LIJIANG: ANCIENT | BREATHTAKING | SCENIC
 SEE & DO: OLD TOWN LIJIANG - UNESCORecognized for its ancient waterways and bridges, the town has a history going back more than 1,000 years. A blend of indigenous cultures is evident in the architecture of its quaint wooden homes and historical buildings. Photo By: Banyan Tree |  EAT: MOONLIGHT PAGODAAn outdoor Naxi-style pagoda at the Banyan Tree is the setting for a magnificent dinner of local cuisine. Savor unique and flavorful dishes under the moonlit sky. Photo By: Banyan Tree |  STAY: BANYAN TREE LIJIANGResting at the foot of the famed Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, this resort offers a welcomed escape to plush beds and private gardens. The spectacular views of the mountain and surrounding foothills are the perfect backdrop for this modern property which honors the culture of the Naxi people. Photo By: Banyan Tree |
|---|---|---|
 STAY: PULLMAN LIJIANG RESORT & SPABright, modern, and sleek architecture set the scene for a relaxing stay in one of the private villas available at this hotel. Each villa, some with their own outdoor hot tub, is oriented towards the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to take advantage of the stunning view. |  STAY: GRAND HYATT LIJIANGThe dramatic backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, along with the blend of traditional ethnic architecture with contemporary design, makes this hotel one of the finest in Lijiang. Relax in the comfort and relish in the beauty of this property. |  STAY: AMANDAYANTop-notch elegance and clean design define this luxurious and attractive resort. Large comfortable suites offer exceptional views over the rooftops of Lijiang and of the snow-capped mountain peaks beyond. |
 STAY: INTERCONTINENTAL ANCIENT TOWNAncient world meets modern luxury just a few minutes away from Old Town Lijiang. Cozy rooms with deep soaking tubs set the tone for a relaxing stay in this opulent resort. |  EAT: IMPERIAL FEASTSpecifically created for those staying in the Presidential Villa at the Banyan Tree, this exclusive banquet features a modern six-course degustation menu. Dine like royalty as you admire the view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Photo By: Banyan Tree |  EAT: CHINESE RESTAURANTThe superb menu at the Grand Hyatt Lijiang is inspired by Yunnan’s rich and diverse cultural history. Reserve a dining room for an intimate experience or dine outside under the beautiful Lijiang sky. |
 EAT: BASIL LEAF ASIAN RESTAURANTThis restaurant at Intercontinental offers a selection of popular Thai and Southeast Asian dishes using fresh spices and herbs. Crediting recipes handed down over the years, the chef creates a menu aimed to please your taste buds. |  DRINKS: WEN HAI BARThe intimate ambience of the Wen Hai Bar at the Banyan Tree has an uncompromising standard with its chilled out atmosphere, cocktail and snacks menu, along with excellent lounge music. Photo By: Banyan Tree |  DRINKS: LOBBY LOUNGESurrounded by panoramic views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, visit the Intercontinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort to sip on classically inspired cocktails as you listen to the running water of the waterfall from the nearby mountain. |
 SEE & DO: JADE DRAGON SNOW MOUNTAINPrepare yourself for breathtaking views from this famous snow mountain towering over Lijiang. Hiking trails lead you higher up the mountain peaks for an experience you’ll always remember. Photo By: Banyan Tree |  SEE & DO: MU PALACEFor over 400 years, the Mu Clan of the Naxi people ruled from this grand palace location. Originally destroyed in an earthquake, a grand reconstruction was built true to the architecture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Photo By: Yun Huang Yong | Flickr |  SEE & DO: LUGU LAKESpend some time hiking along the many picturesque trails. For a panoramic view, canoe out to one of the small islands dotting the lake. Photo By: Evilbish | Wikimedia Commons |
 SEE & DO: BLACK DRAGON POOLJust a short walk from Old Town Lijiang is the famous Black Dragon Pool, officially named as one of the best viewpoints in China of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Photo By: Banyan Tree |  SPA: MANDARA SPAHeal and rejuvenate your body and mind, with signature treatments such as the Yin Ritual and the Yang Ceremony. Pamper yourself with any of these time-honored traditions and emerge radiant and revitalized. |  SPA: JING SPAEmbark along a tranquil path in this sanctuary for holistic transformation at the Grand Hyatt Lijiang. Blending herbal and botanical ingredients from the local area, replenish your inner calm and experience the healing energy of the Chinese therapies. |
 SPA: BANYAN TREENatural Yunnan ingredients are incorporated into treatments designed to soothe your spirit and being. The added touch of pearl barley, red rice, ginseng, and green tea will leave you feeling refreshed. Photo By: Banyan Tree |
With a history of at least 800 years, Lijiang is a beautifully preserved ancient Chinese town in the Yunnan province of China. Inhabited by the Naxi People, one of China's 55 minority ethnic groups, the cultural flavor is unmistakable. In the famous Old Town district, winding cobblestone streets transport you back in time as you stroll along willow-lined water canals. Quaint bridges invite you to cross over the myriad of narrow waterways and explore the many historical sites of this entrancing town. Extraordinary mountains and clear streams, surrounded by spectacular natural scenery, beg to be explored. Discover flavorful traditional foods just about everywhere you go, marvel at the charming wooden houses, and browse the countless number of souvenir shops for arts and crafts to remember this captivating town.
