How can one describe the summer in Yunnan? While the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region endures the blistering heat, the ancient city of Lijiang enjoys a maximum temperature of just 24°C. The sunlight is gentle, the breeze soft; walking through the streets, you might find it hard to believe that such a comfortable summer exists in the world.
In early summer, Lijiang sees an increase in rainfall. The freshness after the rain carries the fragrance of grass and trees, with a hint of light blue sky peeking through the clouds. Raindrops on the eaves ripple in the puddles on the stone-paved streets, and the wet, dark tiles with their upturned edges exude an ink-painting-like poetic charm.
Summer flowers are in full bloom, with hydrangeas in a riot of colors adorning the watersides, doorways, and courtyards. The summer in the ancient city seems to be imbued with a rich beauty that never grows tiresome.
How can one describe the summer of the ancient city? Perhaps it is like a small town in a watercolor painting: the multi-colored stone streets glisten with the sheen of time, green leaves sway under the blue sky like green waves, and everything carries the magic bestowed by a slow-paced life.
Streams flow through the city, nourishing the gentle and leisurely time within. Every day unfolds with the simple joys of life. Listening to the sound of water, following its flow, you may find yourself discovering hidden beauties deep within the city: a cultural courtyard, a napping cat, an interesting little shop: each a delightful surprise brought by the flowing water.
Summer is the season for playing with water. Why not visit the Three Eyes Well? First, drink a bowl of cool spring water to refresh yourself. Then, wash some fresh seasonal fruit in the second well. In the third well, gently stir the water; the splashing droplets capture the essence of summer. The clear, cold water, the instant your fingertips touch it, feels like flipping a switch to turn summer on.
With summer also comes a sense of “summer fatigue.” Find a leisurely day to catch the season’s first fish. Aimlessly take in the ancient city’s sights, which can be the romance under a flower trellis or the tranquility of small bridges and flowing streams. It all seems to be perfectly arranged.
Early summer in the ancient city of Lijiang is the perfect time to indulge in a bit of laziness. Such a Lijiang, truly captivating, invites you to fall in love with it too.