Live Your Best Lives
Visitors to Anaguo in Lijiang can enjoy a range of cultural and scenic activities. Explore the ancient Naxi culture through local architecture, traditional music performances, and folk arts. Take a scenic walk through the picturesque villages and visit local farms to experience rural life. The surrounding mountains and rivers also offer hiking and photography opportunities.
Anaguo is located in the Xiyan Group of Taohua Village, Shitou Bai Nationality Township, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province. It is also known as Anaguo and Ana Pavilion. It is a new entry-level hiking destination in China. Together with Yubeng, Haba Snow Mountain and Yulong Snow Mountain, it is known as the "four most popular hiking destinations in Yunnan."
The village has a total of 32 households with more than 150 people. The Naxi, Han, Bai, Lisu, Tibetan, Pumi and other ethnic groups live in harmony. The village also retains many ancient traditional rituals such as the Naxi sky worship.
There are virgin forests, alpine pastures, sunrise sea of clouds, azalea forests, spruce forests, yew forests, jagged rocky mountains, Iris Valley and Xiangshui River in the area. It is known as "Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou on earth, Anaguo in heaven", "Yubeng 10 years ago", "Little Shangri-La in Lijiang" and "The last pure land in Lijiang".
The southern temperate low-latitude plateau mountain monsoon climate is suitable for all seasons
【Azalea Forest】
Rhododendron forests are mainly distributed along the Anaguo hiking route and around Camp No. 1. From early April to the end of June every year, azaleas in a variety of colors, including bright red, crimson, apricot red, snow-green, white and light yellow, bloom all over the mountains. The peak flowering period is from mid-April to the end of May.
Iris Valley
Iris Valley is named after the irises, gentians and other colorful wild flowers that cover the valley. Irises begin to bloom in August every year, covering the entire valley. The peak flowering period lasts from mid-August to mid-September, while large-flowered gentians generally bloom in autumn, around mid-October to mid-November.
Camp 1
Camp One is the "ultimate camp" and "most beautiful camp" on the Anaguo hiking route. Located at an altitude of approximately 3,600 meters, it is the best place to watch the sunrise, sea of clouds, beautiful starry sky, and colorful sunset. It is adjacent to spruce forests and alpine pastures. During the flowering season, it is surrounded by a sea of rhododendrons and lush green meadows.
Open all year round
Anaguo is a historical area in Lijiang, Yunnan, known for its deep roots in Naxi culture and its preservation of traditional lifestyle. The region is part of the greater Lijiang area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its ancient towns and diverse ethnic heritage. Anaguo showcases the agricultural and architectural traditions of the Naxi people.
Anaguo is located in Lijiang, Yunnan Province, China. To reach Anaguo, you can take a taxi or bus from Lijiang city center, which is about 30 km away. The roads are well-connected, and walking through nearby villages is a popular way to explore the area.
Anaguo is open year-round, with peak visiting times during spring and autumn. The best months to visit are April to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the natural scenery is at its most beautiful. Summer can be crowded, and winter may be too cold for outdoor activities.
The entrance fee to Anaguo varies depending on the specific attractions you wish to visit, but it generally ranges from 20 to 50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance gates or through tour packages offered in Lijiang. Online booking is available for some tours.
Booking tickets in advance is not typically necessary for individual visitors, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons or if you plan to join a guided tour. It’s a good idea to book 1-2 days in advance for tours or popular activities.
You can explore Anaguo in 3 to 4 hours, which allows enough time to visit the main cultural sites, walk through the villages, and enjoy the natural surroundings. If you plan to hike or visit surrounding areas, you may want to allocate a full day.
The must-see highlights include the traditional Naxi village architecture, the picturesque farmlands, and the ancient temples. Don't miss the local cultural performances, which showcase Naxi music and dance. The surrounding mountain views are also a key attraction.
Guided tours are available, and most guides speak Mandarin. Some tours may also offer English-speaking guides, particularly in the tourist season. Audio guides in multiple languages may be available at major attractions in the area.
Best photography spots include the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, the traditional architecture of the Naxi villages, and the riverside scenes. Sunrise and sunset provide the best lighting for photographs, especially near the temples and agricultural fields.
Start your visit with a walk through the village to explore the local culture and architecture. Then, visit the main temple and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. If time permits, hike to the nearby viewpoints for stunning photographs of the landscape.
Night visits are not commonly available in Anaguo, though some areas may host cultural performances in the evening. Special tours or events may be available during peak seasons, so it’s worth checking with local operators in advance.
While Anaguo is less crowded than other major attractions in Lijiang, it can still attract many visitors during weekends and holidays. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays, particularly in the morning. The off-peak months of winter and early spring are the least crowded times to visit.
Basic facilities such as toilets and food stalls are available in the area. There are small rest areas where you can take a break. For a wider range of food options and shopping, you can visit Lijiang city, which is a short drive away.
The attraction is accessible for elderly visitors and children, though some of the rural paths may be challenging. There are no fully accessible routes for disabled visitors in some parts of Anaguo, especially in the village and mountainous areas.
Both cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted in Anaguo. It’s advisable to carry some cash, especially for small purchases, as not all locations may accept cards.
There are a few local restaurants offering traditional Yunnanese dishes, including rice noodles and stews. For a wider variety of dining options, you can head to Lijiang city, which has many restaurants and cafes offering international and local cuisines.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in local restaurants, particularly for those interested in plant-based Yunnanese dishes. Halal food options are more limited but can be found in Lijiang city.
There are a few guesthouses and small hotels near Anaguo, offering basic accommodations. For more options and amenities, staying in Lijiang city is recommended, where you will find a wider range of hotels, from budget to luxury.
Nearby attractions include the Old Town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. These can easily be combined with a trip to Anaguo, making for a scenic and cultural day trip.
Souvenir shops are available in the area, selling traditional Naxi crafts, textiles, and local artwork. Popular souvenirs include hand-woven scarves, wooden carvings, and traditional Naxi musical instruments.
After visiting Anaguo, you can continue your journey by taxi, bus, or private car to other parts of Lijiang, including the Old Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. For longer trips, Lijiang has a train station and an airport with connections to major cities in China.
