175: Chapter 175 Exploring the Ancient City (Part 2)

After walking along the winding alleys for about ten minutes, the two finally arrived at Sifang Street.

In 2015, Sifang Street didn't have as many viral internet-famous snacks; it was filled with authentic Lijiang specialties. Stalls lined both sides of the street, selling Flower Cakes, chickpea jelly, crossing-the-bridge rice noodles, as well as small shops selling dongba ornaments and naxi embroidery.

The air was thick with the aroma of food and a faint scent of tea, a primitive atmosphere of daily life.

"Wow, so this is Sifang Street!"

Liu Yifei's eyes lit up as she looked at the lively scene before her.

"So many snacks, and so many beautiful little shops. I don't even know what to look at or eat first."

Her heart was full of joy. Looking at everything before her, she felt this trip to Lijiang was truly worth it—even more bustling and charming than what she had seen in travel guides.

"Let's grab some snacks to line our stomachs first, then we can take our time browsing the shops."

Chen Mo said with a smile, leading her to a stall selling Flower Cakes.

"Flower Cakes are an authentic Naxi flavor, made with fresh local rose petals. They're especially fragrant when they've just been baked. Give them a try."

The stall owner was a naxi ethnic group Abi dressed in traditional attire. She smiled and handed them two freshly baked Flower Cakes.

"Young lady, young man, try our Lijiang Flower Cakes. Freshly baked and sold on the spot—not too sweet or greasy, they're delicious!"

Liu Yifei took a Flower Cake and took a small bite. The crust was soft and flaky, filled with sweet rose filling without too many additives; her mouth was filled with the fresh fragrance of roses.

"It's delicious! Much more authentic than the Flower Cakes I've had in Magic City. Auntie, did you make these yourselves?"

"Yes, young lady."

The naxi ethnic group Abi nodded with a smile.

"We make them all ourselves using our local edible roses. We bake them fresh every day and close once they're sold out. We don't keep stock to ensure they're fresh."

"Our Lijiang Flower Cakes are also a specialty. Many tourists who come here take a few boxes back as souvenirs."

"Then I'll buy a few boxes later to let my friends try them too."

Liu Yifei said with a smile, took another bite, and then turned to Chen Mo.

"You should try some too. It's really delicious, not cloying at all, and has a wonderful rose scent."

Chen Mo took the Flower Cake, took a light bite, and nodded.

"It really is good, even more fragrant than I imagined."

"Besides Flower Cakes, Lijiang has many other specialty foods, like cured pork ribs, as well as matsutake and termite mushrooms. These are unique to the local area. We'll go eat something else later."

As they ate their Flower Cakes and strolled through Sifang Street, Liu Yifei stopped from time to time to look at the dongba ornaments and naxi embroidery at the stalls, her eyes full of curiosity and joy.

Chen Mo stayed by her side, patiently listening to her questions and explaining the meaning behind each ornament.

The patterns on the dongba ornaments are all dongba script or naxi ethnic group totems, symbolizing blessings.

naxi embroidery is the specialty of naxi ethnic group women; every stitch is incredibly delicate and entirely handmade.

"Chen Mo, look at this bracelet, it's so beautiful!"

Liu Yifei picked up a silver bracelet carved with dongba script and said softly.

"What does the dongba script on this mean?"

Chen Mo took a look and said with a smile.

"The dongba script on this means 'peace and joy.' Most naxi ethnic group ornaments are meant for blessings; wearing them can protect you and keep you safe."

"If you like it, let's buy it."

"I do!"

Liu Yifei nodded, a faint smile appearing on her face.

"But you don't have to buy it; I'll buy it myself. This is the first little gift I've bought in Lijiang, so it's more meaningful if I pay for it myself."

With that, Liu Yifei took out some money and bought the bracelet.

After buying the bracelet, the two continued forward. Not far away was the Big Stone Bridge.

The Big Stone Bridge is located 100 meters east of Sifang Street. It is a double-arched stone bridge with arches built of slate and a surface paved with Wuhua stone. Its gentle slope makes it easy for people to cross between the banks. Over ten meters long and nearly four meters wide, it is the foremost of all bridges in the Old Town. Because the reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain can be seen in the stream beneath the bridge, it is also called the Snow-Reflecting Bridge.

