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Best Things to Do
Top 20 Best Things to Do in Lijiang [2025]
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Yulong Snow Mountain
4.5
/5
17763 reviews
9.1
From £ 6.19
Based on 706 reviews
Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area | 30.6 km from downtown
Phone 0888-5131111
Address: 15 km north of Lijiang Old Town, Yulong County, Lijiang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 day
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
Take a cable car for panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains
Cableway to 14780 ft glacier park
Saved by 3069 users8134 positive reviews
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It looks like a newly built area, with houses made of stone, which is quite interesting. The commercial street is small, but the scenery is nice. Although the lake is a bit small, the foot of Yulong Mountain is still very beautiful. It's worth a visit.
The top of the mountain was closed due to heavy snow, so I didn't go to the highest point. There were many people, but there was no altitude sickness. The scenery was charming, the snow was falling, and it was white. It is worth recommending to go there. It is much cheaper to rent clothes in Lijiang Ancient Town.
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Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge
4.6
/5
5356 reviews
8.4
From £ 4.65
Based on 1,226 reviews
Tiger Leaping Gorge | 42.1 km from downtown
Phone 0887-8806982
Address: Tiger Leaping Gorge(Hutiaoxia Town), Shangri-La County, Diqing Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
World-class hiking & iconic rock
World-class hiking: mountains & rapids
Saved by 1020 users3082 positive reviews
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This place is worth going. It is worth noting that the Tiger Leaping I went to 15 years ago has been closed, and it is not the same as it was. This time I went by car, the scenery was still so shocking, and then I heard that it may be closed because of mudslides or something. It belongs to the kind that goes once and for once.
Tiger Leaping Gorge: A Stunning Dialogue with Nature
"Here the river turns its course, rushing into the vast expanse of the Central Plains." Only when I stood before Tiger Leaping Gorge did I truly appreciate the majestic power captured by this poem. This trip to Tiger Leaping Gorge completely exceeded my imagination and is absolutely worth a voyage!
🚗Transportation: I drove from Lijiang, which took about two hours. The scenery along the way was picturesque, the roads were good, and navigation was easy to use. The advantage of driving yourself is that you have the freedom to arrange your time. Of course, you can also take a shuttle bus from Lijiang or Shangri-La and then rent or charter a car to visit the various attractions. Transportation is still very convenient.
🎫Tickets: The tickets are quite reasonable. I bought them through a Douyin group tour. The value for money is excellent, and the scenery is absolutely worth it!
🌅Experience: Entering Tiger Leaping Gorge is like entering a mysterious world forgotten by time. The river roars like a galloping horse, the deafening roar of the waves telling a story that stretches back thousands of years. The entire walking path takes about 1.5 hours to complete. Non-slip shoes are recommended, as some sections are quite steep. Along the way, every turn and every viewpoint offers a breathtakingly different view. Standing by the river, feeling the powerful impact of the rushing water, the feeling of being in touch with nature is truly indescribable. If walking the path is too tiring, you can take the elevator directly to the river for 35 yuan, but I think walking the path offers a better experience of Tiger Leaping Gorge's charm.
🍱Food: After your visit, be sure to try the Tibetan fragrant pork hot pot at a restaurant near the scenic area. The meat is tender and paired with wild mountain vegetables—it's simply delicious! Their barley pancakes are also crispy and delicious, leaving you with a lasting impression.
🏠Accommodation: I chose to stay at the Tiger Leaping Gorge Inn, located near Tiger Leaping Gorge. The view was unobstructed, offering panoramic views of the canyon. The room was clean and comfortable, and the owner was very friendly and offered hiking tips. I especially recommend their breakfast—simple yet authentic, it left me feeling energized for a full day of hiking.
This trip to Tiger Leaping Gorge not only allowed me to admire the wonders of nature but also to experience its power and charm. If you love nature and enjoy challenging yourself, Tiger Leaping Gorge is definitely the perfect choice for you! I highly recommend it to everyone!
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Lugu Lake Scenic Area
4.7
/5
10484 reviews
8.4
From £ 7.22
Based on 889 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone 0888-5886045
Address: Lugu Lake Town, Ninglang County, Lijiang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
No.1 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Lijiang
Highlights:
Experience unique Mosuo walking marriage
Plateau lake at 2.685 km
Saved by 736 users6923 positive reviews
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Lugu Lake is beautiful, but the entrance fee is inexplicable. There are said to be many ways to evade the entrance fee, so why do they charge it? What kind of service does the scenic spot provide for the 70 yuan? None. Cars are parked randomly, there are no parking spaces, and garbage is left everywhere. Don't waste such a beautiful natural resource. And all other attractions still require separate tickets.
