Qingxi Reservoir, located in the northern suburbs of Lijiang City, is one of the city's drinking water sources (swimming is prohibited). In winter, it's a great place to relax and sunbathe; in summer, it's a cool place to cool off. At night, you can go with friends to count the stars and gaze at the moon.
Attractions Location: Qingxi Village, Xi'an Street, Gucheng District, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
Opening hours:
All day (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)
Transportation:
You can walk from Lijiang Old Town to Zhongyi Market Station, take bus No. 3, and get off at Qingxi Reservoir Station.
Time reference: 1-3 hours
This one-day itinerary offers a serene experience at Lijiang Qingxi Reservoir, perfect for nature lovers seeking a calm getaway near the city.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in Lijiang Old Town hotels or guesthouses; dine at local restaurants offering Yunnan specialties like steamed pot chicken and wild mushrooms.
Souvenirs: Local teas, handcrafted wooden carvings, Naxi embroidery products.
This itinerary allows for a relaxed day at Qingxi Reservoir combined with cultural experiences in Lijiang Old Town.
Transportation: Use local taxis or walking for intra-city travel; Qingxi Reservoir remains best accessed by private car or taxi.
Accommodation/Food: Boutique guesthouses in Old Town; enjoy Naxi cuisine and local snacks such as baba (flatbread) and yak jerky.
Souvenirs: Traditional musical instruments, woodblock prints, local teas.
Combine Qingxi Reservoir's natural beauty with a visit to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the scenic Blue Moon Valley.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in Lijiang or Shuhe; sample yak hotpot and Tibetan butter tea.
Souvenirs: Snow mountain crafts, herbal teas, Tibetan-style jewelry.
Explore Qingxi Reservoir and nearby villages for an immersive cultural and natural experience.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in Baisha or Lijiang; enjoy local Naxi barbecue and rice wine.
Souvenirs: Murals-inspired artwork, embroidered fabrics, local herbal products.
This itinerary adds a trip to Shaxi Ancient Town to explore Yunnan's ancient Tea Horse Road culture.
Accommodation/Food: Guesthouses in Shaxi; sample wild mushrooms and local rice wine.
Souvenirs: Wood carvings, Tibetan jewelry, paper fans.
Add an excursion to Lugu Lake, experiencing the unique Mosuo culture and beautiful lake scenery.
Accommodation/Food: Lakeside guesthouses; try Mosuo smoked pork and fresh fish dishes.
Souvenirs: Mosuo silver jewelry, woven textiles, wooden crafts.
A full experience combining Qingxi Reservoir, cultural villages, mountain scenery, and ethnic minority heritage for a week-long immersive trip.
Accommodation/Food: Boutique hotels or guesthouses in Lijiang/Shuhe; enjoy fusion Yunnan dishes.
Souvenirs: Naxi embroidery, local teas, handcrafted musical instruments, herbal skincare products.
Qingxi Reservoir, located in the northern suburbs of Lijiang City, is one of the city's drinking water sources. In winter, it's a great place to relax and sunbathe, and in summer, it's a cool spot. It's a great weekend getaway for the family to unwind and relax. At night, you can also go with friends to count the stars and gaze at the moon. This place is rarely known to many visitors, but it offers a great view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from afar.
Qingxi Reservoir isn't a major tourist attraction, so it's a relatively uncommon spot. Built in the 1950s, its water source primarily comes from meltwater from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, resulting in crystal-clear water. The surrounding area is lush with vegetation and is often inhabited by egrets and other waterfowl. Many people seeking to photograph Jade Dragon Snow Mountain head to its foothills, but that's not exactly a popular spot for photographers. A scenic plank road on the east side of the reservoir offers a distant view of the mountain's reflection, making it a popular spot for locals to stroll and for photography enthusiasts to capture the morning mist and golden peaks.
Qingxi Reservoir, located in the northern suburbs of Lijiang City, is one of the city's drinking water sources (swimming is prohibited there). It's also near Lijiang Normal College. In winter, it's a great place to relax and sunbathe, and in summer, it's a cool place to cool off.
A reservoir near Lijiang City has become a great place to take photos of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain! As long as there is no wind and the water is calm, the reflection of the snow-capped mountain is very clear.
It rained the day before and was cloudy the next day. I took advantage of the cloudy weather to try my luck and see if I could take a picture of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. My luck was pretty good. I had seen most of the snow mountain except the top.
This is where the locals relax in their spare time. Standing on the reservoir dam, you can see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance. The two bridges in the middle are also good places for taking photos. It's a good place to take photos.
The reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is clearly visible in the azure lake.
