Lashi Lake in Lijiang: A Dreamy Watertown on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, Enjoy Leisurely Time

In this bustling and noisy world, we always long to find a peaceful place where our body and mind can be soothed and healed through the fusion of nature and history. Lashi Lake, a plateau lake located 10 kilometers west of Lijiang city, is like a dazzling pearl set at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. With its beautiful lake scenery, long-standing Tea Horse Road culture, and rich folk customs, it attracts countless tourists to explore its unique charm. Recommended Attractions 1. Lashi Lake Wetland Park: This is the core scenic area of Lashi Lake and a paradise for migratory birds. Every autumn and winter, thousands of migratory birds fly from places like Siberia to rest and feed here. You can stroll along the wetland boardwalk to observe the graceful movements of migratory birds up close and feel the vitality and harmony of nature. The park has lush aquatic plants, clear lake water, and distant mountains, forming a picturesque landscape. Admission fee: 30 - 50 yuan (prices are for reference only, subject to change by the scenic area). 2. Ancient Tea Horse Road: Stepping onto the ancient Tea Horse Road feels like traveling through time back to the era when caravans transported tea, salt, and other goods. You can choose to ride a horse, led by a horseman, along the winding mountain path to enjoy the natural scenery along the way. The journey passes through ancient villages and dense forests, and you can hear the horseman tell legendary stories of the Tea Horse Road. Horse riding fees vary depending on the route, generally around 200 - 500 yuan. 3. Zhiyun Temple: This is a historic Tibetan Buddhist temple built during the fifth year of Emperor Yongzheng's reign in the Qing Dynasty. The temple's architectural style is unique, combining the architectural essence of Tibetan, Naxi, and Bai ethnicities. The environment inside the temple is serene, with incense smoke curling upward and Buddhist chants echoing. Here, you can feel the strong religious atmosphere and appreciate the profound Tibetan Buddhist culture. Free admission, but visitors need to respect religious etiquette when entering the temple. Food Experiences 1. Naxi Cured Pork Ribs Hot Pot: This is one of Lijiang's specialty dishes, with cured pork ribs as the main ingredient, accompanied by local potatoes, tofu skin, chives, and other vegetables. The cured pork ribs are marinated and air-dried, resulting in firm meat with a rich aroma. The hot pot broth is rich and delicious, with the mellow flavor of cured ribs blending with the freshness of vegetables, leaving a lasting aftertaste. It can be enjoyed at restaurants around Lashi Lake, with an average cost of 60 - 80 yuan per person. 2. Chickpea Jelly: Chickpea jelly is a traditional Lijiang snack made from locally produced chickpeas. The jelly has a grayish-green color and a smooth texture. It can be served cold or hot. Cold chickpea jelly is mixed with soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, Sichuan pepper oil, and other seasonings, creating a sour and spicy appetizer. Hot chickpea jelly is cut into small pieces and pan-fried until golden on both sides, then served with sauce, emitting a tantalizing aroma. A serving costs 5 - 10 yuan. 3. Wild Mushroom Hot Pot: If you visit during the wild mushroom season from June to September, don't miss the wild mushroom hot pot. Various fresh wild mushrooms are cooked in a rich broth, infusing the soup with their flavors. The broth becomes rich, and each mushroom has a different texture—some smooth, some crisp and tender. When eating wild mushroom hot pot, make sure the mushrooms are thoroughly cooked to avoid poisoning. The average cost is 80 - 120 yuan per person. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Guesthouses around Lashi Lake: There are many distinctive guesthouses around Lashi Lake with various styles, some with a pastoral atmosphere and others featuring traditional Naxi architectural styles. Guesthouse prices are relatively affordable, generally between 150 - 500 yuan. Staying in a guesthouse allows you to experience local life more deeply and enjoy the beautiful lake views of Lashi Lake. 2. Lijiang Old Town Inns: If you want to experience the unique charm of Lijiang Old Town, you can choose to stay in an inn within the old town. Lijiang Old Town is close to Lashi Lake with convenient transportation. Most inns in the old town preserve the traditional Naxi architectural style, with wooden structures, carved beams, and painted rafters, creating an ancient atmosphere. Prices vary depending on the location and quality of the inn, generally between 200 - 1,000 yuan. Travel Tips and Suggested Routes The best time to visit is from November to March of the following year, which is the migratory bird season when you can observe large numbers of migratory birds. From June to September, wild mushrooms are in season, and you can enjoy delicious wild mushroom hot pot. You can first arrive in Lijiang, then take a tourist shuttle bus, minivan, or taxi to Lashi Lake. When visiting Lashi Lake, remember to protect the environment and refrain from feeding the migratory birds. When riding horses, follow the horseman's instructions to ensure safety. When tasting wild mushrooms, be sure to choose reputable restaurants and avoid eating unfamiliar wild mushrooms. Suggested Routes: - One-day tour: Arrive at Lashi Lake in the morning and first visit Lashi Lake Wetland Park to observe migratory birds (in autumn and winter), stroll along the wetland boardwalk, and enjoy the lake and mountain scenery. Then head to the Ancient Tea Horse Road and choose a preferred horse riding route to experience the historical charm of the Tea Horse Road. Have lunch at restaurants around the scenic area, tasting Naxi cured pork ribs hot pot, chickpea jelly, and other local delicacies. In the afternoon, visit Zhiyun Temple to experience Tibetan Buddhist culture. Return to Lijiang city or your accommodation in the evening. - Two-day tour: Follow the one-day tour route in the morning of the first day. In the afternoon, check in at a guesthouse around Lashi Lake, take a leisurely walk by the lake, and enjoy the sunset. In the evening, taste local specialties at the guesthouse. On the second day, wake up early to enjoy the sunrise over Lashi Lake, then engage in free activities and revisit attractions of interest. After lunch, prepare to return or visit other attractions in Lijiang. Lashi Lake in Lijiang, a land full of poetry and history, awaits your visit with its unique charm. Here, you can get close to nature, feel the historical heritage of the Ancient Tea Horse Road, and taste delicious local cuisine.