LOCAtED in the northwest of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Lijiang has two faces – one scenic, and the other urban. Its multifaceted nature makes it a perfect Valentine’s Day destination for sun-seeking couples and singles alike.
　　Lijiang is surrounded by undisturbed landscape. Fresh air, clear streams and breathtaking snow mountain views are ubiquitous. On the flip side, urban Lijiang is strikingly well aged. The city’s Old town is an attractive tourist destination, where souvenirs shops feature goods crafted by the local ethnic minority group, the Naxi. Their creations are very popular with visitors.
　　When the sun sets, Lijiang’s Old town is transformed. Highlighted by neon and noisy music, a bar street emerges at night, crowded with tourists from around the world. Old town after dark fuses modern Western nightlife with traditional Eastern environs. It is quite the destination for single people seeking romantic thrills.
　　Lijiang is a major hub for the Naxi, one of China’s 55 ethnic minority groups. The Naxi are famous for their Dongba culture, which is a mixture of tibetan traditions and ways of life established along the middle and lower reaches of China’s Yellow River.
　　The Old town’s history goes back 800 years, having been originally built as a stop along the tea- Horse Road. People traveled from tibet along this route to trade horses for tea in Yunnan, and the town was considered a good place to rest near the tibetan mountains.
　　Lijiang historically was also famous for its orderly system of waterways and bridges. The people here built a complex water system, where streams flow through courtyards and past houses in a southerly direction. These were then channeled into ponds or basins for daily use.
　　With its ancient buildings and culture, the town was granted World Heritage status by UNEsCO in 1997. The Old town continues to maintain its original ambiance.
　　For those searching for a more far-flung experience, a visit to Lugu Lake is a must. The Mosuo people who live alongside this body of water are famous for being a matriarchal society, and the area is often called the last “Kingdom of Women” on the planet. The Mosuo community is defined by its matriarchal marriage system known as “visiting marriage.”tourists are welcome to partake in Mosuo celebratory events to learn more about the culture.
　　Lijiang’s surrounding areas are also prime destinations for winter sports. The Yulong snow Mountains, tall peaks near the city, are popular with both locals and skiers from abroad. While few Chinese skiers may hit Yulong’s slopes, that won’t stop them from frolicking in the Yunnan snow.