China · Region
Lijiang
Lijiang is famed for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, a maze of cobbled lanes, canals, and Naxi timber architecture set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It's a crossroads of Naxi culture and Himalayan foothill scenery in northwestern Yunnan, blending ancient trade-route history with dramatic high-altitude landscapes.
Top attractions
attraction Blue Moon Valley: Lijiang Travel Guide (4.6★)
Blue Moon Valley (蓝月谷) sits at the base of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, a short ride from central Lijiang. 4.6★ (540 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
attraction Old Town of Lijiang: Travel Guide (4.6★)
The Old Town of Lijiang is a UNESCO-listed maze of cobbled lanes, canals and timber Naxi houses at the foot of the Yunnan hills — open 24 hours, with no gate to close behind you. 4.6★ (1,448 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.
Top-rated things to do in Lijiang
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Where to stay in Lijiang
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Plan your trip to Lijiang
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Frequently asked questions about Lijiang
How do I get to Lijiang?
Most travellers fly into Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG), which has domestic connections to hubs like Kunming, Chengdu, and Shanghai, then take a taxi or airport bus into town (~25km away). High-speed rail is also a reliable option, with Lijiang Railway Station linked to Kunming (~3.5-5 hours) and Shangri-La (~1-2 hours) via the Dali-Lijiang and Lijiang-Shangri-La lines.
How many days should I spend in Lijiang?
Plan on ~3-4 days to explore the Old Town, day-trip to nearby sights like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain or Tiger Leaping Gorge, and allow buffer time for the high altitude.
What is Lijiang known for?
Lijiang is famed for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, a maze of cobbled lanes, canals, and Naxi timber architecture set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It's a crossroads of Naxi culture and Himalayan foothill scenery in northwestern Yunnan, blending ancient trade-route history with dramatic high-altitude landscapes.