Lijiang Old Town Travel Guide: Explore China’s Most Beautiful Ancient City

Nestled in the foothills of northwest Yunnan Province, Lijiang Old Town (丽江古城) is one of China’s best-preserved ancient towns—and one of the most charming. With its labyrinth of cobblestone streets, flowing canals, and Naxi architecture, Lijiang offers visitors a step back in time, all under the shadow of the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
 

A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, Lijiang is not just a tourist destination—it’s a living town, where tradition and daily life still blend seamlessly. Whether you're a history lover, cultural explorer, photographer, or just a wanderer, Lijiang Old Town offers something magical for everyone.

🌍 Where is Lijiang Old Town?

Province: Yunnan, China

Nearest Airport: Lijiang Sanyi Airport (LJG)

Access: 40 minutes by car from the airport or 3–4 hours by train from Dali or Kunming

🕰️ A Brief History of Lijiang Old Town

Lijiang has been a key stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, once linking Yunnan with Tibet. The town flourished under the rule of the Mu family, a Naxi aristocracy that governed Lijiang for over 400 years during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

Its strategic location enabled it to become a center of commerce, culture, and religion, with influences from Han, Bai, Tibetan, and even Middle Eastern traders.

Today, its wooden buildings, water canals, stone bridges, and traditional Naxi music preserve that vibrant past.

🧭 Top Attractions in Lijiang Old Town

1. 🌸 Square Street (Sifang Street)

The heart of Old Town, full of:

Boutiques

Teahouses

Handicraft shops

Street performers

Great for:

Souvenir shopping

Sampling local snacks

Watching Naxi people in traditional dress

2. 🏯 Mu’s Mansion (木府)

Often referred to as the “Forbidden City of the South,” this well-preserved complex was the home of Lijiang’s ruling Mu family.

Ming and Qing-style architecture

Panoramic views from the gardens

Rich historical exhibits

3. 🌉 Black Dragon Pool (Heilongtan Park)

Just outside the Old Town gates, this tranquil park offers:

Perfect reflections of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Dongba cultural museum

Photogenic arched bridges and pavilions

4. 🏞️ Wangu Pavilion on Lion Hill

Climb to this five-story tower for:

360-degree view of Old Town

Stunning sunset/sunrise photo opportunities

5. 🧭 Dongba Culture Museum

Learn about the Naxi people’s ancient Dongba script—one of the world’s few remaining pictographic writing systems.

🎎 Local Culture: Meet the Naxi People

Lijiang is home to the Naxi ethnic minority, known for:

Matrilineal family structure

Traditional blue and white garments

Unique music using ancient instruments

Dongba religion, a shamanistic faith rooted in nature

Don't miss an evening performance of Naxi Ancient Music—a haunting and historical musical tradition using instruments over 1,000 years old.

🧳 What to Do in Lijiang Old Town

🎨 Take a calligraphy workshop in Dongba script

🧵 Shop for handwoven textiles and silver jewelry

🍵 Visit a traditional tea house and learn about Pu’er tea

🥾 Join a guided hike to nearby Baisha Village or Shuhe Ancient Town

🎭 Attend a Naxi culture show at Dayan Theater

🍜 What to Eat in Lijiang

Lijiang’s cuisine is a delightful fusion of Yunnan, Naxi, and Tibetan influences.

Local Dishes to Try:

🍜 Lijiang Baba – Naxi-style flatbread, often filled with pork or veggies

🍲 Yak meat hotpot – Especially warming in winter

🐟 Grilled fish from Lugu Lake

🥦 Wild mushroom dishes – A specialty in Yunnan

🍵 Butter tea – Tibetan-style drink with yak butter

Best Restaurants:

N’s Kitchen – Western-Chinese fusion, great for brunch

A Ma Yi Restaurant – Authentic Naxi dishes

88 Snack House – Local street-style food with riverside seating

🛍️ Shopping in Lijiang

Lijiang is a great place to buy:

Handmade silverware

Traditional Naxi clothing and scarves

Dongba wood carvings

Pu’er tea

Painted ceramics

Head to the Zhiyun Market or explore alley boutiques for authentic finds.

🛏️ Where to Stay in Lijiang Old Town

Lijiang offers a variety of accommodation, from traditional inns to modern hotels.

Luxury

InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort

Banyan Tree Lijiang

Boutique

LUX Tea Horse Road Hotel*

Bivou Lijiang

Budget/Guesthouses

October Inn

Sleepy Inn Lijiang

Tip: Stay within the Old Town for easy walking access, but be aware of noise from nightlife in certain areas.

📸 Best Photo Spots

🏯 View of tiled roofs from Lion Hill

🌊 Bridges over canals lit at night

🎐 Hanging lanterns in alleyways

🌅 Sunrise over Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

🎋 Bamboo alleys and quiet corners

📅 Best Time to Visit Lijiang

🚗 Getting to Lijiang Old Town

✈️ By Air:

Fly into Lijiang Sanyi Airport (daily flights from major cities like Kunming, Chengdu, and Shanghai)

🚄 By Train:

High-speed rail available from Kunming and Dali

🚌 From Nearby:

Combine with a visit to Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-La, or Lugu Lake

⚠️ Travel Tips

🗣️ Learn a few phrases in Mandarin or Naxi—it’s appreciated!

💰 Many shops accept Alipay/WeChat Pay; carry some cash for small stalls

🚫 Avoid stepping into canals—locals see them as sacred

🧳 Avoid rolling suitcases on cobblestones; use a backpack instead

🧭 Sample 2-Day Itinerary

🗓️ Day 1:

Morning: Arrive in Lijiang, check into a guesthouse

Afternoon: Explore Square Street and Mu’s Mansion

Evening: Watch a Naxi music performance

🗓️ Day 2:

Morning: Visit Black Dragon Pool and Dongba Museum

Afternoon: Hike Lion Hill, shop in back alleys

Evening: Sunset at Wangu Pavilion, dinner by the canal

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🌟 Final Thoughts

Lijiang Old Town is one of those rare places where heritage lives and breathes. It's a town that rewards wandering—with every corner offering stories, beauty, and a connection to the past. Whether you're soaking up history, admiring ancient architecture, or simply relaxing by a canal with tea in hand, Lijiang is sure to stay in your memory long after you leave.