"So this is the Big Stone Bridge!"

Liu Yifei walked onto the bridge, leaned against the stone railing, and looked down at the stream below. Sure enough, she saw the blurred reflection of the distant Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and couldn't help but exclaim.

"Nature is simply amazing. The stream is so clear that you can actually see the reflection of the snow mountain. And this bridge looks so historic; the stones on it have been worn smooth."

"This bridge was built by the Mu Clan Tusi during the Ming Dynasty; it has a history of several hundred years."

Chen Mo walked to her side, put his arm around her shoulder, and nodded.

"For centuries, this bridge has carried the people coming and going from the Old Town, witnessing the changes in Lijiang and the interactions between the naxi ethnic group people and merchants of various ethnicities. It's truly a 'veteran contributor' to Lijiang Old Town."

Liu Yifei nodded gently. Looking at the stream beneath the bridge and the green mountains in the distance, she said happily.

"The scenery here is truly beautiful. The mountains are green, the waters are clear, and there are so many buildings with stories. No wonder so many people love coming to Lijiang."

"By the way, when are we going to see the Five Phoenixes Tower, the Mu Mansion, and the Former Residence of Fang Guoyu that you mentioned?"

"No rush."

Chen Mo said with a smile.

"We're staying in Lijiang for a few more days, so we can take our time. Today, we'll explore Sifang Street and the Big Stone Bridge to soak in the atmosphere of the Old Town. Tomorrow, we'll go to the Mu Mansion, the Five Phoenixes Tower, and those other attractions. I'll tell you more about their stories then."

"The Mu Mansion was the residence of the Mu Clan Tusi back then. It's magnificent, blending architectural styles from the Han, Tibetan, and Naxi ethnicities. It's definitely worth a visit."

"The Five Phoenixes Tower looks like five colorful phoenixes. The ceilings inside are decorated with many exquisite patterns. It's also a landmark of Lijiang."

"That's great!"

Liu Yifei said happily.

"I also heard the naxi ethnic group have many traditional festivals, like the Sanduo Festival. Is that true?"

"It would be wonderful if we could catch one."

"The Sanduo Festival is the most grand festival for the naxi ethnic group, held every year on the eighth day of the second lunar month."

Chen Mo nodded in response.

"We won't be able to catch it this time, but that's okay. I can tell you about it. The Sanduo Festival commemorates 'Naxi protective deity,' the guardian deity of the naxi ethnic group. During the festival, naxi ethnic group people dress in traditional clothing, perform Dongba dances, sing naxi love songs, and hold sacrificial ceremonies. It's very lively."

"Besides the Sanduo Festival, the naxi ethnic group also have the Torch Festival and the Dongba Assembly. They're all very unique festivals."

Liu Yifei listened intently by his side.

"It sounds so lively. Next time we come, we must make sure to catch the Sanduo Festival to see the traditional naxi ethnic group activities and hear the naxi love songs."

In the blink of an eye, the sun began to set. Golden sunlight spilled onto the cobblestone paths of the Old Town and over the green tiles and white walls, bathing the entire town in a warm glow.

The number of tourists on the streets gradually increased. Everyone slowed their pace, soaking in the gentleness and the lived-in atmosphere of the Old Town.

The small naxi ethnic group shops lit up with warm yellow lights, and occasionally, the sound of naxi love songs could be heard drifting from afar.

"Time flies so fast; it's evening before I knew it."

Feeling a bit tired from the walking, Liu Yifei leaned her head on Chen Mo's shoulder and said softly.

"I haven't had enough of exploring yet. Everything here is so beautiful and full of charm."

Chen Mo patted her gently and said with a smile.

"It's okay, we're staying in Lijiang for a few more days. Tomorrow and the day after, we'll continue our tour. We'll explore every corner of the Old Town, taste all the local specialties, and experience all the customs and traditions of the naxi ethnic group."

"Mm-hmm!"