5 Days in Lijiang Trip: Budgets, Hotels, Food & Attractions

Day 1 | Morning

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Opening Hours: Open from 7:30am-4:30pm

Ticket Price: 100 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 0.5-1 Days

Location: 15 km north of Lijiang Old Town, Yulong County, Lijiang City

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is not far from the ancient city of Lijiang. It is a sacred mountain range of the Naxi people and has 13 interconnected peaks with a breathtaking view. You can take a cablecar up the mountain while observing the vegetation changing from bottom to top. The foot of the mountain is a ranch. During the spring season, there will be a large number of flowers blossoming. The Yunshan Ping on the mountain side is regarded by the Naxi people as a romantic place. The top of the mountain is covered in snow all year round, and you can absorb the glorious sight of the glaciers when you are up there.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: Picture perfect view on a crisp & sunny winter day in Dec 2019, just as in the pictures that one sees for Lijiang. easily walkable from May part of the old town should you be staying there, maximum 30-40 minutes if you stay at the far end of the old town. if your knees don’t bother you, I would recommend walking to Dragon Pool through the town. Deep green blue pool with the mountain rising in the background crowned with snow late December (perhaps there may not be any snow earlier on the year). The mountain plays peekaboo as you walk through the old town and seems like a watchful guardian of the town. Streams gurgle from the Dragon Pool into the town

Wandering Laowai: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is one fo the most beautiful places I have visited in China. It is a little far out of Lijiang so we hired a driver to take us there. On the way he stopped at a shop where we could rent thick coats and buy oxygen bottles as it was very cold on top and also very high above sea level. I am glad we bought the oxygen as we had to take frequent puffs when on top. We went in December and it was freezing on top, but very clear and beautiful. Included in the ticket price is Blue Moon Valley, at the base of the mountain. It makes for a beautiful day trip.

Day 1 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, don’t forget pay a visit to Black Dragon Pool Park.

Black Dragon Pool Park

Opening Hours: Open from 2/20-12/31,7:00am-7:30pm

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: No. 1 Minzhu Road, Gucheng District, Lijiang City

Black Dragon Pool Park, also known as Yuquan Park, is located at the foot of Xiangshan Mountain in the north of the Old Town of Lijiang. It is an iconic attraction in Lijiang and the water source for old town. The spires of limestone tufas protrude from the water's surface and can be seen from the edge of the clear spring pool. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain can be seen reflected in the waters of the Black Dragon Pool and is an excellent place for taking photos. The Dongba Culture Institute is located here, containing many national treasure-level ancient buildings.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Jerry: The Black Dragon Pool is the number one park in Lijiang, for visitors coming here for the first time. The beautiful snow mountain can be seen in the background, which makes it a great place to photograph during the sunset.

Trip.com User: We came here immediately after arriving in lijiang and were super impressed by the architecture and the amazing view to the mountains. highly recommended for an afternoon stroll.

Day 1 | Evening

After visiting the glorious Black Dragon Pool Park, Passing-cloud Resort nearby is the best place to stay.

Passing-cloud Resort

The Passing-cloud Resort was recently opened in 2019, making it a fantastic choice for those staying in Lijiang.

The hotel is conveniently located just 7km from Lijiang East Railway Station and 29km from Lijiang Sanyi Airport. Keeping busy is easy, with 萬卷樓, Loyalty Archway and 麗江古城銀文化院落 all nearby.

In their spare time, guests can explore the hotel's surroundings.

When it comes to Lijiang hotels, the Passing-cloud Resort is highly regarded for its excellent facilities. This hotel is a popular accommodation for guests traveling with families.

Day 2

Lijiang Ancient City

Opening Hours: Open all day

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Days

Location: Dayan Ancient City, Gucheng District, Lijiang City

The Lijiang Ancient City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has a history of over 800 years. It was an important stopover point in ancient times playing a very important role in the trading activities among Yunnan, China hinterland, Tibet, India and many other neighbouring Asian countries. The town is full of ancient wooden buildings, stone roads, and small bridges. It is the only old city built without a city wall. Standing in the city, you can see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Several television series were also shot here. The former mansion of the Tusi people (Mu Mansion) and the Naxi ancient music performances should definitely be on your checklist.

Reviews from Real Guests:

mollay: It's like being transported through time - every view looks like it came straight out of a film. The town does a great job maintaining the quality and aesthetic, with little in the way of tacky decor to spoil the view. I appreciate the fact that Naxi specialities are abound and the souvenirs are overwhelmingly unique to Yunnan (though of course you'll be able to find a leather Peppa Pig handbag, it's still China after all) Due to COVID there are extra entrance requirements - Chinese nationals scan their 身份证 to enter. Fellow laowai will have extra hurdles depending on how agreeable the staff are that day. We had to register with phone number, passport, etc and just to get inside each time - a hassle considering we were staying at a hotel inside the town.

