Hidden away on a broad plain in the shadow of Yulong Xue Shan – Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – lies the Naxi town of Lijiang. The Naxi are one of Yunnan’s minority nationalities and live in this highland area of northern Yunnan; with a matriarchal society they have remained little known about until recent years when the building of Lijiang’s airport brought an influx of visitors who come to see this beautiful area.

Lijiang has an old and new town. The old town, the best-preserved in China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is where you’ll find winding streets lined by wooden houses, little squares, canals and the atmosphere for which the city in known.

To the north the Yangtse River carves its way towards the ocean through towering mountains, creating the Tiger Leaping Gorge as its goes – now a famous trek. In town there’s Black Dragon Pool to discover, a picture postcard setting. Other attractions include outlying villages such as Baisha, with its famous murals, and the 10,000 Blossom Camellia Tree in Yufeng Temple.

Explore by bike, listen to Naxi music and learn of the Dongba culture as you relax in the clear and pure mountain air before heading out on a trek south to Dali or north to Zhongdian.