2 May- descending Tiger Leaping Gorge and heading to Lijiang/Shuhe.

Started early at 7.30 to avoid heat and allow Sarah to race ahead to take in the descent to the Middle Tiger Leaping Stone.

Deluth, Joey and Jo sauntered down the track, passing 2 waterfalls and resting from time to time to enjoy the views. The sun finally rose over the mountain at c. 8.15.












Lovely, airy, “balcony” walk.

We had breakfast at Tina’s guest house after 2 hours. The view was still spectacular.

A large more Western place but not reflected in the food!

Sarah managed to beat the crowds down to the middle stone.

No one was around and all you could hear was the thundering river.

A little family had set up shop below on the water’s edge and built a string bridge.


It really felt like string! Sarah was happy to give them some money for their efforts. Heading back up was even more fun as there was a vertical ladder – with a little weedy old man at the bottom gesticulating to advise to hold on tight.

I certainly did that!






















Mr Yang (taxi driver from Shangrila called Deluth and after a long conversation with Joey, insisted on taking us by car to Lijiang (who were we to argue). This involved a 2.5 hour drive from the TLG walk.

We arrived at The Bruce Chalet Guest house and relaxed a little

before heading out to the local ancient town in Shuhe.

sauntered around Shuhe main mountain region this afternoon and enjoyed all the local handicraft stalls – buying all sorts of bells, and bowls.  Highlights were ornate temples and cherry blossom in all its glory.

We were on the look out for Pu'er tea as neither of us has ever had really good Pu’er – just the

standard fare served in most Chinese restaurants.

Pu’er tea can be a real delicacy and can be stored for many years – with the different vintages and tea estates being the differentiating point. Rather like wine!

Enjoyable dinner down a back street at HaNi Shi Fang restaurant; Jo and Sarah managed to turn their back on a rather nice-looking Belgian pub and sampled the local beer instead

The place was recommended to Joey by a local who was a Canton-Kiwi wanabe. And it was a great place with delicious food although it did not start well – strong smell of dog pee plus the band eating takeaway!

The night lights were very appealing.