The sun came out today. After a couple days of steady drizzle, it was a welcome change.
Lijiang is literally 100 km south of Shangri La. It says so on the highway signs! The basis for Lost Horizons, I could see why as we crept through green, green mountain passes and through clouds to get here. Even our guesthouse has a Shangri La vibe going on.
Our hotel (guesthouse) is right across the street from old town. When they say, “old town,” they mean 1000 years, not a couple hundred. This area is listed a UNESCO world heritage site and it is indeed lovely.
Three very small forks of a river flow through this section which is paved with stone, and surrounded by traditional buildings all turned into shops. It is a tourist attraction for the Chinese and is jumping everyday after about 1:00pm.
The canals and the streets are lined with flowers and a local specialty are little flower pastries. Also this are is famous for pu’er tea. It is supposed to be the best in China, and the most expensive. I had a cup of it this morning, but didn’t think it was anything to write home about, …. wait, what? I guess I am.
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