Page 18 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (110)

17 TOUR ROUTES | 游线

A landscape painting through

the seasons

四季里的山水画卷

In 2011, after resigning from a company ate a unique optical illusion, allowing ob-
in Shanghai, Shen Weiwei and her husband servers to witness the sun rising and setting
Liu Yongqiang became “backpackers.” three times within a single day — a phe-
They would choose their desired destina- nomenon that makes it a coveted destination
tions, pack their bags, embark on journeys, for photography enthusiasts. At the Geladan
and experience the local customs and cul- Scenic Area within Laojun Mountain, pho-
tures of different places. Lijiang was one tographer Shi Xiongfei expertly captured
stop on their travels. Upon their first en- its captivating allure. “Geladan possesses a
counter with Lijiang, its mountains and wa- unique beauty in every season,” remarked
ters captivated them, making them reluctant Shi Xiongfei. “The mountains, when inter-
to leave. When they revisited Lijiang, they twined with mist and clouds during rainfall,
decided to stay and opened a dessert shop take on an ethereal charm. I’ve visited and
there. photographed here many times, and each
For Shen Weiwei, Lijiang mirrors the occasion has yielded abundant, breathtaking
idyllic vision of one of China’s greatest rewards.”
poet Tao Yuanming(365-427)’s “The Peach As one of Yunnan’s nine majestic pla-
Blossom Spring” — a place so captivating teau lakes, Lugu Lake finds its home within
one never wishes to depart. She notes a the Yalong River system of the Jinsha River
distinct difference from other urban centers. basin. A truly enchanting spectacle unfolds
“Every day, as soon as you open your eyes,” annually from May to October, when count-
Shen Weiwei explained, “you are greeted less delicate, crystal-clear Haicai (Ottelia
by sunshine, blue skies, white clouds, and acuminata) unfurl across its surface, trans-
snow-capped mountains.” She emphasized forming the lake into a vibrant, ethereal gar-
that the unique ability to witness these ma- den. To embark on a traditional “pig-trough
jestic peaks from various angles within the boat” — a distinctive local dugout canoe—
city is truly “one-of-a-kind” to Lijiang. A and drift through this blooming aquatic
significant personal reason for her decision landscape on Lugu Lake is to discover a se-
to reside there is the omnipresent Yulong renity akin to an earthly paradise. Doufatu-
Snow Mountain. In traditional Naxi culture, ma, a visitor hailing from Xinjiang, was ut-
Yulong Snow Mountain is not merely a terly captivated by Lugu Lake’s magnificent
landmark but a revered sacred mountain, beauty. So overflowing with happiness, she
carrying the ancient weight of time and spontaneously danced a traditional Xinjiang
standing as a perpetual protector of local dance on the balcony of her guesthouse.
life. “I’ve been staying in Lugu Lake for a while
As Shen Weiwei beautifully describes, now,” she said, her enthusiasm evident. “The
Yulong Snow Mountain is the very soul of climate is good; the scenery is beautiful. My
Lijiang’s natural splendor. This majestic guesthouse in Daluoshui means I can enjoy
range is perpetually crowned with snow and the beautiful view of Lugu Lake just by Read More:
cradles the modern oceanic glacier closest opening the window. The facilities are good
to the equator on the Eurasian continent. too; it’s a great place to live and travel.” On February 12, Lijiang unveiled its first dedicated sightseeing train
Its thirteen towering peaks soar like a pro- Lashi Lake, is the largest plateau lake route: the Lijiang Snow Mountain Sightseeing Train. This impressive pan-
cession of silver Loong, with the primary in Lijiang and holds the distinction of be- oramic mountain tourist train, developed entirely in China, operates along
summit, Shanzidou, reaching an impres- ing Yunnan Province’s first nature reserve a 20.7-kilometer route and boasts a top speed of 70 kilometers per hour. It
sive elevation of 5,596 meters. At its base, designated as a “wetland.” Now is arguably seamlessly connects major tourist attractions and popular photo opportunities,
the alpine meadows transform with each Lashi Lake’s most captivating season. As including Baisha Ancient Town, Yushui Village, Dongba Valley, and Ganhai-
passing season, presenting a breathtaking you journey along the Lake Shore Road, zi. Taking approximately 35 minutes from its starting point to the terminal,
spectacle: a vibrant sea of rhododendrons in wild roses bloom in a profusion of color, the journey allows passengers to fully immerse themselves in the breathtak-
spring, rare Meconopsis blooms in summer, offering a cheerful welcome. Visitors can ing beauty of Lijiang.
golden pine forests ablaze in autumn, and choose to serenely glide across the calm
delicate rime ice crystals adorning winter. lake in a small boat, observing birds grace-
Together, these seasonal transformations fully skimming the water, or opt for a
create an unparalleled visual feast that cap- horseback ride along the ancient Tea Horse
tivates visitors, making them wish to linger Road, exploring its rich history and legends.
indefinitely. For a more relaxed experience, setting up a
Laojun Mountain, a pivotal component tent on the lakeside grassland for a pleasant
of the “Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan picnic is also an option. In winter, Lashi
Protected Areas” World Natural Heritage Lake transforms into a paradise for migrato-
site, is majestically situated in the western ry birds. Numerous species like grey geese,
expanse of Yulong County, Lijiang City, mallards, common coots, and wild cormo-
nestled between the Jinsha and Lancang rants gather in the shallow waters, present-
Rivers. This region proudly hosts the most ing a dynamic and lively spectacle as they
extensive and fully developed Danxia land- swim, forage, fly, and play—a testament to
form cluster in China. Its concentrated and the rich ecological diversity of this plateau
spatially proximate geological features cre- wetland.