Lijiang

Temperatures in Lijiang vary considerably between day and night, so pack warm clothing.

Snow-capped mountains, old towns and highland lakes are Lijiang’s main attractions. For a slower-paced holiday, plan around walks through the old towns, mountain visits and time by the lakes.

• Lijiang Old Town: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is worth visiting both during the day and at night, when its streets are lit up. Main sights include the Big Waterwheel, Sifang Square and Mu’s Residence. Climb Lion Hill for a panoramic view of the old town.

• Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: Take the main cable car to Glacier Park for views of the snow-capped peaks and glaciers at an elevation of 4,680 meters. Book cable car tickets in advance and prepare oxygen canisters before setting out.

• Blue Moon Valley: At the foot of the mountain, several clear lakes shimmer in shades of blue and green. Often compared to a “mini Jiuzhaigou,” the valley is a good place for scenic walks and photography.

• Shuhe Ancient Town: Quieter and less commercialized than Dayan Old Town, Shuhe retains more of its traditional character. Soak up the sun at a waterside teahouse, or stop somewhere for coffee and a rest.

• Baisha Ancient Town: Baisha retains the simple character of a traditional Naxi village, with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain visible when you look up. The town has plenty of cafés featuring mountain views, as well as shops offering tie-dye workshops.

• Lugu Lake: The journey from Lijiang is long, so allow two days and one night. Explore the shores of this clear lake, learn about Mosuo culture and join an evening bonfire gathering.

Classic Routes and Itineraries

• Compact 3-day itinerary:
  • Day 1: Arrive in Lijiang and check into a guesthouse in the old town or Shuhe. Explore Lijiang Old Town in the early evening, passing the Big Waterwheel and Sifang Square, then have dinner at Zhongyi Night Market.
  • Day 2: Set aside the whole day for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Head to Ganhaizi or Dongba Valley early to see the peaks glow gold in the morning sunlight, then take the main cable car to Glacier Park. Visit Blue Moon Valley after coming down.
  • Day 3: Spend the morning in Baisha Ancient Town enjoying mountain views and coffee. In the afternoon, walk through Shuhe Ancient Town and take in the historic atmosphere of the Ancient Tea Horse Road before leaving.
• Relaxed 5-day itinerary:
  • Day 1-2: Follow the first two days of the 3-day itinerary, while paying attention to how your body adjusts to the altitude.
  • Day 3: Explore Shuhe Ancient Town, with optional horseback riding or a tie-dye workshop. Return to your guesthouse courtyard in the afternoon to relax in the sun.
  • Day 4: Travel to Lugu Lake by private car hire or shared ride. Explore around the lake after arriving, join an evening bonfire gathering and stay overnight at a lakeside guesthouse.
  • Day 5: Enjoy the morning mist and sunrise over Lugu Lake, then return to Lijiang. Pick up flower pastries and other gifts before ending your trip.

Where to Stay

• Dayan Old Town (Lijiang Old Town): Restaurants, shops and sights are clustered together in a lively setting, making this a good choice for younger travelers and first-time visitors. The stone-paved streets are awkward for wheeled luggage, and the area around Bar Street can be noisy at night. Consider staying on the edge of the old town or near the South Gate.

• Shuhe Ancient Town: Quieter and less commercialized than Dayan, Shuhe offers a good balance of guesthouse prices and comfort. It suits families with children, couples and travelers who prefer peace and quiet. Taxis to Lijiang Old Town or Jade Dragon Snow Mountain are also convenient.

• Baisha Ancient Town: The town retains a simple, traditional village feel. Some accommodations offer views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain right from the window, and there are plenty of distinctive cafés nearby. It is a good base for quiet relaxation and mountain photography, though dining choices and transport are more limited.

• Lijiang New Town: Accommodation here focuses on value and convenience, with better parking options for travelers driving themselves or keeping to a budget. It lacks the atmosphere of the old town, and trips there usually require a taxi.

Local Food Specialties

• Cured Pork Rib Hot Pot: A signature Lijiang dish featuring the salty, savory flavor of cured pork ribs, served with seasonal vegetables and dipping sauce. It is a good choice when you want a hot meal.

• Naxi Grilled Fish: Grilled until the skin is crisp and fragrant while the flesh stays tender, this well-spiced fish is a popular local dish commonly found in the old town.

• Chickpea Jelly: An everyday local snack with a springy texture, commonly served cold with a sour and spicy dressing.

• Shuixing Yanghua: This local aquatic vegetable grows in highland lakes and is hard to find elsewhere. Lightly stir-fried, it has a crisp, tender texture.

• Grilled Rushan Cheese: This Yunnan specialty is made by grilling sheets of rushan cheese and spreading them with rose jam, giving it a rich milky flavor with floral notes.

• Flower Pastries: Best enjoyed fresh from the oven, these pastries have a fragrant flower-petal filling. They also make good gifts to take home.

Booking, Packing and Travel Tips

• Booking cable car tickets: Tickets for the main cable car at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain are in high demand. Book seven days ahead through the “Lijiang Tourism Group” mini program rather than waiting to buy tickets on arrival.
• Preparing oxygen canisters: Buy them from a pharmacy in town before setting out, or order them through a delivery service. Previously quoted prices were 15–30 yuan per canister in town and 80 yuan at the scenic area. Buying at the scenic area at the foot of the mountain costs more.
• Old town fee requests: The Lijiang Old Town maintenance fee has been abolished. If an individual stops you at an entrance and asks for this fee, do not pay.
• Footwear and luggage: The old town’s patterned stone paving is uneven. Soft-soled flat shoes are easier to walk in; high heels and hard-soled shoes are unsuitable for long walks. Wheeled suitcases are difficult to move over these surfaces, so consider a backpack.
• Sun protection and warm clothing: UV levels in Lijiang are strong. Wear sunscreen even on cloudy days, and bring sunglasses and a hat. Temperatures vary noticeably between day and night: a short-sleeved shirt may be enough during the day, but bring a lightweight down jacket or outdoor shell for mornings, evenings and mountain visits.
• Cheap tour offers: Roadside offers for a 99-yuan “Jade Dragon Snow Mountain day tour” or “Lashihai horseback riding tour” may involve forced shopping stops and undisclosed charges. Arrange your own trip or book through a licensed travel agency.
• Adjusting to the altitude: Allow time to acclimatize on your first day in Lijiang and avoid strenuous exercise. You may also want to postpone showering and washing your hair. Walk slowly on the mountain and do not run.