Dali and Lijiang: Gentle Moments Etched in the Land of Colorful Clouds

Dali's rain always falls softly and romantically, with delicate raindrops veiling this city of wind, flowers, snow, and moon like gauze. And I, fortunate enough to witness a beautiful ceremony of love and happiness in such a poetic atmosphere. That day, the entire world seemed draped in a hazy filter. Everyone attending the wedding stood quietly in the rain, holding umbrellas, their eyes filled with anticipation as they patiently waited for the ceremony to begin. The raindrops pattered against the umbrellas, creating a gentle rhythm, yet it didn’t disrupt the anticipation at all—instead, it added a unique charm to the wedding. Finally, the beautiful bride, dressed in a pristine white gown, slowly stood amidst a sea of flowers. At that moment, she looked like a princess straight out of a fairy tale, breathtakingly beautiful. As a longtime friend, watching this scene unfold before me, tears instantly welled up in my eyes and wouldn’t stop. They were tears of emotion, of joy for my friend finding her happiness. As the bride and groom tenderly exchanged their vows, memories of the past eleven years spent with them flashed before my eyes like a heartwarming movie, frame by frame. From their youthful student days to their growth into adulthood, all the laughter, tears, arguments, and reconciliations converged into this moment of pure happiness. This, I realized, is what true happiness looks like—simple, beautiful, and deeply moving. After witnessing this unforgettable wedding in Dali, our group embarked on a journey to Lijiang. This was already my second visit to Lijiang, and as I stepped into the ancient town again, my first impressions had faded more than I’d realized. Strolling along the cobblestone streets of Lijiang’s old town, the familiar slow pace of life enveloped me, bringing a unique sense of comfort and tranquility that seemed to wash away all fatigue. On either side of the streets, ancient-style buildings stood in harmonious disorder, with lanterns swaying gently under the eaves in the breeze, as if whispering the town’s stories. I still adore the hidden folk music bars tucked away in the alleys. Stepping into one, I’d find a corner to sit, order a favorite drink, and listen to the singers on stage crooning soulful melodies in their deep, emotive voices. Under the warm glow of the lights and the soothing music, time seemed to stand still, leaving only that moment of blissful relaxation—so intoxicating that I never wanted it to end. Yunnan, this enchanting province, is home to one serene and comfortable city after another, each with its own unique charm and allure, making it hard to leave and leaving you longing to return. The romance of Dali and the leisure of Lijiang are now deeply etched in my memory. I eagerly look forward to my next journey to Yunnan, anticipating more beautiful stories and landscapes on that magical land.