Things to do & places to visit in Lijiang, Yunnan, China

Lijiang is a beautifully preserved ancient Chinese town, infused with cultural flavor. Strolling along the 800-year-old bridges and waterways of the world-famous Old Town district is like stepping back in time. Don’t miss the views atop Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and the Dongba cultural center of Jade Water Village.

Lijiang city in Yunnan, China. Timezone: Asia/Chongqing, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 3:49.

Lijiang Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

75°F - 48°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Mildly cool, humid but cool

Feels like

27%

Chance of rain

121.0 millimeters

Amount

9.4 mph

Wind speed

77%

Humidity

13.4

Daylight length

6:32 AM

Sunrise

7:58 PM

Sunset

49%

Cloud cover

Sweater

What to wear

Top things to do (19)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Fuyoucheng Lijiang Mediterranean International Resort (7 reviews)
- 酒店
Friday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
第一次来丽江，第一次Club Med的体验，好到6天5晚也太短了！！
每天都有充足的活动安排，每晚也有不一样的主题秀。
要点名感谢下餐厅的Joe和芳芳，像家人朋友一样的照顾，临走时大大的不舍[流泪]
期待下次再和这个大家庭见面，好评！ See more..
5.0 Ancient Residence Group of Ming and Qing Dynasty (4 reviews)
- venice in the east
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Walking Areas

Ancient residence group in DAYAN old town was listed as world cultural heritage in 1997, it's one of the best preserved old town of minorities in china, was firstly built in the begining of 12 century. inhabitant of old town are mainly naxi, bai people. because of beautiful streams spreading in the town, it's also know as ''venice in the east''. You will never be bored in the old town, hundreds of alleys inside, its easy to ge lost in the beautiful town, but the serect of old town---the water system will save you, 'go against the current, you will find the entrance of the town'. Find a cafe in the stream, order a cup of coffee, see people passing by the window. enjoying the music and quiet atmosphere. bring camera, the scenery of the town will never let you down. it's an all-day event. know more about old town, contact me at: [email protected] See more..
4.5 Old Town of Lijiang - China (5.097 reviews)
- The best old town I visited to date
Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

I visited a few old towns in China, but this one has to be my favorite one to date. During my time in Lijiang, I didn't even bother going to the city because the old town was so much fun not to mention that the food was incredible. While morning are very quiet as shops open rather late, the evenings were far from boring. The bar street sure made for some nice evenings while the afternoons allowed me and my friend to visit more of Old Town while trying out different food (such as tofu ice cream (don't judge until you try it)), Chinese wraps and of course the flowers cake. As for dinner, the ribs hot pot is fantastic! I shouldn't forget to mention that the buildings are beautiful, and I strongly recommend you check the small alleys as you might be surprised by what you may see. See more..
4.5 Lugu Lake (889 reviews)
- go before its all built up
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Bodies of Water

great scenery and in these covid times very few tourists. The natural beauty does not disappoint. The human impact is significant - as ever ugly construction every corner - often cheapest possible then left to ruin. Natural vegetation ruined, standard plants then used to replace them. Its sickening this is happening in 2022. There is an airport now nearby See more..
4.5 Lijiang Impressions Show (710 reviews)
- What a moving show of the tribal cultures!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM Theaters