Links take you directly to the establishment's site. For point-to-point directions, check out our custom Google Map.
BEFORE YOU GO
GETTING AROUND
The closest airport to the town is Lijiang Sanyi International Airport. While there are several commercial airlines that fly there, there are also a number of private luxury jet companies serving that airport. Priority One Jets, Sino Jet, and VistaJet are a few options. These companies can help schedule a private car into Lijiang.
Once there, explore the town itself on foot. To see the sights on the outskirts, ask your hotel to help set up a taxi or private mini-bus.
STAY
Hotels in Lijiang are plentiful. To make the most out of your experience, stay in Old Town Lijiang to take advantage of the close proximity to ethnic restaurants, stores, and bars.
There are a number of luxury hotels from which to choose. Well-known brands have made a home here, making sure to maintain the same architectural beauty in their structures as that of the surrounding town.
Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town
InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort
EAT
Consisting of Naxi, Chinese, and Tibetan foods, the cuisine in Lijiang is varied and abundant. Upscale hotels have their own restaurants but the majority of eateries are located in the center of Old Town.
There are plenty of local delicacies to try. One of the oldest and most traditional foods is Yunnan Lijiang Baba which are golden, crispy flour cakes that can be either sweet or salty. Also high on the list of must try foods are Yunnan Lijiang Yangyu Baba (white potato pancakes), Jidou Liangfen (jelly made from chick peas), and the Naxi Kaoyu Naxi Grilled Fish.
Basil Leaf Restaurant, Intercontinental Lijiang Ancient Town
Chinese Restaurant, Grand Hyatt Lijiang
Zun Chinese Restaurant, Pullman Hotel Lijiang
DRINKS
Xinhua Street is home to most of the nightlife in Lijiang. Lively and at times loud, you’ll find popular watering holes offering any kind of libation you want. If you prefer a mellower atmosphere, stick to the hotel bars. Keep in mind though that Lijiang’s nightlife is somewhat limited since bars close around midnight.
1919 Bar, Hotel Pullman Lijiang
Lobby Lounge, InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort
Mist Lobby Bar & Lounge, Hotel Pullman Lijiang
Tian Lu Library, Hotel Pullman Lijiang
SEE & DO
The town of Lijiang is one of the best preserved ancient cities in China. Hundreds of years of culture are represented in the peaceful temples, wooden homes, and museums rich with history.
Lijiang attractions however are dominated by the natural beauty of places like Tiger Leaping Gorge, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and Lugu Lake. The fresh air and clear mountain streams provide for an ideal day outdoors and away from the bustle of the town. Not surprisingly, the dramatic landscape of the Lijiang area is home to two UNESCO sites.
Old Town Lijiang - UNESCO
The First Bend in the Yangtze River
Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan - UNESCO
Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Gorge)
SPA
All the upscale hotels have day spas to complement their properties’ offering. While the usual assortment of massages are available, explore the unique treatments which you’ll only be able to experience in Lijiang.
Fit and Spa, Hotel Pullman Lijiang
Intercontinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort
SHOP
A large number of souvenir stores are located in the busiest place in town - Square Street. Here you’ll find crafts made by the Naxi people such as colorful and unique bracelets and necklaces carved with ancient Dongba hieroglyphs and knitted shawls. Burned wood carvings created by skilled artisans are a local specialty as are Bunong and Jixiang bells. There is certainly no shortage of shops in Lijiang.