Top 10 Things to do in Lijiang, Yunnan

May 18, 2021 Moriah Teneyck

Lijiang is a beautifully preserved ancient Chinese town, infused with cultural flavor. Strolling along the 800-year-old bridges and waterways of the world-famous Old Town district is like stepping back in time. Don’t miss the views atop Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and the Dongba cultural center of Jade Water Village.
Restaurants in Lijiang

1. Lugu Lake

300 km (186 miles) from Lijiang Yongning Town, Ninglang County, Lijiang 674300 China
Excellent
73%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 888 reviews

Lugu Lake

Reviewed By Sijia22 - Sydney, Australia

One of the last female dominant societies in China, nested away around a fully natural lake, outside the busy cities and approx. 3000m above sea level. We stayed here for one night during April 2019 and whilst everything looks old, the lake is a beautiful light blue-ish silk colour that we have never seen before. It is truly unique and we have been to many famous lakes around China and all around the Asia Pacific. No lake is as tranquil or natural as the Lugu lake. We came via car from Lijiang (4 hour drive) but it's also possible to enter from the eastern Chengdu side. We went around the lake, took the boat to a famous little island where they shot a popular entertainment show, crossed the wedding bridge, experienced the bonfire dance at night and stayed at a nice hotel at the edge of Da Luo Shui. The hotel was called 'San Se Yun' or 'three colour cloud' but I couldn't find it on TripAdvisor. If you don't mind the long drive (or you can fly here from Kunming or Chengdu) and want to experience going back in time to a nice hideaway tribal village, then spending a day (or a few days) at Lugu Lake would be a nice choice.

2. Old Town of Lijiang - China

No.57, Xuetang Rd, Dayan Township, Gucheng Dist, Lijiang 674100 China +86 888 511 1118
Excellent
56%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,093 reviews

Old Town of Lijiang - China

Reviewed By GodBlessMali - Shanghai Region, China

I visited a few old towns in China, but this one has to be my favorite one to date. During my time in Lijiang, I didn't even bother going to the city because the old town was so much fun not to mention that the food was incredible. While morning are very quiet as shops open rather late, the evenings were far from boring. The bar street sure made for some nice evenings while the afternoons allowed me and my friend to visit more of Old Town while trying out different food (such as tofu ice cream (don't judge until you try it)), Chinese wraps and of course the flowers cake. As for dinner, the ribs hot pot is fantastic! I shouldn't forget to mention that the buildings are beautiful, and I strongly recommend you check the small alleys as you might be surprised by what you may see.

3. Lijiang Impressions Show

No.19-9 Guodahuama Street, Old Town, Lijiang China +86 888 888 2111 http://www.yx-lj.com/
Excellent
62%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 710 reviews

Lijiang Impressions Show

Reviewed By jsgotravel - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Is a world class performance with awesome postcard back drop of Yulong Snow Mountain also well known as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Is an hour show with thousands of performers featuring stories of the local minorities. Is a MUST see show when in Lijiang..

4. Mufu Palace

Southwest of the Old Town, Lijiang 674100 China +86 888 518 1468 http://www.ljmufu.com
Excellent
42%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 455 reviews

Mufu Palace

Reviewed By jtaylor946 - Guangzhou, China

Make sure to climb to the top of Lion Hill for the best views of Lijiang Old Town! You have to pay 65¥ to enter the palace and an extra ¥50 to climb to the top of Lion Hill but it’s worth it! There are a lot of steps to climb. Go slow and appreciate the view and the beautiful temples.

5. World Heritage Park, Lijiang

Yuquan Road, Gucheng District, Lijiang 674100 China +86 888 888 1074
Excellent
60%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 200 reviews

World Heritage Park, Lijiang

6. Blue Moon Valley

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang China http://explorechinatibet.com/attractions/blue-moon-valley/
Excellent
60%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 277 reviews

Blue Moon Valley

Reviewed By Cath5102 - Puchong, Malaysia

It's a beautiful valley down the Yulong Snow mountain. There are parts of the water which are in rich turquoise color.

7. Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture

Heilong Tan, Lijiang China +86 888 518 0270
Excellent
31%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
23%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 96 reviews

Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture

Reviewed By H5458EUbrianm - Oxford, United Kingdom

This is a small museum but it took our breath away when we walked in as it is very well designed and the exhibits exquisitely presented. Entrance is free and there is a sort of gift shop but the selection wass not very big when we visited. I would urge to visit it as it is a small gem of a museum and well worth finding out more on the local Naxi culture.

8. Black Dragon Pond Park

Xin Daje, Lijiang 674100 China http://www.localchinaguide.com/attractions/black-dragon-pond-park/
Excellent
40%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 991 reviews

Black Dragon Pond Park

Reviewed By Canary289 - Hanoi, Vietnam

The scenery of Black dragon park is the iconic image of Lijiang. If you search Lijiang on Google then you probably see the photo of a temple with Jade snow mountain at the back. The park is not very big but landscape is beautiful. The bridges, garden, rivers make up a great background for you Instagram photos. Even the toilet is decorated elaborately which look like a small palace from afar.

9. Lijiang Mural in Baisha Village

Baisha Yulong County, Lijiang 674101 China
Excellent
33%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
27%
Poor
5%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 209 reviews

Lijiang Mural in Baisha Village

Reviewed By YvonneH2903

This village is what I imagine the two other old towns would have been, before refurbishment exercise to clean up and gloss over the rough edges to cater to tourists. The murals have degraded due to age, but are still beautiful and unique. The residents going about with their daily routines and selling fresh/seasonal produce (some foraged) gives real soul to the place. Embroidered art pieces (some done by refugees to raise funds) and handwritten ancient dongba messages/posters make great souvenirs.

10. Shuhe Ancient Town

2 Miles North West of Lijiang Ancient Town, Lijiang 674100 China
Excellent
47%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,160 reviews

Shuhe Ancient Town

Shuhe is a small village a couple miles to the north of Lijiang, in Yunnan province. It has similar old architecture as Lijiang with similar places to buy Naxi woven cloth and products from local artisans. A major advantage over Lijiang is that it is relatively unknown so the streets are much less crowded and food and lodging is cheaper. In addition to woven goods, there are stores selling wood carvings, Naxi style pottery and silver filigree jewelry. There was an elderly artist whose paintings were all done with the edge of his thumb producing quite astonishing images.

Reviewed By Passportalwaysready - Athens, Greece

And a river runs through it surrounded by trees and flowers. Shops are varied, horses with and without carts for seeing the sights stroll by, and street vendors tease you with the smells of roasting corn, Chinese sausage, and local foods. Stores offer souvenirs and high end goodies. A lovely way to spend a day or two or three....and you are likely to encounter rival couples posing for photos!

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