Tips for travelling around Lijiang's Lashi Lake

Lake Lashi, situated on the southern slopes of Yulong Snow Mountain and eight kilometers west of Lijiang, is a paradise for tens of thousands of migratory birds.

Summer is always a peak season for local tourism, with visitors heading to the city of Lijiang and Lake Lashi for their colorful landscape, fresh air, and slow life style.

Beautiful scenery of Lake Lashi in Lijiang. [Photo/Yunnan.cn]

Here are some tips to better enjoy your visit to the lake:

1. Ride a horse

An origin point of the Ancient Tea Horse Road, Lashi means “New Basin” in the Naxi language. The Ancient Tea Horse Road was an important trading route in the southwestern part of China, similar to the Silk Road in ancient times.

A horse ride to experience the Ancient Tea Horse Road is a must-try activity to taste the local culture. Tourists can rent a horse and a guide for 100-150 yuan ($22) per person to tour a section of the old road passing through Lake Lashi and Naxi villages.

Riding horses around Lake Lashi is recommended to experience local culture. [Photo/Yunnan.cn]

2. Zhiyun Temple

Zhiyun Temple is a great option for travelers. The temple, north of Lake Lashi, was built in 1727 as a residence for two living Buddhas. The temple now has free entry.

In addition to Buddha statues, visitors can find daily used items of the living Buddhas, such as clothes, bronze seals, ivory chopsticks and clothes for religious rites. A gingko, an old pine tree and an oriental cherry in the yard all witness the building of the temple.

3. Bird watching on Lake Lashi

Lake Lashi is the largest plateau lake in the Lijiang area with an area of 10 square meters. It is a famous place for birds watching in winter.

Part of the Lijiang Lake Lashi Plateau Wetland Nature Reserve, the lake is home to 235 species of wild birds. Even when there are no birds around, boating is still worth trying due to the beautiful scenery around the lake.

Beautiful sunset above Lake Lashi in Lijiang. [Photo/Yunnan.cn]

Edited by Zachary Dye