A must-see place. Beautiful scenery and free.
The small reservoir with memories, the beauty is not the scenery, but the memory of our youth
The environment is very beautiful. It is in the city center. Locals gather here for a walk after dinner. The water is very clear.
The scenery is beautiful, suitable for taking pictures, and the water is very clear
Qingxi Reservoir is a little-known tourist attraction. Here you can see the most beautiful reflection of snow-capped mountains in the world. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is reflected in the water, willow trees are swaying, and an ancient bridge lies across the water. With the blue sky and white clouds, it is like Shichahai, but more beautiful than Shichahai.
The outlook is a bit bad, with the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the background. For this reason, the room rate is not cheap!
Not far from Lijiang, the entire reservoir is not large in area.
Good for watching clouds.
It is also suitable for people like me who just lie there doing nothing.
The snow mountain in the distance is Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Qingxi Reservoir is probably where teenagers go for a stroll after school. Across the lake lies Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the source of Lijiang's drinking water. The clear water reflects the surrounding mountains and green grass, creating a particularly expansive view. The reservoir is not far from the ancient city, and snow-capped mountains shrouded in white clouds can be seen from afar.
The weather is nice and beautiful, it's worth waiting for the sun to set, and it's also wonderful to spend an afternoon here
After all, it is a reservoir park. When I went there, it was still under construction. I slipped in from the construction site, but the workers would not chase you away. It is a very quiet place. You will hardly see tourists. You can take pictures casually.
This is a great place to view the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the sunset. We got up early in the morning and climbed onto the platform to take pictures of the sunrise. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance was clearly reflected in the water. The sun slowly rose and bloomed in the clouds, dyeing the snow mountain and the sky red, which was extremely enchanting.
This is not a regular tourist spot. There are fewer noisy people and away from the hustle and bustle, you can enjoy the rare tranquility. The four seasons of Qingxi Reservoir are as beautiful as a poem. In summer, the grass is green, the sky is blue, and the water is clear. It is only 3 kilometers away from Lijiang Old Town. It is highly recommended! Five-star praise
The blue sky, white clouds and snow-capped mountains make this scene intoxicating.
Walking up to the reservoir, a vast expanse of blue comes into view, making people yearn for it and curing urban problems. The breeze blows, and the quiet lake surface is fascinating.
The ecology here is really good.
I recommend everyone to come and see it. It is very close to Shuhe Ancient Town, no tickets are required, and an hour is enough. On a clear day, you can see the snow-capped mountains. If you are lucky, the clouds in the sky are reflected in the water, which is also surprisingly beautiful.
Qingxi Reservoir is situated on a high ground. After getting off the bus, you can climb up a small path. Once you reach the top, turn left and you'll see a pavilion opposite two stone arch bridges. The embankment surrounding the reservoir is constructed of neatly shaped white stones, and the crystal-clear water within it shifts from light blue to dark blue as you approach. Tourists are few here; most come here to cool off or stroll, and many couples take wedding photos. It's also Lijiang's secondary drinking water source. Walking along the path along the reservoir, the cool breeze gently blows through the willow-lined path. Under the fading sunlight, sitting on a stone bench, watching the shimmering water surface before you and gazing out at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance, makes for a truly relaxing afternoon.
Tips: A taxi from Lijiang Old Town to Qingxi Reservoir costs about 10 yuan, or you can take bus No. 3 from the Old Town. The reservoir is small, and a full circle around it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
The reservoir is small and has many water birds. Although the weather was very cold that day, there were still many couples taking wedding photos.
I went here because two young women who were studying in Yunnan and I met on the train recommended it to me! It was truly beautiful! Perfect for strolling and taking photos! The sky was blue and the water was clear!
Qingxi Reservoir is just 3 kilometers from Lijiang Old Town, a 15-minute ride on a shared bike. Despite its proximity to the Old Town, it's still relatively untouched by tourists. Arriving here feels like stepping into a paradise within Lijiang, a completely different world. It's quiet, with only a few strolling locals and vendors selling snacks from carts.
Elephant Mountain beside the Qingxi Reservoir is one of the best viewing spots for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It is not a famous scenic spot in Lijiang, but it is more relaxing.
The scenery is beautiful and the water is clean, but when you go up there is a smell of cow dung and horse dung, so stinky! You can see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
In late autumn, the leaves turn yellow, the sky turns blue, the snow-capped mountains turn white, and the Qingxi Reservoir becomes colorful.
💕Location💕
Qingxi Reservoir is located in the northern suburbs of Lijiang City, near the Tourism and Culture College of Yunnan University in Lijiang and the No. 1 Middle School in Lijiang Old Town District. It is one of the drinking water sources of Lijiang.
