Lijiang

Located in Yunnan province, Lijiang is regarded as the Venice of the Orient with its dizzying array of water canals, quaint bridges and cobble-stoned streets and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. It lies in the shadow of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and has entranced visitors for centuries with its singular architecture, quaint bridges, and narrow canals. Kublai Khan praised Lijiang for its charm in 1254, and UNESCO classified it as a World Heritage Site in 1997.

Lijiang's atmospheric cobblestone streets, willow-lined waterways and decorative arched bridges offer ample opportunities for browsing souvenir and arts and crafts shops. Lijiang's defining geographical feature is Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, an alpine range which soars to a dizzying height of 5,596 meters (18,360 feet) and boasts the southernmost glaciers in the northern hemisphere. Striking from any angle, especially when viewed from Tiger Leaping Gorge, this massif is also stunning when seen from the Black Dragon Pool Park in Lijiang. Likewise, the views from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain itself are fantastic. Take a bike-ride or hike around this breathtaking landmark, taking in the surrounding landscape in the process.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson