Lucky LongLijiang Old Town, located in the heart of Yunnan Province, China, is a destination full of history, culture, and natural beauty. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts countless tourists to explore. Lijiang is not only famous for its well – preserved ancient town but also becomes an ideal place for travelers because of the rich natural scenery and unique ethnic culture around it. Here are some must – visit attractions in Lijiang Old Town and its surrounding areas.
Explore the Ancient Streets and Alleys
Lijiang Old Town is renowned for its winding streets, ancient wooden houses, and quiet alleys. Wandering along these streets, tourists can see many traditional Naxi buildings, and street vendors sell handicrafts and local specialties. Especially in Dayan Street and Sifang Street, you can feel the strong cultural atmosphere and long – standing history. It is a great place to experience the lifestyle and ethnic characteristics of Lijiang.
As you wander through the old town, you can visit the Square Street (Sifang Jie), the bustling heart of the town, which has been a vibrant marketplace for centuries. Here, you can find a wide array of local handicrafts, from delicate hand – woven textiles to intricate silver jewelry. In the evenings, the square comes alive with traditional Naxi dance performances, inviting both locals and tourists to join in the festivities. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the hidden courtyards, where you might discover ancient temples, such as the Black Dragon Pool Temple, surrounded by serene gardens.
Yulong Snow Mountain
Yulong Snow Mountain is the closest snow – capped mountain to the equator in the Northern Hemisphere. This magnificent mountain range consists of 13 majestic peaks stretching as far as the eye can see, with the highest peak soaring to an altitude of 5,596 meters. The snow – capped summits glisten under the sun throughout the year, presenting a magnificent and otherworldly view. It offers a range of activities for visitors. Taking a cable car allows you to ascend the mountain and enjoy a panoramic view of the snow – covered landscapes, from the lush forests at the foothills to the snow – clad peaks above. However, due to its high altitude, altitude sickness may occur. It is advisable to prepare oxygen cylinders in advance and avoid strenuous exercise immediately after arrival in Lijiang to adapt to the altitude first.
Blue Moon Valley
Situated at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley gets its name from the strikingly clear, turquoise – blue water that mirrors the sky above, resembling a huge sapphire embedded among the mountains. The water is so transparent that you can easily see the pebbles and plants at the bottom. Surrounded by snow – capped peaks and lush forests, it offers a breathtakingly beautiful and serene sight. To fully appreciate its beauty, it is recommended to visit on a sunny day, as the sunlight makes the water even more vivid and photogenic.
Yunshanping
Located halfway up Yulong Snow Mountain, Yunshanping is an alpine meadow surrounded by tall and straight spruce trees. The grassland is carpeted with wildflowers in spring and summer, creating a colorful and idyllic scene. Against the backdrop of the majestic Yulong Snow Mountain peak, it offers a perfect combination of natural beauty and tranquility. It’s an ideal place for nature lovers to relax and soak in the beauty of the mountains.
Mu Palace
The Mu Palace in Lijiang is an ancient architectural complex full of historical and cultural connotations. As one of the iconic attractions in Lijiang, it serves as an important window to understand the Naxi culture and history. The palace features a magnificent blend of Han and Naxi architectural styles, with elaborate wood carvings, elegant pavilions, and beautiful gardens. Wandering through the palace, you can feel the grandeur of the past and gain in – depth insights into the history and lifestyle of the local ruling family in ancient times.
Lugu Lake
The lake is not only famous for its stunning natural scenery but also for the unique Mosuo culture. The Mosuo people, who live on the lakeshore, follow a matrilineal social system, where the women play a central role in family and community life. You can take a boat ride on the lake, rowed by local Mosuo people, to visit the various islands on the lake. On the lakeshore, you can explore the Mosuo villages, visit their traditional houses, and learn about their unique customs, such as the walking – marriage system. Don’t forget to taste the local cuisine, which features fresh lake fish and unique local herbs.
Shuhe Ancient Town
Shuhe Ancient Town is a charming place renowned for its ancient streets, clear streams, and rich cultural heritage. As a crucial node on the Ancient Tea – Horse Road, it has well – preserved the Tea – Horse culture. The ancient cobblestone streets are lined with old – fashioned shops, some selling traditional handicrafts, while others offer local snacks and traditional Naxi cuisine.
The 九鼎龙潭 in the town is a must – visit. The clear pool, surrounded by ancient trees, is not only a source of water for the town but also a beautiful scenic spot. You can sit by the pool, listening to the gurgling of the water and the chirping of the birds. The town also has several traditional Naxi workshops, where you can watch local artisans create handicrafts, such as tie – dyeing and wood carving, and even try your hand at these traditional crafts.
Baisha Ancient Town
Baisha Ancient Town, one of the three ancient towns in Lijiang, is less commercialized compared to Lijiang Old Town. It retains a more original and serene charm. Here, you can find many well – preserved Naxi houses and ancient murals. The Baisha Murals, with their vivid colors and intricate patterns, are a precious cultural heritage, reflecting the religious beliefs and daily life of the Naxi people in ancient times. Wandering through the narrow alleys of the town, you can feel the slow – paced lifestyle of the locals and enjoy the simple and peaceful atmosphere.
Precautions
Upon arriving in Lijiang, refrain from climbing the snow – capped mountains immediately. Instead, take some time to acclimatize to the local altitude. This helps your body adjust to the lower oxygen levels and reduces the risk of altitude – related discomfort.
Prepare oxygen cylinders in advance, as the high altitude of Yulong Snow Mountain may cause altitude sickness. Symptoms of altitude sickness can include headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Having oxygen on hand can provide quick relief if needed.
It is highly recommended to visit Blue Moon Valley on a sunny day, as the scenery is more beautiful and photogenic. The sunlight enhances the color of the water, making it a perfect backdrop for memorable photos.
There is a significant temperature difference between day and night in Lijiang, so remember to bring a coat. During the day, the sun can be warm, but as the sun sets, the temperature drops rapidly. A coat will keep you warm in the cooler evenings.
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Getting There: Lijiang is accessible by flight, train, or bus from major cities like Kunming and Dali.
Entrance Fee: Lijiang Old Town has a maintenance fee of 50 RMB (approximately $7 USD).