The Ancient City of Lijiang

Formerly a mountainous safe haven for the ancient Chinese Naxi minority, Lijiang is now a traveler's destination for those looking for a peak into their vibrant culture. The potent smell of exotic food fills the village air, most of which incorporate Yak meat, milk, and appendages. A smell that you can't escape with all the cologne in the world...Elders dance in customary fashion around the main square accompanied by live instruments. Local people hand make decorative crafts using leather, silver, and wool similar to those of Native Americans. I spent a few days in this ancient flashback and though I felt like a tourist (not a traveler) when inside the protected Naxi village, I could feel the pride minority people have in their ancestral culture.

Leshan

In the mountains outside Leshan lies the famous Giant Buddah. This gargantuan creation is a testament to the synthesis of ancient Buddists and the natural world. In this day in age we need a serious resurgence of this relationship.

POUND IT!

Yangshuo

Some of my favorite experiences on this adventure have been getting lost in random towns. Whilst mountain biking with a friend I stumbled upon a vibrant village outside Yangshuo and even took a ride down the river in a bamboo raft!