Of all my travels in many different countries and having seen innumerable shows indoors and outdoors, this show ranks as one of the very best! The setting is against the splendidly stunning Jade Dragon Snow Mountains-- the performers represent the many different minority tribes of Yunnan, China. The choreography, the written descriptions/explanations, and the very touching music are all part of making this outdoor show exceptional! What's even more moving is in between the lines of what this show means: how the Chinese culture respects the indiginous tribes and includes them along with the mass population in every day living--- from job employments to displaying their cultures in shows and education. This performance is named "Impressions of Lijiang", which says a lot about the Chinese mind-set. Lijiang, as many visitors attest to it, is beautiful in itself with many aspects of ancient cultures and a rich history, besides the indigenous ones. Any great shows can be choreographed to be proudly named "Impressions of Lijiang". However, the city of Lijiang and the government chose the theme of this show to highlight the many tribal cultures in Yunnan. There are more than 26 tribes in Yunnan through the thousand years and they are still thriving, with their livelihood fused into the main Han culture. We don't even have any shows in the USA that fully pay respect to our Native American cultures here, let alone a show being fully sponsored by the Government. This show was choreographed by China's world-famous director Zhang YiMou who was commissioned by China to design 3 spectacular shows in the whole country thus far: one in Hangzhou, one in Guilin and this one in Yunnan. It is absolutely a MUST SEE for all to experience the beauty, dignity and the sentiments of the many tribes in this performance--- the poetically powerful speech by each of the tribes at the end of this spectacle would move you to tears! See more..
4.5 Mufu Palace (454 reviews)
- very well preserved, a joy to visit
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Mufu palace lies on the side of the hill holding Lion Rock. The location is very scenic with much vegetation and stone work. The main entrance is from the ancient city southern center where you can get tickets and guides. We entered in the back while coming down from Lion Rock and skipped the guides and front entrance crowds. This place is really wonderful to visit - so many people agree that you will find large crowds during the normal tourist seasons. As much as I liked it though I would recommend that you see it with a guide as we missed much history without one. See more..
4.5 Blue Moon Valley (281 reviews)
- A hike in nature
Spent < 1 hour Bodies of Water • Mountains • Scenic Walking Areas

We took a bus from Lijiang Ancient City for 15 RMB and it took us to the foot of the mountain. Then we took the bus from there up to the Blue Moon Valley. The place was breath-taking. The colour of the water was amazingly stunning. We did not go up the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as we heard that there was no snow at this time of the year. The Blue Moon Lake was already worth the trip. As it was rainy season, we had brought along our raincoat. It rained and stopped, rained and stopped. We walked around the lake, walking on the jungle side was a very interesting experience. Because of the wet weather, different species of flora and fungi could be spotted along the way. See more..
4.5 World Heritage Park, Lijiang (199 reviews)
- Beautiful architecture
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Bodies of Water • Mountains • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

Great place to explore and get lost in, akin to Venice in terms of narrow streets and car-free environment. Some things to definitely enjoy - 1. Canals - these run throughout the town, go through the back streets (follow the canal path along Qiyi Street) to see more and avoid the crowds. You may bump into locals there whom are very friendly. 2. Roofscape - very interesting and best viewed from Hizi Mount / Lion Hill (the hill to the west of the town with the temple at the top). 3. Courtyards - most houses / inns in the old town have internal courtyards which you can peek into and maybe enter (but ask first if you're not sure). The northern part of town around Yuhe Square can be mobbed in the evenings and is very touristy, complete with McD's, KFC, Pizza Hut et all, so best avoid if you're not into these things. Would be good if the Lijiang authorities clamp down on the bars and clubs pumping loud music. See more..
4.5 Qingxi Reservoir (30 reviews)
- Relaxing and great view
Bodies of Water

I enjoyed my lunch overlooking the reservoir. People were enjoying swimming there, I guess the water wasn't too cold and there were several stalls selling inflatables to play with. There were food stalls there as well. I walked around the circumference and took some nice photos of the bridges and you can see the Snow Mountain from there too. See more..
4.5 Rhizome - Lijiang art center (30 reviews)
- Fantastic place !!!
Art Galleries

It's a fantastic place to stay in Lijiang!! I am so glad that I chose this place. It's an art centre more than a hostel. Art Exhibition is all around and you still can find it from the hosts. The whole environment is extremely cozy, the sunshine, the dog, the cat, the kids , the friends here. And the delicate French breakfast made by Odile is fantastic yummy! I've fell in love with everything here! I will come back!!! See more..
4.5 Beiyue Temple of Lijiang (25 reviews)
- Temple Dedicated to A Hero
Friday: 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings

This temple is in the Black Dragon Pond Park, was relocated and reconstructed here, have more than 300 years history, still well kept in excellent condition, worth the time to visit, a lady there may offer lighted incense to you to pay respect, don't accept it, as it may end up with money involve afterward, just act natural and refuse, this is one of a trick commomnly practice to get tourist money, don't fall for their game. See more..
4.5 Naxi Embroidery Shijia (23 reviews)
- Extraordinary silk embroidery.

