Lijiang, China - Travel Guide

Lijiang offers a unique blend of ancient Naxi culture, stunning natural landscapes, and a vibrant Old Town. Its cobblestone streets, traditional architecture, and picturesque canals create a charming and historically rich atmosphere, perfect for exploration and cultural immersion.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$30/day

Mid-range$75/day

Luxury$300/day

Known For

Lijiang Old TownYunnanJade Dragon Snow MountainTiger Leaping GorgeDaliShangri-La

🇨🇳 Country Information: China

CapitalBeijing

CurrencyChinese yuan (¥)

LanguageMandarin Chinese , Cantonese, English (limited), other regional dialects

Phone Code+86

Electricity220V (Type A, C, I)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is generally not customary and can sometimes be refused or even considered rude in many settings, though it is becoming more accepted in some tourist
oriented services (e
g
, tour guides, bellhops in international hotels)

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in cities
Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, less so in rural areas
Bringing some cash is advisable, especially for smaller vendors
No significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
Public displays of affection are generally not common
Respect personal space, though crowded areas are unavoidable
When eating, avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice (resembles funerary rites)
Remove shoes when entering homes or certain establishments

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. LGBTQ+ rights are limited. While homosexuality is not illegal, there is no legal recognition for same-sex marriage or civil unions, and public discourse can be conservative.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are extremely strict, with severe penalties for even minor offenses, including possession of marijuana

Special Laws

Carrying identification (passport) is often required
Certain websites and apps are blocked; a VPN is often needed for access to many international services
Respect local laws and customs, especially concerning public order and political expression

Common Phrases

NoBù (boo) 不

YesShì (sher) 是

HelloNǐ hǎo (nee how) 你好

Thank youXièxiè (shyeh-shyeh) 谢谢

Excuse me/SorryDuìbùqǐ (dway-boo-chee) 对不起

Climate

Lijiang is located in a mountainous region, influencing its climate.

Climate Zone: Humid Subtropical

Best Time to Visit

Hot season: May
Sep
Cold season: Dec
Feb
Monsoon season: Jun
Oct

Getting There

Fly to Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG) from major Chinese cities like Kunming, Chengdu, or Shanghai
High
speed train from Kunming to Lijiang (approx
3
4 hours, \~¥180
250)
Buses available from nearby cities like Dali

Getting Around

Taxis are widely available and can be hailed or booked via Didi (local ride
sharing app)
Local buses cover many routes within the city
Walking is a good option in the Old Town
Bicycle rentals are available

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (Measles
Mumps
Rubella, Diphtheria
Tetanus
Pertussis, Varicella, Polio) are recommended
Hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended
Altitude sickness can be a concern for some due to Lijiang's elevation (2,400 meters/7,900 feet); acclimatization and consultation with a doctor are advised
Probiotics may be beneficial for digestive health
No specific malaria prophylaxis is typically needed for Lijiang itself

Staying Connected

eSIMs are generally available in China, but activation can sometimes be challenging for foreigners
Providers like China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom offer eSIM services
Airalo and Nomad offer international eSIMs that can work, but local options may provide better coverage and speed

Local Cuisine

Smoked Pork Ribs Hotpot (腊排骨火锅) regional_speciality

This hotpot features high-quality local pork ribs that are marinated and air-dried, giving them a firm, chewy texture and smoky flavor. It is a comfor

Lijiang Baba (丽江粑粑) snack

A traditional Naxi pancake, Lijiang Baba is a staple food made from wheat flour and oil. It comes in both savory and sweet versions, often stuffed wit

Dongba Grilled Fish (东巴烤鱼) must_try

Also known as Naxi Grilled Fish, this delicacy is prepared using freshwater fish and seasoned heavily with fermented black beans. The fish is grilled

Chicken Bean Jelly (鸡豆凉粉) street_food

A colorful and popular street snack made from chicken beans, often served cold with a variety of savory and spicy sauces. It is a well-known snack fou

Stinky Tofu (包浆豆腐) snack

A culinary icon in Lijiang, this tofu is known for its crispy, golden exterior and silky-smooth interior. It is often deep-fried and served with a var

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Glacier Park Cableway Ticket Attraction

Book exactly 1 week in advance

Tickets are limited and are released exactly one week in advance during peak season, selling out quickly for the high-altitude cable car.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Accommodation in Old Town of Lijiang Accommodation

Book 1–3 months in advance

Booking accommodation in advance, especially in the popular Old Town, is essential to secure preferred lodging and better prices during peak travel seasons and holidays.

Impression Lijiang Show Ticket Attraction

Book 1–4 weeks in advance

The outdoor spectacle is popular, and booking ahead secures your spot, especially during high-demand travel periods.

Fun Facts

1. The Naxi people of Lijiang possess the only known living pictographic writing system in the world, called the Dongba script, which is characterized by a mixture of Tibetan and Han culture.
2. Lijiang's Old Town was a crucial trading hub on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, where merchants traded tea from Yunnan and Sichuan for horses from Tibet starting as early as the Tang Dynasty.
3. The Old Town of Lijiang is renowned for its sophisticated and still functional ancient water-supply system, which demonstrates great ingenuity.
4. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which towers over Lijiang, is so high that its highest peak, Shanzidou, has only been successfully summitted once, in 1987.

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