Lijiang travel guide: attractions, weather, food, hotels, local culture, itinerary, etc.

Lijiang City, a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Yunnan Province, is located at the southeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, at the junction of the Yunnan- Guizhou Plateau and the Tibetan Plateau,the highest point is the main peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Lijiang borders Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture and Panzhihua City in Sichuan to the east, covering a total area of 20,600 square kilometers. With a permanent population of 1.25 million,It was once a transit station on the Silk Road and the Ancient Tea Horse Road, boasting a rich history. Lijiang is the only prefecture-level city in China that boasts three UNESCO World Heritage sites simultaneously. it has become an extremely popular travel destination in China.

Culture of Lijiang

Lijiang Ancient Town

The origin of the name "Lijiang" has two main theories: One is that it comes from the Jinsha River, which originally had the name "Lishui" (meaning "plow water") due to its source being near the Tibetan border. Over time, "Li" was mistakenly replaced with "Li," thus naming the river "Lijiang." The second theory is that the river was historically known for producing gold, and "Jin" (meaning "gold") combined with "beautiful water" led to the ancient name "Lishui," which evolved into "Lijiang."

Lijiang is an internationally renowned tourist city and a national historical and cultural city, serving as an important passage on the ancient "Southern Silk Road" and the "Tea Horse Road". It is a multi-ethnic region where, in addition to the Han, there are 12 indigenous ethnic minorities and 22 minority groups in total. Each ethnic group has its own unique festivals, dance, folk songs and culture. Such as Nakhi,The Nakhi people are renowned for their splendid Dongba Culture which is characterized with a mixture of Tibet culture and Han culture. In Lijiang you’ll be able to access various souvenirs of Dongba culture.

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Must-visit Attractions

Lijiang Ancient Town

It is rich in tourism resources, featuring 104 tourist attractions including the Ancient City of Lijiang, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Laojun Mountain, and Shuhe Ancient Town etc.

Old Town of Lijiang: Lijiang Old Town is a national-level historical and cultural city, first established in the late Song Dynasty and early Yuan Dynasty (late 13th century), it is the most well-preserved ancient town with distinctive Naxi ethnic characteristics in China. In December 1997, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List by the World Heritage Committee.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain:In the Nakhi language, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is called "Olu," meaning "Heavenly Mountain." Its thirteen snow-capped peaks stretch continuously, resembling a "giant dragon" soaring and dancing, which is why it is named "Jade Dragon." It is considered a sacred mountain in the hearts of the Naxi people. It remains covered in snow year-round, with the snow line ranging between 4,800 and 5,000 meters.

Tiger Leaping Gorge: Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in China. It is renowned for its dramatic and rugged scenery. After the river flows into the gorge, it narrows to just over 50 meters at its narrowest point, where a tiger or leopard could leap across, hence the name Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Shuhe Ancient Town: Shuhe Ancient Town is renowned not only for its rich cultural landscapes but also for its well-preserved ancient buildings, wells, and pathways. It has become a tourist destination that combines natural scenery, cultural heritage, and ethnic customs. This small town with 1,000 years history.

Lugu Lake

Lugu Lake: Lugu Lake, situated at an altitude of 2,680 meters, with the deepest point reaching 93 meters. The water is clear and blue, with a visibility of 12 to 14 meters, making it one of the deepest freshwater lakes in China. Mosuo people live here and still maintain a matriarchal family structure and are known as the "Mystical Kingdom of Women."

Mu's Residence: It is the Tusi Mu's Yamen of the Nakhi Ethnic Group in Yunnan.The Mu's Residence fully reflects the elegance and grandeur of Ming Dynasty architecture, while also preserving the simple and bold style reminiscent of Tang and Song Dynasty architecture from the Central Plains. This residence has even been compared to the Forbidden City in Beijing, earning the nickname "Northern Forbidden City, Southern Mu's Residence."