Looks like photos. Also a school. See to believe it, each embroidery or picture takes months. Very interesting. See more..
4.5 Bird Island, Lijiang (20 reviews)
- 大象无形，印象丽江
Friday: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM Islands

丽江是富有茶马古道文化底蕴的历史古城，千百年来，用那清脆的铃声吸引着无数游人的目光，走在丽江古城的街道上，不能用美来形容，那是一幅画，是一幅连绵的画，是一种古色古香的韵，清清的茶香，质朴的铃声，让你忘记忧愁和烦恼，把自己和神圣的雪山之神融为一体！ See more..
4.5 Three Parallel Rivers National Park (6 reviews)
- Magnificent mountainous landscape
Friday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM National Parks

Three parallel rivers in the gorges of the mountainous area in the Gucheng District, Lijiang. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and rightly so. Good signage, in Chinese and English. The large areas of floating sphagnum moss meadows are interesting to see. they have become a bird habitat. See more..
4.0 Shuhe Ancient Town (1.163 reviews)
- Great way to spend an afternoon
Friday: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM Historic Sites

Shuhe is a small village a couple miles to the north of Lijiang, in Yunnan province. It has similar old architecture as Lijiang with similar places to buy Naxi woven cloth and products from local artisans. A major advantage over Lijiang is that it is relatively unknown so the streets are much less crowded and food and lodging is cheaper. In addition to woven goods, there are stores selling wood carvings, Naxi style pottery and silver filigree jewelry. There was an elderly artist whose paintings were all done with the edge of his thumb producing quite astonishing images. See more..
4.0 Black Dragon Pond Park (992 reviews)
- Lovely park, close to Lijiang Old Town, with hiking opportunities
Parks • Fountains

Whilst the entry fee is a little expensive (60RMB), this is a lovely park with an opportunity to do some hiking up the mountain inside. It is walking distance from the north end of the Lijiang Old Town. We went on a weekday in January and it didn't feel too busy, though the car park was full. 1 hour is enough if you just want to see the park, but if you want to hike up the mountain then allow 3 hours. Name in Chinese: 黑龙潭 (Hei Long Tan) See more..
4.0 Square Street (Sifangjie) (363 reviews)
- Ancient town & former major merchants' market
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Great area for shopping, dining, sightseeing, and enjoying the views of ancient Chinese architecture. During the Qing and Ming dynasties, it was an major junction station of the Ancient Tea Horse Road. See more..
4.0 Lijiang Mural in Baisha Village (209 reviews)
- Mural and much more
Friday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Lieutenant General Chennault (1893-1958), the Commander of the Flying Tigers, wrote in his diary, " The Naxi People who ae living at the foothill of Himalaya Mountain are very brave, bold, nice and helpful.The women are very famous for their handicrafts---silk embroidery." I can add tie die, batik, and wood work to silk embroidery. You can visit any of their workshops. There are street musicians playing Naxi music and you can see local produce and medicinal mushrooms. A bag of freshly steamed chestnuts for 40 cents. And the view of the Snow Mountain simply magnificent. We were there for 3 to 4 hours. Wish we had 3 weeks there learning handicraft, which by the way is offered free. Compared to Lijiand, Baisha is quiet and remains unchanged since the Flying Tiger Days. See more..
4.0 Lijiang Lion Rock (118 reviews)
- Great views of old and new Lijiang
Friday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Mountains • Parks

The trail up to Lion Hill Park starts from a corner of Sifang Square in Lijiang Old Town. The tourist shops and cafes that lined the trail are good distractions from the actual climb. The effort is worth it as Lion Hill Park offers wonderful views of Lijiang. The entrance fee to Lion Hill Park is RMB50 which includes entrance to Wang Gu Pavilion located at the top of Lion Hill Park. Climb to the top of Wang Gu Pavilion for a 360deg view of the whole of Lijiang, both old and new. We visited in the early evening to watch the sunset over the rooftops of the old town. Alternatively, to catch the views without actually entering Lion Hill Park, look out for the cafes on the left and right of the trail just before the entrance to the park. The cafes charge RMB5 if you want to just enter to check out the views. Otherwise, do what we did, order a cup of tea and enjoy the views of the sun slowly setting and the lights coming on from the old town. See more..
4.0 Museum of Nàxi Dongba Culture (96 reviews)
- Quite Worthwhile
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM History Museums

