Things to do in Lijiang (2025): Top nearby activities,popular attractions,itinerary planning,weather,accommodation,food,transportation,and more - all you need to know (updated October 2025) | Trip.com

About Lijiang

Recommended trip: 3–5 day(s)

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Lijiang Local Travel Guide 2025

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Lijiang Brief Guide

Listed as a World Heritage Site, Lijiang Old Town was a chaotic and bustling transit and transfer point on both the famous Silk Road and the Tea Horse Road. The ancient city never had city walls. Lying between the river and the mountains, the landscape is magnificent. Inside the old town, the roads are paved with slick cobblestones. The quaint buildings, small arched bridges, and beautiful plateau scenery have attracted the interest of countless visitors. The relaxed pace of life and unique Nakhi culture are also part of Lijiang's charm. The area surrounding the old town also has many beautiful natural landscapes such as the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the idyllic Lashihai Lake. If you like ancient towns, Shuhe or Baisha Old Towns are sure to impress with their tranquil breath of life.

Lijiang Must-try local experiences

1. Explore the Ancient City of Lijiang Wander through the cobblestone streets of Old Town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire traditional Naxi architecture, vibrant markets, and charming canals. 2. Journey to Yulong Snow Mountain Take a cable car ride up Yulong Snow Mountain for breathtaking views and pristine natural beauty. Explore the Blue Moon Valley and enjoy the serenity and beauty of the snow-capped mountains. You can also experience skiing in winter. 3. Discover the Naxi Culture Immerse yourself in the rich Naxi culture by attending a traditional Naxi music performance. Experience the unique sounds of their ancient instruments and learn about their fascinating history and traditions. 4. Experience the Beauty of Heilongtan Park Enjoy the serene beauty of Heilongtan Park, where you can capture stunning reflections of Yulong Snow Mountain in the clear waters of the pool. Stroll around the lake and admire the traditional Chinese architecture. 5. Witness the Torch Festival Join locals in celebrating the Torch Festival in June with traditional dances, music, and the lighting of torches to ward off evil spirits. 6. Savor the Flavors of Lijiang Indulge in Lijiang's local cuisine, including specialties like Naxi Baba, yak meat dishes, and mushroom hotpots. Explore local markets and restaurants for authentic flavors. 7. Feel the Vibes at Lashihai Wetland Park Ride a horse to experience the Ancient Tea-Horse Route and feel the Naxi culture vibe; or rent a boat to enjoy the beauty of the Lashihai plateau wetland; In winter every year, many birds gather here, and it's suitable for visitors to watch birds. 8. Cycling Experience in Lijiang Rent a bicycle and experience cycling on the rural roads in Lijiang. Enjoy the pastoral scenery and ancient villages along the way, and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature.

Lijiang Must-see Attractions

Lijiang, a city in Yunnan, China, is celebrated for its diverse attractions including the sacred Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the culturally rich Lugu Lake, the UNESCO-listed Lijiang Ancient City, the immersive Lijiang Songcheng Tourist Area, and the biodiverse Lashi Lake, each offering unique natural, historical, and cultural experiences.

Lijiang Food Guide

Lijiang's cuisine, with its unique regional characteristics and traditional cultural integration, ranges from the cured and air-dried pork rib hotpot, the clear glacial water-cultivated Salmon, the environmental indicator water caltrop, the nutrition-rich chicken bean jelly, to the Naxi specialty Lijiang baba; each dish carries the cultural traditions of the Naxi people and their respect for guests, presenting the diversity and uniqueness of Yunnan flavors.

Lijiang Transportation

Lijiang's transportation network is well-developed, with Lijiang Sanyi International Airport and Lijiang Railway Station being the major hubs for intercity travel. Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (IATA: LJG) is a key aviation hub located approximately 30 km south of the city center. It serves as a hub for various airlines, offering both domestic and international flights. To reach the city from the airport, travelers can take the airport shuttle bus departing from the Lantian Hotel in downtown Lijiang.

Lijiang Where to Stay

Lijiang is a city that boasts a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and natural beauty, with its accommodation areas primarily distributed across its ancient towns. Each town offers a unique experience, from the bustling streets of Lijiang Ancient City to the serene ambiance of Shuhe Old Town and the rustic charm of Baisha old town/FOLIDAY Town Lijiang Mediterranean Resort.

Lijiang Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Lijiang is from late March to May and from mid-October to November. During these periods, the weather is generally clear, warm, and comfortable, with less rainfall and abundant opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural events. Spring offers a chance to see the blossoming flowers and explore outdoor activities like cycling and hiking. Autumn is praised for its dry and clear weather, making it ideal for sightseeing and enjoying the colorful foliage. These seasons provide a pleasant climate for travelers to experience Lijiang's unique charm without the heavy tourist crowds of the peak season.

Lijiang Useful Guide

Lijiang, home to the Naxi people, is rich in linguistic diversity with the Sino-Tibetan Naxi language, featuring Western and Eastern dialects. Despite this, Mandarin Chinese is widely spoken, aiding communication. Translation apps and non-verbal cues like gestures can help overcome language barriers. Engaging with locals respectfully and learning basic phrases are recommended for a smoother experience.