Best places to see in Lijiang: old town and surroundings
The Old Town of Lijiang is located in Yunnan Province (云南), approximately 500 km from Kunming and 190 km north of Dali, another well-known city in Yunnan. Lijiang is famous for its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and its well-preserved Old Town. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as a gateway to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region.
If you’re planning a trip to China and exploring Yunnan, a visit to the Old Town of Lijiang is almost a must. The city is divided into two areas: the modern district and the Old Town, which is the part truly worth exploring. During my seven years in China, I was fortunate enough to visit this charming destination multiple times.
Here, I’ll share a guide on what to see and do in Lijiang, where to stay, and how to get there.
How to get to the old town of Lijiang?
In my case, I was living in Kunming, teaching English and learning Chinese, so I always traveled from Kunming to Lijiang. Until a couple of years ago, it used to take around 9 hours by train to get there. Now, thanks to the high-speed train, the journey takes only 3 hours and 30 minutes. Here’s a link where you can buy tickets and see the train schedules and prices. Tickets typically cost between €25-30. Once you arrive at Lijiang Station, the easiest way to reach the Old Town is by taking a bus or taxi.
If you’re visiting during Chinese holidays (like Chinese New Year, National Week, or even July and August), it’s highly recommended to book your hotel in advance, as these periods attract massive crowds. Upon arriving in Lijiang’s Old Town, you can request your accommodation to send someone to pick you up. Although the city is relatively small, its maze of narrow alleyways and poorly made maps can cause confusion, and you might spend a considerable amount of time trying to locate your hotel.
Of course, Lijiang also has an airport, which is well-connected with domestic flights. You can fly to Lijiang from Kunming or other cities outside Yunnan, such as Sichuan, Shanghai, or Beijing.
Where to stay in the old town of Lijiang?
Getting to know the Naxi minority
During my first visit, I stayed at Mama Naxi Guest House, located in the heart of the Old Town. I had heard great things about this guesthouse and was curious to learn more about the Naxi culture, the original culture of the Lijiang area. It’s a good idea to choose a traditional place to stay, as Naxi houses have a unique charm.
Traditional Naxi houses are typically organized around a central enclosed courtyard, with rooms built on all four sides to create a symmetrical structure. The courtyard serves as the heart of the home, used for daily activities, family gatherings, and celebrations. The main walls and columns are made of wood, while the foundations and outer walls are usually built from stone or brick. Their roofs are covered with gray or black tiles, slightly curved at the edges, and designed with a slope to efficiently drain rainwater.
What to see in the old town of Lijiang?
1. A walk through the streets of Lijiang
The old town of Lijiang was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. It is famous for its architecture, the water canals that run through the city and its many stone bridges. Lijiang is one of the most beautiful cities in Yunnan, although too exploited by tourism.
Currently, in my view, it has lost some of its charm because of tourism and the total commercialization of it. Although all the houses maintain their architecture on the outside, inside they have been transformed into clothing, music, souvenir and restaurant shops.
Even so, walking through its narrow stone streets and among its typical houses full of tiles and Chinese lamps allows you to imagine how extremely beautiful and peaceful this city must have been in the past.
2. Discover the Naxi Ethnic Minority and the Dongba Culture
The Naxi people are one of China’s 56 recognized ethnic minorities. The history, culture, and architecture of Lijiang, which spans more than 800 years, have been closely tied to the Naxi, who remain the largest ethnic group in the area today. Originating from Tibet, the Naxi have their own unique culture, known as Dongba.
The Naxi people have distinct customs, traditional clothing, religion (a blend of animism, shamanism, and Tibetan Buddhism), and their own language. One of the most fascinating aspects of their language is the Dongba script, a pictographic writing system where each symbol represents an idea or object.
Over the centuries, the Naxi have preserved their cultural identity and resisted the influence of larger Chinese civilizations. Their history reflects a profound connection to nature and a social organization influenced by matriarchal traditions, which is relatively rare among China’s traditional cultures. Oh, and don’t miss the chance to see them dancing every day in Lijiang’s main square! It’s a lively way to experience their culture firsthand.
