Lijiang is a city full of amazing and unexplainable beauty. I’m boarding in a cozy guesthouse in the southern part of the old town. Last night I had the best sleep I’ve had in weeks. It felt like home. The city itself has some amazing views and the narrow walkways in the town offer an almost spiritual experience of peace, calmness and aesthetic. As I walked through the cobblestone streets this morning, my heart felt like it was growing inside of me. In every direction there was something worth noting. The Naxi, (an indigenous minority) make up most of the population of Lijiang. In the morning you can see them walking down the narrow streets, some walk alone and others with their families. The Naxi are some of the most interesting people to observe. Music is an integral part of their culture and while walking I hear sounds coming from every direction; a man playing the bamboo flute, another strumming the Naxi guitar. These are all common yet beautiful sights to observe.

Above the old town is the Black Dragon Pool. Tagging along with the hoards of avid photographers I make my way towards the park entrance. The park offers a relaxed and laid back atmosphere. One can find themselves strolling through the various gardens and passageways without being aware of the passing time. In the middle of the pool are many small pavilions, most of them have been left in their original state since they were built (some are over 300 years old.) The pool serves as the main water source for the gushing waterways found in Lijiang’s canals. Towering over the pool, in the distance is Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (a massive mountain that’s over 16,500 ft. tall.)
I sit down on a bench and marvel at the beauty surrounding me. I never imagined that places this beautiful even existed. My mind turns towards God and I think about how he loves each of us so much that he created all of this beauty for our delight.