Expedition to Lijiang: We Reached 4,680 Meters!

Lijiang—a city that appears on nearly every traveler's bucket list—seems to possess an almost magnetic pull. Some say it's too commercialized, others complain it's too chaotic. But when you finally set foot on this land, you realize that what lies beneath all the filters and labels is its truest, most authentic self.

This time, we weren't here to check off trendy Instagram spots. We had one goal: to reach the 4,680-meter elevation of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. No grand declarations, no chest-thumping talk of "conquering" anything. We simply wanted to see what the view looked like from up there.

Shuhe Ancient Town: Quiet to the Point of Emptiness, Yet Home to a Restaurant with a Line Out the Door

A short fifteen-minute drive from Lijiang Old Town brought us to Shuhe Ancient Town. Compared to the bustling crowds of Dayan Old Town, Shuhe feels like a forgotten corner—so quiet it's almost desolate. A few locals wander the cobblestone streets, and even the air carries a lazy, unhurried quality.

But tucked away in this sleepy little town, we stumbled upon a restaurant called "浮娴小锅饭" (Fuxian Claypot Rice). Honestly, when I saw the line snaking out the door, I was a bit stunned—Shuhe was practically empty, yet this place had a one-hour wait? To make matters worse, we waited nearly another half hour for our food to arrive. But the moment we tasted their signature claypot rice, every second of waiting became utterly worth it.

The claypot rice was loaded with crispy fried potato chunks, sweet green peas, and diced carrots, all cooked in a copper pot that produced a layer of golden, fragrant crust. One bite—crunch—and pure happiness filled your mouth. The Pu'er tea braised pork belly was another revelation: the tea's earthy aroma cut through the richness, and the meat was so tender it practically melted on your tongue. The stir-fried tea tree mushrooms with shredded potatoes was a clever combination—the umami of the mushrooms paired perfectly with the crisp texture of the potatoes, making it impossible to stop eating. The wild mushroom steam pot chicken was a Yunnan classic: a crystal-clear broth infused with intense mushroom fragrance, warming you from the inside out. And the cold water spinach salad—crisp, refreshing, and perfect for cutting through the heat of the day.

The service was attentive, and the setting was utterly unique. The restaurant was housed in a converted traditional courtyard home, with flowers and plants growing in the yard. Sunlight streamed through the central skylight, creating a timeless, almost dreamlike atmosphere.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: Reaching 4,680 Meters Wasn't as Hard as I Expected

The next morning, we headed straight for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. I'll be honest—before we left, I'd read countless travel guides. "Severe altitude sickness," "You must buy a large oxygen tank," "Don't be a hero"—all that advice had me feeling a bit anxious. But after actually doing it, I realized: reaching 4,680 meters isn't nearly as dramatic as the horror stories make it sound.

In the early morning, we could still see patches of blue sky at the base of the mountain. When we took the cable car up to the 4,506-meter platform, the view was still clear. But the higher we climbed, the worse the weather got. Suddenly, small hailstones started pelting down, growing heavier by the minute. By the time we reached 4,680 meters, everything around us was a thick, white wall of fog. We couldn't see a thing. Standing there in front of the iconic marker for a photo, I felt a pang of disappointment—after all that effort, all we got was mist.

But then I thought: isn't this just the nature of snow mountains? Weather changes on a whim; the scenery is a matter of luck. You never know if the next moment will bring sunshine or hailstorms. And that, in a way, is part of its charm.

About oxygen: I brought a 1,400ml canister and only used half of it. The key isn't how much oxygen you inhale—it's keeping your heart rate steady. When you're tired, stop and rest. If your heart starts racing and you feel uncomfortable, take a couple of puffs. Walk a bit, pause a bit. Don't push yourself aggressively, and you'll be fine. Descending was much easier—just watch your step on the slippery paths. After resting at the summit for a while, I felt completely fine, with no discomfort at all. So don't let all that "altitude sickness fear-mongering" get to you. Pace yourself, take it step by step, and you can make it to the top without a problem.

Blue Moon Valley: Gems Become Fakes; Your Eyes Hold the True Masterpiece

After coming down from the mountain, we visited Blue Moon Valley. The water here is an impossibly vivid blue, like a giant piece of jade embedded in the valley. Sunlight danced across the surface, casting shimmering reflections that made you want to reach out and touch it.

But honestly, what truly moved me wasn't the lake itself—it was the profound, almost overwhelming sense of stillness. Sitting on the shore, watching the distant snow-capped peaks reflected in the turquoise water, with nothing but the wind and birdsong in my ears, I felt all my worries shrink into insignificance.

Someone online once wrote a line of poetry: "Gems become fakes; your eyes hold the true masterpiece." I think that captures it perfectly—no human creation can ever compare to the raw, untamed beauty of nature.

Lijiang Old Town: Perfect for Wandering, Full of Unexpected Surprises

Many people say Lijiang Old Town is too commercialized. But I think Lijiang is made for wandering. You don't need to deliberately check off every sight. Just wander down any random alley, and you might stumble upon something wonderful.

For example, we discovered an incredibly obscure museum: the Red Army Long March Lijiang Command Memorial Hall. It was built in a former residence of a jinshi (a scholar who passed the highest imperial examination), preserving the original layout and many historical artifacts. Stepping inside, you could almost hear the echoes of history. The hall displayed items used by the Red Army during their Long March, with old photographs hanging on the walls. The guide's voice was low and powerful as they recounted those turbulent, heroic years. This kind of serendipitous cultural encounter felt far more precious than any trendy photo spot.

On Lion Hill and at Black Dragon Pool, we also ran into a few cats and a chubby squirrel. The cats lounged lazily on the stone steps, soaking up the sun, while the fat squirrel sat munching on a pinecone with total concentration, completely ignoring the passing tourists. These small, living creatures added a touch of warmth and liveliness to the ancient town.

Final Thoughts: Lijiang Is Worth Slowing Down For

This trip to Lijiang—from the cozy, lived-in atmosphere of Shuhe Ancient Town, to the challenge and slight disappointment of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, to the serenity of Blue Moon Valley and the unexpected delights of the old town—every experience gave me a new perspective on this place.

Lijiang isn't meant to be "checked off" a list; it's meant to be "experienced." It won't become better just because you're in a hurry. On the contrary, it's only when you slow down that you can truly feel its magic.

If you're planning a trip to Lijiang, here's my advice: - Shuhe Ancient Town is a must-visit, but don't rush. Find a small café or restaurant, try the claypot rice at 浮娴小锅饭 (Fuxian Claypot Rice), and soak in that quiet-yet-alive atmosphere. - Jade Dragon Snow Mountain—don't let altitude sickness scare you. Bring one canister of oxygen, keep your heart rate steady, walk and rest as needed, and you'll reach the summit with ease. - Blue Moon Valley is worth lingering in, even if you just sit by the lake and do nothing but stare. - Lijiang Old Town—don't just stick to the main streets. Duck into the narrow alleys, and you'll find countless surprises.

Finally, remember this: Travel isn't about arriving at a destination; it's about finding yourself along the way. Lijiang is exactly the kind of place where you can do just that.

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