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Best Things to Do
Top 20 Best Things to Do in Lijiang [2025]
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Yulong Snow Mountain
4.5
/5
18434 reviews
9.0
Based on 708 reviews
Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area | 30.6 km from downtown
Phone +864001335596
Address: 15 km north of Lijiang Old Town, Yulong County, Lijiang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 day
Achieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
Highlights:
Take a cable car for panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains
Cableway to 14780 ft glacier park
Saved by 3967 users8366 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The attraction is worth visiting, and the price is good value for money. However, it says that it includes three treasures, but the three treasures are 9 kilometers away from the ancient city. It seems like they are just adding a service to make it look better, but they are not sincere. It would be better not to include the three treasures. If they do include them, they should consider partners who are closer to the ancient city. Otherwise, there is really no need to include this service.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a sacred mountain for the Naxi people. Its 13 snow-capped peaks stretch like a jade dragon, while Blue Moon Valley boasts azure waters like a jewel. The cable car takes you to 4680 meters for close-up views of the glaciers. With its breathtaking scenery and rich cultural heritage, it's a must-visit destination in Yunnan.
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Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge
4.6
/5
5708 reviews
8.4
Based on 1,226 reviews
Tiger Leaping Gorge | 42.1 km from downtown
Phone +8608878806982
Address: Tiger Leaping Gorge(Hutiaoxia Town), Shangri-La County, Diqing Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5–1 day
Highlights:
World-class hiking & iconic rock
World-class hiking: mountains & rapids
Saved by 1367 users3302 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Very good
Very good
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Very nice services, very professional driver on the mountain road, very impressive scenery, only 3 tourists in the bus without cancellation, very delicious lunch like home cook and fresh from the kitchen, 2 thumbs up!!!
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Lugu Lake Scenic Area
4.7
/5
10846 reviews
8.3
Based on 889 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +86088815908880150
Address: Lugu Lake Town, Ninglang County, Lijiang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 days
Highlights:
Experience unique Mosuo walking marriage
Plateau lake at 2.685 km
Saved by 837 users7049 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
This is an amazing paradise! Even before entering Lugu Lake, the entrance to the scenic area on the mountaintop is breathtakingly beautiful. There are even more stunning views to discover as you circle the lake. I love this place so much and wish I could stay longer.
From a high vantage point, Lugu Lake appears remarkably calm. In winter mornings, the lake is shrouded in mist. A stroll around the lake reveals numerous viewpoints and lakeside guesthouses, making it ideal for a leisurely day trip.
No.
4
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The Romantic Show of Lijiang
4.6
/5
4962 reviews
8.0
Based on 92 reviews
Lijiang Railway Station | 3.1 km from downtown
Phone +864008888518
Address: No.88,Yuxing West Road,Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–3 hours
Featured in 2026 China 100 - Night Attractions
Highlights:
Interactive shows & cultural performances
Lijiang culture & scenic beauty
Saved by 595 users3365 positive reviews
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"Lijiang Love Song" is a beautiful story about love, waiting, and protection. It will deeply move you to tears. There's only one show per day, so remember to arrive at the scenic area early. The story of the Tibetan young man Abuda and the Naxi girl Gajimi will surely touch your heart. A must-see performance in Lijiang!
The transportation to Lijiang Ancient Town Scenic Area is incredibly convenient! Whether you're driving or using public transportation, it's easy to find your way around. The signs within the scenic area are also very clear and easy to understand, allowing us to quickly find the places we wanted to go. The shows at the scenic area are fantastic; both the main show and the outdoor performances are excellent, and you can really feel the professionalism of the performers. This trip gave us a deeper understanding and appreciation of Lijiang.
No.
5
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Old Town of Lijiang
4.7
/5
15126 reviews
7.6
Based on 5,125 reviews
The Old Town of Lijiang | 1.9 km from downtown
Phone +8608885111118
Address: Dayan Ancient City, Gucheng District, Lijiang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5–1 day
Achieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
Highlights:
Nine unique attractions together
Unique waterway layout formed
Saved by 1964 users4387 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Lijiang punishes everyone who doesn't plan ahead!!!
I've wanted to visit Lijiang Old Town for ages!
Dancing around a bonfire in the Old Town
Listening to folk songs in a bar
I did my research beforehand
And stayed for three days and two nights, finally figuring out how to enjoy it!
🏕️Location: Lijiang Old Town
🎫Tickets: Free 24 hours a day
🚗Transportation: There's a 20 RMB bus from the airport directly to the Old Town; there are stops at both the South and North Gates. Taxis are also readily available.
