Lijiang (Yunnan Province) - Part 1

We left the next morning to head to Lijiang. On the way out of town, we stopped by the “Three Pagodas.” These are among the oldest standing structures in southwestern China, reportedly build around the 9th century and are a symbol of Dali. 

Then we continued our several hour drive to Lijiang. Once there, we picked up our third tour guide of the trip, Martin. We were starting to learn that each tour guide had their strengths, and some meshed with our family personality and some did not. Martin was one of our favorites. High energy, he didn’t waste time when the kids were bored and he was very flexible to change plans according to our interests. This was great timing because today was Lucy’s 8th birthday and Martin helped us coordinate some special things. 

But first, we stopped at “The Black Dragon Pool.” China really likes to name things with colors, numbers, dragons and gemstones.

Afterwards, we stopped for lunch. Martin surprised Lucy with a cake, a bowl of oranges, and a traditional bowl of noodles. She loved it! Martin loved the singing of Happy Birthday in both English and Polish. We had brought some relighting candles from Nepal that were apparently made from powerful stuff, because it took about 50 tries to blow them out. 

Afterwards, Martin had arranged for Lucy to have a Huafu photo shoot. Huafu (Hua “chinese people” and Fu “clothing”) is a very popular activity for young Chinese tourists to wear traditional costumes that represents different people groups and time periods of Chinese history. 

Lucy looked through dozens of outfits for girls. She ultimately choose an outfit from the Miao minority group. 

So many gorgeous dresses! Who wouldn't want to do this?

Then a stylist did her hair and make-up.

Afterwards, a professional photographer took her around to take her photos. 

She LOVED. EVERY. MINUTE. of this. 

This is the final product! Wow!

Once Lucy felt sufficiently celebrated, we continued on to a walking tour of Lijiang Ancient Town. It was a very interesting place of meandering walks and charming bridges. 

When Martin learned that I had a lot of questions about Pu’er tea, which is what brought us to Yunnan, he found a tea master to teach me more and show me how to brew it properly. I was elated!! Of course, I brought a couple of “tea cakes” home with me.

Finally, we checked into our hotel for the night. It was yet another gorgeous and interesting hotel in Yunnan - The Sedona Sanhe Hall.