A steamy bun shop under the golden mountain glow in Lijiang

Beneath the radiant "Sunlit Golden Mountain" of Yulong Snow Mountain, a small, cozy steamed bun shop has captured the hearts of visitors. A wagging-tailed dog stands loyally by the entrance, its presence adding a sense of heartwarming calm — a scene so surreal it feels like stepping into a manga brought to life.

This serene and picturesque corner of Lijiang has quickly gone viral, shared by major media outlets like People's Daily, Sichuan Observation, and Wenzhou Metropolitan Daily. Comments overflow with envy and admiration: “Who would’ve thought such a perfect comic-like scene exists in real life? It’s too beautiful to believe.”

Every winter morning at 7 AM, at just 6 degrees Celsius, the courtyard of Jianshan Xiaoyuan (Mountain View Courtyard) fills with nearly 200 people waiting in eager anticipation for the "Sunlit Golden Mountain" spectacle. The air is crisp, and the crowd is bundled up in hats, scarves, and down jackets, all gathering for a fleeting but breathtaking moment.

While visitors wait for the sun’s first golden rays to hit the snow-covered peaks, the courtyard’s owneris busy steaming batches of soft, warm buns. Guests who make a purchase in the shop are offered a free bun — a small, comforting gift to savor in the chilly morning air.

As tourists take their seats in the courtyard’s "perfect photo spot", they are met with a dreamlike view: fragrant flowers in the foreground, the majestic snow-capped mountains in the background, and the golden morning glow bathing the peaks. The scene is so breathtaking that it feels like a painting come to life.

For those who miss the sunrise, there’s no disappointment. In the late afternoon, visitors can return to witness the golden afterglow of the sunset. Whether at dawn or dusk, the little courtyard remains abuzz with laughter, conversation, and steaming buns, offering a warm refuge from the winter chill.

The Jianshan Xiaoyuan courtyard is more than a place to witness nature’s wonders; it is a symbol of Lijiang’s unique blend of beauty, hospitality, and simple joys. It’s where warm buns meet cold mornings, where flowers frame snow-capped mountains, and where reality feels like a dream.

In this little corner of the world, beneath the "Sunlit Golden Mountain", life slows down, hearts are warmed, and memories are made.
Lijiang welcomes you to experience this rare and perfect harmony of food, nature, and wonder.

Source: Mini Lijiang; Trans-editing by Mo Yingyi