Lijiang Ancient Town Boxin Yun She, Boxin Book House, a corner for the soul to rest

Boxin Yun She, finding a poetic dwelling in Lijiang Ancient Town Sunlight filters through the carved wooden windows, gilding the pages in Boxin Book House with a golden hue, making time here soft and slow. Strolling through Lijiang Ancient Town, with an unintentional glance back, I stumbled into a tranquil world—Boxin Yun She · Wen Yuan. Behind that rustic wooden door lies a world where time slows down. 🌸 Slow time in the courtyard Pushing open the heavy wooden door feels like traveling from the hustle and bustle of the ancient town to another dimension. Blue tiles and white walls, carved wooden windows, here retain the original charm of Naxi architecture. Inside the courtyard, large patches of greenery and flowers are everywhere. A small turning bridge shrouded in mist sparks the imagination. Afternoon sunlight streams through the screen wall into the courtyard, casting mottled shadows like a silent poem. What surprised me most is that this is not just a guesthouse but also a cultural space. Five courtyards and a Tea Horse Road garden form an enclosure. The ancient road in the garden is paved with Lijiang’s five-colored stones. A sculpture of a heroic horse driver leading a horse blends with a large mural on the wall, taking visitors deep into the time of the Tea Horse Road. 📚 Boxin Book House, a corner for the soul to rest The Boxin Book House on the second floor of the main hall is my favorite place. Along the carved window lattice are wooden tables and chairs, reflecting dappled light and shadow. In the afternoon, I choose a seat by the window, where gentle sunlight filters through the lattice, bathing the pages in warmth and enveloping me in comfort. The book house is filled with literary works from ancient to modern, from home and abroad. Pick a book, pair it with a cup of freshly ground coffee made from premium Yunnan beans, and add a flower cake or ham pastry prepared by the housekeeper. An afternoon quietly flows by amidst the fragrance of books and coffee. Here, you won’t hear the continuous roar of a coffee grinder, separated from the noise of traditional coffee shops. There is only the sound of pages turning and the gentle breeze. Occasionally looking up, you can see the ancient town’s blue-tiled roofs stretching in a row, and in the distance, the outline of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. 🏮 Lijiang Travel Tips 🗺️ Ancient Town Walking Guide · Early morning at Sifang Street is the quietest, perfect for photos📸. Stroll along the river from the Big Waterwheel, where white walls and black tiles are dotted with bougainvillea, every snapshot full of atmosphere. · Wear flat shoes! The ancient town’s bluestone roads are like wrinkles of time—beautiful but hard on the feet👟. · In the afternoon, climb Lion Mountain’s Wangu Tower, the highest point in the ancient town, offering panoramic views. Compared to the bustling Mu Residence, Wangu Tower has noticeably fewer visitors, making it more serene and quiet. 🏯 Cultural Experiences Not to Miss · Mu Residence: This is not a “wooden mansion” but the “Forbidden City” of the Naxi chieftains! With over 500 years of history spanning the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Xu Xiake once marveled, “The beauty of the palace rivals that of kings.” It’s recommended to visit between 3-5 pm when the light is softest. · Naxi Ancient Music: Listen to a performance of “Baisha Fine Music” and feel the desolate yet ancient melodies🎵. · Dongba Script: Try learning to write Dongba characters and take home a unique souvenir🧡. 🍜 Food Checklist · Chicken Bean Jelly: Naxi grandma’s chicken bean jelly mixed with secret sauce awakens your taste buds in one bite. · Naxi Grilled Fish: Authentic Naxi flavor, not to be missed. · Wild Mushroom Hotpot: A Yunnan specialty, incredibly delicious🍲. · Zhongyi Market: The fruit stalls here sell baskets of strawberries for only 5 yuan!🍓 🗻 Nearby Hidden Gems to Explore · Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: Take the cable car up to the 4680-meter viewing platform and breathe the pure highland air🏔️. Don’t miss Blue Moon Valley on the way down, where the lake water changes from blue to green with the light. · Baisha Ancient Town: Located at the foot of the snow mountain, it was the earliest settlement of the Naxi ancestors. It retains its original appearance and offers experiences in Dongba tie-dyeing, copper crafts, and other intangible cultural heritage. · Lugu Lake: Known as the “Pearl of the Plateau,” where you can experience Mosuo culture. During my days at Boxin Yun She, I learned to live like the Naxi people—“slowing down is the greatest respect for time.” When night falls, the housekeeper brings a warm glass of goodnight milk to the bedside, warming the stomach and the dreams. Outside the window, the succulents and roses in the courtyard quietly breathe under the moonlight, guarding every traveler’s peaceful sleep. When you come, remember to take a look at the bougainvillea peeking over the wall in the courtyard. Is it still as red as someone’s longing?💌