The highest point within Lijiang Ancient has got to be Lion Hill. There is a higher hill just outside the town which is part of the Black Dragon Pool Park but I don’t think it is considered part of the town. Lion Hill is where you go to see Lijiang Ancient Town from above and I think it is really is worth a visit. There is a separate entrance fee here which was surprising since Lion Hill is definitely part of the town. I think it is more for visiting the pavilion on top of the hill, but we’ll get to that later.
The walk up Lion Hill is a refreshing change from the numerous similar looking structures which made Lijiang so famous in the first place. I think they are nice but it think it is too much of a good thing as well. Walking up Lion Hill takes you away from all of that. The hike isn’t really that tough as the slope it quite gentle. There is a quicker way to the top but that would mean climb a short but steep flight of stairs. I decided to forgo the stairs for now and just follow the path which goes around the Lion Hill. There is so much to see around the hill and I wouldn’t want to waste it by going straight up.
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