Lijiang Travel Guide

Perched at the bottom of the Himalayas and Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Lijiang is a reputed scenic city in southweat China’s Yunnan Province. Covering an area of 20,600 km², it is a multinational region where lives 12 old ethnics. Among which, the Naxi occupies the percentage of 57. Therefore, Lijiang owes an intense regional content.

Lijiang was built 800 years ago in Southern Song Dynasty. At the beginning it was officially called "Dayan Town"- "Dayan" literally means a "great inkstab", a graphic description of the town's location on a piece of rich flatland fed by a river and surrounded by green mountains. There is no other town in China like Dayan which incorporates the folkways of so many people and the architectural styles of both north and south China.
 

Attractions

Lijiang is a valley ringed with snow-capped mountains, spring, lakes and frothy rivers and each spot has its shining point. The Lijiang Old Town is full of cobbled streets, crisscrossing canals flowing with water, swaying willow trees and gaily-hued blossoms. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain offers expensive mountains views and snowy scenery. Dongba Valley shows you the unique Dongba culture. Tiger Leaping Gorge, a contender for the world's deepest river canyon, is definitely worth visiting. All these natural sceneries and these cultural treasures of the minority peoples have been continuously drawing tourists from all over the world. What are you waiting for?

More other Lijiang Attractions: Lake Luguhu, Yak Meadow, Jade Water Village, Shuhe Naxi Village.
 

Transportation

Neighboring the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Lijiang is easily reachable since it becomes a popular tour destination at the end of the 1990s. Lijiang enjoys a much developed transport system. Lijiang Airport offers the flights to many other big cities of China. Besides, Lijiang has 4 stations undertaking the short and long distance passengers. More about Lijiang Transportation>>
 

Weather

Due to its low latitude and high elevation, Lijiang experiences the mild subtropical highland climate. Generally speaking, the weather in Lijiang is pleasant all year round though the day difference in temperature is larger, so you’d better bring some warm clothes just in case you will climb the highlands or feel chilly at night. Winters are a little cold while summers bring the most visitors, which means spring and autumn are the best times to visit. Besides, sunglasses are needed when you come here or you will be the one with the tans. More about Lijaing Weather>>
 

Food

    

Lijiang Cuisine is a blend of Han Chinese and Tibetan styles. Also the Naxi people who live here for many generations have developed their own food. Baba is the most common food which can be easily found in Lijiang with two flavors, salty and sweet. Lijiang’s rice noodle undertakes Yunnan’s characteristics of fragrant, light and elegant and also adds some local special Naxi flavor. If you want to be more adventurous, try some deep-fried grasshoppers, dragonflies and other insects. More about Lijiang Food>>
 

Restaurants

There are countless restaurants of Naxi, Chinese and Tibetan food in Lijiang. Most of local and Regional Restaurants and Cafes are available along Jishan Lane, Mishi Lane and the Square Street in Lijiang old town. More about Lijiang Restaurant>>

Shopping

As an ancient tea route, there are many handmade article shops in town. Much of the souvenirs available in Lijiang are related to the ethnic groups that populate the area. Hot items include copperware, leather and fur goods, carpets and rugs, and painted scrolls with poems written in calligraphy. The most famous shopping center of Lijiang is Square Street, the most bustling area of the city. Various kinds of decorations and handicrafts can be found here. More about Lijiang Shopping>>

Nightlife

If you want to spend the night in a relaxing way while being able to learn some local culture, watching Naxi Ancient Music and Dance Show is the best choice. Naxi People have inhabited Lijiang for a long time, and have created their unique and splendid Dongba Culture. If you want the regular bar and café kind of nightlife, Xinhua Jie and Xinyi Jie inside the Lijiang Old Town are the two best places to go. More about Lijiang Nightlife>>
 

Festivals

Lijiang is a multi-ethnic (The Naxi the Lisu, the Bai, the Dai, the Pumi and the Zang) city. Knowing more about the nationalities here are helpful to understand the local culture. Welcome to join the festival to have more funs.

Sanduo festical: the Naxi Nationality celebrates it on the 8thFeb. in lunar calendar of China. This was a day for them to do an unusual sacrifice, but in nowadays it is changed to a day for people play nature all around for the spring is in the air. It is a great feast that Lijiang is blooming for thousands of flowers in the field blossom.
Suitable time: March –April

Zhuanshan Festival: it is an important day celebrated on the 25th July in lunar calendar of China for Mosuo who also belongs to the Naxi Nationality. During this day, the Mosuo will be all dressed in their mosy beautiful national costumes and head for various activities like dancing, shooting and worship the Goddess.
Suitable time: from the end of August to October.