Lijiang is one of my favourite places in China, not only is the town itself truly beautiful but there is so much to see surrounding it that you could stay a week and not be bored. Let me show you why Lijiang is a must visit in China.
Is Lijiang Worth Visiting? (Honest Truth)
Yes! From the first moment walking into the town it was not only pretty but had a great vibe to it. Some may think it is touristic but to me it is a perfect blend of touristic (bringing the amenities you want) with a sweet heart that sucks you in. You will love it if you are a first time China traveller or a photography lover.
If you are looking for a raw untouched and rugged experience this may not be your favourite town and you might need to go further afield to experience this. The western part of China is not so much explored by western tourists, but you will find that Chinese people love to explore their own country and they love it here! While you will feel it is touristic, it is mostly Chinese tourists that you are travelling with, which made it feel still authentic to us. We have written a full Yunnan route Itinerary if you are thinking of exploring this off the beaten track area, it will help you plan.
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Where Is Lijiang & How to Get There
Lijiang is located in the Yunnan Province, in Western China. It is a beautiful area and unique as it is home to 25 ethnic groups and 15 are unique to the Yunnan province. To get to Lijiang you can either fly into Lijiang Sanyi International Airport or take the train. Usually you will be either coming from somewhere like Dali or Kunming. Flying in is better if you are coming from further away, we arrived via plane from Changsha after visiting Zhangjiajie, Furong Town, Fenghuang and Chengdu. If you are closer such as in Kunming I would take the train.
Lijiang vs Dali: Which Is Better?
I do love both towns however I have to say I liked Lijiang a little better. Of course, visiting both will help you make your own decision as personal preference will play a huge role here but I found Lijiang to be a little smaller, sweeter and prettier. In general:
- Lijiang:
- More scenic, smaller and so can be a little more crowded
- Dali:
- More relaxed as it is bigger and more spread out
Both are great for a short trip but if slow travel is your style both towns play perfectly into this as well. The main difference between the two is the size. Dali is spread over so much more area making it feel more authentic and less crowded, however after visiting both I don’t actually believe this to be true. Read our comparison blog post which goes through both downs thoroughly and may help you make your decision about where to spend the most time. You can read our full comparison of Lijiang vs Dali and decide for yourself!
Best Time to Visit Lijiang (Avoid These Mistakes)
We visited Lijiang in November and it was perfect! The days were sunny and temperature was cool with crisp air that was fresh and honestly just delightful. As a general rule:
- Spring= March and May is ideal for flowers
- Autumn = SeptemberโNovember is our perfect time of year for great weather
- Summer = June โ August is lush but rainy
- Winter = December โ February see fewer crowds but it is colder, especially in the north
The best time of day to explore Lijiang Old Town is during the early morning or early evening as the crowds will be less then due to anyone who comes on a day trip will be gone. Of course visiting on a weekend or any of the Chinese national holidays will always be much busier than a weekday.
Top Things to Do in Lijiang (Donโt Miss These)
There is a lot to do in Lijiang, we easily filled up 3 days and could have stayed longer. These are all the things to do in and around Lijiang.
Wander Lijiang Old Town (Go Early or Late)
Lijiang Old Town is beautiful, quaint and charming. It is best seen early morning or late afternoon when any day trippers have left. Think wandering cobblestone streets and canals while the crisp morning air bites at your face and the warm scent of freshly baked rose cakes tantalises your tastebuds. It is pure bliss.
There are countless streets and alleys, a huge waterwheel, gardens, shops selling souvenirs, tea and crafts. Walking the town is honestly a pleasure and I could do it for days and still find new areas we hadn’t already discovered.
While strolling the town make sure to keep your eye out for all the cute dogs. Chinese people love dogs and they really have cute dogs and sometimes dress them up.
Photography is best in Lijiang Old Town during the mid morning as the buildings cast a shadow. It will get busy during the main part of the day but even then you can find alleys and areas that aren’t visited by many. As of August 2025 there was a 50CNY tourism fee to enter the Lijiang Old Town (lasts for 1 year of multiple visits) however we did not get asked to pay this nor was anyone else that we say move in and out of the town. There were payment or ticket scanning turnstiles set up but never manned or lit up/in use so I don’t know if this is actually in effect.
Visit Black Dragon Pool (Best Viewpoint)
The Black Dragon Pool is an iconic view in Lijiang and we visited it everyday. If you have clear weather make sure to head there as it usually doesn’t last long and you are lucky to get a clear view. The lakes create a stunning reflection with the temples and infamous Jade Dragon Snow Mountain behind it. It is a nice, quiet escape from crowds in the town and perfect to visit in the morning.
