Day 1: Lakeside Leisure and Ancient Town Night Tour
*Accommodation: Stay at a luxurious Wabi-sabi style guesthouse near Sifang Street, such as Yishi Yunkuan Ancient City Panoramic Homestay.
*Itinerary:
- Lashi Lake (Daytime): Nestled in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang, Yunnan Province, Lashi Lake offers a blend of breathtaking natural scenery and rich cultural history. You can take a tranquil boat ride across the lake, soaking in the picturesque views of the surrounding mountains. For a more immersive experience, horseback riding along the ancient Tea-Horse Road Lijiang will allow you to explore beautiful landscapes while delving into the culture of the ancient caravans. Additionally, a visit to the Lashi Lake Wetland Park offers opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and enjoying the serene environment. This tranquil spot is part of the many Lijiang tourism offerings, perfect for those looking to experience Lijiang attractions.(Opening hours: 1/1-12/31 09:00-19:00)
- Sifang Street (Evening): Located in the heart of Lijiang Old Town, Sifang Street is a lively cultural hub filled with opportunities for shopping, sightseeing, and dining. As one of most popular Lijiang’s travel destinations, the street is lined with shops, restaurants, and food stalls where you can enjoy authentic Naxi cuisine and purchase local handicrafts like traditional Naxi clothing and handmade embroidery. In the evening, the square comes alive with lights and activities, making it a perfect spot to experience the vibrant nightlife and cultural events of Lijiang. This is a must-visit when exploring things to do in Lijiang.(Opening hours: all year round)
*Dining Options:
Breakfast: Shao’erkuai (Grilled rice cake)
Lunch: Lijiang specialties such as Chui gan (Blown pork liver) and Baojiang Tofu (Grilled tofu)
Dinner: Lijiang preserved spare ribs hotpot
*Accommodation: Stay at a new Chinese-style guesthouse near Lijiang Romance Park, such as Lihuiyuan Zaidi Food Culture Experience Boutique Art Su
*Itinerary:
- Baisha Ancient Town (Morning): Nestled at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baisha Ancient Town is a gem of Yunnan Lijiang, renowned for its authenticity and rich cultural heritage. As one of Lijiang’s three iconic ancient towns, Baisha preserves numerous historical landmarks, including the famous Baisha murals and traditional Naxi architecture. Engage in hands-on cultural activities such as Dongba script calligraphy, traditional Naxi tie-dyeing, and embroidery. You can also enjoy Naxi song and dance performances and learn about local handicrafts. This visit offers a serene and immersive experience into the local customs and diverse cultural heritage of Lijiang travel. (Opening hours: all year round)
- Lijiang Eternal Love Scenic Area (Afternoon-Evening): Dive into the vibrant culture of Lijiang city at Lijiang Eternal Love Scenic Area, a large-scale performing arts venue. The highlight of the park is the breathtaking “Lijiang Eternal Love” show, which showcases the region’s rich history and culture. Other captivating performances include “Lijiang Love Song” and “Mu’s Palace Son-in-Law.” Explore themed areas like Tea-Horse Ancient Street, Nacuo Sea, Snow Mountain Beach, and ethnic villages. The park also features a variety of activities and performances, such as bonfire parties and ethnic song and dance shows, providing a deeper understanding of Naxi culture and Lijiang’s historical charm. Don’t miss this Lijiang cultural highlight during Lijiang travel. (Opening hours: 10:30-22:30)
*Dining Options:
Breakfast: Mijiang baba(Pancake made of rice milk)
Lunch: Lijiang specialties like Rice sausage and Tai’an potato chicken
Dinner: Naxi-style roasted meat
*Accommodation: Stay at a hotel offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and private hot springs, such as Lijiang Yulong Snow Mountain Hot Spring Hotel
*Itinerary:
- Tiger Leaping Gorge (Daytime): Tiger Leaping Gorge, located on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, is one of China’s deepest and most dramatic gorges. Renowned for its stunning scenery and historical significance, it was a key route on the Southern Silk Road and ancient Tea-Horse Road. The gorge is divided into Upper, Middle, and Lower sections. The Lijiang Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area is situated in the Upper Gorge and features well-maintained walkways and escalators for easy access. Traveling in Lijiang Leaping Gorge, you can experience the awe-inspiring natural beauty and rugged landscape of this impressive gorge. (Opening hours: April 1-October 31: 07:30-16:30; November 1-March 31: 08:00-16:00)
- Yulong Snow Mountain Hot Springs (Evening): Located near Lijiang Old Town and nestled against the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the Yulong Snow Mountain Hot Spring Hotel offers a unique retreat. The mineral-rich hot springs are known for their skin-nourishing properties and rejuvenating effects. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the pure waters, unwind after a day of adventure, and take in the spectacular mountain views. It’s an ideal Lijiang travel way to relax and connect with nature. (Opening hours: all year round)
*Dining Options:
Breakfast: Thin bean flour(Xidoufen)
Lunch: Black goat hot pot
Dinner: Dongba-style roasted meat
*Accommodation: Stay at a hotel offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and private hot springs, such as Lijiang Yulong Snow Mountain Hot Spring Hotel
*Itinerary:
- Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – Blue Moon Valley (Morning): Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, located in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang, Yunnan Province, is famous for its breathtaking snow-capped scenery and top choice for Yunnan Lijiang travel. Several cable cars are available in the scenic area, such as the Spruce Meadow Cableway and the Glacier Park Cableway. Riding the cable car allows you to overlook the majestic mountain range and experience the grandeur and mystery of the snow-capped peaks. In addition to the cable cars, you can enjoy thrilling activities like snowmobiling, skiing, and sledding at the mountain’s ski resort. Afterward, take a scenic shuttle bus to Blue Moon Valley. This stunning location is formed by snowmelt from the mountain flowing into the White Water River, and its crystal-clear, blue waters are mesmerizing. Here, you can admire the snow-capped mountains, clear streams, and serene natural beauty. Lijiang tourism offers all of these amazing natural landscapes in one place. (Opening hours: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: all year round, 07:30-16:30; operating hours may vary based on visitor flow, with extended hours during peak times: 07:30 – 16:30, and shorter hours during low traffic: 07:30 – 15:30; Blue Moon Valley: all year round, 08:00-16:00; Chinese public holidays: 08:00-16:30)
- Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Paragliding Experience (Afternoon): Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang, Yunnan, offers an exhilarating paragliding experience, allowing you to take in the breathtaking views from a unique perspective. The Polar Exploration Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Paragliding Experience Center features a takeoff point at the mountain’s peak, with a landing spot east of the Jinsha River. You’ll soar through the sky, taking in a bird’s-eye view of the magnificent mountain ranges, forests, and glaciers, flying alongside the majestic Haba Snow Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It’s the exciting way to explore Snow Mountain in Lijiang travel. (Opening hours: all yearround, 08:00-23:00; flight times vary based on weather conditions)
*Dining Options:
Breakfast: Butter tea + steamed baba(rice cake)
Lunch: Naxi grilled fish, Shuixian Yanghua (Floating leaf plant):
Dinner: Wild mushroom hot pot
