Just back from Lijiang, here's the honest truth! A comprehensive travel guide

Lijiang May Day Travel Attraction Recommendations (Including Tickets and Highlights) ✅ Lijiang Old Town 💸 Tickets: Free (80 RMB Old Town maintenance fee required, collected by some hostels) 🍎 Highlights: World Cultural Heritage site, Sifang Street bonfire dance, colorful painted scrolls in Oil-paper Umbrella Alley, panoramic view from Mu's Residence, and the brilliantly lit Big Water Wheel at night. ✅ Jade Dragon Snow Mountain 💸 Tickets: 130 RMB mountain entry fee + 180 RMB cable car + 20 RMB shuttle bus 🍎 Highlights: Lush green Yunshanping Meadow in May, spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains in Glacier Park, the mirror-like blue waters of Blue Moon Valley, and Yak Meadow, where you can enjoy both winter and spring scenery. ✅ Lijiang Impression Show 💸 Tickets: 290 RMB (340 RMB package includes the "Lijiang Impression Show") 🍎 Highlights: Immersive experience of Naxi culture with a stunning live performance. The scenic area includes themed areas such as the Hidden Mystery Cellar and the Tea Horse Road. ✅ Lugu Lake 💸 Tickets: 100 RMB (including pig trough boat tour: 30-100 RMB) 🍎 Highlights: Blooming azaleas in May, picturesque reflection of the Buddha statue on Princess Island, experience the Mosuo walking marriage culture, and cycle around the lake to appreciate the "Pearl of the Plateau". ✅ Shuhe Old Town 💸 Tickets: Free 🍎 Highlights: More tranquil than Lijiang Old Town, featuring the serene Nine Dragon Pool and the historic Qinglong Bridge. Perfect for a leisurely afternoon tea. ✅ Yushui Village 💸 Tickets: 50 RMB 🍎 Highlights: A sacred place for Dongba culture, with the spectacular Dragon's Three-Fold Waterfall. Experience traditional Naxi sacrifices and dances. ✅ Baisha Old Town 💸 Tickets: Free 🍎 Highlights: A pristine village at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, featuring the Baisha Murals, an artistic gem. Enjoy a DIY tie-dye workshop experience. ✅ Lashihai Lake 💸 Tickets: 30 RMB (horse riding and boating are extra) 🍎 Highlights: A highland wetland and a paradise for migratory birds. Enjoy cycling around the wetlands, taking in the lake and mountain views, and savor local chicken hot pot. ✅ Black Dragon Pool Park 💸 Tickets: Free (Old Town maintenance fee ticket required) 🍎 Highlights: The perfect spot to capture the reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Admire the ancient architecture of Deyue Tower and Five Phoenixes Tower, and experience the lively morning exercise atmosphere. Accommodation Guide Area Selection Lijiang Old Town Wuyi Street Area: Cluster of boutique hostels with exquisite decor, priced at 500-2000 RMB/night. Suitable for travelers seeking quality. Qiyi Street Area: A mix of new and old hostels, offering great value for money at 200-500 RMB/night. Suitable for budget travelers. South Gate Street Area: Convenient transportation, car-friendly, suitable for families. Shuhe Old Town High-end guesthouses: Such as "Songyun No.1", priced at 800-1500 RMB/night. Offers privacy and is suitable for couples. Budget hostels: 200-400 RMB/night, offering great value and a taste of the slow-paced old town life. At the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Jinsha Platinum Hideaway Snow Mountain Hotel: 2000-5000 RMB/night, facing the snow mountain, offering a stargazing platform and snow mountain yoga experience. 4-Day May Day Itinerary Day 1: In-depth Lijiang Old Town Tour Morning: Arrive in Lijiang, check in to an old town hostel, and stroll through Sifang Street and Mu's Residence. Afternoon: Take photos in Oil-paper Umbrella Alley, enjoy panoramic views from the Lijiang Eye, and experience afternoon tea at the Sakura Restaurant. Evening: Experience Dongba culture in Zhenxing Alley and capture the night view of the Big Water Wheel. Day 2: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Day Trip Morning: Take the cable car to the 4680m viewing platform and visit Blue Moon Valley. Afternoon: Hike in Yunshanping Meadow, go horseback riding in Yak Meadow, and watch the "Impression Lijiang" show. Evening: Return to the old town and enjoy black goat hot pot. Day 3: Lugu Lake Tour Full day: Take a shared car to Lugu Lake and tour Lige Peninsula, Grass Sea, and the Walking Marriage Bridge. Take a pig trough boat to Princess Island. Evening: Stay in a lake-view room and experience a Mosuo bonfire party. Day 4: Shuhe Old Town + Surrounding Areas Morning: Stroll through Shuhe Old Town, feed the fish at Nine Dragon Pool, and experience a tie-dye workshop. Afternoon: Visit Baisha Old Town to see the Baisha Murals and watch a Dongba cultural performance at Yushui Village. Evening: Return to Lijiang for free time or to buy souvenirs such as flower cakes. Important Notes Altitude sickness: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Lugu Lake are at high altitudes. It is recommended to prepare oxygen tanks in advance and avoid strenuous exercise. Transportation: Motor vehicles are prohibited within Lijiang Old Town. Walking or taking an electric car is recommended. Shared cars or chartered cars are recommended for Lugu Lake. Food recommendations: Pork rib hot pot, chicken pea jelly, Naxi grilled fish, and Lijiang baba. Weather: Lijiang has a large temperature difference between day and night in May. Bring warm clothes and sunscreen. This itinerary combines classic and niche attractions with diverse accommodation options, suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers.