Top 15 Things to Do in Lijiang: Plan the Best Itinerary

Lijiang is a beautiful destination in Yunnan Province of China. It is where time moves slowly and where travelers seek to escape their monotonous and fast-paced daily life. As this faraway and poetic destination becomes more accessible and popular with visitors, how do we truly discover its essence instead of just quickly passing by without uncovering what’s underneath?

In this article, we have put together the top 15 things to do in Lijiang. We will steer you away from the crowds, take you down the narrow alleys vibrant with local life and take you on a journey to discover the city like an old friend. Read also about the perfect itineraries for spending 1, 2, or 3 days in Lijiang.

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• Top 15 Things to Do in Lijiang
• How to Plan a Lijiang Itinerary
• Cultural Festivals in Lijiang
• Romantic Things to Do for Couples in Lijiang
• Lijiang Transportation
• Where to Stay in Lijiang
• What to Eat & Where to Find the Best Foods in Lijiang
• Lijiang Travel Tips

Top 15 Things to Do in Lijiang

1. Take a Walk Through Dayan Old Town’s Ancient Streets

The top thing to do in Lijiang is to explore Dayan Old Town. Start your tour from the Big Waterwheel in the north of the town. Walk down the busy Sifang Street, then turn into the many nameless alleys like Wuyi Street and Qiyi Street.

You’ll see local Naxi elders sitting in the sun against the earthen walls and doorways by the quiet, flowing water. You can sit down at a cafe and enjoy this moment. This 800-year-old town has no city walls, only the echoes of the river between the stone paved streets and residential houses.

2. Ascend to the top of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Naxi people believe that the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, is their heavenly guardian. You can take a cable car to a height of 4,506 meters to see the glacier with your own eyes. What’s even more mesmerizing is the Blue Moon Valley at the foot of the mountain where the lake water appears to be a huge piece of blue and green sapphire. The famous explorer Joseph Rock was once amazed by the same sight.

3. Hike Tiger Leaping Gorge and Hear the Mighty Rapids

If you enjoy hiking, this will be one of the best experiences during your Lijiang tour. The Tiger Leaping Gorge is 1,500 meters deeper than the Grand Canyon of Colorado in the US. Jinsha River is narrowed down to just 30 meters wide. Walking along the cliffside trails, you’re backed by mountains on one side and faced with the roaring river on the other.

You won’t have to complete the entire trail. It’ll only take half a day to experience the thrill. This trail has been named one of the world’s top 10 most classic trails by many experienced hikers.

4. Go on a Horseback Ride Through Shuhe Ancient Town

Shuhe Ancient Town is smaller and quieter than Lijiang Old Town. A small clear river runs through it. The best way to explore the town is to take a horseback ride slowly down the stone paved streets.

Hearing the sound of horses’ hoofbeats echoing along the river, it’ll feel like you’re transported back to the time of the ancient Tea Horse Road. Your local Naxi guide will steer your horse and tell you about the stories of the historical trade route. Pause for a minute on the 400-year-old Qinglong Bridge, see the snow mountains in the distance and local people passing by.

5. Admire 500-Year-Old Murals at Baisha Village

Baisha Village is home to the Naxi people. The murals here have more than 500 years of history blending Buddhist, Taoist influences with traditional Naxi beliefs. The characters, animals, and stories depicted in the paintings are like a colored book of history. The village is not so well known among tourists so you can enjoy your own quiet time.

6. Discover the Only Living Hieroglyphics in the World

The Dongba script is the only existing hieroglyphics system still in use today in the world. Its written characters are drawn like the actual objects they represent. At Dongba Culture Museum, you can see the language written on paper, on wooden planks, recording traditional Naxi lyrics, poetry, history, and legends. In 2003, these ancient scriptures were registered in the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme.

