Lijiang Travel Guide – Complete Guide to Ancient Towns, Snow Mountains & Local Delicacies
Introduction/Recommended Reasons
Lijiang, known as the “Oriental Venice”, is famous for its unique pattern of “small bridges, flowing water, and residences”. The stone roads, houses, and streams here together form a touching picture. It is not only an ancient town but also a treasure of Naxi culture. The ubiquitous Dongba Script and rich folk customs fill this place with a mysterious and romantic atmosphere.
Transportation to Lijiang
- Plane: Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG) is the main air hub, with direct flights from most domestic cities. From the airport, you can take an airport shuttle bus (about 20 RMB/person) or a taxi (about 30-50 minutes) to the urban area.
- Train: Lijiang Railway Station connects major domestic cities, making it an economical choice. After arrival, you can take a bus or taxi to the ancient town, which is very convenient.
Intra-city Transportation
- Airport Shuttle Bus: Routes from the airport to South Gate, North Gate of the ancient town, etc., with a fare of about 20 RMB, offering high cost-performance.
- Bus: Urban bus routes cover a wide area with low prices, making it a common way to visit attractions such as Yulong Snow Mountain and Shuhe Ancient Town.
- Shared Electric Bikes: Suitable for short-distance rides around the ancient town, convenient and flexible, but pay attention to the operating area.
- Taxi: Easy to take in the urban area, but may be difficult to hail inside the ancient town. It is recommended to plan in advance.
Must-Visit Attractions in Lijiang
1. 丽江古城 Lijiang Ancient Town
The landmark of Lijiang, famous for its unique pattern of “small bridges, flowing water, and residences”. The stone roads, houses, and streams here together form a touching picture, full of strong Naxi customs.
- Price: Free
- Opening Hours: 24/7
2. 玉龙雪山 Yulong Snow Mountain
The sacred mountain of the Naxi people, with magnificent scenery. To climb the mountain, you need to purchase an entrance ticket and a cable car ticket. You can enjoy different landscapes such as Glacier Park, Spruce Meadow, and Blue Moon Valley.
- Price: Entrance fee 100 RMB, cable car tickets extra (Spruce Meadow Cable Car about 60 RMB, Glacier Park Grand Cable Car about 160 RMB)
- Opening Hours: 9:00-16:00
3. 蓝月谷 Blue Moon Valley
Located at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain, the lake water is as blue as a gem, known as “Jiuzhaigou of Lijiang”. It is an excellent photo spot.
- Price: Included in the entrance fee, sightseeing bus in the scenic area needs to be purchased separately
- Opening Hours: 9:00-16:00
4. 束河古镇 Shuhe Ancient Town
Compared with Lijiang Ancient Town, it is quieter and more original, retaining more traditional Naxi style. It is suitable for wandering slowly and experiencing a slow life.
- Price: Free
- Opening Hours: 24/7
5. 黑龙潭公园 Heilongtan Park
A park in the ancient town with fewer tourists and a quiet environment. Here you can take photos of the reflection of Yulong Snow Mountain, with extremely beautiful scenery.
- Price: Free
- Opening Hours: 7:30-21:00
Must-Try Foods in Lijiang
1. 腊排骨火锅 Preserved Rib Hot Pot
This is the signature food of Lijiang. The ribs marinated in salt are stewed, with a rich soup base and tender meat. Served with local potatoes and wild mushrooms, the taste is even more delicious. It is a must-try winter warm food when visiting Lijiang.
- Recommended Reason: Traditional Naxi food with unique flavor and delicious soup.
2. 鸡豆凉粉 Jidou Jelly
A popular street snack in Lijiang, made from jidou (chickpea), with a smooth and chewy texture. It can be served cold or fried, sour and spicy, appetizing. It is a must-try snack to experience the local market atmosphere.
- Recommended Reason: Representative street snack, sour and spicy, refreshing and relieving greasiness.
3. 丽江粑粑 Lijiang Baba
A traditional staple food of the Naxi people, a layered crispy pastry. There are two flavors: sweet and salty. The sweet one is filled with rose sugar, and the salty one with ham. It is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and pairs perfectly with butter tea.
- Recommended Reason: Daily staple food of Naxi people, crispy texture, suitable for both sweet and salty tastes.
4. 纳西烤鱼 Naxi Grilled Fish
Fresh fish from the Jinsha River is specially marinated and grilled. The fish skin is crispy, and the meat is tender, with a unique lemongrass flavor. It is a delicious food to experience the caravan culture.
