Two days after I came back from Lijiang, Yunnan, I read a story carried in a newspaper that criticized the city for being too commercial.Yes, Lijiang, if we talk about the most popular town Dayan, does seem as commercial as any other ancient area in China's scenic spots, such as Zhouzhuang. So many stores, restaurants and cafes, and so many visitors too. But compared with the old towns in East China, I think Lijiang is still special, and at least its "commercial"heart is unique and different.

There is a book named Lijiang's Tender Times, which is a perfect description because Lijiang is a place which keeps visitors coming back, and some even stayand live here.

A man-made heaven

Lijiang has many small home-style hotels which are clean and lovely. But this time we chose to stay in Banyan Tree Lijiang, a newly opened resort which is 15 minutes away from the UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site historical town of Dayan. I should say it is the first hotel that made me want to stay there forever.

Compared with the busy town of Dayan,the Banyan Tree Resort is peaceful and quiet. All the houses, of local style, are oriented northeast, with breathtaking views of the legendary Yulong (Jade Dragon)Snow Mountain. Every morning when I woke up, the first thing I saw through the large glass doors was that beautiful snow mountain and the green bamboos. I am used to getting up late, but my bad habit was cured instantly here. Every morning,when I saw the sunshine on the mountain become bigger and brighter, I just could not feel sleepy anymore. Almost every minute, the colour and the sunshine on the peak of the mountain kept changinguntil the whole view was bathed in a gorgeous golden light. Even if I never left my villa at the resort, I could enjoy the astonishing views and the lovely sunshine!

Inspired by local Naxi culture, pink stones, grey Naxi bricks and traditional red clay roof tiles were used for the construction here. All the villas bear signature Naxistyle curved roofs. Each villa has a large courtyard and a quaint wooden gate. It reminded me of a scene in some traditional Chinese drama - a beautiful aristocratic girl waiting in the moonlight for her lover to knock at the door.

So what is luxury? Luxury does not mean advanced equipment or glittering jewellery. Maximilian Lennkh, area general manager of Banyan Tree China, gives a reasonable answer: "Luxury is space and Luxurious peace in Lijiang privacy." Yes,in a place far away from noisy Shanghai, you can find your own space,and never be disturbed.

The sunshine at 2,000 metres above sea level is strong and bright in the afternoon,so you can enjoy the jacuzzi outdoors in the winter. After your jacuzzi, you can just simply rest in the outdoor bed, listen to the gentle whisperings on the breeze, and gaze at the white peaks in the distance.The Yulong Snow Mountain is located in the northern part of Lijiang, 15 kilometres away from the town. The 13 peaks, with the main peak 5,596 metres high, are covered by snow the whole year round, and look like huge jades erected into the sky.

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