1 Welcome to Lijiang - Where Ancient Culture Meets Natural Beauty

Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Yunnan Province, is a city where time seems to stand still. Nestled between the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the Jinsha River, it blends the rustic charm of ancient towns, the grandeur of snow-capped peaks, and the vibrant culture of the Naxi ethnic group.

Whether you're wandering through cobblestone streets lined with traditional wooden houses, trekking to high-altitude lakes, or immersing yourself in local customs, Lijiang offers a unique blend of tranquility and adventure. With WakaChina's tailored services, you can explore Lijiang's hidden gems while ensuring comfort and cultural respect throughout your journey.

2 Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Lijiang

2.1 Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城)

The heart of Lijiang, this ancient town is a labyrinth of stone bridges, flowing canals, and Ming-Qing Dynasty architecture. Wander through the Square Street (四方街), visit the Naxi Dongba Culture Museum, or climb Lion Mountain (狮子山) for a panoramic view of the tiled rooftops.

At night, the town comes alive with lantern-lit streets and traditional music performances. WakaChina provides guided tours to highlight the town's water system (a UNESCO engineering marvel) and can arrange Naxi calligraphy workshops or traditional costume photoshoots.

Maintenance Fee: ¥50 ($7) Duration: 3-4 hours

Explore Lijiang Ancient Town with WakaChina

2.2 Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山)

A sacred mountain for the Naxi people, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain boasts 13 peaks covered in permanent snow. Take the cable car to the Glacier Park (4,680 meters) for breathtaking views, or hike the Spruce trail through lush forests.

WakaChina offers all-inclusive day trips including cable car tickets, oxygen tanks, and warm clothing rentals, along with guided tours to the Blue Moon Valley at its foot - a stunning turquoise lake system that perfectly reflects the mountain peaks.

Mountain Entrance: ¥100 ($14) Cable Car: ¥140-220 ($20-31) Duration: Full day

Book Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Tour with WakaChina

2.3 Shuhe Ancient Town (束河古镇)

Quieter than Lijiang Ancient Town, Shuhe is a preserved Naxi village known for its cobblestone squares, traditional workshops, and the Dragon Pond (九鼎龙潭). Visit the Horse Caravan Museum to learn about the Tea Horse Road, or rent a bike to explore the surrounding fields.

WakaChina recommends staying in Shuhe's boutique guesthouses and can arrange horseback riding trips to nearby villages, offering a more authentic and peaceful experience compared to the bustling main ancient town.

Maintenance Fee: ¥50 ($7) Duration: 2-3 hours

Discover Shuhe Ancient Town with WakaChina

2.4 Lugu Lake (泸沽湖)

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Lugu Lake is famous for its crystal-clear waters and the matriarchal Mosuo people. Take a boat tour to Liwubi Island, visit Mosuo villages to learn about their unique culture, or hike around the lake to enjoy sunrise over the mountains.

WakaChina offers 2-day tours from Lijiang, including lakeside accommodation, guided hikes, and interactions with Mosuo families, providing deep insights into this unique matriarchal society often called the "Kingdom of Women".

Entrance Fee: ¥70 ($10) Duration: 2-3 days

Experience Lugu Lake with WakaChina

2.5 Black Dragon Pool Park (黑龙潭公园)

This park is renowned for its mirror-like reflections of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the Dragon Pool. Wander through the ancient pavilions, visit the Dongba Culture Research Institute, or climb to the top of Xiangshan (象山) for panoramic views.

WakaChina suggests visiting in the early morning for the clearest reflections and can arrange photography tours to capture the perfect mountain-lake scenery, especially during golden hour when the light creates magical effects on the water.

Entrance Fee: ¥50 ($7) Duration: 2-3 hours

Visit Black Dragon Pool Park with WakaChina

3 Accommodation Options in Lijiang

Lijiang's accommodation ranges from historic courtyard inns to modern resorts:

WakaChina can help you secure the best deals and exclusive packages for your stay in Lijiang, prioritizing accommodations with high-altitude amenities (e.g., oxygen supply, heating) and authentic Naxi hospitality.

4 Taste the Flavors of Lijiang Cuisine

Lijiang's cuisine reflects its ethnic diversity, featuring wild mushrooms, herbs, and local livestock. Must-try dishes include:

• Steam-Pot Chicken (汽锅鸡): A nourishing dish cooked in a ceramic pot, often flavored with matsutake mushrooms
• Yak Meat Hot Pot: A hearty stew with tender yak meat, potatoes, and medicinal herbs
• Baba (粑粑): A crispy, layered bread served sweet or savory, a Naxi breakfast staple
• Chickpea Jelly (鸡豆凉粉): A refreshing appetizer made from local chickpeas, served with chili sauce
• Naxi-style Tea: Traditional tea prepared with local herbs and served in ceremonial style

WakaChina recommends restaurants like Baisuifang Silverware Restaurant for traditional Naxi banquets and No.88 Snack Shop for authentic street food like rice-stuffed intestines.

5 Popular Activities in Lijiang

6 WakaChina Services in Lijiang

7 Plan Your Lijiang Adventure

Lijiang is a place where every stone path tells a story, and every mountain peak whispers of ancient legends. Whether you're sipping tea in a Naxi courtyard, hiking through alpine meadows, or cruising across the serene Lugu Lake, WakaChina ensures your journey is as authentic as it is unforgettable.

With WakaChina's professional services, you can explore Lijiang with peace of mind and create memories that will last a lifetime. Let us be your guide to this magical corner of Yunnan - start planning your Lijiang adventure today and let the spirit of the Tea Horse Road inspire your travels.