💕Transportation💕
Lijiang 👉 Qingxi Reservoir:
1/Bus: Take bus No. 3 from the entrance of Lijiang Ancient Town and get off at Qingxi Reservoir
2/ Cycling: If you like cycling, it is a great way to travel. You can stop and go as you please, which is flexible and free.
3/Hiking: If you have enough time, you can also try hiking. The advantage of hiking is that you can exercise your body and deeply feel the scenery along the way. It took me 40-50 minutes to walk from the entrance of Lijiang Ancient Town to Qingxi Reservoir.
4/ Didi: Lijiang Old Town to Qingxi Reservoir starting price, 5-10 minutes to arrive, suitable for travelers with a tight schedule
Similarly, the strategy for Shuhe 👉Qingxi Reservoir is the same. Shuhe is only 2-3 kilometers away from Qingxi Reservoir, very close.
💕Tickets💕
Qingxi Reservoir does not charge admission. It is more like a place for locals to bask in the sun in winter and cool off in summer. It is not a very popular tourist attraction.
💕Visit duration💕
The recommended time for visiting Qingxi Reservoir is 1-2 hours. If you like taking photos, it is recommended to visit for 2-3 hours.
It was early November when I went there. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain had just finished snowing and Lijiang Ancient Town had cleared up after a light rain and snow.
Under the sunshine, the blue sky and white clouds are particularly clear, and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is quietly visible not far away.
It was a rare good day for taking photos, so I arrived at the reservoir around 10 o'clock. At that time, there were already many tourists taking photos in twos and threes.
The water in the library is very clear. Even in late autumn, the water volume is still sufficient. The Qingxi Reservoir faces the national road on one side, and the view on three sides is extremely wide. There are many big trees growing around it. Walking along the edge of the reservoir, there is the reservoir on one side and rows of big trees on the other side, just like the Spanish Royal Guards lining up to welcome you.
The yellow color of the leaves is just right, reminding me of "If the clear stream is compared to Xi Shi, heavy makeup or light makeup will always be suitable"
I entered the reservoir from the national highway and felt fascinated. Standing at this angle, I felt that the whole picture was like a prose poem in autumn. But as I kept moving forward, I was shocked by the scene in front of me. So I kept a mindset of discovery and walked around the reservoir, not wanting to miss any angle.
It wasn't until the sun was setting that I suddenly realized how much time had passed. Even though I couldn't bear to move my camera, I should put away my greed.
💕tips💕
There are few places to eat near the reservoir, only a few Naxi aunts selling snacks on the roadside.
This is a great place to take photos, whether it's tourist photos, landscape photos, or wedding photos, it's an excellent shooting location, but it must be sunny, so be sure to check the weather before going out.
💕Summary💕
Qingxi Reservoir, spend 1-2 hours on the way from Lijiang to Shuhe, you might as well go and have a look. No matter what season it is, it has its own unique posture, and I especially love late autumn.
I passed by here on the way from Xiangshan to Shuhe Ancient Town. The scenery was pretty good, but I only walked a short distance at that time.
It looks particularly beautiful against the backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain!
This is a national first-class water source, the drinking water for Lijiang people. I actually saw someone swimming in it. The government should take care of it.
There's been no water for a month now, but villagers say they're working on it. The water has been gradually filling up over the past couple of days, and it'll be full in about a week. Those visiting in late August are in luck. I didn't get to see the reservoir, which was a bit disappointing, but I'll definitely come back next time. Fortunately, the inn has great entertainment, and I had a blast. If it had water, this place would have been perfect!
The water is very clear. The weather was nice that day, and I saw a few children bathing in it. There is an embankment in the center, and many people were taking wedding photos. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain can be seen in the distance. It is very pleasant to sit by the reservoir and just daydream.
A good place to view Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from a distance, you must choose to go on a sunny day, it is really beautiful
I saw this place recommended on Lonely Planet and heard locals mention it while dining in Lijiang, so I decided to check it out before leaving. The reservoir isn't very large, but the water is crystal clear, and the view of the snow-capped mountains in the distance is truly stunning. There are some locals flying kites and young people enjoying a spring outing. While there are tourists, it's certainly not a large number, making it a great place to sit quietly or take a stroll. It's said that on a windless, clear day, you can capture the reflection of the snow-capped mountains, but it all depends on the weather.
I like places with few people, it is quiet and comfortable
Qingxi Reservoir is located in the northern suburbs of Lijiang City and is one of the sources of drinking water for Lijiang (swimming is prohibited). In winter, it is a great place to relax and sunbathe; in summer, it is a place to cool off. At night, you can go there with friends to count the stars and look at the moon. The water is very clear and it is very comfortable to sit by the water.
