Lijiang 6 Days 5 Nights National Day Travel Guide (Budget 5000 RMB)

Keywords: High cost-performance, deep experience, avoid crowds, food + scenery

📅 Itinerary Overview
Total cost: About 4800-5000 RMB (including transportation, accommodation, tickets, meals)
Features: Avoid crowded peak times at popular attractions, combine off-the-beaten-path activities with classic spots, suitable for young people or couples.

🚗 Transportation Arrangement (Budget 1200 RMB)

Long-distance transport (Budget 800 RMB):

It is recommended to book high-speed train tickets 15 days in advance (e.g., Kunming → Lijiang train 220 RMB/person, round trip 440 RMB), or special airfares (around 500 RMB one way during National Day).

Local transportation in Lijiang (Budget 400 RMB):

Walk and use shared bikes within the Old Town, carpool for long distances (e.g., carpool to Lugu Lake 100 RMB/person/one way).

🏨 Accommodation Recommendations (Budget 1000 RMB)

Core principle: Stay on the edge of the Old Town, quiet and economical!

First three nights: Homestay near South Gate of Lijiang Old Town/Zhongyi Market (200 RMB/night, total 600 RMB), avoid the noisy Sifang Street area.
Last two nights: Boutique inn in Shuhe Ancient Town (200 RMB/night, total 400 RMB), experience Naxi courtyard style.

🗺️ Daily Itinerary Plan
Day 1: Arrive in Lijiang + Initial Exploration of Old Town

Afternoon: Check into homestay and rest after arrival.
Evening: Visit Zhongyi Market (local snack hub), try native chicken rice noodles (15 RMB).
Night: Free night tour of Dayan Old Town, avoid the bar street, recommended to see night view at Wenchang Palace (less crowded!).

Day 2: Light Hiking at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Avoid Crowds)

Morning: Depart at 7 AM, carpool to Dongba Valley (free) to see the sunrise on the mountain, an alternative to the snow mountain scenic area (cable car tickets are hard to get and expensive during National Day).
Afternoon: Hike in Yuhu Village (no ticket), horseback ride to Longnu Lake (bargain to 50 RMB/person), enjoy distant views of the snow mountain.
Dinner: Naxi mixed hotpot in Baisha Ancient Town (40 RMB per person).

Day 3: Lugu Lake One-Day Tour (Off-the-Beaten-Path)

Group tour hassle-free option: Choose a pure-play small group (300 RMB/person), circle the lake to Lige Peninsula, visit the Walking Marriage Bridge, lunch included.
Free travel option: Carpool round trip (200 RMB), only visit Daluoshui Village, ride a pig trough boat (50 RMB/person).

Day 4: Shuhe Ancient Town + Wilderness Pasture

Morning: Leisurely stroll in Shuhe Ancient Town (ticket canceled), check in at Jiuding Longtan.
Afternoon: Taxi to Wilderness Kingdom (ticket 50 RMB), great for taking photos with art installations!
Dinner: Wen’s Grandma’s Kitchen in Shuhe (60 RMB per person).

Day 5: Shaxi Ancient Town One-Day Tour (Avoid Crowds)

Carpool round trip (150 RMB/person), 2-hour drive, visit the ancient theater stage, Pioneer Bookstore, experience the tranquility of the Tea Horse Road.

Day 6: Return Trip + Souvenir Shopping

Morning: Buy fresh flower cakes (2 RMB each) and yak jerky (50 RMB per pack) at Zhongyi Market.
Noon: Return trip.

🍜 Food List (Budget 800 RMB)

Must-eat: Naxi barbecue (30 RMB), chickpea jelly (10 RMB), cured pork rib hotpot (50 RMB per person).
Avoid: “Internet-famous restaurants” inside the Old Town, overpriced.

💰 Expense Details

Item
Cost (RMB)

Transportation
1200

Accommodation
1000

Tickets/Activities
600

Meals
800

Souvenirs
400

Total
5000

⚠️ National Day Pitfall Avoidance Guide

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: Ask the homestay owner about cable car tickets in advance; if unavailable, switch to Yak Meadow (fewer people, beautiful scenery).
Lugu Lake: Be sure to choose a “pure-play tour,” low-cost tours may take you to shopping stops!
Clothing: Large temperature difference during National Day, bring a light down jacket + sun hat.

✨ Tip: Lijiang is best enjoyed slowly, don’t rush your itinerary! Sleep in naturally every day, and the essence is to sunbathe and drink tea in the afternoon~