I'm back from my trip to Lijiang with some tips to share

Pre-trip preparation:
1. Documents: Be sure to bring your ID card. Students can enjoy half-price discounts with their student ID (Yulong Snow Mountain tickets are CNY 130/person). The Ancient City maintenance fee has been canceled, so be wary of anyone posing as a collector.
2. Clothing: There is a large temperature difference in the plateau region, so bring a windproof jacket in the summer and a down jacket in the winter (you can rent a coat at the top of the mountain for CNY 50/piece). Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential (UV radiation is stronger than in Sanya).
3. Altitude sickness medication: Take Rhodiola Rosea one week in advance. Buy oxygen tanks in the city (CNY 20/tank, double the price at the top of the mountain).

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Transportation tips:
- Airport to the city: Refuse black cabs and ride-sharing. Choose a regular taxi or airport bus (CNY 20 directly to the Ancient City).
- Yulong Snow Mountain transportation: The last bus on route 101 leaves at 17:00. If you miss it, a taxi will cost about CNY 100. Book cable car tickets 1–3 days in advance via the official WeChat account.
- Car rental/charter: Inspect the vehicle and record a video. Make sure the contract clearly states the fees and insurance to avoid deposit disputes.

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Accommodation recommendations:
- Location selection:
- Dayan Ancient City: Lively but poorly soundproofed. We recommend the South Gate or North Gate (easier for carrying luggage).
- Shuhe/Baisha: Less commercialized, suitable for a quiet vacation (Jinmao Hyatt, Xitian Yue Shang, etc.).
- Booking tips: Book rooms 1 month in advance during peak season, and read the negative reviews carefully (pay attention to the hot water supply).

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Attractions, activities, and tips:
1. Yulong Snow Mountain:
- Glacier Park cable car tickets are hard to get. We recommend joining a group tour during peak season (CNY 500+/person).
- You can walk to Blue Moon Valley. The CNY 50 battery car is not necessary. Beware of fake "yak jerky" at the cable car station.
2. Lijiang Ancient City:
- Avoid the crowds in the early morning/evening. Confirm prices before ordering at bars in Sifang Street, and refuse to talk to strangers who approach you.
- Mufu Palace: The CNY 40 ticket includes a tour guide. Fruit at Zhongyi Market is priced per half-kilo, so be wary of the "CNY 10 for 3" scam.
3. Lashi Lake: Refuse low-priced "CNY 10 horseback riding" tours. Choose a regular horse farm (Yunduan Bian, etc.) and sign an agreement in advance.
4. Lugu Lake: Choose a regular pier for the pig trough boat (CNY 100/person), and be wary of "low-priced tours" that take you to remote lake bays.

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Food and shopping:
- Local cuisine: Avoid the expensive restaurants in Sifang Street. The wax-cured pork rib hot pot in Huama Street in the new city costs CNY 50/person. Choose "Shiguo Yushan Zhenguan" for wild mushroom hot pot to avoid being passed off with ordinary mushrooms.
- Shopping:
- Choose "Baishuifang" for silverware (a reasonable price is CNY 25–30/gram). Non-professionals should be cautious when buying tea and maca.
- Bargain down Yiwu goods such as shawls and bells to 1/3 of the marked price. Authentic yak jerky costs CNY 120/half-kilo or more.

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Concise 5-day itinerary:
Day 1–2: Yulong Snow Mountain (Glacier Park + Blue Moon Valley) → Shuhe Ancient Town (Jiuding Dragon Pool + leather craftsman village silver jewelry experience) → Baisha Fresco.
Day 3: Lugu Lake loop (Walking Marriage Bridge + Lige Peninsula) → Mosuo bonfire party.
Day 4: Tiger Leaping Gorge hike (Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge) → Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-La.
Day 5: Black Dragon Pool to photograph the snow-capped mountain reflection → Lijiang Eternal Love (19:30 show with Flying Over the Snow Mountain effects).

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Final reminders:
- Altitude sickness: Avoid strenuous exercise on the snow mountain, and inhale oxygen immediately if you feel dizzy. Lugu Lake is 2,700m above sea level, so altitude sickness is generally not a problem.
- Safety: Women should travel in groups at night, and take care of their belongings. Respect the Naxi fire pit taboos, and do not make noise in temples.