The Qingxi Reservoir is particularly blue on a sunny day, and the scenery is pretty good. It's also great to take a walk here to relax.
A very nice place to take a walk. If the weather is good, you can also see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Since I had some free time, I checked Dianping.com to see what places to visit near Lijiang Old Town. It seemed like there were more locals there, and the reservoir offered a view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Due to the weather, the true beauty of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain was never revealed.
Located north of the ancient city, a short taxi ride away, this is a great place to take photos of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the sunset. The view is wide and there are not many tourists, but many locals are walking or walking their dogs.
It's nice to sleep and have some fresh air. Qingxi Reservoir is not very big.
I can sit here for an entire afternoon. The water is so clear that I can see the reflection of the snow-capped mountains when the wind stops. Taking pictures at sunset is another feeling.
Although it is a small place, most tourists don’t know about it. Many locals go there, so it’s not crowded. You can see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the scenery is nice, there are grasslands and trees, and it’s suitable for picnics.
This morning, we arrived at Qingxi Reservoir, located on the outskirts of Lijiang City. From here, we could see the snow-capped mountains more clearly. We had hoped to capture the golden mountain at sunrise, as we had the previous day. However, the clouds remained thick overnight, and even after the sun had risen, they didn't clear. The distant Jade Dragon Snow Mountain was completely obscured by clouds, barely visible. We stood on the reservoir dam, anxiously waiting for the clouds to clear, the cold and impatience slowly wearing away our patience. Neighbors walking their dogs at the reservoir passed us one after another. A curious golden retriever kept approaching us, sniffing at my camera bag—I never carry food in that bag.
Half an hour later, we reappeared on the Qingxi Reservoir dam. The afternoon sun shone warmly on the dam's lawn. Tourists were out flying kites and basking in the sun, and occasionally a few couples took wedding photos. The dense trees surrounding the reservoir had shed their yellow leaves, leaving only branches crisscrossing the trees. The desolate scene was transformed into a winter sonata by a couple walking hand in hand beneath the trees. Compared to the deserted early morning, the reservoir now felt more like a park.
You can see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from a distance, the reservoir is crystal clear and relatively quiet
I went with a girl from the inn, and the scenery was truly stunning. The water was clear, the sand white. I heard it's Lijiang's drinking water, but I still saw people swimming. The water was incredibly clear, you could see the bottom. The two Jade Belt Bridges were beautiful and quite picturesque, perfect for photos.
The place I randomly picked on the bus route turned out to be so beautiful. There were people taking wedding photos here, swimming, and walking their dogs. The water was very clear and comfortable to look at.
It is a local reservoir, and according to our tour guide, it is closely related to their lives. The scenery is actually average.
Qingxi Reservoir is only suitable for a short stop, taking photos and seeing it. If the weather is bad, you can skip this stop.
First we went to Qingxi Reservoir, which is the drinking water reservoir for Lijiang people. The water is very clear and you can see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. If you are lucky, you can also see the reflection of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on the water. We didn’t see it that day, which was a pity.
It is recommended to visit this place by electric bike. Tourist buses rarely come here. This is one of the sources of drinking water for the people of Lijiang. The water quality is very clean and the scenery is amazing! It is in no way inferior to other attractions.
Qingxi Reservoir is quite worth a visit, as it is full of locals camping and swimming. The water in the reservoir is very clear, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds, like a mirror.
Qingxi Reservoir, one of Lijiang's drinking water sources, is located near the Tourism and Culture College of Yunnan University and the No. 1 Middle School in Lijiang's Old Town District. We walked there in about half an hour. Locals were fishing and flying kites, along with a few foreigners. The water was crystal clear, and the blue skies and white clouds, unlike those seen in Shanghai, made the trip worthwhile.
This place is closest to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and was a Japanese airport during the war. Opposite the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a village.
It doesn’t look very good, but it looks good in photos.
At Qingxi Reservoir, some people are enjoying the cool breeze, while others are fishing... The blue sky, white clouds and clear water make one feel relaxed just looking at them.
The clear water of the lake reflects the blue sky and white clouds, making it a great place for locals to relax and unwind.
This reservoir is next to the Tourism College. The water is very clear and you can see the reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
I like to stay by the Qingxi Reservoir, looking at the snow-capped mountains in the distance and taking a walk along the Qingxi Reservoir. Life is very leisurely.
People who like photography hope to take pictures of the front of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It would be even better if there is some reflection.
