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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
17965 reviews
9.1
From AU$ 12.84
Based on 707 reviews
Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area | 30.6 km from downtown
Phone +864001335596
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 3286 users8203 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
If you drive to Yuhu Village by yourself, you don't need to buy a sightseeing bus ticket. Just find a restaurant that you can register. There are some restaurants where you can call the owner to register and the car can drive up.
My second visit to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain didn't disappoint. The snow-capped mountains in the distance were still magnificent, but the lines were much longer this time. The waits for tickets and the cable car were quite long, and I spent a lot of time waiting. Overall, the view was worth it. If the scenic area could optimize visitor flow and reduce waiting times, the experience would be much smoother.
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Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge
4.6
/5
5472 reviews
8.4
From AU$ 9.63
Based on 1,226 reviews
Tiger Leaping Gorge | 42.1 km from downtown
Phone +8608878806982
Address: Tiger Leaping Gorge(Hutiaoxia Town), Shangri-La County, Diqing Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No. 3 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Lijiang
Highlights:
World-class hiking & iconic rock
World-class hiking: mountains & rapids
Saved by 1116 users3139 positive reviews
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The gushing waters were nothing we’ve seen before. The scenery was gorgeous and magnificent. It was an awesome day, an awesome experience. It’s not expensive too. However when we went to the ticket office to exchange tickets bought from trip.com, the staff had problems looking for our tickets. Better to just buy there at the ticket office
The scenery here is absolutely breathtaking 🤩🌍—massive mountains, roaring river, and views that make you feel tiny in the best way possible. If you read up a bit on the gorge’s cultural + geological history before visiting, it adds so much depth to the experience 📖✨.👍 The shuttle bus service we took was super convenient 🚌💨—no stress, just sit back and enjoy the ride.😅 On the flip side… it gets really crowded with busloads of tourists 🧑🤝🧑🧑🤝🧑 (we went around 10am–12pm). There aren’t any benches to just sit and soak in the views 🪑🚫 except the lounge area at the very top, which is a bit of a shame because you’ll want to linger. Also, no halal food options on-site 🍖🚫, so if that’s important for you, bring your own snacks like we did 🍎🥨.Overall: Stunning views, worth a visit for the natural wonder 🌊🏔️, just go prepared and maybe hit it earlier or later to avoid the biggest crowds. ⏰🙌
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Lugu Lake Scenic Area
4.7
/5
10577 reviews
8.3
From AU$ 14.98
Based on 889 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +86088815908880150
Address: Lugu Lake Town, Ninglang County, Lijiang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
No. 2 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Lijiang
Highlights:
Experience unique Mosuo walking marriage
Plateau lake at 2.685 km
Saved by 757 users6941 positive reviews
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The scenery was breathtaking. Water was crystal clear. We went on a lull period so it was very peaceful and quiet. We took a didi to lige peninsula but couldn’t get a didi back. Nobody picks up our booking. Luckily the original didi driver gave us his number but he charges cny80 to take you back to daluoshui village. It was only cny17 to get there. Better to pay him to wait for you at the lige peninsula viewing platform for cny50
When the weather is nice, you must visit Lugu Lake. See the reflections of the blue sky and white clouds on the lake, touch the vast expanse of water lilies, ride a pig trough boat on the water, feel the breeze from the grass sea and the bright sunshine. Walk around the lake, watch the wind roll in the clouds, admire the sunrise and sunset, and then enjoy a quiet moment of daze, then have a steamed stone pot fish. I hope to repeat this cycle over and over again, forgetting all my worries.
No.
4
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The Romantic Show of Lijiang
4.6
/5
4747 reviews
8.0
From AU$ 59.91
Based on 91 reviews
Lijiang Railway Station | 3.1 km from downtown
Phone +8608886881111
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 500 users3185 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The Guozhuang carnival was filled with joy, with children holding hands and dancing in circles. They performed with utmost care. At Mama Ranch, the children loved petting lambs and bunnies. Tie-dyeing lessons at the intangible cultural heritage exhibition shop were simple and fun. The Shouting Spring competition was a perfect way for children to let off steam. There was a map of the Ancient Tea Horse Road in the Tea Horse Ancient Town, which I carefully examined. Watching the caravans depicted in the film "Lijiang Eternal Love" further resonated with me.
