Introduction
We loved Lijiang and here is our Lijiang Travel Guide.
Lijiang is a city located in Yunnan province. It is the home of the Naxi people and other minority ethnic group (most Chinese are Han people). The city is 20 557km² big and house 1.25 million people.
The old town is famous for its cobble street, ancient architecture and is a UNESCO Heritage site. Around it you have others ancient towns to visit and a stunning snow mountain.
It is also the base to visit Shagnri-la.
Table of Contents
Mapping the day
Where to Stay
- Budget: Lijiang Rongyi Homestay
- Mid-Range: Lijiang Guyunxuan Boutique Inn
- Luxirious: House & White Lakeside Lodge
Little story, we stayed in House & White Lakeside Lodge, but at this time it was a hostel and what is now the suite was before a yoga/gym room that we really appreciated.
When to visit:
The best time to visit is Autumn, from October to November which is the driest and clearest time with lots of tree blossoms.
Summer is the rainy season, but it is still enjoyable (we visited it at this time). Spring is also comfortable, and winter are quite cold.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Explore the beautiful snow mountain and get breath-taking views of the region from 4 680m high. You can get there by bus or by tour. Once there you can take the cable car up.
Tips: Do not attempt to get there by bike, it is 38km from Lijiang and the sun over the valley to get there is really strong!
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Visit the scenic canyon of the Jinsha River in a day tour. Located 60km from Lijiang, the place became famous from the legend that a hunted tiger escaped by jumping across the river at the narrowest point (still 25 metres), using the rock in the middle.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1:
- Lijiang Old town
- Mu Mansion
- Explore Lijiang
Day 2:
- Rent a bike
- Baisha Village
- Shuhe Ancient town
- Black Dragon Pool
Day 3:
- Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Day 4: If you have a spare day
- Tiger Leaping Gorge
Next: Head to Shangri-la
不作不死。(Bù zuò bù sǐ. ‘Not do not die.’) — If you don’t do stupid things you won’t end up in tragedy.
