Lijiang, boasting stunning natural scenery, rich cultural and historical heritage, and diverse ethnic characteristics, is always a delight to travel in Yunnan. It holds a unique romantic charm that is hard to put into words.
Located in the northwest of Yunnan, it enjoys a spring-like climate year-round. Lijiang Ancient Town is inscribed under UNESCO for its unique culture of the Naxi people, long history, traditional wood architecture, unique water system, and many well-preserved cultural activities and heritage.
Nearby, the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge offer excellent hiking and sightseeing experiences for adventurers. It was also pleasant to stroll around the captivating Lugu Lake to witness the matrilineal society of the Mosuo people.
Add to that, the delectable Lijiang cuisine, Lashi Lake, exquisite handicrafts, and many other ancient towns and villages will provide you a recipe for travel enchantment. These remarkable highlights merit at least several days of travel to Lijiang. If you are planning to head over to this charming destination in Yunnan, here is our step-by-step guide with all you have to know to plan a tour to Lijiang.
Top Attractions & Best Tings to Do in Lijiang
Lijiang Ancient Town
Aka Dayan Ancient Town, Lijiang Ancient Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Yunnan, boasting a history of over 800 years. As the birthplace of Naxi culture, it is home to many traditional wood buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and stone-paved streets and alleys.
The town features a unique water system with many picturesque bridges spanning the stream. During a tour in Lijiang Ancient Town, you can head to Sifang Street at the center to look into local life. Visit the Mufu Palace to see the essence of Naxi architecture and learn the history of Naxi chieftains. The stunning Jade Dragon Snow Mountain can be seen towering in the distance from the eastern main street, providing a perfect backdrop to the town’s lively atmosphere.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is the southernmost snow mountain in the Northern Hemisphere, about 30 km from Lijiang Ancient Town. With 13 peaks exceeding 5,000 meters, the mountain wows countless visitors with its glaciers, alpine meadows, primeval forests, and breathtaking snow mountain scenery.
Visitors can take a cable car to reach its main sights: Glacier Park, Yak Meadow, and Spruce Meadow for an up-close encounter with the glaciers and panoramic snow mountain views. Additionally, the beautiful lake of Blue Moon Valley, Ganhaizi, and Baishui River at the mountain base offer great opportunities for hiking, photography, and adventure.
The spectacular live performance “Impression Lijiang” is set against the backdrop of the snow mountain, showcasing visitors the unique Naxi culture.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge is hailed as one of the world’s top ten classic hiking routes. With a maximum vertical drop of about 3,790 meters, the gorge is flanked by the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain on either bank, offering stunning landscapes of the majestic snow-capped peaks, sheer cliffs, and rushing Jinsha River.
The hiking trail extends 23 kilometers in length and can be divided into Upper, Middle, and Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge. You can trek the whole trail or any section depending on your preference. The hike will be a memorable experience, with peaceful moments at mountain inns.
Baisha Village
Baisha Village, or Baisha Ancient Town, is the original settlement of the Naxi people in Lijiang and an important part of the UNESCO-listed Lijiang Old Town. About 8 kilometers north of Lijiang Ancient Town, the village retains some of the earliest local Naxi courtyards and residents and the untouched ancient charm.
A big highlight here is the famous Baisha Murals, which combine elements of Han, Tibetan, and Naxi cultures. The majestic Yulong Snow Mountain in the distance adds a stunning backdrop to the village, making it also captivating in natural beauty.
Shuhe Ancient Town
A significant trade hub along the Tea Horse Road, Shuhe Ancient Town is renowned for its traditional Naxi buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, clear streams, and ancient stone bridges. Compared to Dali Ancient Town, Shuhe is later developed, exuding a more tranquil and unspoiled setting.
The center of the town is also called Sifang Street, offering a glimpse into the rich Naxi culture and life. Visiting Shuhe Ancient Town, you can enjoy a slower pace of life and experience many traditional Naxi crafts, such as leather-making, Naxi ancient music, etc.
Yuhu Village
Yuhu Village, aka Xuesong Village, is nestled at the foothills of Yulong Snow Mountain. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, this ancient village features many stone-built houses, exuding a unique rustic charm. Don’t miss it if you want to experience picturesque countryside and slow-paced life during your Yunnan trip.
The American-Austrian explorer Joseph Rock once came to Lijiang and lived here for 27 years. Today, Rock’s former residence has become a museum, displaying a wealth of his photographs and written accounts.
Lugu Lake
Lugu Lake, with an altitude of about 2,685 meters, is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Plateau”. the lake is surrounded by verdant mountains, with several islands and peninsulas scattered across its clear waters. A leisure boat ride on the lake allows you to soak in all the stunning natural beauty.
