LIJIANG: ANCIENT | BREATHTAKING | SCENIC
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.