The kids loved the swings and seesaws at the Dawa Village outdoor campground. They also had campfire drum lessons, which they loved so much that I'm thinking of buying them one when I get home. At Mama Ranch, getting up close and personal with the animals, and the feeding and interaction was heartwarming. The paddling pool was safe, and the kids had a blast splashing around. The hands-on experience with the intangible cultural heritage was truly meaningful. This is the perfect place for a family trip to Lijiang!
No.
5
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Old Town of Lijiang
4.7
/5
15107 reviews
7.7
Based on 5,121 reviews
The Old Town of Lijiang | 1.9 km from downtown
Phone +8608885111118
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 1774 users4461 positive reviews
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Lijiang Old Town, one of China's top ten ancient cities, is located in Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, and is a national 5A tourist attraction. Known as the City of Romance and the City of Love, during the day, the Old Town bustles with shops and bustling bluestone streets. At night, the city is bustling with singing and dancing, and the melodies of music fill the air. Coming here is like meeting someone too late.
Lijiang Old Town, with its unique architectural aesthetics, profound cultural heritage, high degree of integration with nature, and fresh urban life atmosphere, displays unparalleled charm. It is known as the "living cultural heritage" and "Pearl of the Colorful Clouds". Its beauty is reflected in the ancient architecture, Naxi culture, the interwoven painting of snow-capped mountains and flowing water, and the fireworks atmosphere that is popular both day and night.
No.
6
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Lashihai Wetland Park
4.3
/5
5461 reviews
7.4
Based on 288 reviews
Lijiang Lashihai Wetland Scenic Area | 9.2 km from downtown
Phone +8608885440199
Address: Anshang Village, Lashi Seaview District, Gucheng District, Lijiang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
No. 6 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Lijiang
Highlights:
Lakeside greenery & abundant fish
Naxi village & lakeside culture
Saved by 405 users2035 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The scenery is beautiful, with wetland scenery on one side and recreational activities on the other. The wetland boardwalk is also wheelchair-friendly, with bicycles and electric vehicles available. At the end, there's a photo booth with a sky mirror. The flowers along the road are also beautiful, and I even encountered a water snake. The waterside boardwalk is about 2 kilometers long.
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.
No.
7
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The Ancient Town of Shuhe
4.5
/5
3134 reviews
7.2
Based on 1,172 reviews
Shuhe Old Town | 7.4 km from downtown
Phone +8608885174636
Address: Shuhe Road, Gucheng District, Lijiang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No. 2 of Night Attractions in Lijiang
Highlights:
Explore Tea & Horse Road Museum
Naxi market & unique snacks
Saved by 840 users796 positive reviews
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Lijiang, a poetic place, boasts numerous captivating attractions. Among them, Shuhe Ancient Town captivates visitors with its unique charm. Compared to the bustling Dayan Ancient Town, Shuhe Ancient Town offers a tranquil atmosphere, less bustling with commerce and more tranquility. As part of the World Cultural Heritage site of Lijiang Old Town, Shuhe Ancient Town is also well worth a visit.
🏞️ Shuhe Ancient Town, home to the ancestors of the Naxi people in the Lijiang Basin, is a well-preserved and important market town on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. It not only exemplifies the Naxi people's transition from agrarian to commercial civilization, but also serves as a model for market town development shaped by openness to the outside world and the activities of horse caravans.
🎭 "Four Directions Listening to Music" is the core area of the Shuhe Ancient Town Tea-Horse Inn and the cultural center of the scenic area. To the west, a stage showcases the songs and dances of the various ethnic minorities along the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. This place not only hosts the TV series' opening ceremony, but also hosts a bonfire party every evening at 8 p.m., where Naxi people and travelers from all over the world dance hand in hand around the bonfire, creating a lively atmosphere.
🌉 Qinglong Bridge, located on the west side of Old Sifang Street, was built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty and boasts a history of over 400 years. To the west of the bridge lies Jubao Mountain, with the central axis facing it. Designed by the Mu clan chieftains, it is a landmark building from their heyday.
