About Lijiang all rolled into one:
Old Town Lijiang, Yunnan, China 2006
- Brilliant blue sky
- Streams of clear, clean water running all through the old town
- Lovely architecture
- A feeling of being back in time
Granted, Lijiang’s old town is given over entirely to tourism and the streets are lined with souvenir shops. I have heard some say, “oh, it’s not the real China.” Doesn’t matter to me. It was real enough for a nice couple of days spent wandering the alleys, contributing to the local economy and enjoying some fresh food in the fresh air.
See more travel photos at Delicious Baby‘s Photo Friday.
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{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
I really like the words you’ve matched with the picture, it gives it such a beautiful feel. Those waterwheels are lovely too, I wonder what they’re for?
Peace Mitchell (Australia)’s last blog post..Photo Friday: Halloran’s Hill
Thanks Peace! I wasn’t sure what the water wheels were doing exactly. I think they might have worked at one time, but now they seem to be for display!
this is so cool, and so beautiful. great shot!
Jessie Voigts’s last blog post..Exploring Shedd Aquarium
Thanks!
sometimes tourist towns are a novelty because they try so hard to be so cute. like this one in particular. what is real china anyways:)
Photo Friday – Cano Island – The Truth Revealed
marina villatoro’s last blog post..Photo Friday – Cano Island – How the Rangers and Volunteers Live
This town really is very cute. It is a great place to stroll and shop!
What is real China anyways.. it’s a pretty little town it seems.. nice!
Nik’s last blog post..Borobudur, Central Java
That’s what I always ask, Nik! What is “real”? If you walk far enough through the old town, eventually you will arrive to a farmer’s market and what seems to be a less touristy area. However, even in the touristy areas, people do live and have businesses. Seems real to me!
That is very pretty. When I went to China, maybe 15 years ago, it was all dirt roads, motorcycles, and DUST everywhere!
amida’s last blog post..Wheel Throwing Class
LOL Amida, it is still like that in some places! I live in a more rural place and there are still plenty of dirt roads in the countryside and suburbs. China is developing super fast, though!
You seemed to capture a not-so-touristy moment in this cute little town–at least it doesn’t look overrun with tourists here. Nice shot!
Dominique’s last blog post..Photo Friday
Well, if I had swung the camera around you would have seen quite a few people also photographing this same spot! The town is popular with Chinese and foreign tourists alike, but to me it didn’t seem too crowded.
It’s a balance with tourist towns isn’t it? It’s harder to have “real” interaction with locals, but it does give you a better sense of the past.
Certainly! I’m glad that they have made the effort to preserve the old town because it really is lovely, and the Chinese tourists love the shopping, so I guess everyone is happy!?
I cannot wait to visit China! I’ve never been and photos like this just make me ache. Thanks for sharing!
wandermom’s last blog post..In-Motion Geography Class in Mexico
You’ll have a wonderful time when you eventually get here! It is a great place to visit!