A blend of historic sites, snow-capped mountains and ethnic minority cultures, Lijiang is famed for its beautiful UNESCO-listed Old Town that dates back 800 years. Climb a mountain, see a world-famous hiking trail or walk around its cobblestone streets to marvel at ancient architecture.
Things to do in Lijiang
To catch a glimpse of the Naxi people dancing and singing, take an early morning stroll along the UNESCO-listed streets of Lijiang’s Old Town. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets to admire the 900-year-old historic townscape dotted with ancient stone bridges and picturesque canals draped in a colourful bed of flowers.
Take the Glacier Park cable car to the peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to marvel at the scenery from 4,000 meters high. Plan your trip to coincide with the famous Lijiang Impressions Show, which showcases the tribal cultures of China with a mountain backdrop in what is known as the “highest landscape theatre”.
Art enthusiasts can explore the Baisha Murals in Baisha Village, where the characteristic painting style showcases an intriguing mix of Buddhism and Taoism. Dating back to the Ming dynasty, there are an estimated 558 murals offering insight into the local culture.
Looking for a day trip? Lace up your hiking books and head to Tiger Leaping Gorge, considered one of the deepest gorges in the world. It’s an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, where high cliffs feature some of the best hiking trails in China.
Getting around Lijiang
Lijiang’s compact streets can only be explored on foot, while taxis and rideshare services are used to travel further afield. Lijiang Sanyi Airport is a 30-minute drive from the city centre. There are train services to Kunming and buses that travel to Dali and Chengdu.