Travel

Lijiang Yunnan Trip

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  1. Lijiang Old Town (Dayan)

    • Highlights: Cobblestone streets, canals, traditional Naxi architecture, Mu Residence, Lion Hill (Wangu Tower views).

    • Tip: Wander early/late to avoid crowds. Entrance fee included in “Old Town Maintenance Fee” (¥50).

  2. Shuhe Old Town

    • Quieter than Dayan, with tea-horse古道 (Ancient Tea Horse Road) vibes. Great for cafes and boutique stays.

  3. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xueshan)

    • Must-Do: Glacier Park cable car (¥180), Blue Moon Valley (electric cart ¥50), Impression Lijiang show (Zhang Yimou’s outdoor spectacle).

    • Tip: Buy tickets in advance; altitude is 4,600m – acclimate first!

  4. Black Dragon Pool Park

    • Iconic view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain framed by pavilions. Best at sunrise.

  5. Baisha Village

    • Authentic Naxi murals (Ming Dynasty) and local embroidery workshops.

Cultural Experiences

  • Naxi Dongba Culture: Visit Dongba Museum (Old Town) to see ancient pictographic scripts.

  • Naxi Ancient Music: Night performances in Dayan (tickets ¥120-160).

  • Local Markets: Zhongyi Market for Yunnan snacks (baba bread, yak yogurt).

Day Trips

  • Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia)

    • Option 1: Day hike to Upper Gorge (easy, 2-3 hrs from Lijiang).

    • Option 2: Multi-day trek (Middle Gorge) for adventurers.

  • Lashi Lake: Horse riding and boat rides in wetlands.

  • Shigu Town: First bend of the Yangtze River + Iron Chain Bridge.

Food Guide

  • Must-Try Dishes:

    • Naxi Baba (savory/sweet flatbread)

    • Yak Hotpot

    • Jidou Liangfen (chickpea jelly)

    • Yunnan Wild Mushrooms (seasonal, summer best)

  • Where to Eat:

    • Old Town: N’s Kitchen (Western-Yunnan fusion), A Yi’s Naxi BBQ.

    • Shuhe: Vegetarian options at SHERPA.

Practical Tips

  • Best Time: Spring (Mar-May) or Autumn (Sep-Nov) – mild weather, fewer crowds. Avoid July-August (rainy).

  • Altitude: Lijiang is 2,400m – stay hydrated, rest Day 1 to acclimate.

  • Transport:

    • Air: Lijiang Sanyi Airport (flights from Kunming/Shanghai/Chengdu).

    • Bus/Train: Kunming to Lijiang (high-speed train 3-4 hrs, bus 7-8 hrs).

    • Local: Taxis cheap; Old Town is pedestrian-only.

  • Accommodation:

    • Old Town: Charme Hotel (boutique), Zen Garden Hotel.

    • Shuhe: Bivou Lodge (luxury), The Grand Qiyun (heritage).

Sample Itinerary

  • Day 1: Explore Lijiang Old Town + Black Dragon Pool.

  • Day 2: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (full day).

  • Day 3: Shuhe + Baisha Village.

  • Day 4: Day trip to Tiger Leaping Gorge OR Lashi Lake.

  • Day 5: Market visit + relax in a teahouse.

Budget Estimate (Per Person)

  • Mid-Range: ¥500-800/day (hotel ¥300, food ¥150, attractions ¥150, transport ¥100).

  • Shoestring: ¥250-400/day (hostel ¥80, street food ¥70, buses ¥50).

Final Advice: Lijiang is touristy but magical if you explore beyond the main streets. Combine with Dali (3hrs south) or Shangri-La (4hrs north) for a deeper Yunnan adventure!

Enjoy your trip – 丽江欢迎你! (Lìjiāng huānyíng nǐ!) 🏔️🍃

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