7. Capture the Snow Mountains and Ancient Bridge at Black Dragon Pool

To capture the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and traditional architecture within the same frame, the Black Dragon Pool offers the best photography spot. In early morning or around dusk, the snow mountains are reflected in the clear pool water. Together with the stone bridge and pavilion, they will stand out as a piece of memory from your Lijiang journey.

Many travel journals and magazines choose to take their cover photo of Lijiang here. Such gorgeous sceneries can simply be captured with your phone without the need of a professional camera.

8. Watch Impression Lijiang, a Live-Action Performance at the Foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Impression Lijiang is a performance directed by Zhang Yimou. The 500 actors are local villagers who lead the actual lives they present in the show. On the stage at an altitude of 3,050 meters, you will see horseback riding, singing, and dancing. You will feel the beauty and power of local culture in the wonderful show.

9. Visit the Women’s Kingdom at Lugu Lake

About 3.5 hours away from Lijiang by car, Lugu Lake is definitely worth a visit. The lake water is as blue as a piece of sapphire. The Mosuo people who reside by the lake still preserve their traditional matriarchal society. Their marriages form a completely different type of familial structure from what we’re used to.

10. Walk into the Authentic Local Life at Zhongyi Market

If you’re curious about what the actual daily life is like in Lijiang, you will discover it at Zhongyi Market. It’s the biggest farmers market of Lijiang Old Town. Naxi people dressed in traditional costumes trade fresh vegetables here, and chat about their lives. Try a bowl of chickpea noodles at a stall. It is cheap and authentic.

11. Have a Traditional and Delicious Lijiang Meal

When you travel to Lijiang, the local cuisine is certainly worth trying. Cured Ribs Hot Pot is savory and hearty. Naxi grilled fish have the most appetizing smell. Freshly baked flower cakes are slightly sweet. We recommend following the guidance of a local down the small alleys to discover the most surprising flavors rather than just going to the popular restaurants on social media.

12. Put on a Local Costume and Join a Bonfire Party

At night, bonfires are lit up on Sifang Street. Local Naxi people and visitors come together to dance and sing under the stars. Costume shops inside the Old Town rent out traditional outfits with sheepskin shawls and colorful long skirts. Join the lively scene and simply enjoy the music.

13. Try and Select Some Pu’er Tea

Lijiang is an important trade center of Pu’er tea. You can find a quiet tea house. Sit down and watch the tea master perform the tea making ceremony in front of you. He can tell you about different types of Pu’er tea, and you can take your time to savor and taste the subtle flavors for yourself.

14. Uncover Yuhu Village, a Stone Village out of the Fairy Tale

At the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, there is a village built entirely from stone, Yuhu Village. Houses and streets are all made of rocks. It’s as if the village itself is a part of the mountain. You can seek out the former residence of Joseph Rock, the American explorer who lived here for 27 years and brought Lijiang into the attention of the Western world.

I traveled there with my 10-year-old son. He had a great afternoon exploring the village and playing with the ponies. Compared to other attractions, that afternoon was the most fun and precious to him.

15. Hand-Make Your Own Sheet of Dongba Paper

At Baisha or Yuhu Village, you can experience the Dongba paper making technique. It’s a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. It uses tree barks from an altitude of over 3,000 meters. They are soaked, boiled, and dipped to make sheets of rough but resistant paper. You can copy down a few Dongba characters, and it’ll become a unique piece of souvenir that carries the thousands of years of wisdom of locals and your own precious moment.

How to Plan a Lijiang Itinerary

Here are some recommended Lijiang itineraries for 1, 2, and 3 days.