The area around Lugu Lake is mainly inhabited by the Mosuo people. They still maintain a matrilineal society and retain their unique marital customs. During a visit, you’ll have a rare chance to witness a society where women play a leading role.
Black Dragon Pool Park
Most travelers head to the Black Dragon Pool Park to photograph the reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. With crystal-clear waters, the pool in the park will mirror the surrounding snow-capped mountains as they are illuminated by sunlight, creating an otherworldly scene.
Beyond the natural beauty, a stroll in the park will also reveal to you many ancient architectural treasures, such as the Dragon God Temple, Deyue Pavilion, Suocui Bridge, and the Yuhuang Pavilion.
How Many Days to Plan for a Lijiang Yunnan Tour?
Tour Lijiang in 2-3 Days: Explore Classic Sights
A 2-3 day itinerary in Lijiang is most recommended if your primary reason to visit Lijiang is to experience its essence. The first day is for your arrival and exploration of Lijiang Ancient Town (including Mufu Palace, Sifang Street, etc.). On the 2nd and 3rd days, arrange other main attractions, like the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (by cable car), Baisha Village, and Shuhe Ancient Town, based on your preferences.
Hiking lovers can also explore Lijiang Ancient Town and embark on an in-depth Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking adventure in 3 days.
Recommended tours for your reference:
Lijiang Day Tours
With only one day in Lijiang, we recommend you explore core sights in Lijiang Ancient Town in the morning, including Mufu Palace, Sifang Street, and Wangu Tower on Lion Hill (offering a panoramic view of the ancient town). Then head to the nearby Black Dragon Pool Park to marvel at the stunning Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from a distance. In the afternoon, you can choose to visit Shuhe Ancient Town or Baisha Village.
Alternatively, you can spend the entire day exploring the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain by cable car, or embark on a thrilling hiking tour at Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Recommended Lijiang Day Tours:
Tour Lijiang in More Days: 4+ days in Lijiang
A Lijiang itinerary of more than 4 days will have you seeing more natural and cultural highlights of the city at a leisurely pace. Beyond the attractions in a classic 2-3 day itinerary, you can consider visiting Lugu Lake, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shuhe Ancient Town, etc. With more time, you can also take part in some in-depth cultural experiences, like a local family visit and a handicraft class.
Recommended Lijiang in-depth tours:
- 5 Days Lijiang Tour with Lugu Lake & Matriarchal Mosuo
- 4 Days Lijiang Highlights & Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour
Yunnan Tours including Lijiang
People usually include Lijiang as part of a more extensive Yunnan trip. You can combine a visit to Lijiang with nearby destinations such as Kunming, Dali, and Shangri-La for a more comprehensive experience of Yunnan’s diverse natural and cultural landscapes.
√ Recommended Yunnan tours including Lijiang:
- 5 Days Kunming and Lijiang Tour by High-Speed Train
- 4 Days Classic Kunming and Dali Tour by High-speed Train
- 7 Days Kunming – Dali – Shangri-La – Lijiang Small Group Tour
√ Best China Tours including Lijiang:
- 8 Days Shangri-La & Daocheng Yading Tour from Lijiang
- 9 Days Guilin and Yunnan Tour with Nature & Minority Culture
- 10 Days Best Chengdu, Emei and Yunnan Tour
Lijiang Weather & Best Time to Visit Lijiang
Located in a low-latitude, high-altitude area, Lijiang has a subtropical highland monsoon climate. It is characterized by spring-like weather all year round and significant temperature differences between day and night because of the high elevation. Its annual temperatures average around 12-19°C (54°F to 66°F).
The best times to visit Lijiang usually fall in spring and fall, when the weather is at its most pleasant and the scenery is at its most stunning.
Summer is also a great time, with relatively cooler temperatures than most other places. Though the more frequent days in this period, it is still great to explore the ancient towns.
How to Get to Lijiang
Fly to Lijiang Directly – Start a Yunnan Tour from Lijiang
It is possible to start a Yunnan tour from Lijiang. Lijiang Sanyi Airport offers direct flights to or from many domestic cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xian, etc. The airport is about 30 km from Lijiang Ancient Town, taking about 40 minutes by driving.
From Lijiang, there are frequent high-speed trains to Kunming (in around 4 hours), Dali (in 2-3 hours), and Shangri-La (in around 1-1.5 hours). Long-distance buses and driving are also the main ways to connect Lijiang and other cities in Yunnan.
Get to Lijiang from Kunming
As the gateway to Yunnan, Kunming Changshui International Airport offers flights to over 100 cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Changsha, etc. Flying to Kunming offers more flight options and relatively lower prices. Then, from Kunming, you can travel to Lijiang by high-speed train, flight or chartered car flexibly and conveniently.