A soul-stirring experience at Lugu Lake! Climb aboard the Mosuo people's unique pig trough boats, and you'll feel like you've become part of this landscape painting. The waters are crystal clear, and the oars slice through the emerald waves, creating a tranquil and soothing experience. The boatman, a warm and friendly man, steers the boat steadily while introducing Mosuo culture and interesting stories about the lake, like an old friend. As the boat sails through the center of the lake, surrounded by mountains, the blue sky and white clouds reflected in the water are breathtakingly beautiful! This is an unmissable experience to experience the pristine charm of Lugu Lake and the Mosuo culture, and it's absolutely worth the price of admission! 🌙
No.
4
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The Romantic Show of Lijiang
4.6
/5
4648 reviews
8.1
From £ 28.88
Based on 91 reviews
Lijiang Railway Station | 3.1 km from downtown
Phone 0888-6881111
Address: No.88,Yuxing West Road,Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 hours
No.1 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Lijiang
Highlights:
Interactive shows & cultural performances
Lijiang culture & scenic beauty
Saved by 458 users3107 positive reviews
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"Lijiang Eternal Love" reveals the Naxi people's creation and the blood and tears of the caravans. "Lijiang Love Song" allows you to experience the customs of Yunnan's ethnic minorities. Touch antiques on Tea and Horse Street, and witness ethnic minority flash mobs at Caravan Square. Feeding koi is a symbol of Naxi auspiciousness, while learning about Mosuo marriage at the Walking Marriage Bridge. Enjoy thrilling fire dance performances at the Cultural Square, and experience the intangible cultural heritage of copperplate engraving for a sense of accomplishment. This isn't just a quick tour; it's a journey into the soul of Lijiang!
The stunning "Lijiang Eternal Love" performance is a must-see! The stage effects are incredible! The "Lijiang Love Song" live-action volcanic eruption is incredibly realistic. Stroll through Tea and Horse Street, savoring yak skewers and buying tie-dye items. The embarrassment of grabbing hydrangeas at the Caravan Square is hilarious. Feeding koi carp at Nacuo Beach is a beautiful photo opportunity, and listening to folk songs in Dawa Village is incredibly relaxing. The Walking Marriage Bridge is covered in wish plaques. Transportation to the scenic area is convenient, with a free shuttle bus. It was a blast! Highly recommended!
No.
5
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Old Town of Lijiang
4.7
/5
15088 reviews
7.7
Based on 5,118 reviews
The Old Town of Lijiang | 1.9 km from downtown
Phone 0888-5111118
Address: Dayan Ancient City, Gucheng District, Lijiang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Featured in 2025 Global 100 – Night Attractions
Highlights:
Nine unique attractions together
Unique waterway layout formed
Saved by 1707 users4478 positive reviews
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Who knows, Lijiang Ancient City really does not want to go! 🌆 As soon as I stepped into the ancient city, it was like an instant crossing back to ancient times. At the foot is the simple stone road, the road is the flowing water, the buildings on both sides of the Straits retain the original Naxi style, the moths and arches, the carved beams and painting buildings, every detail is full of historical charm. Walk along the river, feel the breeze, and watch the red lanterns and antique buildings reflected on the water. It is really super comfortable, and any shot is a blockbuster. 💃 The atmosphere of life in the ancient city is also very strong. Sifang Street is very lively, and during the day it is a bustling market, with a variety of specialty snacks and handicrafts. I tasted the local pork ribs hot pot and chicken bean jelly powder. The taste is absolutely amazing, and the aftertaste is endless. In the evening, there will be a bonfire party on Sifang Street. Everyone dances around the bonfire. The atmosphere is super hi, and the distance between people is instantly closer. 🎇 Lijiang Ancient City after nightfall is even more unique. The bar street is brilliantly lit, music and laughter are intertwined, lively but not noisy. Find a clear bar to sit down, order a cocktail, listen to the singer's affectionate singing, look at the night view of the ancient city outside the window, the fatigue of the day has disappeared. 🚶♀️ If you want to avoid the crowds and explore the quiet beauty of the ancient city, go to those deep alleys. There are relatively few tourists in the alleys, and occasionally you can see local residents sitting leisurely at the door to bask in the sun and chat. Here, time seems to have slowed down, so that you can truly feel the unique charm of Lijiang Ancient City. The only dissatisfaction is that the price of accommodation in the ancient city will be higher in the peak season, and because it is a wooden structure house, the sound insulation effect is not particularly good. But it doesn't affect my love for it, Lijiang Old Town is really a place worth going again!
