Special trip photos – Lijiang and Shangri-La, 2011/11

Eagles and their handlers are quite a common sight in Lijiang.

Interesting buildings, a canal, and a cobbled lane — three of the best things about Lijiang, all in one photo.

A statue in the middle of a clear pool in Lijiang town.

Bricks of mud are commonly used in construction here, and in this photo we can see how they’re made.

Snow-capped Jade Dragon Mountain.

The pagoda on Lijiang's Lion Hill.

Another angle of Jade Dragon Mountain.

From Lion Hill you can see all the rooftops of the old city.

Trees still had some colour, even in late autumn.

The lanes of Lijiang are different to the hutongs of Beijing, with wooden buildings that are often two or three levels high.

Converted from homes, these buildings all house little shops that sell local craftwork.

The bridge in Lijiang's Black Dragon Pool park is reflected in the lake.

Colourful reflections in the lake.

The hiking group taking a break.

The bridge and pagoda are reflected in the clear lake.

Tall mountains in the background.

It was a good day to take photos – clear and still.

Hikers on the bridge over a waterfall.

Yellow leaves reflected in the lake.

Hiking in the countryside near Shuhe old town.

The scenery was too nice to not stop for a photo.

Near Lijiang old town there are other small villages to visit, which are not yet so commercially oriented. This photo is from Baisha Village.

Street food prepared by a matron in traditional garb.

Vegetables for sale.

We did some travel on horseback near Lashi Lake.

Hiker on horseback.

Horses walk through the water.

Boating on Lashi Lake.

A tree growing in the water of Lashi Lake.

On the way to Shangri-La we spotted a hilltop temple.

Empty terraces of a small village.

Berries – not sure if edible!

A beautiful view of mountains and a river.

On the road, we passed many small villages.

A woman and her child.

The other side of Jade Dragon Mountain.

A big town square in Shangri-La.

The traditional garb of the Yi culture, seen in Shangri-La.

A small shop selling trinkets.

An example of the architecture in Shangri-La.

The style of architecture in Shangri-La is quite different to that of Lijiang.

A full moon rises behind a stupa in Shangri-La.

The roof of the Songzanlin Temple has interesting decoration.

A Buddhist mural inside an entrance.

The Songzanlin Temple.

Buddhist monks of the Songzanlin Temple. The monks of this temple are of the Yellow Hat sect.

A local lady also admires the view.

A yak!

Hikers in Shangri-La.

A stupa and prayer flags in the town square of Shangri-La.

The buildings below the temple are where the monks live.

Dinner in Shangri-La.