Shangri-la found: China's Lijiang is a hidden paradise

With snow-capped mountains, blue waters and lush greenery, Lijiang in China's Yunnan province is a hidden paradise waiting to be discovered

(Above) The Dongba Pantheon on Yulong Snow Mountain - the wood carvings of Dongba gods and icons are an excellent introduction to the meshing of the spirit, human and ghost worlds in Naxi spirituality. The Naxi (right) are the most familiar of Lijian
The Black Dragon Pool (above) on the outskirts of Lijiang's Old Town is one of the most beautiful scenic spots with iconic views of Yulong Snow Mountain. PHOTO: LIJIANG
(Above) The Dongba Pantheon on Yulong Snow Mountain - the wood carvings of Dongba gods and icons are an excellent introduction to the meshing of the spirit, human and ghost worlds in Naxi spirituality. The Naxi (right) are the most familiar of Lijian
The water of Blue Moon Valley (above) appears ultramarine due to the infusion of glacial ice. PHOTO: LIJIANG
(Above) The Dongba Pantheon on Yulong Snow Mountain - the wood carvings of Dongba gods and icons are an excellent introduction to the meshing of the spirit, human and ghost worlds in Naxi spirituality. The Naxi (right) are the most familiar of Lijian
The Naxi (above) are the most familiar of Lijiang's many ethnic minority groups and are thought to have come south from north-western China towards Tibetan-populated regions and settled in the highly fertile Lijiang area by the third century. PHOTO: LIJIANG
(Above) The Dongba Pantheon on Yulong Snow Mountain - the wood carvings of Dongba gods and icons are an excellent introduction to the meshing of the spirit, human and ghost worlds in Naxi spirituality. The Naxi (right) are the most familiar of Lijian
The Black Dragon Pool on the outskirts of Lijiang's Old Town is one of the most beautiful scenic spots with iconic views of Yulong Snow Mountain (above). PHOTO: LIJIANG
(Above) The Dongba Pantheon on Yulong Snow Mountain - the wood carvings of Dongba gods and icons are an excellent introduction to the meshing of the spirit, human and ghost worlds in Naxi spirituality. The Naxi (right) are the most familiar of Lijian
The Impression: Lijiang show is a celebration of the cultures and folklores of the local people. PHOTO: LIJIANG
(Above) The Dongba Pantheon on Yulong Snow Mountain - the wood carvings of Dongba gods and icons are an excellent introduction to the meshing of the spirit, human and ghost worlds in Naxi spirituality. The Naxi (right) are the most familiar of Lijian
The Dongba Pantheon on Yulong Snow Mountain - the wood carvings of Dongba gods and icons are an excellent introduction to the meshing of the spirit, human and ghost worlds in Naxi spirituality. PHOTO: LIJIANG
Harvey Thomlinson
Updated
Apr 02, 2018, 11:45 AM
Published
Apr 01, 2018, 05:00 AM
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The fan-shaped summit of Yulong Snow Mountain dominates the cobblestoned old town of Lijiang, which is spread before the mountain like a votive offering on an altar table.

The famous Ming-dynasty travel writer Xu Xiake supposedly gasped in admiration on seeing the mountain, which stands in the sub-Himalayan margins of China's Yunnan province, and whose name in Chinese means "jade dragon".

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on April 01, 2018, with the headline Shangri-la found: China's Lijiang is a hidden paradise. Subscribe

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