Trip.com User: The ancient city is particularly beautiful and completely different from the feeling of 9 years ago. The ancient city is large in size, and it has not been understood for two days. There are many alleys that have not been walked. There are more hidden food inside, the second brother chicken rice noodles found in the curve of Quli, and the Apola ribs. Although commercialization is heavy, when 6 o'clock in the morning, the rain beats the stone, alone in the old town has not yet woken, everywhere is quiet and simple.

Day 2 | Evening

For convenient access to more popular attractions, Jinmao Hotel Lijiang, the Unbound Collection by Hyatt is the best places.

Jinmao Hotel Lijiang, the Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Reviews from Real Guests:

Guest User: It is like a resort. You can do everything in this hotel. There are many restaurants and activities for kids! It was perfect choice for rainy season in Lijiang. I strongly recommend!

COELLO: Very good hotel. Quite. Nice territory. Tasty and complete breakfast. Very good service. Staffs are kind. If any problem they are with good attitude to solve. Met the Manager twice. Nice person. Also direct communication with staff from hotel via text messages to deal with any issue. The prices in restaurants and afternoon tea shop are fair. For everybody to enjoy a good meal and desserts during the stay. 非常满意 Note: I just would recommend a net door in the balcony for mosquitos or better device to deal with them. At night can feel some of them.

Day 3 | Morning

Yushui Village

Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00

Ticket Price: 35 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: Yushui Village Scenic Spot, Baisha Township, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City

Yushui Village is located in the north of Lijiang City, at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain in Baisha Town. The scenery of the cottage is natural and simple, especially the ethereal and clear water scenery is amazing. It is also the holy land of Dongba in the Naxi people. You can learn about the unique and splendid Naxi culture about sacrificial and papermaking. Entering the gate of the scenic spot in Yushui Village, the shocking people are the waterscape of the Sanlongshui. In the scenic area, there is a clear spring left under the two old trees, which is turned into a cascade of waterfalls with large and small white beads splashing. It is said that the spring of the gods is the place where the gods of nature are infested. God stacks the water into several stacks, thus creating this patchwork of the Shenlong Sandiesian waterfalls.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Tella: Beautiful waterfalls and dams. Interesting history clearly presented. Easy for English speaking foreigners since everything is translated into English. Clean toilets. Busy with some renovations but it's worth a visit at just 17rmb, you can take about an hour or two here.

Day 3 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Yushui Village, don’t forget pay a visit to Guanyin Gorge.

Guanyin Gorge

Opening Hours: 7:30-18:30

Ticket Price: 30 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Qihe Town,Lijiang City

Located 17 kilometers southeast of Lijiang City, Guanyin Gorge is a strategic passage on the Tea Horse Road. Here you can see the unique geological shape of the gorge and sit in a wooden house on Tea Horse Road, sipping on a cup of Pu'er tea. The Guanyin Gorge Scenic Area consists of two areas, Huanglongtan and Guanyin Gorge. In addition to the gorges, there are forests, lakes, and waterfalls, and the natural scenery is amazing!. In addition, there are quaint Naxi villages, religious temples, and other cultural landscapes.

Day 3 | Evening

Don’t forget to book Lijiang Hilton Hotel in advance, because all the tourists head to Guanyin Gorge love staying at it.

Lijiang Hilton Hotel

The Lijiang Hilton Hotel was recently opened in 2021, making it a fantastic choice for those staying in Yulong.

Traveling to the hotel is easy with Lijiang Railway Station located approximately 5km away and Lijiang Sanyi Airport roughly 25km away. Seeing Yulong's sights from this hotel is easy with 茶馬古城, Wenbi Reservoir and Lijiang Songcheng Tourist Area all close by.

In their spare time, guests can explore the hotel's surroundings. This Yulong hotel features parking on site.

If cleanliness is important to you, this hotel makes an excellent choice, as our guests consider this to be one of the cleanest hotels in the city. For guests traveling with families, this hotel is consistently one of the most popular choices.

Day 4 | Morning

Mufu Palace

Opening Hours: 8:30-17:30

Ticket Price: 40 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-2 Hours

Location: No. 49, Guangyuan Lane, Guanyi Street, Dayan Town, Gucheng District, Lijiang City

Mufu Palace is located in the southern part of Lijiang Ancient City. It is the residence of Lijiang's Tusi from ancient times. The architecture combines the style of the Central Plains of the Ming Dynasty with the techniques of the Bai and Naxi people. It is a splendid architectural arts garden. Nowadays, Mufu Palace is a landmark of the ancient city. It not only attracts numerous visitors to visit, but is also the production set for TV dramas “Legend of Mu Mansion” and “The King of Money”.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: When I first arrived here, I chose a way down from the back garden through toy lou, unlike others. Didn't it be different to go up and down? The Mufu, seen down the road from Wangulou, was the peak itself. The magnificent composition of Mufu was the best overall and the breathtaking view of the stairway was the best. If you want to stop here, I recommend going up to Tongulou and checking the location from the observatory and going down to Mufu.

