Lijiang Old Town: Everything You Need to Know

Nestled in the north of Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, in China, there is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Lijiang Old Town is one of China’s most beautiful destination spots for tourists and wonder-seekers to enjoy the rich heritage, culture, and nature of the region. Blessed with incredible architecture, colorful and lively streets, and ethnic minorities like the Naxi people, it’s no wonder that many people are drawn to this place. If you’re looking to visit Lijiang Old Town soon, keep reading to learn about this place, how and when to visit, and how to make the most of your experience.

The Beauty of Lijiang Old Town

The riverside view of Lijiang Old Town

Lijiang, or Lijiang Old Town, is an attractive tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that many rightly consider a wonderland. With its fresh air, pristine waters, and stunning snow-tipped mountains, the incredible landscape of Lijiang Old Town captivates all who visit.

Located on the Yungui Plateau at a staggering altitude of 2400 meters, it sits adjacent to the famous Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, another must-see for anyone looking to have the full experience. It was first built at the start of the Yuan Dynasty and became a popular trading and commercial hub along the ancient Old Tea Horse Caravan in the 12th century AD. Today, it remains a popular commercial hub, but now in modern ways. Lijiang Old Town is noteworthy for its architecture and ancient water-supply system.

The best way to take in the beauty of this incredible town is to spend your time wandering, exploring, assimilating, and admiring. From the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the splendid architecture to the adventure-filled Tiger Leaping Gorge and other historic sites, there is far too much to enjoy. Let’s talk about the best times to visit Lijiang to get the best experience.

Best Time to Visit Lijiang

Autumn view of Black Dragon Pool in Lijiang

The best time to visit any place will always depend on you, your expectations, and your circumstances. With the peculiarity of your expectations, you might benefit from using a personal Lijiang travel guide for a customized tour plan.

There is no better place to explore for a well-deserved adventure than this cultural heritage and lovely representation of a rich culture.

When it comes to Lijiang Old Town, the temperature differences across seasons and months are not so severe. This makes it suitable for visiting all year, and you can expect great weather whenever you decide to visit. With that being said, many people find that April to June and September to November are the best times to go to Lijiang Old Town.

April to June, September to November (Best Time to Visit)

Spring (April to June) is the most recommended time to go. The temperature can range between 15°C - 20°C (59-68°F) and may even get more comfortable as the day passes. Spring here is sunny and beautiful, giving you the best sights and spots for admiration, photographs, and more.

You can take in the beauty of the snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and marvel at the blooming red camellias you’ll find at the Yufeng Temple. You’ll hardly have heavy downpours during this time, so outdoor activities will be high, allowing you to explore the stunning scenery, interact with locals, and wander around.

May to October (Peak Season)

During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the scenery is pristine and beautiful. However, the peak season sees an influx of visitors, which often leads to higher prices for accommodations and services. It's crucial to plan ahead to secure comfortable reservations due to the high demand.

September to November

Autumn is when things start to cool down in Lijiang Old Town. This would be the best time to visit places like the Blue Moon Valley, the Ganhaizi, and the Black Dragon Pool. When it gets sunny, these spots look extremely clear and you can see a perfect panoramic view of the Ganhaizi meadow. You will need to dress warm if you’ll be out in the morning or night, as it gets a little bit cold then. During the day, you can enjoy the sites at comfortable temperatures between 8-19°C (46-66°F).

November to April (Best Time to Visit Lijiang on a Budget)

If you’re exploring Lijiang Old Town on a budget and would like to visit when there are fewer tourists and friendlier costs, November to April would be the best time to visit Lijiang Old Town for you. However, it does get a bit cold during this winter period, so you’d need to dress warm and bring your aspirin, sunblock, and other protective gear. This will help you fight off the chill, prevent altitude sickness, and protect against harsh UV rays.

Enjoy a cultural performance in Lijiang

June to August (Rainy Season)

June to August is summer, but also the season with the most rainy months. July and August every year will see frequent downpours while the temperatures still remain mostly comfortable, with the peaks rarely exceeding 27-28 °C (81-82°F). Thankfully, the rain doesn’t come with unbearably muggy weather. This way, you can still enjoy the town’s charm and nearby attractions like the incredible scenery of Tiger Leaping Gorge or the endless sea of flowers at Lugu Lake.

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Top 7 Things to Do in Lijiang

In Lijiang, many tourists tend to lose their way. With every street looking almost identical, it can be easy for anyone who isn’t a native to get confused. Still, this shouldn’t stop you from getting a full experience so we will instead talk about the fun things that you can do in Lijiang while you explore. Here are 7 things to do in Lijiang.

Mu's Residence

The Yishi Hall of Mu's Residence

This magnificent ancient architecture stands as tall as it did many hundreds of years ago, after it was first built in the Yuan Dynasty. Once used to house the local headman in the old days, it reflects the best parts of the Ming Dynasty and holds on to a rare charm and inspiration from the Tang and Song Dynasties. Mu’s Residence is definitely a must-see spot for architecture lovers.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Located nearly exactly north of Lijiang Old Town, you can make the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain your north star. This incredibly tall mountain range stands out no matter where you are in the town and promises wonderful sights you will never forget. You can rent a van, get in a cable car, or hire a driver to take you to the mountain, where you can enjoy the three major attractions it offers: The Jade Snow Mountain itself as well as the waters of the Blue Moon Valley and the scenic Yak Meadow at the northern mountain tip. If you go in the winter, the snow extends from the mountaintops to cover the land with breathtaking glaciers and meadows.