The only thing that was really worthwhile during my whole stay in Lijiang - but th e gift shop items are horribly overpriced. See more..
4.0 White Water River (92 reviews)
- Nice and Blue with Help from People
Bodies of Water • Historic Walking Areas

The river is in the Blue Moon Valley and is full of nice clear blue water. The rock underneath the river is white so hence the name. The area has quite a few man made features to help with glacier protection but we felt it was still worth the trip. There are lots of walkways and platforms to view the river. There is also a decent amount of vendors and clean washrooms. We had troubles getting here because the bus stations were not open when we went but our hotel helped us get a guide. The guide took us to a few scenic spots in the area. See more..
4.0 Wangu Pavilion (87 reviews)
- Great views of Lijiang
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Lookouts • Religious Sites

Fantastic views of Lijiang and the mountains surrounding the area. The Tower is also a temple and offers further views. Go there in the early hours of the morning to avoid crowds. See more..
4.0 Lijiang Mural (57 reviews)
- lijiang mural
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Historic Sites

very interesting, understand the old culture, how do they communicate, beautiful pictures, we love it very much See more..
4.0 Stone Drum (Shigu) Town (23 reviews)
- highlight is not in the town, it is in the villages outside!!
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites

If you drive through Stone Drum Town and turn right into Stone Village direction, into the gorge, the view will get much and much amazing. You will find yourself into a quiet village, surrounded by magnificent mountains. This area is actually a famous rock climbing site in China, as good as Yangshuo. So you should check it out, climb or not, you can't miss it . See more..
4.0 Yufeng Temple (18 reviews)
- Temple + 500 year old Camellia
Friday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Walking Areas • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

The temple is one of the well known lamaseries among five in Lijiang. The highlight of Yufeng temple is a 500 year old Camellia in the Northern courtyard. This tree has an intricate pattern of twisted stems, and shows thousands of flowers. Tree lovers will also appreciate a rare species of a Yunnan Michaela Figo, that has a less respectable age of only 200 years. See more..
4.0 Nine-Tripod Dragon Pond (17 reviews)
- A gem discovery
Friday: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM Bodies of Water

We entered from another entrance into Shuhe, so it was like a off-beaten track to this site. It's an older part of Shuhe. Beautiful sight and full of fishes. Can either just do a stroll around the pond or take a rest and snack. You can also spot the beginning of the water source (pipes) to the entire town of Shuhe in the pond. See more..
4.0 Lijiang - Wenhai (11 reviews)
- Wenhai lake turns grassland after raining season
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Wenhai lake turns grassland after raining season.It is on the southern slope of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.Many yaks and horses are grazing on this land with very beautiful background of snow mountain and blue sky. See more..
3.5 Lashi Lake (285 reviews)
- Really nice place
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Bodies of Water • National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

This lake is A very nice to visit. This a very big place to spend about two to three hours. This is a long walk but don't miss it. It is a very impressive view. See more..
3.5 Ancient Tea Route (48 reviews)
- funny horse ride
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Hiking Trails

joined a tour to Lashi lake and horse ride on ancient tea route, it costed RMB200, kinda reasonable for a day tour. It's fun to ride a horse visit the route. Worths visiting, but be careful of the unreasonably expensive tour, prob cost you RMB400. Ask the hostels or guest houses u stayed for details, if they recommend an expensive one, just leave it. See more..
3.5 Shuhe Food Street (47 reviews)
- Convenient and varied
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This area has a lot of restaurants, most of them with local food. English menus are available also. A few restaurants are a bit noisy. The bars have live music, which could be a down side according to you music preferences. See more..