Lijiang October Slow Life: A Quiet Courtyard Hidden in the Ancient Town

Lijiang October Slow Life: A Quiet Courtyard Hidden in the Ancient Town In October, Lijiang is filled with the deepening autumn atmosphere, with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain draped in a thin layer of snow, and the ancient town’s cobblestone streets bathed in warm sunlight. Avoiding the hustle and bustle, turn into Xinyuan Alley on Guangyi Street, where a Naxi courtyard holds the poetry of the journey—Zhuyixuan · Yueshe Youting Inn. Opening the wooden door, the courtyard is surrounded by flowers and plants, with the sound of water from the fish pond gently flowing, as if separated from the outside world by a wall. The owner is a genuine post-80s local, speaking with a friendly Lijiang accent, helping with luggage and recommending street food, naturally like an old friend. The rooms are clean and bright, with thoughtful details like smart toilets and thick soft slippers. Before sleep, brew a cup of Pu'er tea provided by the inn, and the moonlight outside spills onto the carved wooden window, so quiet you can hear your own breath. In the morning, walk ten minutes from the inn to Sifang Street to watch Naxi grandmothers perform traditional dances; in the afternoon, turn into Wuyi Street and pick a café to daydream in, with the red walls of the Mu Mansion reflecting the blue sky in the distance, every snapshot a painting. Returning in the evening, the owner has prepared freshly baked flower cakes and a pot of hot tea, sharing stories of the ancient town, making even the wind feel gentle. If you want to explore nearby, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is just a short drive away, and it’s the perfect season for migratory birds at Lugu Lake. Before heading back, don’t forget to bring a jar of Snow Mountain snow chrysanthemum tea. The small shop in the inn’s backyard sells local grandma’s handmade candied fruits, with sweetness that hides the essence of Lijiang’s autumn. Here, there are no trendy filters, only the warmth of an old courtyard and a heart that slows down.