We started our days here walking the park and watching the locals doing Tai Chi and dancing…sometimes joining in with them. We also heard there was an entry fee here but the doors were always open, unmanned and we were never asked for a ticket or to pay an entry fee. There are cafes and coffee shops here to sit and take in the views as well.
Mu Fu Mansion
Mu Fu Residence (or Mu’s Palace) is the historical palace of the local Naxi leaders and showcases Ming and Qing architecture. It was built 500 years ago but was damaged in an earthquake and rebuilt in the late 90s. It is also known as the ‘Forbidden City of Lijiang’ and is made up of 15 rooms where the cheif would handle business and others that house painting and calligraphy. You can pre-purchase your Mu Fu Mansion ticket.
Lion Hill
Climb to the top of Lion Hill to get views across Lijiang town, it is not a huge climb but the views are worth it.
Sifang Street Square
The Sifang Street Square is located at the centre of Lijiang Old Town. This square was the start of the Tea Horse Road and business hub of the Yunnan during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Once the hustling and bustling centre of downtown Lijiang and one of the old city’s most famous landmarks. During the day, stroll leisurely and soak up the history. At night, this place comes alive with bars and singers.
Fire Dancing Show in the Main Square
Every night in the main square at Lijiang there is a fire with traditional dancing performance. You will see the ladies in the gardens at Black Dragon Pool practising for it. The show is energetic and the whole community turns up to watch, you can join in halfway through it you want but it does get busy and they try to hold the crowds back a bit. When we were there it started around 7pm.
Naxi pictographic language
It may seem unusual to have a language as a thing to see but this is so unique. The Naxi pictographic language is called Dongba, consists of about 1,400+ symbols and still used by Dongba priests. It is often called the the only living pictograph in the world and a ‘living fossil’ of language. It is pictorial and reminded my of Egyptian hieroglyphs or Mayan hieroglyphs in Mexico. You will see examples of the language throughout Lijiang and surrounding towns. I particularly loved these bench seats where the words were in Chinese, English and Naxi.
Tinghua Valley – Lijiang Flowers Garden
Tinghua Valley – Lijiang Flowers Garden is an attraction based on natural scenery and cultural experiences. It features a stunning garden with year-round blooms. Wander through the flowers and soak up the peaceful beauty.
Yuhu Village
Another place on my list for when I return to Lijiang. Yuhu is a little village 20km from Lijiang and 10km from Baisha Ancient Town. It looks really pretty and less commercial than other villages. I would come here as a side quest from Baisha, wander the streets and take in the rural views.
Take a Day Trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Snow Jade Dragon Mountain is a popular day trip from Lijiang. We didn’t get to do this one due to the weather but we can’t wait to come back and do it ourselves. There are loads of options as there is a lot to see. The biggest drawcard is the cable car that takes you most of the way up the mountain, then you need to walk up about 300 steps to the ‘top’. Not the actual top but as high as you can go. On this cable car you may want to take an oxygen tank as it gets really high at 4,680m and many people struggle at the altitude. If you are going then I would buy the oxygen tanks at a pharmacy in Lijiang as they are pretty cheap there and get crazy expensive at attractions.
The tickets to Snow Jade Dragon Mountain also usually include another of the attractions here and the Impression of Lijiang Performance. Tickets do sell out on some days so if you know when you want to go I would pre-purchase them as soon as possible.
The other areas to visit are: Spruce Meadow, Blue Moon Valley, Yak Meadow. These are located a bit away from each other and there are mini buses and cable cars to get to some of them. The Blue Moon Valley is very popular and the meadows are the last visited. Honestly I would love to go there and do everything!
Tip – if you see Yulong Snow Mountain mentioned remember that Yulong Snow Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain are the exact same place as Yulong directly translates in to Snow Jade.
The best views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (other than going up the mountain) are from Black Dragon Pool and Baisha Village.
Explore Shuhe Ancient Town (Better Than Lijiang Old Town?)
Shuhe is an ancient town only 7km from Lijiang Old Town and many argue that it is better. It is really picturesque with a relaxed vibe, not as busy as Lijiang. We loved walking this town it is perfect for a slow travel day where you just want to soak up the ambiance. Find a coffee shop or restaurant to sit and watch the world go by. I’ll let you decide if it is better than Lijiang Old Town, let me know in the comments.
Lugu Lake
While this spot is quite far from Lijiang it is known for its pristine beauty and the lake is ideal for boat rides. What I am most interesting in seeing is the interesting Mosuo culture which is a matrilineal society known as the kingdom of women. Families have a walking marriage where the male visits at night and the women lead the family. The relationships are based on love rather than financial or social arrangements and maternal uncles are usually the male figure. Although due to modern influences traditional western marriages are more frequent this matriarchal society still exists. You can get a shuttle out to Lake Lugu as well.
