Live Your Best Lives
Lijiang is located on the northwestern Yunnan plateau, in the middle reaches of the Jinsha River. Its iconic "Two Mountains, One City, One Lake, One River, One Culture, and One Custom" attract thousands of tourists year-round. The "Two Mountains" refer to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Laojun Mountain; the "One City" is Lijiang Old Town, also known as Dayan Old Town; the "One River" is the Jinsha River; the "One Culture" refers to the Naxi Dongba culture; and the "One Custom" is the Mosuo folk customs.
Lijiang is known as the "City of Romance." Whether it's the charming bridges and flowing waters of Lijiang Old Town that create this allure, or the lazy, alluring atmosphere of the bars and streets after dark that captivates the amorous passersby, Lijiang is bustling, allowing you to party all night long; or it's tranquil, allowing you to sit in a sun-drenched courtyard and meditate for hours. This charming ancient city, brimming with love and adventure, carries a wealth of affection and sensuality.
Suitable for all seasons.
Spring: From March to May, willow branches sprout, flowers bloom, and the eighth day of the second lunar month is the Naxi people's biggest festival, the Three Flowers Festival. On this day, the Naxi elders who have moved out of the ancient city will come back in their ethnic costumes to visit the ancient city.
Summer: June to August: Flowering season and rainy season. Wildflowers bloom everywhere, creating seas of flowers in the fields. Various lakes also reach peak water levels, making this the most beautiful time of year. However, the rainy season is also often cloudy and foggy, making it difficult to see the true beauty of the snow-capped mountains. The Naxi Torch Festival begins on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, when torches are lit at the entrances of every household in the ancient city.
Autumn: From September to November, the harvest season arrives. The weather turns cold, the sky is full of colorful clouds, the vegetation is lush and green, and the weather is mostly sunny. It is the most comfortable and pleasant season in Lijiang.
Winter: December to February, as long as there is sunshine, it is also extremely comfortable. Winter is the best season to see snow-capped mountains, with clear skies and fresh air. If you happen to catch a snowfall, you will have caught the most beautiful days of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Lugu Lake
Lugu Lake, known for its unique "Asha" marriages, natural and pristine folk customs, and stunning natural scenery, imbues this ancient land with a mystical and beautiful atmosphere, earning it the nickname "The Magical Eastern Kingdom of Women." Heiwawu Island, Liwubi Island, and Lige Island are the lake's three most scenic and tourist-worthy attractions, collectively known as the "Lugu Three Islands." Renting an electric car to tour the lake is a popular way to explore.
Lijiang Old Town
One of the most famous towns along the Ancient Tea-Horse Road, this ancient city boasts a history of eight to nine hundred years. Its architecture is characterized by wooden buildings with green tiles, ancient stone alleys, and flowing water. Standing on East Street, one can gaze upon the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This ancient city is one of only two in China to have its entire city successfully nominated for World Cultural Heritage status, and its architecture is one of the most distinctive and distinctive styles of Chinese folk architecture.
Shuhe Ancient Town
Located northwest of Lijiang Old Town, Shuhe Ancient Town, nestled between mountains and water, is even more tranquil and quaint than Dayan Ancient Town. The hills behind the town are the remnants of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with lush, verdant mountains and lush forests. The town's Dashiqiao and Dajue Palace are well-preserved, with murals depicting Buddhist figures. Because the town houses the Longquan Temple, built during the Qing Dynasty and dedicated to Sun Bin, the founder of leather crafts, it is a major distribution center for leather goods in Lijiang. Enter through the large archway bearing the inscription "Shuhe Ancient Town" and walk along the stone pavement to Sifang Street, the heart of the town.
Lijiang, in Yunnan Province, is famous for its well-preserved ancient town and as a historical hub of the Naxi ethnic group. Its Old Town reflects over 800 years of history and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is known for its unique architecture, canal system, and as a gateway to the Tibetan Plateau and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Lijiang is located in northwest Yunnan. It can be accessed via Lijiang Sanyi Airport with flights from Kunming, Chengdu, and other cities. From the airport, taxis or shuttle buses can take visitors to Lijiang Old Town. Walking is convenient within the Old Town, while taxis or buses serve nearby attractions.
Booking in advance is recommended for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, especially during peak tourist seasons (2–7 days ahead). Most other attractions allow on-site ticket purchase.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and English through local agencies. Some major sites provide audio guides in Chinese and English.
Start at Lijiang Old Town to explore streets and canals, then visit Black Dragon Pool. Allocate a day trip for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Include Shuhe Ancient Town or Baisha village for cultural immersion.
Old Town offers evening strolls, street performances, and lighted streets. Special cultural shows like Naxi music and dance performances are available at selected venues.
The Old Town and major attractions can be crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Early mornings on weekdays are least crowded. Avoid National Day and Chinese New Year for quieter visits.
Old Town has uneven cobblestone streets; some sites may have steps. Elderly and children can visit but may need assistance. Mountain attractions have cable cars for easier access.
Alipay, WeChat Pay, and credit cards are widely accepted. Small vendors may prefer cash.
Vegetarian options are available in many restaurants; vegan and halal options are limited but present in some specialty eateries.
