Lijiang nightlife: Bar street in the old town

Lijiang is one of the best places for a night out in China, and it is also a good place for visitors to sit and relax after a day of sightseeing.

There are two types of bars in Lijiang. Some of them are always crowded and always play loud music while others are quiet with light music.

The bar street in Lijiang Old Town is connected with Square Street (sifangjie in Chinese), and it's one of the most bustling streets in the old town. Red lanterns against black wood demonstrate the bar street's natural characteristics. Most bar names are wood carved in English, Chinese and Dongba characters.

Le Petit Paris Bar is located in the old town, but it's different from the other bars there. The bar is run by a couple who came to travel in Lijiang about 10 years ago. The couple was attracted by the old town's scenery and its special customs. They decided to stay in Lijiang and open the bar. The hostess and her French partner decorated the bar with a European-style fireplace and Chinese traditional wood tables. The bar is a witness of a romantic international love and the result of a cultural mix. Customers can sit here and watch a traditional Naxi dance show with some drinks. They can also find authentic French cuisine here.

By Ge Jieru and edited by Michael Thai