- Recommended Reason: Unique grilling process, rich fish flavor, and diverse taste.
5. 水性杨花汤 Water Spinach Soup
A special wild vegetable from Lugu Lake, with tender stems as slippery as kelp. Stir-fried or boiled in soup, it has a natural fragrance. It is a “fairy wild vegetable” recognized by local people in Lijiang.
- Recommended Reason: Specialty of Lugu Lake, refreshing taste and rich nutrition.
Must-Visit Restaurants in Lijiang
1. 象山街尾腊排骨火锅 Xiangshan Street End Preserved Rib Hot Pot
The signature food of Lijiang, the preserved ribs are savory and tender. It is a must-try winter warm food when visiting Lijiang. Many locals also frequent here, with authentic taste.
- Average Price: About 50 RMB per person
- Recommended Reason: Recommended by locals, authentic taste and high cost-performance.
2. 忠义西村米线 Zhongyi West Village Rice Noodles
The freshly simmered soup base is really rich. There is a free matching condiment bar with characteristics from 16 prefectures, allowing multiple ways to eat one bowl of rice noodles. You can also watch the “crossing the bridge” performance while eating.
- Average Price: 20-30 RMB per person
- Recommended Reason: Time-honored brand, rich soup base and diverse condiments.
3. 千菌阁野生菌 Qianjunge Wild Mushroom
Deservedly the same style as “A Journey of Blooming Flowers”! Yunnan morel soup base is fresh and sweet, so delicious that you can drink three bowls in a row!!
- Average Price: 80-100 RMB per person
- Recommended Reason: Representative of wild mushroom hot pot, delicious soup.
4. 阿滇饭店 A Dian Restaurant
Convenient transportation and affordable prices. The beef liver mushroom rice is extremely delicious but a bit expensive. It has a strong home-style atmosphere.
- Average Price: 50 RMB per person
- Recommended Reason: Local old restaurant, strong home-style atmosphere, famous for beef liver mushroom rice.
5. 椿村小吃 Chuncun Snacks
Try all kinds of Yunnan snacks for only 30 RMB per person!! A variety of Yunnan snacks, multiple choices, and super high cost-performance.
- Average Price: 30 RMB per person
- Recommended Reason: Snack collection store, diverse types and high cost-performance.
Cultural Experiences
- Experience Dongba Culture: Lijiang is the birthplace of Naxi culture. You can visit Dongba culture courtyards to learn about Dongba Script, the only still-in-use pictographic writing system in the world, and even try writing it yourself.
- Listen to Naxi Ancient Music: In ancient courtyards, listen to elders playing Sugudu (a traditional Naxi musical instrument) and beating Dongba drums, and feel the daily life and national inheritance flowing in the ancient melodies.
- Try Handicrafts: You can try making Dongba paper, Tibetan incense, or participate in tie-dyeing, and take unique intangible cultural heritage crafts home.
Recommended Accommodation Areas
- Lijiang Ancient Town: Convenient transportation, close to the Big Water Wheel, and beautiful night view. However, there are many stone roads, which are inconvenient for pulling luggage, and it is relatively noisy. Suitable for first-time visitors pursuing convenience.
- Shuhe Ancient Town: Quieter and more original than Lijiang Ancient Town, retaining more traditional Naxi style. Suitable for tourists who like slow life and pursue tranquility.
- Baisha Ancient Town: Located at the foot of the snow-capped mountains, it is the quietest and most original choice. You can feel the life atmosphere of the Naxi people up close.
Notes
- Prevent Altitude Sickness: Lijiang is about 2400 meters above sea level. Do not exercise vigorously or take a bath immediately after arrival. Drink plenty of water and ensure rest. You can prepare some medicines such as Gaoyuan’an and Hongjingtian in advance.
- Respect Local Customs: Take off your hat when entering temples, do not wear short skirts or shorts, do not point at Buddha statues or monks with your fingers, and it is best to ask for permission before taking photos.
- Sun Protection and Warmth: Lijiang has strong ultraviolet rays and large temperature differences between day and night. Be sure to do a good job of sun protection and bring warm clothes.
- Dietary Adaptation: You may not be used to foods such as preserved ribs and jidou jelly at first, so you can take it step by step.
Summary
Lijiang is not only a tourist city but also a lifestyle that allows people to stop and slow down. Here, you can not only appreciate the charm of the ancient town and the grandeur of the snow-capped mountains but also feel the unique Naxi culture. We hope this guide can help you better plan your trip and start an unforgettable journey.