Romance of Lijiang Performance:
Not to be confused with the ‘Impression of Lijiang Performance’ that is held at Snow Jade Dragon Mountain the Romance of Lijiang’ performance is at Lijiang Qianguqing Theater close to Lijiang Old Town. The performance is part musical part acrobatics with some history and learning thrown in.
Baisha Village
Baisha is another ancient town 11km from Lijiang and 6km from Shuhe. It is famous for ancient murals, Naxi embroidery, and a relaxed atmosphere. We felt like it had a more rugged vibe, a rural almost Tibetan/Shangri-La style which we loved. You will find more Yak meat here and lots of people with baby goats having pictures. There are some gorgeous views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from the streets as well.
Horseback Riding
If you are keen to do horseback riding you can do it at a couple of locations.
Wenhai Lake – which is about 30km from Lijiang. This tour is the best way to do it as the Wenhai Lake tour includes transport, horseback riding and afternoon tea.
Lashi Lake – closer to Lijiang, this tour includes transport, includes horse riding, boating and lunch.
Lashihai Wetland Park
If you aren’t keen on horse back riding you can just visit the Lashi Lake wetland area if this is of interest.
Shopping
The shopping in Lijiang is really good and after visiting Dali as well I think the shopping was better in Lijiang. We bought a very cool wool coat that was knitted with Naxi symbols, a tile cat, some tea, coffee and some very cute panda beanies!
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Doing a Tiger Leaping Gorge Day Trip is a must from Lijiang but you can also combine it with Shangri-La! This was perfect for us as we wanted to see both but didn’t have time to spend overnight in Shangri-La which left us looking for other options. We already knew we wanted to see Tiger Leaping Gorge so combining them made perfect sense. We left very early before the sun came up and got to Tiger Leaping Gorge after sunrise – we were there is the perfect lull of visitors meaning it was remarkably quiet.
Our time in Shangri-La was very cool, we had free time to run around and see what we could-of course the Giant Prayer Wheel and then the town. I loved the rustic rural Tibetan vibes which were so different to Lijiang. Check out our blog on our Tiger Leaping Gorge day trip with all the details and watch our You Tube Vlog on our day trip to see if it suits you!
The Perfect Day in Lijiang (Step-by-Step Itinerary)
If I had only one day in Lijiang then this is how I would spend my day.
Morning: 7am – 12pm
Take a quiet walk through Old Town, maybe first walk up to Black Dragon Pool in the stillness of the early morning to get the reflection on the lake. Then meander the streets of Old Lijiang Town and grab a coffee. Watch as the town wakes up and explore all the alleys, streets and side lanes taking photos before the day trippers come by lunch time.
Afternoon: 12pm – 6pm
If you have had your fill of Old Town Lijiang, jump in a Didi and head to Shuhe Ancient Town and Baisha Ancient Town, both can be visited in a few hours each to get a sense of the different places or just choose one and enjoy it for a while.
If you haven’t already been up to Black Dragon Pool then get the Didi to drop you there so you catch the sunset over the water. Grab some snacks at the street food stalls along the river as you wander back into town.
Evening: 6pm (or after sunset) onwards
Back in Old Town Lijiang wander the lantern-lit streets, head to the main square for the fire/dancing performance. Get some dinner at one of the many restaurants in this area. Check out our recommendations below or walk the busy bar street and head inside your favourite for a drink.
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Suggested Lijiang Itinerary (1โ3 Days)
Planning your time well for Lijiang is necessary so you don’t miss out on anything. Lijiang can be either a magical stopโฆor an overcrowded, rushed experience. The key is knowing exactly how long to stayโand whatโs actually worth your time.
Use this Lijiang itinerary to find out how many days you need, plus a detailed 1, 2 and 3 day plan covering the must-see highlights, hidden gems, and practical tips to help you make the most of your trip.
How Many Days in Lijiang Do You Need?
If youโre short on time, you can see the highlights in a day but 2 days in Lijiang is ideal.
- 1 day โ enough to explore Lijiang Old Town
- 2 days โ best balance (Old Town + Jade Dragon Snow Mountain)
- 3 days โ add in Tiger Leaping Gorge or explore at a slower pace
Most travellers plan for 2โ3 days in Lijiang and we can see why, there is so much to see you want to do it all. If I am honest I could have spent 5 or 6 days here and soaked up the slow travel life while still filling everyday. I loved it that much.
