Question 1

How many days do I need in Lijiang?

Accepted Answer

3 to 4 days. Day 1: Lijiang Old Town (UNESCO), Black Dragon Pool with the classic pagoda-and-snow-mountain reflection view, Mu Mansion. Day 2: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (cable car to 4,506m, Blue Moon Valley's turquoise lakes). Day 3: Tiger Leaping Gorge — one of the world's deepest gorges with a world-class hiking trail. Day 4: Shuhe Ancient Town (a quieter, less commercial version of Lijiang) and Baisha village (ancient Naxi frescoes and authentic local culture).

Question 2

What are the must-see attractions in Lijiang?

Accepted Answer

Lijiang Old Town — a UNESCO-listed, 800-year-old Naxi trading town with cobblestone streets, wooden buildings, and a mountain-spring-fed canal system. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (5,596m peak with a cable car to 4,506m — one of the highest tourist-accessible elevations in China). Tiger Leaping Gorge (world-class hiking between Jade Dragon and Haba Snow Mountains). Black Dragon Pool (the classic Yunnan photo: pagoda + bridge + snow mountain reflection). Shuhe and Baisha ancient towns for a quieter, more authentic Naxi cultural experience.

Question 3

When is the best time to visit Lijiang?

Accepted Answer

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are best — clear skies, comfortable daytime temperatures, and the best views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain without cloud cover. Summer (June–August) is the rainy season — the mountain is often hidden in clouds, but the old town takes on a moody, misty beauty. Winter (December–February) is dry and sunny but cold at night (temperatures can drop below freezing). Avoid Golden Week (October 1–7) when the old town's narrow lanes become a solid wall of people.

Question 4

What is Lijiang famous for?

Accepted Answer

Lijiang is a UNESCO World Heritage city famous for its ancient Naxi minority culture, cobblestone streets laced with canals, traditional wooden architecture, and the stunning backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The Naxi people are one of China's 56 officially recognized ethnic minorities with their own language, the world's last living pictographic script (Dongba), and a distinctive ancient music tradition that has been performed continuously for over 500 years. Lijiang sits at 2,400m altitude in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Question 5

Where is the best area to stay in Lijiang?

Accepted Answer

Inside Lijiang Old Town (Dayan): the most atmospheric option — you are in the heart of the UNESCO site, walking distance to everything. Note that cars cannot enter the old town, so your guide or hotel staff will meet you at one of the gates. South Gate area: slightly quieter, with easier vehicle access. Shuhe Ancient Town: more peaceful, fewer crowds, excellent boutique hotels in restored courtyard buildings. For photographers: hotels near Black Dragon Pool for the classic sunrise snow mountain reflection shot.

Question 6

What food should I try in Lijiang?

Accepted Answer

Naxi cuisine blends Yunnanese ingredients with Tibetan and Bai influences. Lijiang baba (a pan-fried wheat flatbread, available sweet or savory — the quintessential local street food). Naxi grilled fish with local mountain herbs. Yak meat hot pot (rich and warming at this altitude). Wild mushrooms (in season July–September — Yunnan is the mushroom capital of China). Crossing-the-bridge noodles (Yunnan's iconic rice noodle soup). Tibetan-style butter tea. Baba with fresh yak yogurt makes a perfect high-altitude breakfast.

Question 7

How do I get to Lijiang?

Accepted Answer

Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG) has direct flights from Kunming (1h), Chengdu (1.5h), Chongqing (1.5h), and Beijing (4h). High-speed rail from Kunming takes about 3 hours through beautiful Yunnan mountain scenery. From Dali, Lijiang is 2 hours by train or car. The airport is 28 km from the old town — a private tour includes airport pickup so you do not need to navigate local transport at altitude after your flight.

Question 8

Is Lijiang safe for travelers?

Accepted Answer

Lijiang is very safe for tourists. The main caution is altitude-related: the old town sits at 2,400m and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain's highest cable car reaches 4,506m. Take it easy your first 24 hours to acclimatize — avoid alcohol and strenuous activity. The old town's cobblestone streets can be extremely slippery when wet (they are polished smooth by 800 years of foot traffic). Pickpocketing is rare. The main annoyance is aggressive tour touts in the old town — easily avoided by pre-booking everything.

Question 9

Do I need to worry about altitude in Lijiang?

Accepted Answer

Lijiang Old Town is at 2,400m — most people feel slightly short of breath on their first day but acclimatize within 24 hours. Avoid strenuous activity for the first day and drink plenty of water. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain's highest cable car goes to 4,506m — some visitors experience mild altitude sickness (headache, nausea, dizziness). The cable car station provides portable oxygen canisters. Those with heart or respiratory conditions should consult their doctor before the trip. The good news: most of the old town is flat and easy walking.

Question 10

How do I get around Lijiang?

Accepted Answer

Lijiang Old Town is car-free and entirely walkable — you navigate by following the canal flow (upstream = toward the mountains = north). Taxis for trips outside the old town perimeter. For Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (30 minutes), Tiger Leaping Gorge (2 hours), and Baisha village (20 minutes), a private vehicle is essential — public buses are limited and not practical for tourists. A private tour provides seamless door-to-door transport between all sites and areas.

Question 11

What is the weather like in Lijiang?

Accepted Answer

Lijiang has a highland climate at 2,400m elevation. Daytime temperatures are pleasant year-round (15–25°C), but nights are always cool (5–15°C) — you need a jacket every evening regardless of the season. The UV index is extremely high at this altitude — wear sunscreen even on overcast days. Dry season: November–May (sunny, low rainfall, cold nights). Rainy season: June–October (afternoon showers, but the landscape is at its greenest). Dressing in layers is essential — temperature swings of 15°C in a single day are normal.

Question 12

Is Tiger Leaping Gorge hike difficult?

Accepted Answer

The full Upper Gorge trail is about 22 km and takes 5–7 hours — moderate difficulty with some steep, exposed sections and significant drop-offs (not recommended for those with vertigo). The lower route is an easier 2–3 hour walk on well-maintained paved paths with equally dramatic views up at the gorge walls. The best hiking months are April–June and September–October. Always go with a private guide who knows the trail conditions and can adjust the route to your fitness level.

Lijiang

Curated Tours in Lijiang

Lijiang Old Town & Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Private Day Tour

Lijiang Old Town & Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Private Day Tour

Why Book Lijiang Tours with Us

Local Expert Guides

Hotel Pickup Included

Flexible Itinerary

Explore Lijiang Your Way

Why Visit Lijiang

How to Reach Lijiang

Lijiang Travel FAQ

Other Destinations