💧 The waters of Jiuding Dragon Pond originate from crevices in the rocks at the foot of Longquan Mountain. The clear waters nourish the ancient town year-round. Surrounding the pond are lush green willows and towering cypresses. The clear spring waters are home to numerous fish, revered by locals as sacred and forbidden to eat. 🏛️ The Ancient Tea-Horse Road Museum area is Shuhe's most complete and largest ancient architectural complex, covering a total area of 5,137.3 square meters within the red line. Dajue Palace, a Ming Dynasty building, was designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit in the seventh batch in 2013.
🍵 Shuhe Ancient Town is also home to a number of stylish cafes, teahouses, and bars. Relaxing here is a perfect way to unwind during your free time.
Encountering Shuhe, encountering the gentleness of time
"I envy those who admire the sun and moon from a boat, and wish to be a Shuhe resident in my next life." Upon arriving at Shuhe Ancient Town, I was captivated by its tranquility and simplicity.
Stepping into the town, the bluestone pavement beneath my feet seemed to tell a story of the ages. The gurgling water beside the road, the occasional ripples on the surface, felt like gentle traces left by time. The shops lining the streets were well-organized, free from the hustle and bustle of over-commercialization, embodying a leisurely and carefree atmosphere.
Traveling along the winding path, we arrived at Qinglong Bridge. This ancient stone bridge spans a clear stream, its mottled texture bearing witness to the passage of time. Standing on the bridge, feeling the gentle breeze, I could see the distant Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The snow-capped peaks shimmered in the sunlight, a sacred glow, like a magnificent landscape painting. In the early morning, the bridge was shrouded in mist, creating a dreamlike, fairy-like atmosphere that captivated me.
Sifang Street is the heart of the ancient town. Here, you can feel the vibrant atmosphere of life. In the morning, local residents set up stalls to sell vegetables, freshly harvested vegetables exuding the fragrance of the earth. In the evening, Naxi grandmothers, dressed in traditional costumes, joyfully perform folk dances, their faces beaming with joyful smiles. Sit down in a streetside teahouse, order a cup of fragrant tea, and watch the people come and go, and time seems to slow down.
Jiuding Dragon Pond is undoubtedly the ancient town's most dazzling pearl. Its crystal-clear spring waters resemble a giant mirror, reflecting the snow-capped mountains and the blue sky. Surrounding the pond are lush, ancient trees, and the occasional chirping of birds perched on branches adds a touch of tranquility and peace. Sitting by the pond, quietly gazing at the water, it feels as if all worries and fatigue are washed away by the clear water.
In Shuhe, the food is also a highlight. The tender, uniquely marinated A-po's cured spare ribs are fragrant and satisfying, leaving you completely satisfied with every bite. The Naxi grilled fish, with its golden, crispy skin and juicy flesh, paired with a spicy sauce, leaves a lasting impression. And the sweet, soft, and glutinous rose cakes, each bite exudes a rich rose fragrance, sweet yet not cloying.
The inns here are also unique, most preserving the traditional Naxi architectural style, with wooden doors and windows and intricate carvings, imbued with a rustic charm. Staying in an inn in the ancient town, falling asleep to the sound of gurgling water and waking to the chirping of birds at dawn, feels like stepping back into the tranquility of childhood.
Shuhe Ancient Town is like a secluded paradise, free from the hustle and bustle of the city and the worldly distractions, only a tranquil and beautiful place. Here, time seems to slow down, allowing one to calm down and appreciate the true meaning of life. If you also yearn for a spiritual journey, then you must come to Shuhe Ancient Town to encounter the tenderness of time.
No.
8
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Baisha Ancient Town
4.6
/5
479 reviews
6.8
Based on 204 reviews
Baisha old town/FOLIDAY Town Lijiang Mediterranean Resort | 11 km from downtown
Phone +8608885142120
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 575 users171 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Encounter Baisha Ancient Town and discover a different Lijiang.
If you've grown tired of the hustle and bustle of Lijiang Old Town, Baisha Ancient Town promises a refreshing new experience. It feels like a hidden paradise nestled beneath the bustle, its tranquility and pristine beauty captivating the heart.
