Appropriately close to Shangri-La, Lijiang is described as “a fairyland beneath the colorful clouds of southern China. A place blessed with fresh air, clear streams, breathtaking snow mountains, and an undisturbed landscape inhabited by a friendly group of people”. You will find this unspoilt idyll where Tibet meets the Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, in southern of China. The local Dongba culture has influences from all these neighbors which include the famous Dongba hieroglyphs, a pictographic writing system used by the Bon priests of the Naxi people in this region for around a thousand years.
Blessed with a pleasant climate all year round, this seemingly remote area was part of the Ancient Tea-Horse Route. The Old Town of Lijiang is on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, mercifully preserving the typical groups of houses and the original lifestyle found here.
Visitors will find there is plenty to see and do in and around the area of Lijiang. For those who like spectacular natural scenery, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is an awe-inspiring backdrop to the Moon-Embracing Pavilion at Black Dragon Pond (aren’t these great names?) Although the town can be explored by bus, taxi or bicycle, the best way to see the local charm in intimate detail is on foot. Browse the local shops, taste the local snacks and stop at every curious sight for a photograph. The Naxi music and murals are not to be missed, and after dark you can enjoy some of the charming local bars in the Old Town.
The nearby valley of Ringha is more Tibetan than Chinese. Visitors will delight in this peaceful, unspoilt area with its delightful golden-roofed Buddhist monasteries, faded prayer flags and slow-moving yaks which frequently hold up the traffic. The area is well known for its luxury accommodation in lodges, built in local village style with a wooden pole structure, exposed ceiling rafters and beautiful natural wood floors littered with colorful handmade rugs. The local restaurants also serve Tibetan-style cuisine including stews of yak and other local meats (delicious, by the way!).
The area is at an altitude of well over 10,000 feet, almost as high as Macchu Piccu in Peru which is 11,150 feet above sea level. The altitude and low air pressure may leave you panting at the hilly inclines, but it is a small price to pay for the splendid views of the snow-capped Hengduan Shan Mountains nearby. Local trips into the mountains are usually in jeeps and 4x4s and include an exhilarating ride to the Songzanlin Temple with its 700 earnest monks.
Tiger Leaping Gorge, locally named Hutiao Xia, is a strenuous walk but trekkers will be rewarded with fabulous gorge, river and canyon views. The total route takes over 2 days to complete with accommodation in guest houses along the way, but shorter parts of this high trail can be enjoyed by those with stout walking shoes and strong legs! There are also coach tours which follow the lower road through remote villages with the same breathtaking scenery. Alternatively walkers can rent a horse to ride some stages, or even be carried up some of the steps in a Mandarin Chair! Truly a Chinese experience for those who want to see the area at its natural best, but you need to hurry as there are plans to dam the gorge.
Visit this website for more information.
About the Author:
Veronica Ho is the owner of Travel Haven, a travel agency totally dedicated to organising creative and luxury packages. Get a COMPLIMENTARY Destination Guide when you join Travel Haven Email Club. Also be the FIRST to receive Special Promotions, Destinations Update and much more. http://www.TheTravelHavenOnline.com
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - A Taste of Southern China: Lijiang and Ringha
Located in the middle of the Navajo Reservation, Canyon de Chelly has been home to Native Americans since the time of Christ. Join us for a trip into the Canyon and back in time. Learn about petroglyphs and pictographs and how they help explain the history of the Canyon's residents...
|
|
Patented and introduced in 1989 by Littelfuse to meet the OEM need to protect a greater number of circuits without utilizing more space. Features silver plated blades and Littelfuse designed industry standard color coding to indicate amp rating.
|
|
BUSSMANN DIVISION ATM-20 ATM-20 FUSE (5)
|
|
Patented and introduced in 1989 by Littelfuse to meet the OEM need to protect a greater number of circuits without utilizing more space. Features silver plated blades and Littelfuse designed industry standard color coding to indicate amp rating.
|
|
In April 2009, Union Pacific sent its goodwill ambassador, steam locomotive 844, on a 32-day excursion to help celebrate several Western railroading events. Leading its handsome, matched set of vintage passenger cars, the venerable 4-8-4 powered its train over Donner Pass on the westbound leg of its "Western Heritage Tour" from Cheyenne, Wyoming to California's Bay Area, and through the Feather River Canyon on the eastbound trek home, encountering both sparkling blue skies and snow storms during its journey...
|
|
Receiver cradle allows for hard or soft dash mount optionsSmall magnetic-mounted vehicle antennaCar kit includes: antenna mounting stand DC adapter and cassette adapterHome kit includes: indoor/outdoor antenna cradle AC power adapter and RCA audio cables
|
|
7" Diagonal LCD Screen Is Designed To Be Mounted Overhead For Maximum VisibilityBright, Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Active Matrix Display For The Very Best ResolutionMotorized Fold-Down Panel Automatically Closes The Monitor When Ignition Is Turned Off16 x 9 Widescreen Aspect Ratio For A Cinematic Look That Brings Out The Best In DVDsWide & Zoom Functions Accommodate Conventional 4 x 3 Aspect Ratio ProgramsThree Audio/Video inputs w/ One Monitor Output For Versatile Mobile Video OptionsSupplied Wireless Remote Control For Convenient Operation Of All Essential FunctionsTwo Mini Headphone Jacks & Infrared Transmitter For Sony Cordless Headphones
|
|
Connect your iPod to multimedia speakers, car stereos, and a host of other audio products with this retractable cable. The cord, which includes a single 3.5 mm male connector on each end, measures 2.5 feet long when fully extended...
|
|
US $19.50
![Canyon de Chelly, American History, Heritage & Tradition [VHS]](http://www.capebretoncandles.com/images/i/51MGM5B1A8L._SL160_.jpg)