Day 1: Lijiang Old Town, Black Dragon Pool & Sunset Views
This is an alternate day to my perfect day above, choose the one you prefer as everyone has difference preferences.
Explore Lijiang Old Town (UNESCO Site)
Start your day wandering through the cobbled streets of Lijiang Old Town. Keep an eye out for traditional Naxi architecture and the pictorial language. Youre going find come across beautiful canals, bridges, cafes, shops, and guesthouses. Getting out early is key here as you will avoid the busiest times.
Visit Muโs Residence (Mu Palace)
While in the old town pop over to Mu Palace and get a cultural insight into Lijiangโs history, don’t miss the panoramic views from the top. If you
Walk to Black Dragon Pool Park
This is one of the most famous photo spots in Yunnan, look for the reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the pool.
Sunset Over Lijiang
Head to Lion Hill for the best views over the town and stay for evening lights in the old town. The walk back through old town and enjoy the ambiance that comes when the town is lit up during the evening.
Day 2: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain & Blue Moon Valley
Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
This is a big and full day, you will visit one of the most iconic landscapes in China. Book your ticket as early as possible as they do sell out. A must is the Glacier Park cable car experience and then you can add on The Blue Moon Valley or Spruce Valley and the Impression of Lijiang Show if you like.
Explore Blue Moon Valley
Blue Moon Valley offers stunning bright turquoise lakes, walk around on walking paths and it is one of the most photogenic spots in Yunnan.
Impression Lijiang Show (Optional)
This outdoor cultural performance is directed by Zhang Yimou and really popular. Many people say it is incredible to watch with the Snow Jade Dragon Mountain in the background. It looks great from what we have seen and think it is worth it if you like cultural shows.
Day 3 (Optional): Tiger Leaping Gorge or Shuhe Ancient Town
If you already visited Shuhe on the first day then head out on a day trip to Tiger Leaping Gorge. It is pretty amazing and combining it with Shangri-La is a cool option, really expanding your experience. If you are going to stay in Shangri-La after your time in Lijiang then you can combine Tiger Leaping Gorge with the Haba Water Terraces which also looks cool. If you are keen to hike Tiger Leaping Gorge but want a tour guide this is the trip for you.
Option 1: Tiger Leaping Gorge (Adventure Option)
This option is best for you if you love a more adventure vibes. Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the best hikes in China due to its dramatic scenery. Combining it with either Shangri-La or the Haba Water Terraces adds even more value to the day.
Option 2: Shuhe Ancient Town (Relaxed Alternative)
If you haven’t already made it to the ancient towns surrounding Lijiang then spend this day enjoying a slower pace of travel. Soak up the beautiful scenes and cafe hop along flower filled streets. Add in horse riding and a lake if you need a little more to your day.
Lijiang Travel Tips No One Tells You
These are some of the helpful tips for your trip to Lijiang that we wished we had known before we went.
- The old town can feel a little bit commercial but that is pretty normal. Walk down quieter alleys to find the charm that is still there.
- You will get lost – this is so true and it is a little of the magic of Lijiang. As soon as we were lost we stumbled on a new area we hadn’t seen or pretty stretch of the river that runs through the town.
- Prices inside Old Town are higher – yep but this is standard for most places in the world-and it really is only a little. We walked out of old town to buy some panda hats and the prices were great.
- Early mornings are best for getting that ‘perfect Lijiang’ experience. Walking the streets almost along was idyllic
- Shuttle bus around Lijiang and surrounds – this makes getting to the other ancient towns surrounding Lijiang much easier. Alternatively you can use Didi which is what we did.
Lijiang Altitude Sickness: What You Need to Know
Lijiang sits at an altitude of approximately 2,400m. We were fine and didn’t have any altitude sickeness issues here even though we flew in from Changsha. However this is very personal and everyone reacts differently to altitude. Common symptoms are headaches, sickness, short of breath, weakness and tiredness.
To help prevent altitude sickness you can stay hydrated, don’t eat a heavy meal before entering the high altitude area and take your first few days at a slower pace. You can purchase oxygen cans around Lijiang (they are cheaper in town than at any attractions so buy before going to Shangri-La, Tiger Leaping Gorge or Snow Jade Dragon Mountain).
How to Get from Lijiang to Shangri-La
The easiest way from Lijiang to Shangri-La is by private car as it is the fastest and easiest way but most expensive way. Alternatively the train is very quick and easy to use. There are buses which are slower, I think the train is a better option for public transport. You can also take a day tour from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge and Shangri-La and then just let them know you are staying in Shangri-La. The best option for you will really depend on your time and budget.
