Jade Spring Park

This place is fabulous...a happy place for photographers to go click! Click! Click!


Also known as the Black Dragon Pool, the Jade Spring Park is in Lijiang, my favourite district in Yunnan.The reason it is my favourite place to be in Yunnan is obvious...the scenic wonders that seem to unfold endlessly before our eyes. 


After visiting White Water River, we thought that must be the highlight of the 'watery' attractions in Lijiang. We were wrong. When we reached Jade Spring Park, we saw a white bridge with chinese designs carved on the marble balustrades.Most people at this point gravitate towards the best spot with the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain peak visible in the background, to pose for an unforgettable "I was there" picture. We were lucky that we had clear blue skies as the backdrop of the snow-capped mountain.









As we crossed the bridge to enter Jade Spring (Yuquan) Park, we noticed why the Park was named Jade Spring. The water in the pool that comes from that picturesque mountain you see, is the colour of the jade...a beautiful deep emerald.The pool, which is called Black Dragon Pool covers an area of 40 hectares. The depth of this pool gives the water its dark green look, hence the name, Black Dragon Pool (Heilongtan).







The clear jade-coloured waters reflect the breath-taking scenery, making it take your breath away (again). Truly spectacular. Again the day was perfect for photo -shoots as there wasn't even a breeze when we got there. No breeze-good, no ripples to distort the mirror effect of the lake.

Isn't this soooo beautiful!? Wait till you see some more!

Oh-oh, there's a breeze blowing...got to go now...no more mirror-images for today.

 For more Watery Wednesday, click on the link below:

http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com

White Water River

Inspired by the scenic beauty of Lijiang in Yunnan, I offer more photographs of this part of China for your viewing pleasure.

If you want to sea a river with pure, unpolluted water from the mountain, this is the river that will amaze you.The water in White Water River (Baishuihe) is actually the melted ice cascading down from the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. As the water finds its way down the slopes of the mountain, the stones and pebbles act as a filtration system that makes the spring water so clean and sparkling. The riverbed is covered with pure white limestone and marbles which makes the crystal-clear water sparkle in the sun. Priceless.Don't you just wish you have this in your backyard?


Surrounded by mountains,you get that feeling of being secluded in a pristine world. The river terraces are indeed a magnificent sight.This place is a delight for  nature-lovers and photographers alike. Even amateur photographers like me can produce stunning shots, thanks to the unspoilt beauty all around us.We just can't go wrong...every angle offers a fabulous photo opportunity.










 




































Click on this link for more fantastic Watery Wednesday images:
      
 http://waterywednesday.blogspot.com/

Yunnan Tales - Lijiang

I had not seriously considered having a travel blog, and had saved my photographs from  years of travel in the hard disks of computers, never to be viewed again! Enough of that, I decided. Now that I have some time on my hands, I shall begin to share the snapshots  I have taken and the impressions I have gathered of these new places while they are still fresh in my mind. I shall begin with those of my latest travel destination, Yunnan, China.


These photographs are of places that one must not miss when in Yunnan.


Favourite Destination Number 1: Yu Long Xue Shan


My absolute favourite, absolutely! The mountains are inspiring. If I had any artistic talent, I would paint these snow-capped mountains. 

Clouds cover the mountain-top as we drive towards the Yulong Mountain in the morning mist.

As the mist lifted, we are excited to catch a glimpse of the snow-capped mountain.

Feel invigorated by the cold mountain air.

The snow-covered mountain resembles a jade dragon lying in the clouds, so they named it Jade Dragon Snow Mountain…

Imagine the Jade Dragon guarding the mountain...

Spruce Meadow is about 3,000 metres above sea-level.

The Naxi people believe that this meadow is the entrance to heaven...

 The mountain is even more spectacular viewed from Spruce Meadow.

Virgin spruce forest on the eastern side of the mountain

A captivating scene with snowfall still on the ground.

When you are in the vicinity, do not miss out on the epic production by famous Chinese director-producer,Zhang Yimou who directed blockbuster movies like Raise The Red Lantern and Curse of the Golden Flower.

The production, entitled Impression Lijiang portrays the life of the minority people of Lijiang like the Naxi, Bai and Yi minority.

The introduction is arresting - more than 400 actors in traditional attire representing different ethnic groups shout out loud that they are farmers, but they are also stars! 

This is a scene from a production by famous Chinese film director Zhang Yimou

The production is called Impression Lijiang.

The stage is in the open air, and the backdrop is the actual mountain.

The cast come right up to the audience in their performance. This one was just beside my seat!


More Yulong  Xue Shan mountain images for you below...I just cannot help liking the shots I took...to share with you.

From this angle, the peaks really resemble the back of a dragon!



The mountain in a different mood...

How would you like to wake up and see this view out of your window?!

More scenic shots coming up in my next post...you'll be surprised what Yunnan has in store for nature lovers!

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