Penseeslyriques: If you come to the old castle, you have to visit it! I love antiques and I love traditional Chinese architecture. It's so beautiful, but it's one of the points that there are few people in the paid area.

Day 4 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Mufu Palace, Laojun Mountain Danxia Landform Scenic Resort next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Laojun Mountain Danxia Landform Scenic Resort

Ticket Price: 70 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Days

Location: Liming Township, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang CityLingming Country, Yulong County 674116, China

Laojun Mountain Danxia Landform Scenic Resort is found in Laojun Mountain Scenic Area. It is known for its Danxia landform and is one of the large Danxia landforms in China. There are red rocks on each mountain and cliff. It is said that Taishang Laojun once did alchemy on the mountain, and accidentally dripped the flame, which formed the scenery of the area here. The scenic spot is mainly spread in the villages of Liming Lisu Nationality, including Liming, Liguang, Meile and Duimei. The popular and well-known area is Qiangui Mountain.

Day 4 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Zixin Space Leisure Hotel is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Zixin Space Leisure Hotel

The Zixin Space Leisure Hotel is one of the newest hotels in Yulong, having opened in 2019.

In terms of transportation, Lanpingfenghuatongyong AIRPORT is approximately 192km away. Traveling to and from the airport is easy with Lanpingfenghuatongyong AIRPORT located approximately 192km away. Guests will find Laojun Mountain Danxia Landform Scenic Resort, Danxia Wonders and Qianguishan just a short distance from the hotel.

At the end of a busy day, travelers can unwind and relax in the hotel or go out and enjoy the city. Guests of this Yulong hotel can make use of the parking facilities.

Day 5 | Morning

Lashi Lake

Opening Hours: 8:00-19:00

Ticket Price: 30 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-4 Hours

Location: Anshang Village, Lashi Seaview District, Gucheng District, Lijiang City

Lashi Sea is located 10 kilometers west of Lijiang City. It is a marvelous grassland with beautiful scenery. The water is very clear, and it is a wonderful place to visit in the spring and summer around Lijiang. This is also a habitat for many migratory birds in the winter. Every year, tens of thousands of migratory birds arrive here to spend the winter. There are many racecourses for horses in the village next to the river. Many tourists choose to ride horses here and have a relaxing time. Lashi Sea has therefore become a wonderful place in Lijiang for riding horses, boating, and bird watching.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: I rented an electric scooter and looked around for about two hours, and it was fun and good enough even though I didn't pay entrance fees separately ^^

Marius in China: Nice and chill trip that's perfect for half a day. There are beautiful restaurants around the lake with stunning views.

Day 5 | Afternoon

Lijiang Songcheng Tourist Area nearby is the top choice before you leave Lashi Lake and hit the road.

Lijiang Songcheng Tourist Area

Opening Hours: Open from 12/1-12/31,2:00pm-6:30pm;Open from 11/12-11/30,2:00pm-6:00pm

Ticket Price: 300 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 1.0-2.0 Hours

Location: No.88,Yuxing West Road,Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City

The Lijiang Songcheng Tourist Area is about 6 kilometers away from Lijiang Ancient City. It is adjacent to Wenbihai and is the themed scenic area that displays Lijiang folk culture. Centered around the wonderful Qianguqing performance, there are various folk parks and performance shows on the outside. It is a good place to watch performances and experience folk customs. Lijiang Qianguqing Musical The musical combines technology with stage performance to reflect the local history and culture.

Reviews from Real Guests:

eugeniaborisovna: This is one of the most impressive shows in my life in China. the decorations, actors, costumes, music, everything is definitely a must-see show. The park opens at 14:00 with the energetic opening dance. after that, you go to watch the small performance where one from the audience can take part in. then there’s the short but very beautiful performance called “Song of Love”. and at 16:30 the main show starts which lasts for 1 hour. If you want to take pictures of videos it’s better to sit in A area on the backside seats in the middle. If you just want to enjoy the show conveniently, take the aisles seat in B area. the ticket cost in these two areas is 310 RMB that includes the whole park program. after the show, there’s the national costumes catwalk and everything is finished with the beautiful dance of the actors where everyone can take part in, too. The final is at about 18:15-18:30. Highly recommend to go there and enjoy your day!

Wasasa: Lijiang, a place worth going again and again. If you are tired of the troubles, here, really can let people to life enthusiasm and hope. Perhaps here, you will be a different life. Perhaps new love, or perhaps a new life feeling.

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.