In China’s Yunnan Province is a picturesque city called Lijiang with dramatic landscapes and relaxed atmosphere. Its well-preserved Old Town and cultural significance has earned it a place in the UNESCO World Heritage list. With so many places to visit in Lijiang, this place literally feels like a dream. If you are planning a trip to Yunnan, make sure to stop by this fantastic destination. The rich culture and beauty of this place is sure to blow your mind away.
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Getting There
The City is well connected by all modes of transportation. Here’s a detailed look at how easily you can get to Lijiang without much effort.
Air: Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG) has regular flights from most of the main cities in China like Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Kunming.
Train: The two railway stations, Lijiang Railway Station and Lijiang East Railway Station, have High-speed trains from Kunming, Dali and other nearby destinations. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to reach.
Bus: There are two bus stops, Passenger Transport Service Center Bus Station in the north-west and the Lijiang Express Bus Station in Shangri-La Avenue.
Car: To save time, hiring a car with a driver is a common choice. By doing so one gets to explore the place at their own pace while enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way.
Best Time To Visit
This beautiful place is a year-round destination with warm summers and mild winters. However, there are high chances you can experience all four seasons in a single day, hence always dress in layers. Summer months between June–August are generally warm. Spring is between March–May and this is the time when flowers bloom. Autumn is between September–November with crisp air. Winter is from December–February where the temperature is cool, especially after sunset. Keeping the above points in mind the best time to visit would be between March to May and September to November, the months where Lijiang weather is cool and comfortable.
Key Features Of Lijiang China
- This well-preserved ancient town is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Lijiang has three World Heritage Sites and 104 tourist attractions.
- A maze of cobbled streets, canals, wooden houses, Naxi architecture and culture can be seen here.
- The Jade Dragon Snowcapped Mountains dominate the landscape.
- There is an ancient trade route called the tea horse road that connects China with Tibet and Burma.
- Due to the majority of China’s Naxi people living here, one third of people in Lijiang speak Naxi.
Book Now: Private Full Day Lijiang Naxi Culture Tour
Popular Areas To Stay
From Hotels to Guesthouses, from Boutique Inns to luxury stays, Lijiang offers various accommodation options to suit different tastes and budgets. Some of the most popular places to stay in Lijiang are Naxi Courtyard Inn, Shuhe Guesthouses, InterContinental, Banyan Tree, Black Pond, the Yizi Pavilion and Guabi Tower. Also look out for accommodation in Dayan Old Town, Lijiang Old Town, Shuhe Ancient Town and Baisha Village as they are quieter and serene compared to the bustling central areas.
Must-Try Lijiang Food
In Lijiang you’ll find many sit-down restaurants offering Yunnan cuisine, Naxi dishes, street food, and Tibetan dishes. The food served here is always made of fresh ingredients and subtle spices. Some of the top recommendations under each categories are as below:
Yunnan Cuisine – Crossing the Bridge Noodles, Steam Pot Chicken, Wild Mushroom Dishes
Naxi Dishes – Cured Pork Ribs Hotpot, Naxi Baobao Chicken, Naxi Baba
Street Food – Lijiang Baba, Grilled Skewers, Lijiang Fried Potatoes
Tibetan Dishes – Yak Meat Dishes, Tsampa, Tibetan Butter Tea
Top Attractions In Lijiang
Lijiang offers a captivating blend of historical, cultural and natural wonders for tourists to explore. Listed below are some of the top attractions in Lijiang that should not be missed.
Lijiang Old Town
In the heart of Lijiang is a well-preserved old town filled with wooden houses, narrow cobblestone alleys and unique waterways. The ancient town is great for sightseeing during the day and perfect for relaxing at rooftop cafés with views of the snowcapped mountains.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, also known as Yulong Snow Mountain, is another must visit attraction. The 13 snow-capped peaks are popular spots for hiking, photography, and cable car rides. A cable car ride to Glacier Park and a visit to Blue Moon Valley are the best things to do while here.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
If you are a nature lover, this place is a must visit. The Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest and the most accessible gorge in the world. The 16 kilometers gorge passes through a variety of landscapes. Breathtaking views of the Jinsha River, snowcapped mountains and waterfalls can be enjoyed while hiking here.
Lugu Lake
Rent a car and drive 4 hours to reach Lugu Lake which is 200 kilometers away from the center of Lijiang City. Lugu Lake is a clear and calm water lake offering Scenic Island and peninsula views. The lake looks like a beautiful pearl shining among the hills with the color of water changing from jade green color to dark green when the sun sets.
Villages Of Lijiang
If you wish to explore places that are less commercialized, check out the three villages; Yuhu, Baisha and Baoshan Stone Village. Yuhu Village is great for people who want to understand the folk customs, local culture and architecture, Baisha Village to understand the Naxi people and Baoshan Stone Village, the less explored one that’s built on a mushroom-shaped rock formation.
Shuhe Ancient Town
This well preserved ancient town is similar to Lijiang Old Town China but this one is much quieter and calmer. Its well-preserved architecture, beautiful surroundings and peaceful streets makes it a great place to stroll around. For those who want to experience the charm of a traditional Naxi village life, a visit to Shuhe Ancient Town is a must.
Also Read: Complete Guide To The Top Tourist Destinations In China
Final Words
Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or simply someone who enjoys the natural beauty, this travel guide covers them all. With our guide, your journey through Lijiang city will be unforgettable. Do let us know what you liked the most in this magical city in the comment section below.
FAQs
3-4 days is generally sufficient to explore the top attractions in Lijiang, however if you wish to explore surrounding areas, consider adding another day or two.
The month of January is the coldest month of the year in Lijiang. Average temperature drops to as low as 30°F during this time.
Yes, there are plenty of festivals and events happening throughout the year in Lijiang. Some of the most prominent festivals celebrated are Sanduo Festival, Baba Festival, Mango Culture Festival, Kuoshi Festival, Daogan Festival, Torch Festival and Lugu Lake Circling Festival.
