Under $100: LiJiang

LiJiang, located in the northwest of China’s southeastern province of Yunnan, is nothing short of a well-preserved ancient town full of wonder and ringed by snowcapped mountains. It’s a great town to walk around and explore over the course of a day. I’m a fan of Chinese breakfast and M’s Kitchen is your best bet if you’re looking to get started with bacon and eggs or pancakes, as well as some fine Yunnan coffee.

Strolling around the Old Town of Lijiang, you’ll find bridges over canals, tiny streets full of a delightful array of shops and little markets. It’s nothing less than a treat to get lost a bit in this part of town, as it’s well preserved and not terribly commercial. Lunch is up to you and you have a wealth of options including three outdoor food courts you just can’t miss if you were looking to have a simple lunch.

© Efired | Dreamstime

After lunch, catch a bus or book a tour of Black Dragon Pond Park, a photographer’s dream. You can’t take a bad shot and might just end up with a couple of “postcard shots.” Be prepared to walk the park for a couple of hours with camera in hand and if you plan it well, sunset is a must and truly awe-inspiring.

The Tibetan Dance Center Restaurant and Bar makes for a fun night out with a host to explain the dances you’ll see and serve traditional Tibetan fare. After dinner and dancing, head to the Speakeasy Language Center for drinks and a Mandarin lesson (or just drinks). There isn’t much in the way of nightlife here, but you should be exhausted by your exploration of the city and park earlier in the day.

© Manit Larpluechai | Dreamstime