Lijiang Five Days Four Nights Travel Guide

Lijiang Five Days Four Nights In-Depth Travel Guide | The Perfect Guide to Encountering Soft Moments
Day 1: First Encounter with Lijiang | Slow Life in the Ancient Town

Morning: Arrive at Sanyi Airport, take the airport shuttle bus (20 RMB/person) directly to Dayan Ancient Town
Recommended Accommodation: Choose a Naxi courtyard guesthouse near Sifang Street (off-season 200-400 RMB/night)
Afternoon: Stroll around 【Dayan Ancient Town】 Check-in spots: Big Waterwheel → Sifang Street → Xianwen Lane Oil-paper Umbrella Street
Must-experience at night: Lion Hill Viewing Platform for a panoramic view of the ancient town, listen to folk songs at Bar Street (recommended "Hope You Are Here" quiet bar)

Day 2: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain | Glacier Secret Journey

6:30 Departure (recommended to join a pure-play small group tour 500 RMB/person including cold-proof clothing and oxygen)
Morning: Take the cable car to the top of the Glacier Park at 4680 meters (beware of altitude sickness)
Noon: Take photos at 【Blue Moon Valley】 at the foot of the snow mountain (bring ethnic-style shawls for better photos)
Afternoon: Watch the live performance "Impression Lijiang" (VIP ticket 280 RMB)
Dinner: Taste cured pork rib hotpot (recommended "Grandma’s Home" old brand)

Day 3: Tea Horse Road | Horse Caravan Culture Experience

Morning: Horseback riding at Lashi Lake along the Tea Horse Road (choose a reputable stable, about 180 RMB/person including boating)
Hidden activity: Visit a Naxi family farm and learn Dongba papermaking
Afternoon: Relax at Shuhe Ancient Town (quieter than Dayan), check in at Qinglong Bridge + Jiuding Longtan
Special experience: Free bonfire dance at Sifang Listening Square at 19:30

Day 4: Tiger Leaping Gorge + Baisha Ancient Town | A Feast of Nature and Culture

Charter a car to 【Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge】 (1.5-hour drive, ticket 45 RMB), feel the roar of the Jinsha River
Afternoon: Explore 【Baisha Ancient Town】 three main highlights: Baisha Murals → Tie-dye Workshop → Snow Mountain Café
Food surprise: Rose steamed buns from the Mantou Poet’s home (sold out by 3 PM)

Day 5: Cultural Remnants | Return with Memories

Early morning: Take photos of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflection at Black Dragon Pool Park (receipt for ancient town maintenance fee required)
Morning: In-depth tour of the Mu Residence (ticket 40 RMB, free guided tour available)
Recommended souvenirs: Jiahua freshly baked flower cakes, Dongba paper lanterns, handmade silverware (look for "Baishuifang")
Afternoon flight return, recommend leaving 2 hours for the airport

Before You Go:
✔️ Lijiang altitude 2400 meters, generally no altitude sickness
✔️ Wear non-slip shoes on the ancient town’s stone pavements
✔️ Sunscreen essentials: sunglasses + hat + SPF50+ sunscreen
✔️ Best seasons: March-May for spring blossoms, September-November for autumn colors
Pitfall Tips:
🚫 Cheap tours from roadside touts often have hidden costs
🚫 Be cautious buying silverware/tea if you’re not knowledgeable (authenticity guaranteed at "Lijiang Silverware Museum")
🚫 Confirm if ethnic photo shoots include makeup and styling (average price 199-399 RMB)
Budget Reference (Comfortable trip for 2):

Transportation: Airfare varies by location, local transport about 600 RMB
Accommodation: Four nights boutique inn 1200 RMB
Tickets and experiences: about 1500 RMB
Meals: 1000 RMB (taste all Naxi cuisine)
Total: Starting from 4300 RMB

When the morning sunlight shines on the bluestone slabs of Sifang Street, you will understand why people don’t want to leave Lijiang once they arrive. It is recommended to save this guide; at a corner of the ancient town, you might just encounter your own "one meter of sunshine" story.