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Local Food and Snacks

Lijiang's cuisine is a delightful blend of Nakhi, Tibetan, and Yunnan flavors, offering unique dishes such as Nakhi Pickled sour fish,Crossing the Bridge Rice Noodles,and baba, a type of local flatbread. The vibrant food markets and traditional restaurants provide a rich culinary experience that reflects the region's diverse cultural heritage.

Lijiang Baba: comes in both sweet and savory flavors. It is a unique Nakhi-style pastry. The main ingredients are fine wheat flour mixed with clear spring water to form dough. and filled with sesame seeds, walnuts, and other ingredients. Finally, they are cooked in a flat-bottomed pan over low heat until golden brown.

Butter tea :is made with butter, eggs, salt, hemp seeds, peanuts, walnuts, and brewed tea leaves. These ingredients are placed in a long, slender wooden tube and stirred repeatedly with a wooden stick. Locals also call this process "making butter tea." It is a primary way of drinking tea for many ethnic groups in Lijiang.

Steam Pot Chicken: This is a traditional Yunnan dish made with chicken that is cooked in a steaming pot with local mushrooms, herbs, and spices. The dish is flavorful and aromatic. It has the effects of nourishing and tonifying the body, replenishing blood, and strengthening the spleen and appetite. In September 2018, it was recognized as one of the "Top Ten Classic Dishes of Yunnan" in the "China Cuisine" awards.

Crossing the Bridge Rice Noodles: This is a famous dish made with rice noodles, vegetables, meat, and a rich broth. The dish is served with a separate bowl of hot broth, and diners add the ingredients to the broth to cook them.

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Best Things to Do in Lijiang

Jade Gragon Snow Mountain

In the beautiful and ancient city of Lijiang, there are many intriguing experiences waiting for you. You can stroll through the ancient town of Lijiang to immerse yourself in the charm of this millennia-old city. Explore the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Trek at Tiger Leaping Gorge which is one of the most famous gorges in the world for its precipitous terrain. Admire Historic Murals in Baisha Village,visit Lugu lake and know the culture of Mosuo people, who still maintain matriarchal society known as "the Kingdom of Women". Look for Joseph Rock's Former Residence in Yuhu village. Ride a Horse in Lijiang. The most classic horseback riding experience is along the Ancient Tea Horse Road route in Lijiang. Besides that, Lijiang Old Town has a bar street with various bars of different styles. At night, you may can find one that suits your taste and enjoy the wonderful moments in the music.

Tips: Avoid going to bars if you have just arrived in Lijiang. Since Lijiang is located on a plateau, drinking a lot of alcohol immediately upon arrival can cause altitude sickness.

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Activities to Experience in Lijiang

Naxi Music

Lijiang offers a wide range of activities and programs, encompassing culture, art, and tourism, all aimed at showcasing Lijiang's cultural charm and tourism resources. For example, you can experience Lijiang Naxi copper craft, enjoy Dongba Papermaking,explore Nakhi embroidery in Baisha ancient town etc.As for the local lifestyle various festivals expose you to a world of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Wherever you go, you will find a harmonious combination of tradition and fashion in Lijiang.

Bangbang Festival: (Jan 15th) This is an important cultural activity of the Nakhi people. On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, in addition to customs similar to the Han people, such as eating yuanxiao (glutinous rice dumplings) and viewing lanterns, there are also activities with distinct local ethnic characteristics.

Sanduo Festival: (Feb 8th) On the eighth day of the second lunar month, a festival with over 1,200 years of history is celebrated, which has been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage. It is one of the most important traditional festivals for the Naxi people. They dress in their finest attire and participate in activities such as traditional dancing, showcasing the ancient and rich Nakhi culture.

Torch Festival: (June 24th) It is celebrated on the 24th or 25th day of the sixth month of the Yi calendar, the Yi people celebrate the festival to eradicate insect swarms and celebrate a good harvest, they wear festival suits, play Yu-kin musical instruments and the great three-stringed instrument to participate in Torch Festival.

