Camp on Lijiang's (丽江) Nob Hill

The town of Lijiang is one of the best hiking and cultural hubs for Yunnan province. It's an awesome place for exploration and relaxation for both the first-timer in China and the China-hand. This camp spot offers a quick and easy way to get out of the city bustle and spend the night above the city with some unparalleled views of the famous Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (5596m) and old town below.

From the Black Dragon Pool, Nob Hill is only about 2.25 miles away one way. It's almost directly due north of the popular Elephant Hill, and clearly visible from the top of Elephant Hill as the last high point before the plains leading up to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It has no official name, but since its "nob" shape is so distinctive we decided "Nob Hill" was appropriate. It's not labeled on maps and foreigners and locals alike are likely not to know about it, but it's easy to spot!

From Black Dragon Pool head straight due north, passing Elephant Hill on your right. Pass along the eastern edge of the Qingxi Reservoir (清溪书库), through the old villages, all the while still heading due north. You should be able to see the "nob" ahead of you. Go around the backside of some construction and an old graveyard until you meet a wide gravel road leading upwards behind the wall of a university.

Hike the gravel road up, and at either the first or second switchback head off into the forest and up to the nob! You'll pass many ancient gravestones on the way, but keep on heading towards the nob and it's really impossible to miss as long as you got your bearings beforehand (I do suggest first viewing it from the top of Elephant Hill to get a lay of the land). There's a cairn on the top, and a small patch of flat grass sheltered from the wind on the eastern side just big enough for two people to fit comfortably. Set up camp, and enjoy the evening!