Rooftop Views

The bird-view of Lijiang Old Town

In an ancient town with the kind of beautiful architecture Lijiang has, it would be a total miss to visit without getting to see the views from above. You can find little inns and cafes on higher ground, so just take a moment to appreciate the views. From the uninterrupted sea of roofs and architectural excellence you can see the people going about their days on the beautiful streets of Lijiang.

Black Dragon Pool Park

The beautiful view of Black Dragon Pool

Known as one of the most famous sites in Lijiang Old Town, this pool is only 15 minutes on foot from the old town gate. It’s a great place to visit for lots of exciting and fun scenery, including feeding the gorgeous fish in the clear waters, beautifully structured temples, eye-catching stone bridges, and a big pavilion. This spot is also where you can get one of the clearest and most famous views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in all its glory.

You can also enter the old town through the park to see the town’s famous symbol - the Large Water Wheels.

Tiger Leaping Gorge

The rolling water of Tiger Leaping Gorge

There’s nothing like a hike through Tiger Leaping Gorge to add a much-needed spark to your stay in Lijiang. Just north of Lijiang downtown, you will find this mesmerizing yet scary spot. This gorge is considered the largest drop on earth and has a section, the Yangtze River, that is so turbulent, that you could hear the water crashing from miles away. If you’re an outdoor lover or a hiking enthusiast, you would love the 2-3 day hike from the upper section to the end of the middle section.

Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture

What better way is there than to explore and appreciate the culture of the locals? The Museum of Naxi Dongba is considered one of the best temples in Lijiang, allowing you insight into the values, culture, and art of the Naxi people. The museum is home to thousands of antiques and relics preserved as a glimpse into the past and culture. It combines a wonderful blend of outdoor and indoor exhibits, rich with history and vivid in color, all for a lively experience.

Visit Local Villages

A Naxi elder is introducing his home to visitors

Surrounding the main town hub are several small villages that are extensions of the beauty that you see in Lijiang. These include Shuhe Ancient Town, Baisha Village, and Yuhu Village. Further north and to the west of Lijiang Old Town, Shuhe wait for you. The Shuhe ancient town sits at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and offers a quiet, serene atmosphere with sensational natural scenery. You can choose to bike to this small town, as Lijiang is mostly pedestrian. This could easily make for a splendid day excursion where you’d get to see the beautiful, clear waters of the Dragon Pool, the impressive old stone Qinlong Bridge, the excellent murals in the Longquan Temple, and the delectable delicacies on Sifang Street.

Other fun things to do in Lijiang Old Town include seeing the beautiful houses and temple mural paintings of Baisha village. Baisha is the oldest settlement of Naxi people in Lijiang and sits at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow mountain. You can enjoy their music in the form of the astonishing ethnic performance, Impression Lijiang, where locals sing and dance in an open theater near Ganhaizi. The nightlife is exceptionally full and lively so you’ll never be bored or lack a place to have a fun time.

A local performance in Lijiang

Guanyin Canyon is another great spot to find the beauty of the history and culture of this town. Once the first vital pass on the ancient Yunnan-Tibet trading route, the canyon now houses several historical sites, shops, inns, pubs, and even tunnels and waterfalls. You can also find the standing statue of the ancient Buddhist deity, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.

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Tips for Traveling in Lijiang

• Navigating Smartly: Start by visiting through the south gate. On the way, you’ll be able to visit Mu’s Residence, Lion Hill and Wangu Tower and enjoy wandering through the beautiful streets at your leisure. You will need a map, preferably physical, although a map on your phone should do just fine. If you can, learn how to ask for basic directions or help in Chinese, or look out for younger people who are more likely to speak English.
• Pack and Dress Appropriately: Lijiang is a town for walking, hiking, and leisurely wandering through colorful streets. This means that you’re going to be moving around a lot on your feet. Pack comfortable shoes and clothes, an umbrella, a backpack, and a battery backup or power bank for your gadgets. Don’t forget your sunblock!
• Planning and Transportation: While it can be fun to figure it out on your own, your best bet at having the perfect trip just might lie in the hands of professionals. If you’re planning to visit Lijiang and would prefer a tailor-made tour personalized just for you, you can reach out to us to get the best services. Our services cover itinerary planning, transportation, accommodation, and lots more. This way, your trip is guaranteed to be fun, packed, and safe.
• VPN: China’s firewall will prevent you from accessing some apps and services, so you will need to download a VPN app before you leave home, as well as Google Translate, WeChat (the most common social network app in China), and Baidu Maps, as Google Maps will not work well here.

Travel to Lijiang With Us

Lijiang Old Town is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that immerses you in beautiful history, culture, and natural charm that can never be overemphasized. Whether you’re wandering the ancient streets or marveling at the vibrant local arts and cuisine, Lijiang has something for everyone.

From the stunning views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the thunderous power of the waters at the Tiger Leaping Gorge, there’s plenty of fun and wonder awaiting you. Write to trip@odynovotours.com and start planning your Lijiang trip or book a custom-made travel guide with us now. It’s time to get out there and enjoy Lijiang!