s a mecca for adventurers and geologists.

Shuhe Ancient Town, a UNESCO-listed Naxi village north of Lijiang, is Yunnan’s quieter alternative to bustling Dayan Old Town. Founded during the Song Dynasty (13th century), it thrived as a Tea Horse Road hub, preserving cobblestone streets, canals, and Ming-Qing architecture. Famed for its laid-back vibe and "living museum" status, it offers a glimpse into traditional Naxi life.

Lugu Lake, a crystalline alpine gem nestled between Yunnan and Sichuan provinces in China, is renowned for its untouched natural beauty, vibrant Mosuo ethnic culture, and serene lakeside villages. Often dubbed the "Mother Lake" by the Mosuo people, it spans 50 square kilometers and sits at 2,690 meters above sea level, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush forests. With over 1 million annual visitors, Lugu Lake balances tourism growth with cultural preservation, offering a unique glimpse into a matriarchal society and China’s hidden highland paradise.