1-Day Lijiang Ancient Town & Snow Mountain View (For Travelers with Limited Time)

Day 1: Lijiang Old Town – Black Dragon Pool – Shuhe Ancient Town – try Cured Ribs Hot Pot and enjoy the night views

2-Day Lijiang Cultural Heritage and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Tour

Day 1: Lijiang Old Town – Mu Palace – Zhongyi Market – join a Naxi bonfire party or bar visits at night

Day 2: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain day tour: Blue Moon Lake, glacier cable car ride, Impression Lijiang show, Baisha Ancient Town

3-Day Lijiang In-Depth Cultural Exploration Itinerary

Day 1 & 2: refer to the 2-day itinerary

Day 3: Baisha Ancient Town, Baisha murals, Yuhu Village horseback riding

Cultural Festivals in Lijiang

The charm of Lijiang goes beyond its beautiful sceneries. The various cultural festivals that take place throughout the year are equally impressive. Below are the most popular festivals in Lijiang:

Sanduo Festival (Lunar Calendar February 8^th): The Most Important Naxi Festival

Sanduo Festival is the new year for Naxi people. It’s when people honor their God of protection, Sanduo. It’s been listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021. If you visit Lijiang during that time, you will see thousands of people in traditional costumes dancing. Anyone is welcome to join. Locals also get together at a street feast were thousands of people enjoy a meal together.

Torch Festival (Lunar Calendar June 25^th-27^th): A Carnival of Torches

Torch Festival or Huoba Festival is the most important summer festival in Lijiang. The celebrations for it last for three whole days. Every house is lit up with torches at the front gate, and children are running around with torches in their hands. Adults hold up torches by the field to pray for prosperity. At night, local residents get together for a big bonfire party.

Mule and Horse Trade Fair (Lunar Calendar July): Living History of Tea Horse Road

The Mule and Horse Trade Fair is a real trading event, not a cultural performance. Merchants from different areas and provinces bring their horses here for trade as well as copperware and local products like a huge bazaar. The gathering in July is even larger in scale.

Related reading: Ultimate Guide to Yunnan Festivals

Romantic Things to Do for Couples in Lijiang

Time appears to slow down in the old towns and villages of Lijiang. It’s a great destination for couples to go on honeymoon, walk down the quiet streets, and have some alone time just to themselves.

1. Wait for the sunset at the top of Lion Hill: Around dusk, head to the top of Lion Hill. Sit down at a coffee shop with a great view and wait for the sun to slowly dim down. The snow mountains in the distance will be cloaked in pink as the lights come on in the Old Town below. The entire experience will take about half an hour and cost around CNY 30-50 per person, but you can stay there for a long time.
2. Put on an ethnic costume for a cute photo shoot: There are shops within the Old Town that rent out Naxi and Tibetan costumes for about CNY 100-200 each. Taking your photos walking down the stone paved streets against the white walls in the stunning outfit would be a unique experience.
3. Hang your prayers under the wishing bells: Near Dashi Bridge, there is a wall hung with wishing bells. You can purchase two wooden plaques for CNY 20 each. Write your prayers on them and hang them up. As the wind blows by, the wooden plaques and bells make a beautiful sound. Many couples, when they return to Lijiang after years of their first visit, can still find their prayers hanging from that time.
4. Explore the farmers market and prepare a meal for the two of you: Discover local products at Zhongyi Market in the afternoon from mushrooms to Snow Mountain Fish. You can ask the inn owner to help you prepare them for a homemade dinner. It’ll be more fun and intimate than a restaurant experience.
5. Spend an afternoon at a coffee shop in Shuhe Ancient Town: Shuhe Ancient Town is a lot quieter than Lijiang Old Town. There are many cafes with balconies and terraces by the river. Why not spend an afternoon, free yourself from your worries or looking for things to do, simply have a cup of coffee and enjoy your leisurely time together.

Lijiang Transportation

The transportation system in Lijiang is very well developed. All the attractions are easily accessible.

• Airport: Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG)

Distance: about 28 km away from Lijiang Old Town, 40-50 minutes by car

Transportation: airport shuttle bus (CNY 20 each) to the North entrance of Lijiang Old Town or the city center. The cost for a taxi ride will be about CNY 80-100.