The ancient city of Lijiang Lijiang is a place where many ethnic groups live together. In addition to the Han nationality, there are 12 ethnic minorities and 22 ethnic minorities living here for generations. Lijiang is a famous tourist city with three world heritage sites: the World Cultural Heritage Lijiang Old Town, the World Natural Heritage Three Parallel Rivers, and the World Memory Heritage Naxi Dongba Ancient Books and Documents.
No.
6
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Lashihai Wetland Park
4.3
/5
5446 reviews
7.4
Based on 288 reviews
Lijiang Lashihai Wetland Scenic Area | 9.2 km from downtown
Phone 0888-5440199
Address: Anshang Village, Lashi Seaview District, Gucheng District, Lijiang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
No.2 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Lijiang
Highlights:
Lakeside greenery & abundant fish
Naxi village & lakeside culture
Saved by 392 users2056 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
It's not a big park, a very ordinary park. We finished the tour in less than an hour. I don't recommend it. There is nothing fun. The scenery is OK, but it has no special features. It's boring for a few people to visit. There are additional charges for boat rides and horseback riding.
This trip was incredibly good value for money, and the crowds weren't too large! Lunch was even included, which was simple but clean and delicious. I had a great time chatting with the horse-drawn carriage driver. The natural surroundings were beautiful and quiet.
No.
7
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The Ancient Town of Shuhe
4.5
/5
3131 reviews
7.2
Based on 1,172 reviews
Shuhe Old Town | 7.4 km from downtown
Phone 0888-5174636
Address: Shuhe Road, Gucheng District, Lijiang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.3 of Night Attractions in Lijiang
Highlights:
Explore Tea & Horse Road Museum
Naxi market & unique snacks
Saved by 799 users815 positive reviews
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Shuhe Ancient Town lived for nearly a year, there is a kind of feeling in the heart of the eyebrows, perhaps called "Shuhe feelings", a quiet and pleasant quiet. All the beauty is probably hidden in the mottled bluestone road, floating in the smoke of Naxi small courtyard, in the flowing water under the Qinglong Bridge. Shuhe Ancient Town is where I have lived many times. This is the hustle and bustle of the ancient city of Lijiang. Time seems to be slower here. Life is like the process you want to process. In the morning, I opened the wooden window of the inn and saw the old man Naxi walking through the alley with the horse, and the sound of the horseshoe stepping on the slate was crisp and gentle; Sitting on the stone steps of the Quartet Tingyin Square in the afternoon, watching Naxi girl embroider Dongbawen in the sun, the wind with the coolness of Yulong Mountain and the aroma of Naxi; walking along the Qinglong River in the evening, the lanterns lit up, the river reflected the light, and even the air became soft. It is unintentionally slack-the locals playing chess in the old teahouse will not care about your eye, the handmade silversmith at the corner is focused on the pattern, like my Gazi, many dogs are lazy to lie at the door, to the tourists who are too lazy to lift their eyes. Here, you don't have to chase the scenery, just walk slowly, feel the calm and peace that is infiltrated by time, like a cup of warm tea, the first taste is flat, but the aftertaste is long. Because I like Shuhe, I took care of the two inns. Mr. Song said that they were all high-standard services. Haha, I cleaned the room for the guests and made the bed and sweeped the floor. I feel very happy. Witness the life of Gazi in the left and right inn in Shuhe Ancient Town, and feel the message of the guest in the message book of Jixiang View Inn.