Upon arrival, the iconic Baisha Memorial Archway catches your eye, its quaint charm imbued with the traces of time. Strolling along the bluestone streets, you'll find traditional Naxi architecture lined with wooden doors and windows, and carved eaves, inviting you to slow down and savor this rare, quaint charm. Commercialization is minimal here, with no cookie-cutter tourist souvenir shops. Instead, you'll find vibrant shops filled with local handicrafts and snacks, as well as charming cafes and teahouses.
I highly recommend a visit to Yiwatang. The view from this café is truly breathtaking. Sitting by the window, you can clearly see the distant Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, shrouded in mist and clouds, like a breathtaking landscape painting. Order a latte and a slice of tiramisu, and gaze out the window at the beautiful scenery. Time seems to slow down and become beautiful. The restaurant's decor is stylish, with wooden tables and chairs, warm yellow lighting, and a variety of green plants, creating a truly captivating atmosphere.
Photographers shouldn't miss the Naxi Tribe Ranch. Here, you can don Tibetan clothing and take stunning photos against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. The blue sky, white clouds, snow-capped mountains and grasslands, and the colorful Tibetan clothing—every photo is sure to go viral on Instagram. The ranch also boasts adorable lambs, their furry fur is incredibly comforting. Holding one for a photo is truly adorable!
Besides these, the Baisha murals are also worth a visit. These murals have a long history, incorporating elements from Tibetan Buddhism and Taoism. Their vibrant colors and delicate lines create a rich tapestry of cultural significance. Entering the mural museum is like traveling through time, engaging in a conversation with the ancients, and feeling the weight of history.
As for food, the Shambhala Yak Milk Tea is a must-try. It's rich and creamy, similar to Cha Yan Yue Se, but with its own unique flavor. I couldn't get enough of it for two days straight. There's also the roadside grilled yak skewers, 5 yuan each. The meat is firm, sprinkled with chili flakes and cumin powder, and the aroma is incredibly satisfying. The popular flower steamed buns are also great. Although only 6 yuan each, they're large, sweet, and soft. The line can be a bit long, so you need to be patient.
Transportation is also convenient. A taxi from Lijiang Old Town costs about 30 yuan and takes about half an hour. On the way back, you can share a bus near the archway back to the Old Town for 10 yuan per person.
Baisha Old Town is uncrowded with tourists and not overly commercialized. It's simply a peaceful and beautiful place. Here, you can slow down, enjoy a leisurely time, and experience the purest Lijiang. I highly recommend a visit!
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!!
No.
9
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Tinghua Valley - Lijiang Flowers Garden
4.3
/5
191 reviews
6.6
From AU$ 18.75
10 km from downtown
Phone +8616608880202
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 473 users150 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Lijiang Tinghua Valley is an absolute paradise for photography enthusiasts! Flowers bloom year-round, creating a truly "never-ending flower expo."
The entire valley resembles an overturned palette, with European-style windmills, transparent glass greenhouses, and the snow-capped mountains as a backdrop creating stunning photo opportunities. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon creates a dreamy glow under the soft light, and even photos taken directly from your phone are sure to impress your Instagram account.
I especially commend the garden's exceptional horticultural expertise: the terraced planting of flowers at varying heights creates a three-dimensional waterfall effect in every corner, and even the trails are lined with meticulously designed flower borders. The only thing to remember is sun protection; after all, it's common to lose yourself in the sea of flowers.
Lijiang Tinghua Valley (also known as Lijiang Hundred Flowers Garden) is located at No. 100, Daonu Block, 2nd Group, Street End, Baisha Village Committee, Baisha Town, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province. It is a tourist destination that integrates natural scenery, folk culture, and leisure vacations. Nestled at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, at an altitude of approximately 2,600 meters, Tinghua Valley is surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery. Visitors can gaze out upon the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of abundant vegetation and colorful flowers. The garden boasts a variety of flowers, including hydrangeas, sunflowers, lavender, and roses, creating a perfect environment for year-round viewing, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of blooms in different seasons. This fairytale-like attraction offers not only the chance to see the Hobbit's hut but also the opportunity to freely take photos amidst the vibrant flowers that blanket the mountain.
No.
10
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Xuesong Village (Yuhu Village)
4.0
/5
115 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 150 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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