Add the sun shining on the Golden Mountain and it's perfect, isn't it?! If you want to satisfy all three of these wishes at once, get up early and head to Qingxi Reservoir!
The water in the reservoir is really clear.
It clearly states that swimming is not allowed. Still, many people swim and row boats. The air is especially good, and many locals come to Qingxi Reservoir to play.
It's quite lively
Watch locals having picnics and playing games with friends.
We also sat under the tree and enjoyed it
Seeing this photo reminded me of the line "Withered vines, old trees, crows, small bridges, flowing water, and houses, ancient roads, west wind, thin horses, and heartbroken people at the end of the world." I feel like my brain is jumping too hard and there's no cure.
There is no entrance fee, many wedding photos will choose to be taken here, the scenery is beautiful and the water is very clear
Lijiang. Qingxi Reservoir. Dusk. Love the tiny rays of light that penetrate the clouds...
"Qingxi Reservoir", we couldn't be happier because we discovered a scenic spot by ourselves~!
Qingxi Reservoir is Lijiang's drinking water source. I haven't researched the source of the water, but the water is crystal clear and incredibly beautiful. Reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and distant snow-capped mountains, it's almost impossible to move.
Rent a bicycle and take your kids
Basking in the warm sun, wandering nearby
Qingzhu Reservoir is one of the water sources in Lijiang City. It is an artificial reservoir with a beautiful environment. There is a small path in the middle of the reservoir, which divides the entire reservoir into two halves. There are two arch bridges on the path and many willow trees, which makes the entire reservoir look very beautiful. The weather was very good when I went there. The entire Jade Dragon Snow Mountain was reflected in the reservoir, and there were white clouds in the sky. How could such a beautiful scenery not make people intoxicated? No wonder I saw several couples taking wedding photos here. It is really a good shooting point. There are also many people visiting here. There is no need for tickets here, and it is away from the hustle and bustle. It is also a good choice to walk here after dinner. Recommended
Qingxi Reservoir, located in the northern suburbs of Lijiang City, is one of the city's drinking water sources (swimming is prohibited). It's near the Lijiang Yunnan University School of Tourism and Culture and Lijiang Old Town No. 1 Middle School. In winter, it's a great place to relax and sunbathe, and in summer, it's a cool spot. It's a great place to relax with your family on weekends. At night, you can also go with friends to count the stars and gaze at the moon. A word of caution: be environmentally friendly. You can reach the reservoir by taking bus No. 3 from within the city.
Qingxi Reservoir is one of the drinking water sources of Lijiang. The lake water is very clear. The blue sky is bordered by green grass and the snow-capped mountains are reflected.
It's a popular local wedding photography spot. The scenery is stunning, with the sky and water blending into one, and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain serving as the backdrop. I encountered several couples taking their wedding photos that day.
The owner of the inn recommended us to go there. No entrance fee is required. We can take bus No. 3. It is very beautiful, with blue sky, white clouds and blue water.
When I saw it for the first time, wow, it was so beautiful, the water was so clear and blue.
There may not be anything special and the scenery is relatively simple. There are almost no tourists in this place. It is only locals who come here for a walk. However, there are many couples taking wedding photos that day. If you just want to bask in the sun, feel the cool breeze, walk on the trails, and see the green trees, Qingxi Reservoir is a good choice. The most important thing is that the air here is very good, and the trees are actually covered with "green beards".
Cycling to Shuhe Ancient Town, we passed by the Qingxi Reservoir. The blue sky reflected the reservoir, and the rippling blue waters made it feel like being at Lugu Lake, a place of tranquility and intoxication.
The inn owner recommended that we go to Qingxi Reservoir to stroll around and take some photos, saying that only locals would often go there to play.
It costs 10 yuan to take a taxi.
The water here is very clear and you can see the snow-capped mountains.
Qingxi Reservoir (not recommended, it looks like a lake, but you can see Jade Dragon Snow Mountain there).
There was a sign saying "No Swimming", but many people still went into the water.
The wind is strong, the water is clear, and I feel relaxed and happy.
A place where you can be in a daze for a lifetime
Later I found out that it is also one of the more famous scenic spots. The reservoir is very large, and there is a small arch bridge on it. The wind is very strong and refreshing beside the reservoir.
I have to say this is a free and awesome place!
You can see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain here. The water in the reservoir is so blue that it is unbelievable. It is rare to see such blue water.
Warm sun in winter
Plus the blue sky
Coupled with the beautiful scenery of Qingxi Reservoir
Such a winter day makes people fall in love with this place instantly
Qingxi Reservoir is not big and you can walk around it quickly. We spent a long time taking pictures there, hahaha.