A fairytale ancient mountain town with cobblestone canals and snowy peaks. Discover Lijiang's ancient alleys, snow-capped peaks, and timeless Naxi culture.
Say it: Lijiang — “lee-jyahng” (丽江).
📍 WhereSouthwest China, in Yunnan province, northwest of Kunming.
🚄 Getting thereBeijing · Flight ~4.5 h Shanghai · Flight ~4 h
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🏛️ History · Ming dynasty · 1368–1644
🌍 Around the time Europe entered the Renaissance, Lijiang's Mu clan ruled.
The Chieftain Era
Explore the majestic Mu Fu Mansion, the former residence of the Mu hereditary chieftains (Tusi, local ethnic minority rulers). Discover intricate courtyards that reflect centuries of political and cultural exchange.
Mufu Mansion木府
Mu Fu Mansion is the former residence of the Mu hereditary chieftains (Tusi) in Lijiang Ancient Town. Located at No. 49, Guangyuan Lane, Guanyi Street, it combines Ming-dynasty Cen
Lijiang Old Town丽江古城
Lijiang Old Town is an atmospheric, UNESCO World Heritage–listed ancient town in Yunnan, China, with over 800 years of history. Settled at 2,400 m elevation, it features winding co
Bring your passport (real-name entry)
🏮 Culture · Centuries-old tradition
Ancient Naxi Wisdom
Immerse yourself in the unique heritage of the Naxi people at the Dongba Cultural Museum, dedicated to their pictographic script and rituals. Witness vibrant musical traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Dongba Cultural Museum东巴文化博物馆
The Dongba Cultural Museum is dedicated to the history and traditions of the Naxi people, with a focus on their unique Dongba script and shamanistic religion.
Bring your passport (real-name entry)Closed Monday
Naxi Impression & Cultural Show纳西印象与歌舞表演
This cultural show offers a vibrant display of Naxi music and dance, providing insights into the traditions and lifestyle of the Naxi ethnic group.
Trace the footsteps of famous Chinese dramas and films shot against Lijiang's dramatic backdrops. Walk the same historic stones where characters found romance and redemption.
🎬 Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles (千里走单骑) · 2005🎬 A Ray of Sunshine (一米阳光) · 2009
Lijiang Old Town丽江古城
Lijiang Old Town is an atmospheric, UNESCO World Heritage–listed ancient town in Yunnan, China, with over 800 years of history. Settled at 2,400 m elevation, it features winding co
Bring your passport (real-name entry)
Shuhe Ancient Town束河古镇
Shuhe Ancient Town is a charming village that offers a glimpse into the traditional architecture and culture of the Naxi people. It's less crowded than Lijiang Old Town and provide
🥢 Food · Every day
Flavors of the Ancient Road
Warm up with a bubbling pot of Grandma's Cured Pork Ribs Hotpot, a beloved local specialty. Savor authentic culinary traditions rooted in the history of the Tea Horse Road.
Grandma's Cured Pork Ribs Hotpot阿婆腊排骨
Tucked away in the ancient cobblestone alleys of Lijiang, A Po Cured Pork Ribs (Grandma's Cured Ribs) is the ultimate pilgrimage for food lovers craving authentic Naxi comfort food
No. 88 Snack Shop88号小吃店
Tucked along historic Wuyi Street in Lijiang's ancient Dayan Old Town, No. 88 Snack Shop is nothing short of a legend among wanderers, backpackers, and local foodies. What started
Gaze up at the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a sacred massif of jagged, snow-capped peaks. Below its slopes, explore the ethereal, turquoise waters of Blue Moon Valley.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain玉龙雪山国家级风景名胜区
Rising majestically on the horizon north of Lijiang, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a breathtaking massif of 13 jagged, snow-capped limestone peaks that resemble a sleeping jade drag
Blue Moon Valley蓝月谷
Blue Moon Valley is a surreal glacial valley nestled at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang, Yunnan, China. It features a chain of intensely turquoise and jade‑green a
Spruce Meadow云杉坪
Tucked away at the foot of the legendary Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at an elevation of roughly 3,240 meters, Spruce Meadow (Yunshanping) feels like stepping directly into a high-fan
✂️ Crafts · Ming and Qing dynasties
Murals of Baisha
Admire the exquisite Baisha Murals, a collection of religious paintings inside ancient village temples showcasing a unique blend of cultural artistic styles. Stroll through Baisha Ancient Town to see traditional craftspeople at work.
Baisha Murals白沙壁画
The Baisha Murals are a collection of religious paintings inside temples in Baisha Village, showcasing a unique blend of Han, Tibetan, and Naxi cultural influences dating back to t
Bring your passport (real-name entry)
Baisha Ancient Town白沙古镇
Baisha Ancient Town, approximately 10 km north of Lijiang Old Town, sits at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It is the historic cradle of Naxi civilization and the former cen
⛰️ Nature · Year-round
Mirror of the Gods
Journey to the remote and breathtaking Lugu Lake, perched high on the border of Yunnan and Sichuan provinces. Experience the tranquil beauty of alpine waters surrounded by soaring mountain ranges.
Lugu Lake泸沽湖
Perched at an elevation of 2,690 meters on the border of Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, Lugu Lake is a breathtaking sapphire jewel framed by rugged mountains and whispering pine for
Wenhai Lake文海湖
Wenhai Lake is a tranquil spot situated above the Lijiang Basin, renowned for its natural beauty and biodiversity. It's a perfect location for hiking and observing local flora and
First time in China? Four things to sort out
🛂 Visa
Many passports can now enter China visa-free for short stays, and many nationalities can transit visa-free for up to 240 hours when flying on to a third country. Rules depend on your passport — check yours before you book.
📱 Paying
China runs on Alipay and WeChat Pay. Both accept foreign Visa and Mastercard after a passport check — set one up before you fly, and carry a little cash as backup.
🎫 Booking sights
Many major sights must be booked in advance under your real name. Foreigners book with their passport number and must show the same passport at the gate. Popular ones sell out.
🌐 Internet
Google, WhatsApp and Instagram don't work on Chinese networks. Most visitors use their home roaming or a travel eSIM.
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