Lijiang Travel Guide
Lijiang is located in the northwestern part of Yunnan Province, at the junction of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and the Tibetan Plateau. Historically, it served as a pivotal transit point on the Silk Road and the Ancient Tea Horse Road, giving it a rich and storied past. Today, Lijiang has become a highly popular travel destination within China due to its unique cultural and natural attractions.
The heart of Lijiang is its ancient town, also known as Dayan Ancient Town. It is one of the few ancient towns in China inhabited by ethnic minorities and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town features a rich ethnic ambiance, with its layout characterized by small bridges and flowing streams. The residential buildings are arranged in a harmonious manner, reflecting traditional architectural styles. The pace of life here is relaxed, complemented by a vibrant nightlife that attracts many visitors.
However, many travelers mistakenly equate Lijiang solely with its ancient town. In reality, the Lijiang area encompasses a much larger region with numerous attractions worth exploring. These include the mystical Lugu Lake, often referred to as the “Kingdom of Women” due to the matriarchal Mosuo culture; the tranquil and laid-back Shuhe Ancient Town; the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, known for its stunning vistas and challenging hikes; and the scenic Lashihai Lake, perfect for those seeking serene natural beauty.
Most Popular Lijiang Attractions
Other Attractions in Lijiang
I’ve been in Lijiang for two days! It has rained for two days straight! I couldn’t see anything at Yulong Snow Mountain because of the constant rain and fog! I was out of breath from the altitude and so frustrated! I walked around a few ancient towns, and my shoes are completely soaked! My clothes are all wet too! The experience has been really bad! I am absolutely furious!
It was quite a challenge to visit Lijiang this time. The weather took a sharp turn, and I experienced the extreme temperature changes Lijiang is known for. It was scorching hot yesterday, and now I’m freezing cold!
By August, there was no snow left on Yulong Snow Mountain. The entire mountain looked bare and lifeless, resembling a mining site that had been stripped of its resources. It really left much to be desired!
Before setting off, I checked the weather forecast, which predicted rain. However, as soon as we arrived in Lijiang, the sun came out. I thought it was just a brief sunny spell, but to my surprise, the following days were filled with high temperatures. The UV rays were intense, and I didn’t even bring a sun-protection outfit. I ended up enduring the blazing sun throughout our activities, and by the end, my skin started peeling from the sunburn.
I visited Lijiang for two days, the Yulong Snow Mountain was breathtaking. Lijiang is indeed fun, beautiful, and delicious Day 1️⃣: Yulong Snow Mountain – Blue Moon Valley – Spruce Meadow – Lijiang Old Town Day 2️⃣: Lijiang Old Town – Baisha Ancient Town (a leisurely visit) Yulong Snow Mountain To ascend Yulong Snow Mountain, you need to buy a Glacier Park cable car ticket 140 Make sure to prepare oxygen cylinders in advance, altitude sickness is really uncomfortable It’s… Read more »
Recommendations for visiting Lijiang: 1. Don’t stay inside the ancient town, as the streets are all cobblestone and it’s difficult to walk with luggage. Even I, who often stumble on flat ground, found it uncomfortable to walk on these cobblestone streets. 2. It’s recommended to stay near the South Gate of the ancient town or Zhongyi Market, as it’s convenient to take the direct bus to the scenic spots the next day. 3. Lijiang is very dry, and you will… Read more »
Visiting Yunnan in June means expecting rainy weather most of the time. It’s advisable to bring an umbrella, as the rain usually doesn’t last all day; when it comes, it comes hard and stops abruptly. – Dali: The place is extremely dry, causing severe thirst every morning. Make sure to drink plenty of water. – Dali: The temperature difference between morning and evening is significant. You’ll need a jacket in the morning, but by noon, wearing a skirt is just… Read more »
Lijiang Two-Day Trip: Day 1 – Sunrise at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Old Town Charm. Start the day by watching the golden sunrise at Ganhaizi Reservoir. Make sure to check the weather and consult with your accommodation experts. Depart at 5 AM by taxi or carpool to catch the sunrise. Explore the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, make sure to purchase tickets in advance during peak season. Don’t forget to buy the cable car ticket for Glacier Park (140… Read more »
Before going to Yunnan, I read a simple travel guide warning about the commercialization in Dali (大理), advising to look more and buy less. However, being a lover of accessories, I couldn’t resist buying silver jewelry in the ancient city. Haggling down from 60 to 50 made me feel great. But as I went further into the city, I found even cheaper prices – being able to purchase 3 pairs for the price of 100 that I paid before. So,… Read more »
The biggest pitfall I encountered in Lijiang was the flower tea tasting in the ancient city. Many shopkeepers in the ancient city would hand you disposable cups and ask you to try their flower tea. The key is to pretend you don’t see it, repeat, pretend you don’t see it, because once you try it, they will enthusiastically introduce their products, and it can be hard to refuse in the end. Below are some tips I gathered after a few… Read more »