Lijiang self-guided tour special planning: Three Dos and Three Don'ts

by szhysj1029 on 2011-08-29 14:15:04

Three Don'ts

1. Don't join a tour group

In fact, travel agencies need to make money, guides need to make money, and drivers also need to make money - and that's reasonable because they rely on this for their livelihood. Therefore, they will inevitably take you shopping, there will be fewer scenic spots visited, and you may encounter some unpleasant situations with group tours. In fact, traveling to Lijiang has already become quite mature. The transportation and routes are well-established, and there are many people going there. It's very easy to find a travel companion at any time. For longer distances, there are shuttle buses; for shorter distances, you can share a car together, which is extremely convenient. On the road, you can stop whenever you see beautiful scenery, and your route can be changed at any time. Accommodation is abundant unless it's peak season. So, as long as you have basic self-care abilities, I believe you can handle everything yourself. Even if there are small setbacks, they will be valuable experiences.

1. Under the premise that safety can be guaranteed, there's no need to join a tour group. Find a guesthouse in the Lijiang Ancient Town as your base, and everything can be solved around this central point.

2. Before departure, look up more tips online. If it's the peak season or you want to book your favorite guesthouse, it's best to reserve in advance online. Many bookings come with discounts for bars and other promotional activities.

2. Don't rush to buy things

When you first arrive in Lijiang, your eyes will be overwhelmed by all the sights. Many people can't control their impulses and end up buying a lot of things like scarves and silver jewelry. However, you'll soon discover that these items get cheaper the more you shop around, and you'll find many places with beautiful scenery. People who rush into purchases often end up paying a "tuition fee." Remember, when someone says their store is the only one selling something, don't rush to buy. You'll see how things unfold as you continue exploring.

1. Compare prices at three to five different stores. In the first two days after arrival, don't buy anything yet. Gather enough information and look around before making a purchase.

2. Have the guesthouse owner take you shopping, but you should meet a reputable owner; otherwise, they might collude to deceive you.

Be especially cautious when purchasing tea and silver jewelry.

3. Don't turn on your mobile phone

This doesn't need much explanation. If possible, it's recommended to remain incognito and fully enjoy your vacation. Don't let a deep gaze with someone be interrupted by your boss calling to say, "We need to think of ways to improve this month's performance," which would ruin the mood. I once had to deal with an email in Lijiang, and it felt very unpleasant. Moreover, even hearing someone talk about work on the phone in Lijiang feels rather unsettling. I'm not sure why.

Three Do's

1. Definitely walk more on the small roads

In the Lijiang Ancient Town, if you only walk around areas like Sifang Street, July 1st Road, and Wuyi Road every day, you will encounter many tourists and see many shops, which are indeed beautiful, but lack some charm. Try walking on the smaller roads and venture deeper into the ancient town. You'll find that the streets there are very quiet, the scarves are much cheaper, and you might even encounter a Naxi grandmother weaving fabric at the door. By the water, you might see people washing clothes. That's the real Lijiang, and walking on these small roads will make you feel as if you've traveled ten years back in time.

2. Definitely take more photos

In fact, Lijiang is full of charm and memories everywhere, and you should persistently keep taking photos! Additionally, while photographing people, remember to capture more landscapes as well. There are truly countless wonders to be seen. Ordinary cameras can take very cool photos, and you might accidentally win a photography competition. I regret not taking enough photos, which makes my blog lack content to show off.

3. Definitely daydream more

Sometimes, our itineraries may be arranged too tightly, and we just skim through Lijiang thinking we've been there. This is absolutely unacceptable. In Lijiang, you should daydream more, whether it's on the road watching two dogs fight or staring intently at a stone slab on a cobblestone path. Because in Lijiang, you are truly yourself.

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