Lijiang & Leaping Tiger Gorge

Lijiang was an important trading town on the "Southern Silk Route" into Burma and India. Like the rest of China, Lijiang is modernising quickly. However most of the traditional architecture is still present and many people still wear traditional dress.

Women of the Naxi minority enjoying some sunshine.

Sending candles floating down the river is thought to bring good luck.

A several hours north of Lijiang is the fantastic "Tiger Leaping Gorge". This is where the mighty Yangtze river emerges from the Himalayas. In places the gorge is 3 kilometers deep. A popular area for trekking, and a great place to get away from city life. Unfortunately, plans are afoot to build a series of FIVE dams in the gorge to generate electricity.