Where to Stay in Lijiang (Best Areas for Every Budget)
We stayed in the heart of Lijiang and it was perfect, the host was great and the room was comfortable, clean and really pretty! The included breakfast was a so homely and perfect on a cool, crisp Lijiang morning. We loved staying in the old town for the charming atmosphere and easy access for exploring.
Some people choose to stay in Shuhe which is quieter, a little further away from Lijiang Old Town and has some pretty boutique stays. There is also the option to stay just outside of the old town which is an excellent option as it is easily walkable, or a hotel with a rooftop view.
What to Eat in Lijiang
Lijiang has some great food options, of course there are the Yunnan specialties of mushroom hot pot and Naxi dishes. Take care of the mushroom hot pot as much like in Dali there is the chance that you can get a poisonous mushroom dish-be sure to check this.
There is a very cool cafe culture in the old town and you could cafe hop all day. The restaurants are gorgeous and finding one you want to dine in will not be hard.
These were the places we ate at in Lijiang:
Fried Milk Fan – try this very unique local Yunnan snack near the Lijiang market. Have it with the traditional rose jam.
Dumplings – Mike loved this place and came back a few times. You can watch them be made while you eat. It is located near the market and called Yuan Ji Yun Jiao
Yak Skewers – Mike found this restaurant at the top of the main square that was pumping out yak skewers so had to try them. Coated with spice it was fresh off the grill.
We were told about this hole in the wall rice noodle shop and loved it. Super cheap and full of locals the rice noodles and broth were delicious. You could watch them cooking through the windows- we love eating where locals do because we know it has to be some of the best in town.
We found this restaurant which was decorated with succulents and flowers and the food was great. They had Naxi flavoured dishes using local greens etc. They were so nice we went back a few times.
The night market is a great place to try different snacks, I was obsessed with the potato and mike loved the baba (stuffed flatbreads). You can find any type of food here from sweet to savoury.
We ate breakfast every morning at our hotel, it was prepared by a lovely local lady and completely wholesome and delicious.
Lijiang Packing List (Donโt Forget This)
Things that you will want to pack for Lijiang are much the same for the rest of the Yunnan area – layers are essential as the temperature does swing through out the day. Walking shoes should be comfortable as you will be doing thousands of steps each day. Make sure to bring sunscreen as the UV at high altitudes is quite strong and a water bottle to keep hydrated in the high altitude. We always bring a rain proof coat in case a shower comes through and in November I travelled with a beanie and gloves as I tend to get cold.
Best Tours in Lijiang (Are They Worth It?)
The absolute best tours in Lijiang are tours to Snow Jade Dragon Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge. These are the two tours that I would say are definitely worth it, everything else is fun if you have time.
What to Skip in Lijiang (If Youโre Short on Time)
If you are short on time then try to utilise the early morning or afternoon time when it is quieter. Skip over priced tourist shops and look for the little local stores and restaurants to get the best experiences and try to choose what suits you best to see in a day and don’t overcrowd your schedule as it will detract from the town.
FAQ: Lijiang Travel Guide
How many days do you need in Lijiang?
2โ3 days ideal, longer is great if you want to enjoy a slower travel pace.
Is Lijiang too touristy?
Lijiang is often called touristy and there is definitely a strong tourism business there, however I really didn’t find it overly so. You can find quiet places, enjoy the mornings or afternoons when it is quieter, it is so charming! It reminded me a little of our time in Takayama, Japan. Both are such pretty places to explore.
Is Lijiang safe for tourists?
Yes, generally very safe, we didn’t feel any concern or notice and problems while there. As always use Didi instead of taxis and book tours on Trip.
What is Lijiang famous for?
Lijiang is famous for its old town, canals, mountain views. It is also famous for great tea and coffee, rose everything from soap to jam and delicious rice noodles.
What should I pack for Lijiang?
It is best to take versatile layers so you can be warm in the early mornings and evenings. Check out our Yunnan packing list for specific information.
Final Thoughts: Planning Your Lijiang Trip
Lijiang is the home of some of the prettiest views, ancient towns and unique cultures in China. If you are looking to experience a warmth that comes from somewhere that touches your soul you will love it here…itโs a place that quietly steals your heart and leaves you dreaming of your next visit. It is perfect to combine with a trip to Dali and Shangri-La as well as the many day trips you can do from Lijiang.
Plan your trip:
๐ Read next: Tiger Leaping gorge and Shangri La day trip from Lijiang-is it worth it?
๐ Plan your trip: 2-Week China Itinerary or our 4-Week China Itinerary
๐ Donโt miss: Furong Town – China’s Magical Town on a Waterfall
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We hope this guide helped you plan an unforgettable trip.
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