Spring Festival: (Feb 10th) During the Spring Festival, known in Lijiang as "You Ben Ji Zheng" or "Ku Shi," which means New Year, the Nakhi people celebrate with various customs. They place camellia flowers in vases, put up spring couplets and door gods, and prepare a variety of dishes, fruits, and offerings. They also worship the "Kitchen God" and welcome their ancestor’s "home" to celebrate the New Year.

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Best Time and Season to Visit Lijiang

Black Dragon Pool

The best time to visit Lijiang normally is during the spring and autumn seasons, from March to May and September to November. During this period, you can enjoy pleasant weather and beautiful scenery, making it an ideal time for travel when temperatures are around 21°C to 23°C.

Spring - (March to May) the climate in Lijiang is warm and flowers are in full bloom, providing the perfect opportunity to experience Nakhi culture.

Summer - (Jun to August) Although Lijiang is described as a summer retreat, it is often rainy and crowded with tourists. It's advisable to prepare for rain and plan your itinerary in advance.

Autumn - (September to November) is the peak season for traveling in Lijiang, Autumn are considered the best times to visit Lijiang as the weather is more pleasant, blue sky, beautiful sceneries. and temperatures that are not as hot as in the summer.

Winter - (December to February) it is a bit cold. can feel damp and rainy, requiring thicker long-sleeved clothing to stay warm.

Peak Season: May to October,generally runs from May to National Day in October, especially during holidays and festival.

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Luxury Hotel in Lijiang

The Lijiang hotel seamlessly blends modern elements with ethnic characteristics, and natural landscapes, offering guests a unique cultural experience.

InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort - is architecture and interiors are heavily influenced by the local Naxi and Dongba cultures, with contemporary design elements seamlessly incorporated into the public spaces. you will enjoy your time with high true hospitality.

Jinmao Hotel Lijiang,the Unbound Collection by Hyatt - is adjacent to Shuhe Ancient Town and seamlessly blends modern fashion elements with ethnic characteristics, allowing you to experience the beauty and cultural richness of Lijiang. Each room features a private balcony where you can sit and enjoy the stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa - is located adjacent to ShuHe Ancient Town with uninterrupted views to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the hotel covers 150 acres, with design inspiration drawn from the traditional architecture of the local Nakhi people. The private villas are scattered throughout the serene garden, creating a tranquil retreat.

Hylla Vintage Hotel - the Nakhi-style courtyard hotel features five courtyards, each with 5 to 7 guest rooms. Each room, ranging from 60 to 65 square meters, offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains, forests, meadows, and traditional residences.

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How to Plan an Itinerary in Lijiang

Visiting the top classic attractions in Lijiang takes about 2 full days. Adding arrival and departure time, you'll need approximately 3-4 days.

Here some suggestion for 3days sightseeing in Lijiang

• Day1: Arrival, Lijiang old Town sightseeing
• Day2: Explore Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, visit Baisha Village and have a nice experience of Nakhi culture.
• Day3: Go to Tiger Leaping Gorge for hike .
• All the itinerary are flexible.Just contact us,please.We would be honored to customize a perfect, personalized itinerary specifically for you.

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Customize Your Unique Lijiang Tour

If you are interested in one of the Lijiang itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Lijiang Tour, please visit our Lijiang Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

Informative Articles for Your Lijiang Trip

Naxi Ethnic in Lijiang

• Travel Guide: attractions, seasons, hotels, food, itineraries, etc.
• Top destinations: places to visit in Lijaing
• Travel itineraries: best itineraries for your reference
• Weather: the best time and seasons to visit Lijaing
• Top attractions:well-selected top attractions in Lijaing
• Cultural immersions: hands-on activities to spotlight your trip
• Unique perspective: top different things to do
• Local food: what to eat while traveling in Lijaing
• Luxury hotels: where to stay in Lijaing
• Lijiang Tours: tailor-made Lijiang Tours for your reference