📸Photo Spots in the Old Town
▪️Big Waterwheel: One of the must-see spots in Lijiang Old Town, located in Yuhe Square. A huge waterwheel, with many Dongba wishing plaques nearby.
▪️Sifang Street: Located in the center of Lijiang Old Town, connecting all the alleys. There's a bonfire party around 7 PM at the e-People's Fun Zone.
▪️ Umbrella Street: A whole street lined with oil-paper umbrellas. During the day, the sunlight makes them colorful, and at night they create a real old-street atmosphere.
▪️ Wenchang Palace or Lion Mountain Viewpoint: The viewpoint in front of Wenchang Palace offers panoramic views of Lijiang Old Town. From Lion Mountain, you can go to Wangu Tower Park for a complete view of the old town.
▪️ Qiyi Street and Wuyi Street: Food and bars. You can find a bar to listen to music in the evening. It's also a route to Mufu and Zhongyi Market.
▪️ Black Dragon Pool Park: The park is right next to Lijiang Old Town, about a 10-minute walk or a few minutes by taxi. Check the sunrise time in advance to photograph the golden sunrise on the mountain. Entry is free before 8 AM.
About food: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We found "Hongxing Casserole" near Zhongyi Market. The casserole with fresh meat stewed to order was incredibly high quality! You can eat your fill for just 30 RMB per person. We ordered lamb casserole, pork rib casserole, and mushroom casserole – every flavor was delicious! 😋 Plus, the owner poured fresh chili on top, and we couldn't stop eating!
About bars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ When in Lijiang, you must experience the local folk bar culture. We chose "Waste a Life Bar," where you can enjoy the view and listen to music. The singers take turns performing, each with a different style, so you can hear a variety of songs throughout the night! 🎵
#LijiangOldTownPhotography #LijiangLocalRecommendation #LijiangTravelGuide #LijiangFood #LijiangOldTownTourismRoute #LijiangBarRecommendation #LijiangHongxingCasserole #LijiangWasteALifeBar #LijiangTourism
Visiting the Mu Palace during the day is the best time to truly appreciate its grandeur. The architectural lines, courtyard layers, and carved beams and painted rafters are all clearly visible in the sunlight, relying solely on their natural beauty without any nighttime filter. The overall scale is considerable, and as you walk around, you can feel the confidence of the Mu family, who once held absolute power in Lijiang.
The highlights are the expansive views and meticulous layout. Standing on higher ground overlooking the ancient city, you instantly understand why they could rule for centuries. The downsides are the large number of tourists and the somewhat official-sounding guide signs, but these don't prevent you from taking stunning photos.
Overall: Worth a visit, especially during the day to truly appreciate its scale and details.
No.
6
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Lashihai Wetland Park
4.3
/5
5498 reviews
7.3
Based on 288 reviews
Lijiang Lashihai Wetland Scenic Area | 9.2 km from downtown
Phone +8608885440199
Address: Anshang Village, Lashi Seaview District, Gucheng District, Lijiang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–4 hours
Highlights:
Lakeside greenery & abundant fish
Naxi village & lakeside culture
Saved by 466 users1996 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Lashi Lake: Choose the right way to experience the poetic beauty of tea and horse racing and the gentle lakeside scenery.
Overall Rating: 4.5 (5 out of 5)
Lashi Lake has always had a polarizing reputation. Luckily, with thorough pre-departure research, we avoided any pitfalls and enjoyed a delightful journey that blends historical traces with natural beauty. It's not a perfect scenic spot, but with the right experience, it's worth adding to your Lijiang itinerary.
🌟 Must-Experience Highlights
1. Horseback Riding on the Ancient Tea Horse Road: An Immersive Historical Journey: The 198 RMB package, booked in advance through a reputable platform, is a fantastic deal, including full transfers, a one-hour horseback ride, unlimited boating, and a buffet of free-range chicken hot pot. The groom led the horse steadily forward, passing through pine forests and fields. The wind was filled with the fragrance of grass and trees, and the stone pavement beneath our feet truly evoked the vicissitudes of the caravans of yesteryear, far from the perfunctory experience of "concrete roads going in circles" as rumored online. 2. Rafting at Lashi Lake: Picturesque scenery: Kayaking costs 40 yuan per person for unlimited use. By the time you reach the center of the lake, the only sound is the sound of water. Looking up, you can see Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance, and looking down, the lake is crystal clear. In the evening, the setting sun paints the lake a warm golden color, creating stunning photos without filters.