3. The Mu Palace
Located within the Old Town of Lijiang, this palace served as the center of political, economic, and administrative power for the entire region. It was the residence of the Mu family, members of the Naxi ethnic group, who ruled the Lijiang area for over 400 years. Their governance spanned the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), and part of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911).
The palace was constructed in the 16th century, during the Ming Dynasty, and served as the main residence for the Mu leaders across generations. Its architecture reflects Ming Dynasty traditions while incorporating Tibetan and Naxi influences, making it a unique example of the fusion of diverse cultural styles.
4. Black Dragon Pool
The Black Dragon Pool is a beautiful park with several lakes located just at the northern edge of Lijiang’s Old Town. It is famous for its stone bridge leading to a temple in the middle of the lake and is considered one of the best spots to capture stunning views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
The name Black Dragon Pool originates from a local legend. It is said that in the past, a black dragon lived in the pond, and when the locals called upon it, the dragon brought rain to the region. For centuries, the pond has been significant to the city, celebrated for its natural beauty and its deep connection to local beliefs.
The Black Dragon Pool is closely tied to Naxi history and culture. Naxi people, who have a profound connection with nature and practice animism, regard the site as a sacred space and a spiritual gathering point. The Dragon Temple within the park is dedicated to worshipping water and natural forces, honoring the dragon that, according to legend, protected the area. Entrance fee: 50 RMB (approximately €8).
5. Viewpoints of the old town of Lijiang
It is highly recommended to climb up to a couple of viewpoints to admire the Old Town of Lijiang from above. These are easy to find—simply wander through the narrow alleys and head uphill.
The views are breathtaking, showcasing the mountains surrounding Lijiang and the intricate layout of traditional Chinese-style houses with their characteristic tiled roofs. It’s a truly stunning sight that captures the charm and history of the city.
What to see around Lijiang?
1. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain towers majestically in the distance from Lijiang, with a series of peaks reaching up to 4,000 meters, the highest of which stands at 5,596 meters. You can take a cable car to the top, with different levels available. The highest cable car ride costs 180 RMB (approximately €25), and the park entrance fee is 120 RMB (around €15), making the total cost around €40.
The views from the top are undoubtedly stunning, but it’s important to note that it has become quite a tourist hotspot, often crowded with locals taking selfies. However, if you visit outside peak season, it’s definitely worth the trip.
2. Shu He Village
You can also visit the village of Shu He, often described as a “mini Lijiang,” though it is still less commercialized (for now). Located just 4 km northwest of Lijiang’s Old Town, Shu He boasts a rich history as a significant trade hub in the region. It was an important stop along the ancient Tea Horse Road, and many of the historic mansions of wealthy merchants remain preserved, making them well worth exploring.
At the village’s heart lies a charming network of cobblestone streets, filled with local shops, cafés, and small markets. While less crowded than Lijiang, these streets provide a more relaxed and authentic experience of life in a traditional village. Shu He is perfect for those looking to soak in the cultural atmosphere without the bustling crowds.
3. Lake Lashi
Lake Lashi is located 10 km from the old town of Lijiang. It is an important tourist spot, especially for the Chinese. Once there, everybody chooses one of the different horse tours around the lake (if you want to go on a horse tour, remember that it is important to negotiate the price).
Horseback riding on Lake Lashi is so widespread among the Chinese that they find it strange that anyone would want to walk on their own. If you go in a group and they give you a good price the ride may be worth it. But in my case, I was going alone, I preferred to ride around the area quietly on my own and the truth is that I loved it. Nowadays, there are many bars and restaurants around where you can stop to contemplate the lake in peace and quiet.
How many days to stay in Lijiang?
If you just want to see the old part of Lijiang in two or three days is enough. If you also want to see the surroundings, I recommend a couple more days. After seeing the old part of Lijiang you can, like almost everybody does, take the opportunity to visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge. They say it is one of the most impressive natural areas in China. In the next article I will relate that experience.
If you want to come on a trip to Yunnan and visit Lijiang you can have a look at our organized trip through Yunnan. You can also take a look at my list of Practical Tips for travelling in China. Finally, comment, evaluate and/or share to help us keep growing.
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.
– Mark Twain –
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