8 million Chinese tourists reportedly visit the Old Town of Lijiang every year. After trekking in the vast wilderness of Mount Haba, it is a bit of an adjustment jostling with these throngs of tourists in the narrow, claustrophobic lanes of Lijiang. 
The crowded arcade shopping streets quickly grow wearying. But I am absolutely captivated when I venture off the main streets into the alleys at night - every winding corner reveals another a perfect Chinese image of red lanterns, carved stone dragons, guarding . I am drawn through this maze for hours until I end up at Lijiang's festive bar street. It is like a Chinese Disneyland (and I actually mean that in a good way)And what do these millions of Chinese tourists want to photograph amidst these magic, quintessential "Chinesey" images, fantastic medieval architecture and colorfully costumed local people here in old Lijiang?
They all want to take pictures of me.
Every time we look up there seems to be a camera pointed at the foreign devils. Squealing girls are delighted when we agree to be in photo with them. It is nice to feel like a rock star once in a while though it grows tiresome.
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