A UNESCO-listed old town of cobbled lanes and canals at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang is the gateway to the cultures and trekking of northwest Yunnan.
History & culture
Long the heartland of the Naxi people and a hub on the ancient Tea Horse Road, Lijiang's old town has survived since the Song–Yuan era, preserving Naxi Dongba script and music.
What to see & do
- ◆Lijiang Old Town (Dayan) lanes and canals
- ◆Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Blue Moon Valley
- ◆Tiger Leaping Gorge day hike (nearby)
- ◆Black Dragon Pool with mountain reflections
What to eat
- ●Naxi grilled fish and baba flatbread
- ●Yunnan 'crossing-the-bridge' rice noodles
- ●Wild mushrooms in season
Getting there
Lijiang Sanyi Airport links major cities; high-speed rail connects to Kunming and Dali. The old town is walking-only, so travel light.
Avoid the pitfalls
- Lijiang sits at ~2,400 m — ascend the snow mountain (4,500 m+) slowly and consider altitude precautions.
- An old-town maintenance fee is sometimes requested; keep your ticket.
- Many 'ancient' bars are loud and pricey; the quiet morning lanes are the real experience.
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