Related reading: Lijiang Transportation – How to Go to Lijiang & Travel Around
Choose Where to Stay in Lijiang – Recommended Accommodation Areas
In or around Dali Old Town
This area is highly recommended for most visitors, offering unparalleled convenience for shopping, dining, and sightseeing. All the main sights, like Mufu Palace, Sifang Street, and Black Dragon Pool Park, are just a stone’s throw away.
Staying in the old town also allows you to fully immerse yourself in the rich Naxi culture and traditional architecture. Most inns and guesthouses in and around the old town are in traditional architectural style and with unique decor and environments.
Good to know:
- The area near the South Gate of the old town is relatively quiet, while the North Gate area is more bustling.
- Since the streets within the ancient town can be difficult to navigate, if you have a lot of luggage, staying outside the ancient town or near the entrance will be a good idea.
Recommended hotels: InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort, Lijing Inn of Ancient Town, and Liren Inn of Lijiang Ancient Town
In Shuhe Ancient Town
About 7 kilometers from Lijiang Ancient Town, Shuhe Ancient Town offers a more tranquil rural life experience. This area is also near to major attractions, like Lijiang Old Town, Baisha Village, and Yuhu Village conveniently. The public transportation is less convenient, and you are recommended to take a taxi a join a local tour with tranport included. Traditional inns and high-end international hotels are all available in Shuhe.
Recommended hotels: Shuhe Yuannian Holiday Courtyard (丽江束河元年度假别院), Lijiang Trustay Heartisan Boutique Hotel & Resort (丽江晓驻匠心精品酒店), Banyan Tree Lijiang (束河古镇悦榕庄)
Near Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Staying near the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain allows you to enjoy its breathtaking beauty with ease. The stunning sunrise and sunset views will leave you in awe. It also allows you to visit Blue Moon Valley and hike through the forests at the mountain base easily.
You can also choose hotels in Yuhu Village and Baisha Village that are near to the mountain. Not only stunning views of the mountain, these villages also offer immersive cultural experiences.
Recommended hotels: Villafound Jade (丽江墅家玉庐·雪嵩院), The Rock Hotel (丽江石洛克精品酒店), Jinmao Purelax Lijiang (丽江金茂凯悦臻选酒店), Lijiang Ancient Town Intercontinental Resort (丽江和府洲际度假酒店)
Tiger Leaping Gorge
You’ll need to stay one night in the gorge when taking an in-depth hiking tour to the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Hotels here are limited and mainly guesthouses and inns with basic facilities.
The Halfway Guest House is a notable option among visitors. It is a cliffside hotel in the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, offering a great platform to enjoy stunning landscapes.
Naxi Family Guest House and Tian’s Guest House are also popular accommodation options in this area.
What to Eat While Traveling in Lijiang
- Preserved Rib Hot Pot (腊排骨火锅): A traditional Lijiang dish, with marinated and air-dried pig ribs being cooked with a variety of seasonal vegetables.
- Chickpea Jelly (鸡豆凉粉): Made from locally grown chickpeas, the dish features a smooth and refreshing texture and a balance of sour and spicy flavors.
- Lijiang Baba (丽江粑粑): This traditional Naxi pastry features a golden, crispy outer layer with a soft and flavorful filling. Available in both sweet and savory varieties.
- Dongba Grilled Fish (东巴烤鱼): Prepared by slowly grilling the fresh fish from Lijiang’s local lakes and rivers and seasoning it with special spices.
Where to Eat in Lijiang
Sifang Street in the center of Lijiang Ancient Town, Wuyi Street in the west part of the ancient town, Qiyi Snack Street, Zhongyi Market, and Shuhe Flavor Food Street in Shuhe Ancient Town.
Essential Lijiang Travel Tips
- Zhongyi Market is a must-visit if you want to experience local life. It is packed with affordable goods and food stalls.
- Please reserve the tickets for the large cable car of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain online by 8 PM the day before.
- Shopping in Lijiang is a delightful experience. Bargaining is common; for example, you can bargain scarves marked at CNY 30-40 to around CNY 20.
- Given the significant temperature differences between day and night, you’d better bring a warm jacket even in summer.
- Please wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen as the UV rays are strong.
- The average altitude of Lijiang is about 2,400 meters. Some visitors may experience mild altitude sickness, especially when visiting higher altitudes, such as Yulong Snow Mountain. It’s recommended to bring high-energy snacks and oxygen canisters.
- Wearing comfortable shoes is advisable as the streets of the old town are cobblestone.
- Be sure to respect local customs as Lijiang is home to many ethnic minorities.
- For first-time visitors, the maze-like streets and alleys of Lijiang Ancient Town can be confusing. Consider bringing a map or using the water flow as a guide.
- Wangu Tower on Lion Hill and Wenchang Palace Viewing Platform offer stunning panoramic views of Lijiang Ancient Town.
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