Exploring Lijiang, the "Switzerland of China"

Our journey began with a flight to Kunming via Thai Airways. Upon arrival at the airport, we took a shuttle bus to the train station to catch a high-speed train to Lijiang. However, here's a tip: there are now direct flights to Lijiang, so you can skip the hassle of train transfers. Even the bullet train takes about 4 hours to reach Lijiang. We arrived in Lijiang around 8 PM. I should mention that I traveled with four friends. We stayed in the Old Town area and hired a driver for most of the trip. If you're traveling to China, having someone in your group who speaks Chinese is a blessing because English communication is almost non-existent here. Even when we gestured that we didn’t understand, locals would continue speaking Chinese rapidly. So, having translation apps like Google Translate is essential to avoid mishaps. Also, note that WiFi here blocks apps like LINE, as locals primarily use WeChat. However, if you use Sim2fly, you can still access LINE, Instagram, and Facebook. Regarding our accommodation, I’d love to share the name of the hotel, but my friend booked it, and the name was in Chinese, which I couldn’t remember. Hotels in the Old Town can be easily searched on platforms like Trip.com, and there are plenty of options at very affordable prices. Now, about the Old Town of Lijiang—it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and truly stunning. I recommend exploring it both during the day and at night because the atmosphere is entirely different. The area is vast, with charming cafes where you can relax and soak in the old-town vibes. However, you might need more than a day to see everything, so plan your time wisely. On the first morning, we visited Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Whether you get to enjoy the view depends on your luck, as cloudy weather can obscure everything. Fortunately, the skies were clear during our visit, and the scenery was breathtaking—like being in Switzerland! We visited in December, and the temperature was freezing, ranging from single digits to below zero. On the mountain, it was around -7°C, so dress warmly and bring oxygen spray as the air is thin. Some people might need altitude sickness medication beforehand. Despite the cold, the view was absolutely worth it. After descending from the mountain, we attended the Impression Lijiang show, the largest outdoor performance in China, directed by Zhang Yimou. The show lasted about an hour and was incredibly grand and beautiful. However, the ticket price is quite steep, costing over 1,000 THB. Don’t forget sunscreen, as you’ll be sitting under direct sunlight for the entire performance. Our final stop was Blue Moon Valley. I should mention that all three attractions are located close to each other, like a national park where you can take buses to different spots. Blue Moon Valley features turquoise and green waters formed by melting ice from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It’s a popular spot for pre-wedding photos, so you might have to compete with couples for the best photo locations. When we visited, there were at least ten couples taking pre-wedding photos. It’s a common belief among locals that visiting this place ensures a long-lasting relationship. So, if you’re planning a trip, bring your significant other along for good luck in love!