Yulong Naxi Autonomous County

What are the most recommended things to do in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County?

Explore Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to experience traditional Naxi culture and architecture.
Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain for hiking, cable car rides, and spectacular alpine scenery.
Attend Naxi cultural performances, including traditional music and dance.
Discover Baisha Village and Shuhe Ancient Town for local art, murals, and crafts.
Take part in outdoor activities like horseback riding, river rafting, and mountain trekking.

Introducing Yulong Naxi Autonomous County

Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, one of the counties under the jurisdiction of Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, is located in northwestern Yunnan Province. As of 2014, Yulong County governed 16 townships (towns), 97 village committees, 5 neighborhood committees, and 913 villagers' groups, covering an area of 6,392.6 square kilometers. Yulong County boasts numerous tourist and cultural attractions, including Yulong Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, the First Bend of the Yangtze River, Lashi Lake, Baoshan Stone City, Dongba culture, and Baisha murals. It also boasts wildlife and plant resources, including the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, the Chinese merganser, the southern yew, and the Yunnan camellia.

Most Popular FAQs for Yulong Naxi Autonomous County

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Yulong Naxi Autonomous County is home to the Naxi ethnic minority, with a rich cultural heritage including traditional music, Dongba script, and architecture. The county is also known for its scenic landscapes, including Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge, making it both a cultural and natural tourism destination.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

It is located in Lijiang, Yunnan Province. Visitors can reach Yulong Naxi County by bus or taxi from Lijiang city, or by car from nearby towns. The nearest airport is Lijiang Sanyi Airport. Within the county, local buses, taxis, and walking are common for sightseeing.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Most attractions operate from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is from April to October when the weather is mild and suitable for outdoor activities.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: approx. 200–250 RMB (including cable car), tickets can be bought online or at the entrance.
Lijiang Old Town: free entry, some museums and cultural sites may charge 50–100 RMB.
Other villages and scenic spots: 50–80 RMB, purchased offline or via official websites.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

For popular sites like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, booking 1–3 days in advance is recommended, especially during peak season. Other attractions may not require advance booking.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

3–5 days are recommended to explore Lijiang Old Town, surrounding villages, and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at a relaxed pace.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Lijiang Old Town with its canals and traditional Naxi architecture
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Glacier Park
Baisha Village with ancient murals
Shuhe Ancient Town with boutique shops and cafes
Black Dragon Pool and surrounding gardens

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are widely available in Chinese and English. Some museums and cultural sites offer audio guides in multiple languages including English, Japanese, and French.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain summit and cable car points
Black Dragon Pool for reflections of the mountain
Lijiang Old Town canals and bridges at sunrise or sunset
Baisha Village murals and Shuhe Ancient Town streets

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start with Lijiang Old Town, then visit Black Dragon Pool, continue to Baisha Village, followed by Shuhe Ancient Town, and end with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain for hiking or sightseeing.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night markets in Lijiang Old Town provide cultural performances and local food. Some hotels and cultural centers offer evening Naxi music performances. Scenic spots like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain are generally not open at night.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Peak tourist season is July–August and Chinese public holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays in April–June and September–October.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities include public restrooms, cafes and restaurants, souvenir shops, and rest areas near major attractions and scenic viewpoints.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Lijiang Old Town is mostly accessible on foot but has some uneven cobblestones. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain has cable cars suitable for elderly and children. Accessibility for disabled visitors is limited in outdoor and rural areas.