Yushuhe Ancient Town, I met another beautiful Lijiang before coming to Lijiang, I wandered in various travel guides, I don't know which ancient town to go to first. Finally, I decided to punch in Shuhe Ancient Town first. It turns out that this choice is simply too wise! The ancient charm is long, quiet and comfortable. As soon as you step into the ancient town of Shuhe, you seem to step into a world forgotten by time. Most of the buildings here maintain the simple Naxi style, with blue tiles and white walls. Walking on the winding stone road, you can clearly feel the traces of the years. Compared to other popular ancient towns, there are not many tourists here, and without the bustling crowds and noisy croaking, everything seems so quiet and peaceful. Find a bench by the river and sit down, watching the flowing water, occasionally a few ducks swim past, at that moment, the impetuousness of the heart was calmed instantly, just want to enjoy this tranquility quietly. The beautiful water view, picturesque water in Shuhe Ancient Town, is really a highlight. The water in Jiuding Longtan is crystal clear, reflecting the green trees and ancient buildings on the shore, like a natural ink painting. Walking along the river, weeping willows, the breeze blowing, the air is filled with fresh breath. The flying flower touching area is also very beautiful, the stream falls from a high place, splashing layers of water, shining in the sun, flashing golden light. Taking pictures here, any shot is a blockbuster, no filter is required. Rich culture, heritage classic There are many shops and studios in the ancient town that inherit Naxi culture. I walked into a Dongba paper workshop and witnessed the production process of Dongba paper. The complicated process and the focus of the craftsmen made me deeply impressed. There are many handicrafts made of Dongba paper, bookmarks and other handicrafts in the store, full of ethnic characteristics, I bought some as souvenirs. In addition, the Tea Horse Ancient Road Museum is not to be missed, the museum displays many cultural relics and materials related to the Tea Horse Ancient Road, through which I seem to see the figure of the Ma gang running on this ancient road, and have a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the Naxi people. The tip of the tongue is delicious and the aftertaste is endless. The food in Shuhe Ancient Town also made me full. I punched in the Apola ribs. The large pot of cured ribs hot pot was tight and salty. The side dishes in the pot were also full of the delicious taste of the soup. It was particularly enjoyable to eat. And Naxi grilled fish, the fish roasted outside the tender, plus a special sauce, spicy and delicious, a mouthful, full of happiness. By the way, be sure to try the local flower cake, freshly baked flower cake, the outer skin is crisp, the inner filling is sweet rose petals, the flower fragrance and wheat fragrance perfect blend, I ate several in one go. Convenient transportation, easy access It is very convenient to come from the ancient city of Lijiang. I chose to take the 11 bus. The fare is cheap. I can also enjoy the city scenery of Lijiang along the way. If the time is tight, you can also take a taxi, about 15 minutes to arrive, the cost is not expensive. Intimate suggestion, help you play 1. Come early in the morning, there are few people and beautiful scenery, and there is no need to queue for photos. 2. You can bargain when you buy handicrafts, which can save a lot of money. 3. The stone road is not very easy to walk, try to wear comfortable flat shoes. 4. Ancient town
No.
8
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Baisha Ancient Town
4.6
/5
478 reviews
6.9
Based on 203 reviews
Baisha old town/FOLIDAY Town Lijiang Mediterranean Resort | 11 km from downtown
Phone 0888-5142120
Address: Yulong Naxi Autonomous County,Lijiang
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.3 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Lijiang
Highlights:
Tie-dye crafts & cycling town
Majestic Yulong Snow Mountain views
Saved by 533 users170 positive reviews
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Baisha Ancient Town is truly a wonderful place!
It's a tiny place, yet it embodies an indescribable sense of leisure.
The bluestone pavement is polished to a shine, and walking on it feels like stepping back in time. Wooden houses huddle crookedly on either side.
Bronze bells hanging from the eaves tinkle in the wind, as if greeting passersby.
Looking up, you can see Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, dazzlingly white on a sunny day, like a cream cake tucked against the horizon.
An old woman sits on the doorstep, embroidering, her thread dancing in the sunlight.
A silversmith swings his hammer, his silver bracelets still warm from the clinking sound.
The aroma of Yunnan small-grain coffee wafts from the corner cafe, mingling with the sweetness of freshly baked flower cakes, making you want to stop walking.
The best part is that time here moves a fraction slower than elsewhere. Dogs sunbathe in the middle of the road, and sparrows dare to peck at rice grains right in front of people.
Stop by any teahouse and you'll be able to enjoy a pot of tea until sunset. The owner won't rush you, and will even offer you a refill with a smile.
It's truly leisurely and relaxing!!
