"Bobo´s haven" and "kingdom of women" in one episode

cctv.com 08-18-2004 16:19

Let鈥檚 admit it, more often, many of us travel to get away than actually getting to somewhere. If the time comes when you desperately need a retreat, what do you do? You run away with a backpack or you sit down zapping the remote control on your cough, (at least that's in your hand.) If you have the tendency to do former, take a flight to Lijiang/ Lugu lake; are you nailed down to do the latter, then at least don't zap away this week's travelogue: learn how to be merry and happy in the postcard-like setting of Lijiang ancient town, and how to be not-married and still happy in mosuo village by Lugu lake, china's only pure matriarchal village.

Yanling's tips/warning for trip to/in Lijiang

1.Wake up early and stroll along the intricate web of canals around the city BEFORE 8, catching the ambience before buses and taxis start disgorging hundreds of day-trippers.

2.The time of Lijiang as hidden "cool" retreat is long gone. Travelers seeking seclusion have to keep on looking-- Try Shuhe town and other small towns in the neighboring area if you only look to spend a quiet week.

3.No doubt hostel standard in Lijiang is the best in china. 60- 200RMB per night is reasonable. There are more than 100 hostels now operating in lijiang, so finding a bed should not be a problem. Booking via Internet in advance is common but you might want to see a few first when you arrive even just as a tourist program. (It was fun for me.)

4.Many bohemian youngsters came here first a tourist, then a regular finally a bar owner. They tend to be open-minded yet only social to their "own types", so pick up one bar or restaurant you like, nice conversation and eventual party invitation might follow...

5.10 new Naxi folk custom museums just opened in July. They are scattered in the back streets of the ancient town and showcases Naxi tradition and custom in Naxi courtyard style houses. A must!

6.Food is great and not cheap, thinking you pay more for the scenery too.

7.Make time for one overnight trip to tiger-jump gorge. Most of travel agencies offer that program.

8.If you read Chinese, the book bar in the international youth hostel of Lijiang has an excellent collection of books, if you don鈥檛 read Chinese, check out the CDs on sale. You will be surprised by the varieties. No Chinese pop can be found, a good thing.

Yanling's tips- traveling to Lugu Lake

1.Take basic necessity. The weather here is unpredictable. Bring your sun lotion and raincoat. It is one of the most remote places in china after all.

2.Rent a cab from Lijiang to Lugu lake costs around 300rmb per day. You also have to calculate in the driver's overnight accommodation cost.

3.Don鈥檛 be easily disappointed by the fact that Lugu lake is "more well known than for its own good". Tourism has seemingly changed the look and the feel of the village and scenery to some degree. But the Mosuo culture stays mostly intact in my own experience. The people do speak mandarin and understand the importance of money, but they are still among the most pristine and warmest hosts you can expect.

4.Boating on the lake and climbing the mysterious valley are the major activities I did. I would also recommend you to go with the boys for a fishing trip if your time allows.

Editor:Wang  Source:CCTV.com