Wu Tao, a 35-year-old chef from the Miao ethnic group, is one of the founders of the restaurant, with a courtyard where he plants herbs and spices.

For the chef, being in a good mood is essential for cooking, which is why his kitchen faces the mountains, allowing him a glimpse while he prepares dishes.

Wu is good at incorporating local ingredients into his dishes, sourced exclusively from Yunnan. He is working on implementing a plan to source local ingredients from 100 villages across the province.

He also looks forward to taking diners on interesting ingredient-hunting trips to the villages.

The night descended with an uncanny tranquility. As I enjoyed the exquisite local cuisine, the snowcapped mountains emerged in the twilight, their silhouettes etched softly against the darkened sky, like a whispered secret offering unique charm.

From sunrise to sunset and into the dusky night, each moment offers a chance to look up and appreciate the ever-changing forms of the snowcapped mountains. Encounters with intriguing individuals add to the experience — this is the allure of Lijiang, He Zhao says.

The city is also home to many artists and musicians. "We welcome you to return and meet more fascinating souls," he adds.

Li Yingqing contributed to this story.