Lijiang Baisha Ancient Town: The tranquil Taoyuan under the snow-capped mountains, the most beautiful thing to come to Lijiang must come to Baisha Ancient Town to see! Here, I found the long-lost tranquility and comfort. It is really an unforgettable travel experience. I must give it to everyone! Historical charm: the ancient capital of Naxi, the ancient town of Baisha, has a history of thousands of years. As one of the important birthplaces of Naxi culture, strolling in it seems to hear the echo of history. The ancient buildings of the town of Baisha, like the Dabaoji Palace, the glazed palace, the moths and the corners, the carved beams and the painting buildings, are full of traces of the years, people can't help but sigh the exquisite skills of the ancient craftsmen. Shuttle in the ancient streets and alleys, touching the ancient walls, as if through time and space, and history came into an intimate contact, really shocking! Natural beauty: the poetic blend of snow-capped mountains and ancient towns It is very close to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Find a corner in the ancient town. You can see the magnificent snow-capped mountains as soon as you look up. The snow on the top of the mountain is shining in the sun, and the ancient town complements each other. Any shot is a blockbuster. When the weather is good, the sun is on the body, warm, the snow-capped mountains in front of you, the stone road at the foot, at that moment, I feel that all my troubles have been thrown out of the clouds. National customs: deep experience of non-legacy culture In the ancient town of Baisha, there are many non-legacy cultural heritage points. I went to experience the East Bazaar dyeing, and dyed a colorful cloth with my own hands. I felt full of accomplishment and deeply felt the charm of the traditional skills of the Naxi people. There is also bronze making, the masters' focus on the look and skill of the way, people admire. There is also exquisite embroidery, every needle and thread tell the story of the Naxi people. By the way, you must not miss the white sand murals, although the scale is not large, but each picture is lifelike, containing a deep cultural connotation, really is the treasure of Naxi art. Business atmosphere: just the right atmosphere of life compared with other popular ancient towns, Baisha ancient towns are just the right degree of commercialization. There are many interesting small shops on the street, with characteristic cafes and handicraft shops. There is no over-commercial noise and impetuousness, but there is still a strong atmosphere of life. I sat in a cafe for an afternoon, basking in the sun, drinking coffee, watching people coming and going outside, especially relaxed. The prices here are also very close to the people, don't worry about being slaughtered, it's really great! Food exploration: Naxi flavor on the tip of the tongue Food is also a highlight of Baisha Ancient Town. I tasted the chicken bean jelly powder of the net red grandmother, 5 yuan a bowl, the jelly is burnt and tender, the seasoning is hot and sour, and a spice called "mountain pepper" is added inside. It is slightly numb to the tip of the tongue, which is particularly enjoyable. There is also the rose steamed bun of the "Shantou Poet", which is oversized and the rose filling is sweet and not greasy. While eating steamed buns, while enjoying the scenery of the ancient town, it has a special taste. The casserole chicken is also very good, the chicken is tender and smooth, the potatoes are soft, and it is super satisfying to take a bite. Transportation guide: Convenient travel and easy arrival It is very convenient to come from Lijiang City. It takes about 20-30 minutes to take a taxi. The cost is about 30-50 yuan. You can also take the 6 bus. Although the time may be a little longer, you can Xin
No.
9
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Tinghua Valley - Lijiang Flowers Garden
4.2
/5
175 reviews
6.7
From £ 9.08
10 km from downtown
Phone 16608880202
Address: 云南省丽江市玉龙纳西族自治县白沙镇白沙村委会街尾二组100号
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No.4 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Lijiang
Highlights:
Fairytale Hobbit treehouse view
Flowers & seasons at Yulong
Saved by 430 users135 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Tinghua Valley is located in the south of Lijiang City. Due to the pleasant climate of Lijiang City, it has a special natural environment, which makes Tinghua Valley have flowers blooming all year round. It is suitable for bringing children to play here.
I think the scenery is very good, but it is quite demanding on the season. When I went there this time, there were only 4 kinds of flowers, which were beautiful, but it would be better if there were more. The staff told me that there would be more flowers in July and August. Overall, I am quite satisfied, but there are so many wasps in the flowers that I was stared at. Do the staff have a better way to get rid of flying insects? I also got flower seeds as souvenirs, which is quite creative. I will go again.
No.
10
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Xuesong Village (Yuhu Village)
4.0
/5
113 reviews
6.3
Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area | 17.7 km from downtown
Address: Yuhu Village, Baisha Township, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 hours
Highlights:
Stone houses & serene ambiance
Ancient & rustic stone houses
Saved by 141 usersRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
This is my second time visiting Yuhu Village. I like the style of this village. The houses are all built of stone. There is a street leading to the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. There are many snacks on the roadside and it is very lively.
The house is built of stone, relatively primitive, but too commercial. It costs 38 yuan per person to take a round trip car. When you go back at night, you have to wait for several cars to get on, and there is no staff to organize the queue, so there will be dangerous behavior of grabbing the car. It is recommended to arrange some staff to organize everyone to queue on the return trip
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