3. Food and Accommodation: A hidden gem in the countryside: The free-range chicken hot pot for lunch boasts fresh ingredients, firm and flavorful chicken, and unlimited refills are available. The guesthouse near Dayu Village was a pleasant surprise. The sea view room came with a terrace. In the morning, I sat on the terrace to watch the sunrise over tea, and at night, I could see the lake shimmering under the stars. The owner also kindly shared a hidden spot for free birdwatching. 4. Off-the-beaten-path Viewing Spots: Free and Photogenic: Take a taxi directly to the free lakeside boardwalk in Dayu Village. It's uncrowded and quiet, with reeds swaying in the wind, making it a perfect spot for photographing the wetland scenery. There's no need to squeeze into those popular photo spots.
🚨 Pitfalls & Practical Tips
- Traffic Pitfalls: Never trust "low-cost" offers offered by touts or drivers. They often lure you in with a few dozen yuan, then jack up the price once you arrive, deliberately ripping you off. If driving yourself, avoid navigating directly to the wetland park. Book a package in advance and follow the directions for a more worry-free experience.
- Consumer Warning: Some
The scenery is beautiful, with wetland scenery on one side and recreational activities on the other. The wetland boardwalk is also wheelchair-friendly, with bicycles and electric vehicles available. At the end, there's a photo booth with a sky mirror. The flowers along the road are also beautiful, and I even encountered a water snake. The waterside boardwalk is about 2 kilometers long.
No.
7
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The Ancient Town of Shuhe
4.6
/5
3139 reviews
7.1
Based on 1,173 reviews
Shuhe Old Town | 7.4 km from downtown
Phone +8608885174636
Address: Shuhe Road, Gucheng District, Lijiang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
Explore Tea & Horse Road Museum
Naxi market & unique snacks
Saved by 958 users770 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Of the three ancient towns in Lijiang, Dayan Ancient Town is bustling with activity, its bars blaring at night; Baisha Ancient Town, near Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, has a natural filter, making it incredibly photogenic. But if you ask me which one I love most, I would unhesitatingly choose Shuhe Ancient Town—a secluded haven with sparse crowds, a river flowing through it, flowers blooming along the roadside, and willows swaying gently.
Shuhe Ancient Town is neither as noisy as Dayan nor as deserted as Baisha. It strikes a perfect balance between tranquility and vibrancy, like a traditional Chinese ink painting where nature and culture blend seamlessly. Here, you can find a long-lost peace, as if time itself has slowed down.
For those who enjoy quietly finding an ancient town to relax in the sun, Shuhe Ancient Town is a treasure. You can sit by the river, watching the flowing water, listening to the birdsong, and feeling the healing power of nature. Or, you can find a small shop, order a coffee, read a good book, and enjoy a rare moment of leisure.
Shuhe Ancient Town, located 4 kilometers northwest of Lijiang Ancient City in Yunnan Province, is a well-preserved and important market town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. It is one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi people in the Lijiang Basin, known as "Shaowu" in the Naxi language. The ancient town is centered around waterways and features attractions such as the Qinglong Bridge and Jiuding Longtan (Nine Dragon Pool). It was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1997, rated a National 4A-level scenic area in 2005, and also holds the title of "China's Charming Town."
No.
8
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Baisha Ancient Town
4.6
/5
482 reviews
6.7
Based on 204 reviews
Baisha old town/FOLIDAY Town Lijiang Mediterranean Resort | 11 km from downtown
Phone +8608885142120
Address: Yulong Naxi Autonomous County,Lijiang
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
Tie-dye crafts & cycling town
Majestic Yulong Snow Mountain views
Saved by 668 users170 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Baisha Ancient Town has already achieved a similar effect to Lijiang Ancient Town and Shuhe Ancient Town in their heyday, attracting many visitors to Lijiang who also make a point of visiting Baisha. This is a very positive development. The town boasts many uniquely decorated and charming shops, and some snack stalls are gradually developing their own specialties, extending their opening hours late into the night to cater to every need.
When exploring this town, don't rely too much on recommendations; instead, explore on your own. Spend more time with friendly shopkeepers and listen to their stories – that's the best way to enjoy the experience. If you like, you can stay in one of the town's guesthouses and fully immerse yourself in the sunshine and freedom.
However, many areas feel chaotic and disorganized. The main street is narrow yet constantly filled with vehicles, creating a chaotic atmosphere filled with shouting and swearing. Vehicles should be banned!
