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Lijiang
Old Town of Shuhe
Four kilometers (2 miles) to the northwest of the Old Town of
Lijiang, at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, lies a compact
village hidden in the forest, the Old Town of Shuhe. UNESCO (United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) has listed it
as an important component of Lijiang as it is a well-preserved example
of a town along the ancient tea route and one of the earliest
settlements of the ancestors of Naxi people. It is called 'the hometown
of springs'.
Ambling along Sifang Street, you will feel time slowly flowing
backwards. Though it is only 30 meters long (32 yards), the smooth
flagstone remind you of their flourishing past. Listen carefully, you
can even hear the light ringing sound of busy horses' hooves from far
away places.
Qinglong Bridge, built of stone pieces, measuring about 25 meters long
(27 yards), 4.5 meters wide (4.9 yards) and 4 meters high (13 feet), was
built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Among the countless old stone
bridges in Lijiang, it is regarded as 'the First'. The deck has been
pock marked over hundreds of years, revealing the solemn passing of
history.
There is a deep pool at the end of the street, called Long Pool (Dragon
Pool), from which the overflowing water winds through the village, and
the bubbling sound can be heard miles away. Fishes in the pool are
appreciated by visitors, because they are close to people. When you
throw food to them, they will fight each other for it. Beside the pool
lies a broken stele. When knocked by a stone, it sends out a sharp and
light ringing sound, which is very pleasant. Above Long Pool is a temple
called 'Sansheng Palace'. Standing against the wooden railings, you can
have a bird's eye view of the village presenting a poetic rural idyll.
In addition, the Old Town of Shuhe was once famous for its developed
leatherworking and education. The town is alive with the strong culture
of primitive simplicity. If you are tired by the hustle and bustle of
city life, come here, the tranquility of country life will certainly
relax and revive you.
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