• Train Station: Lijiang Railway Station

Location: in Yulong County

Distance: about 10-15 minutes away from Lijiang Old Town by car

Transportation: the taxi fare will be about CNY 20-30

How to Get Between Major Attractions

Lijiang Old Town – Shuhe Ancient Town: 8 km, CNY 20 taxi fare (US$ 3)

Lijiang Old Town – Baisha Ancient Town: 20 km, CNY 40 taxi fare (US$ 6)

Lijiang Old Town – Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: 30 km, 40-50 minutes by car, about CNY 50-70 (US$ 11)

Where to Stay in Lijiang

Most travelers choose to stay near the South entrance of Lijiang Old Town. You’ll be close to Zhongyi Market. Taxis are readily available, so you won’t have to carry your luggage around. It’s also quieter then within the Old Town.

You can also consider staying in or near different old towns. They offer different kinds of experiences.

• Lijiang Old Town: the most concentrated dining, entertainment, and nightlife options, but the paved streets are difficult to walk on with luggage. The area can be quite busy and crowded during peak seasons. We recommend hotels with elevators around the outskirts of the town.
• Shuhe Ancient Town: quieter than Lijiang Old Town, has a more tranquil and pastoral vibe. Many inns have parking lots for visitors on road trips.
• Baisha Ancient Town: close to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, birthplace of Naxi culture, the least developed old town for tourism with little dining and nightlife options.

What to Eat & Where to Find the Best Foods in Lijiang

Lijiang food is characterized by savory and rich flavors. Cured Ribs Hot Pot is the most representative dish. Chickpea Noodles are sour, spicy, and appetizing. Freshly baked flour cakes are sweet and tasty. For convenience, you can go to Naxi Courtyard Restaurant. If you’re looking for the most authentic flavors and low prices, Zhongyi Market is where locals like to eat.

Here are three restaurants that I personally recommend:

1. Yun Xue Li (Old Town): a Naxi courtyard restaurant. Its menus come with photos and English translation. Snow Mountain Fish and roasted mushrooms are its signature. You will be welcomed with a Naxi toasting ceremony. A meal costs CNY 60-80 per person on average. The address is No. 108 Xingwen Alley, Qiyi Street.
2. Amayi Naxi Dining Courtyard: It’s an old Naxi residential house by a small stone bridge. Naxi grilled fish, Chickpea Noodles, and Cured Ribs Hot Pot are the must-try dishes. The average cost per person is CNY 45. It’s a popular stop for many backpackers. It’s on Wuyi Street.
3. N’s Kitchen Upstairs: You might want to consider this restaurant if you’re looking for western food. The owner speaks fluent English. Signature dishes include burgers, pastas, and salads. The average is around CNY 50-70. You might want to go there a few days into your trip for a change in your diet. The address is No. 17 Jishan Alley, Xinyi Street.

Lijiang Travel Tips

Preventing altitude sickness: The altitude of Lijiang Old Town it’s about 2,400 meters which doesn’t usually cause symptoms of sickness for travelers. But the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain has an altitude of 4,680 meters. To hike above it, you will need an oxygen canister. Make sure you slow down your pace. When you first get to Lijiang, avoid excessive exercise and drinking. Stay hydrated.

Cultural etiquettes: When you visit local temples or homes of Naxi people, make sure you respect their customs and traditions. Refrain from taking photos without permission.

Outfit guide: The temperature difference between day and night can be great, and the UV ray is strong on a clear day. No matter the season, make sure you bring a jacket and sun protection products like sunscreen and sunglasses.

Lijiang is full of beautiful sceneries and surprises, but what you really need is a guide who truly knows about it. Every itinerary, every restaurant we’ve recommended in this travel guide come from our real experiences working with international travelers in the past. We know our ways around the hidden alleys and where to find the best photography spots. We can help you avoid the missteps that you won’t know about unless you’ve been there.

China Xian Tour is a travel agency dedicated to serving international visitors to China. Start planning your Lijiang trip with this detailed and reliable guide. Avoid the crowds and go on a journey that is unique to you. You will find Lijiang full of surprises.