Furthermore, some buildings have been renovated in a haphazard and inconsistent style, which is unacceptable. Maintaining the traditional architectural style is crucial for an ancient town. We hope the management will take this seriously.
Encounter Baisha Ancient Town and discover a different Lijiang.
If you've grown tired of the hustle and bustle of Lijiang Old Town, Baisha Ancient Town promises a refreshing new experience. It feels like a hidden paradise nestled beneath the bustle, its tranquility and pristine beauty captivating the heart.
Upon arrival, the iconic Baisha Memorial Archway catches your eye, its quaint charm imbued with the traces of time. Strolling along the bluestone streets, you'll find traditional Naxi architecture lined with wooden doors and windows, and carved eaves, inviting you to slow down and savor this rare, quaint charm. Commercialization is minimal here, with no cookie-cutter tourist souvenir shops. Instead, you'll find vibrant shops filled with local handicrafts and snacks, as well as charming cafes and teahouses.
I highly recommend a visit to Yiwatang. The view from this café is truly breathtaking. Sitting by the window, you can clearly see the distant Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, shrouded in mist and clouds, like a breathtaking landscape painting. Order a latte and a slice of tiramisu, and gaze out the window at the beautiful scenery. Time seems to slow down and become beautiful. The restaurant's decor is stylish, with wooden tables and chairs, warm yellow lighting, and a variety of green plants, creating a truly captivating atmosphere.
Photographers shouldn't miss the Naxi Tribe Ranch. Here, you can don Tibetan clothing and take stunning photos against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The blue sky, white clouds, snow-capped mountains and grasslands, and the colorful Tibetan clothing—every photo is sure to go viral on Instagram. The ranch also boasts adorable lambs, their furry fur is incredibly comforting. Holding one for a photo is truly adorable!
Besides these, the Baisha murals are also worth a visit. These murals have a long history, incorporating elements from Tibetan Buddhism and Taoism. Their vibrant colors and delicate lines create a rich tapestry of cultural significance. Entering the mural museum is like traveling through time, engaging in a conversation with the ancients, and feeling the weight of history.
As for food, the Shambhala Yak Milk Tea is a must-try. It's rich and creamy, similar to Cha Yan Yue Se, but with its own unique flavor. I couldn't get enough of it for two days straight. There's also the roadside grilled yak skewers, 5 yuan each. The meat is firm, sprinkled with chili flakes and cumin powder, and the aroma is incredibly satisfying. The popular flower steamed buns are also great. Although only 6 yuan each, they're large, sweet, and soft. The line can be a bit long, so you need to be patient.
Transportation is also convenient. A taxi from Lijiang Old Town costs about 30 yuan and takes about half an hour. On the way back, you can share a bus near the archway back to the Old Town for 10 yuan per person.
Baisha Old Town is uncrowded with tourists and not overly commercialized. It's simply a peaceful and beautiful place. Here, you can slow down, enjoy a leisurely time, and experience the purest Lijiang. I highly recommend a visit!
No.
9
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Tinghua Valley - Lijiang Flowers Garden
4.3
/5
202 reviews
6.5
10 km from downtown
Phone +8616608880202
Address: 云南省丽江市玉龙纳西族自治县白沙镇白沙村委会街尾二组100号
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Fairytale Hobbit treehouse view
Flowers & seasons at Yulong
Saved by 631 users159 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The ticket includes souvenirs and afternoon tea. The souvenirs are seeds. Each person has cake and tea for afternoon tea. The price/performance ratio is good. Many people take wedding photos. If you are afraid of altitude sickness, you can go
It honestly feels magical here — the flowers are so beautiful and colorful, like something out of a painting. There are cute alpacas wandering around, and even a little hobbit house that makes it feel like stepping into a fairytale. Such a peaceful and happy place to be.
No.
10
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Xuesong Village (Yuhu Village)
4.0
/5
124 reviews
6.2
Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area | 17.7 km from downtown
Address: Yuhu Village, Baisha Township, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 3–5 hours
Highlights:
Stone houses & serene ambiance
Ancient & rustic stone houses
Saved by 172 users25% positive reviews
Verified user reviews
This is my second time visiting Yuhu Village. I like the style of this village. The houses are all built of stone. There is a street leading to the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. There are many snacks on the roadside and it is very lively.
The house is built of stone, relatively primitive, but too commercial. It costs 38 yuan per person to take a round trip car. When you go back at night, you have to wait for several cars to get on, and there is no staff to organize the queue, so there will be dangerous behavior of grabbing the car. It is recommended to arrange some staff to organize everyone to queue on the return trip
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