Onward by train into Yunnan province, we arrived in Lijiang, a small town known for its traditional tea houses, stone-lined canals, street food and natural beauty. More popular with Chinese tourists than foreigners, Lijiang is home to the ethnic Naxi people (closer kin to Tibetans than the majority Han), and is a great place for people who want to escape the modern city bustle and crowds.

Morning in Black Dragon Pool park with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the background

Weary, we continue on by train towards Shangri-La, in Dêqên Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture