Day 3 – Lijiang to Dali

From Yunnan Province

We didn't really have a plan for today, so we packed up and checked out of our hostel around 10:00 and headed out for our last day in Lijiang. Our first stop was N's Kitchen for brunch and a fabulous western breakfast.

We then decided to check out the Mao statue on Red Sun Square, then head toward Black Dragon Pool. Black Dragon Pool is a feeder pool for all of the canals in Lijiang as well as a rather nice park area. Wonderful views of Jade Snow Dragon Mountain as you can see above. Despite still being tired and sore from Tiger Leaping Gorge, we decided to check out the view from above on Elephant Hill. Jamie decided not to trek the entire way, but I decided to go all the way up. I can't find anywhere that says how many steps the hill was or how high it was, but it was enough to cause me to gasp for breath several times and stop periodically. It was one of those times where you had already gone so far, so you might as well go the rest of the way.

I was rewarded with a great view of all of Lijiang as well as Jade Snow Dragon Mountain. Jamie sat and waited patiently, and I finally made it back down after an hour. Our next stop was supposed to be on Jade Snow Dragon Mountain, but for some reason, the cable cars weren't running. We decided to grab our stuff back at the hostel and head for the bus station for the 3.5 hour bus ride to our next destination, Dali.

We have arrived in Dali and are sitting now in a very cozy guesthouse, Sleepfish Lodge. Our dinner consisted of a wonderful homemade stew and tea. Dali so far is warmer and we are certainly enjoying it. We are able to sit in the room without bundling up.

We'll head out early for a full day in Dali. Be sure to check out the Photo Album for pictures.