Take a deep breath of fresh air in Lijiang, a city renowned for its stunning landscapes. Picture dramatic valleys that perfectly blend charming culture with breathtaking nature—basically a European-style view at an Asian price, and no visa required! Honestly, seeing Lijiang in person is even more ‘wow’ than in photos. Traveling in China has become much easier nowadays, so you can explore Lijiang on your own. But if you’re not sure where to start, here’s a guide to 12 must-visit spots in Lijiang, from ancient towns and natural attractions to gorgeous photo spots that might just make you fall in love and want to return again.

Lijiang Old Town has a unique charm unlike other ancient towns in Shanghai or elsewhere in China. It was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1997. The town is crossed by the Black Dragon River and adorned with flowers in every corner, perfectly blending with the ancient Chinese architecture. It's best to visit in the evening, from late afternoon to dusk, to see the town bathed in natural light and later transformed into a lively night market illuminated by city lights. If your budget allows, rent a traditional Chinese costume for photos—your pictures will look like you've traveled back 800 years! Finally, this is also a perfect place to pick up Lijiang souvenirs.

Nature lovers will be thrilled! Here, you can see snow-covered peaks and glaciers, an incredible sight just a few hours’ flight from Thailand. You can take a cable car to the mountain in just 15 minutes, but if you want to reach the highest viewing point, it’s recommended to book online at least a week in advance—walk-ins may not get access. At 4,506 meters above sea level, the air is thin, and oxygen cans are available at vending machines near the cable car station (Alipay payment only).

Located within the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain park, Blue Moon Valley is a must-visit natural attraction. Its turquoise waters are formed from melting ice amidst mountains and pine forests, with the iconic Blue Moon Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as the backdrop. There are many photo spots, including waterfalls, wooden bridges, and tranquil water surfaces. On clear days, the lake reflects the mountains perfectly, creating scenery like a painting.

Another Lijiang highlight, this outdoor performance is directed by the famous Chinese director Zhang Yimou. Set over 3,000 meters above sea level with dramatic mountain backdrops and red cliff scenery, the show presents the life, culture, and history of Lijiang’s indigenous people. Over 600 local residents perform daily, with two showtimes at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Also a UNESCO World Heritage site, Black Dragon Pool in Yuquan Park showcases Yunnan culture beautifully. Visitors can enjoy calm waters, ancient Tibetan and Naxi-style architecture, vibrant colors, and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the background. In the mornings, locals practice tai chi, sword dances, and exercises, offering a glimpse of daily life.

Shuhe Ancient Town allows visitors to experience Naxi culture and architecture in a quieter, smaller setting than Lijiang Old Town. With flowing streams and a serene atmosphere, it’s perfect for a relaxing stroll. The town also offers a variety of local restaurants that you shouldn’t miss.

Baisha was once the old capital of Lijiang during the Song and Yuan dynasties. The buildings here have changed very little over hundreds of years, giving a more rustic and authentic feel compared to other towns. If you want to imagine what traditional Chinese houses looked like, this is the place to see. Despite its ancient design, Baisha has chic cafes with breathtaking views, such as the popular 7Sea café a favorite photo spot for many visitors. It’s a slow-life town in China where you can enjoy a leisurely half-day stroll.

Located just outside the northwest entrance of Heilongtan Park, this museum offers an in-depth look at the Dongba culture of the Naxi people. Here, you’ll find ancient artifacts and displays of Dongba script, which resembles Egyptian hieroglyphs but is less complex. Today, Dongba script is used mainly in religious contexts, as few Naxi people can read it. The museum provides English explanations for foreign visitors and can be fully explored in about an hour.

🕒 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMHours may change, so check before visiting.

Legend has it that a tiger once jumped across the narrowest point of this gorge to escape a hunter, giving the gorge its name. The scenery is spectacular, flanked by Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, with the powerful Yangtze River flowing through. Due to its grandeur, Tiger Leaping Gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are easy walking trails along the river, and an escalator is available for those who prefer not to hike (service fee approx. 80 CNY).

Breathe in the fresh air at Lashihai, a nature reserve with abundant natural beauty, making it perfect to visit in any season. Summer is especially ideal, as temperatures are cooler than in other parts of Yunnan. The lake is peaceful, scenic, and home to over 65 bird species; in winter, more than 3,000 migratory birds visit! Popular activities include boating, cycling, and fishing.

Located on the slopes of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and just 18 km from Lijiang Old Town, Yuhu Village was first settled by palace guards and stewards of the Mu family, who ruled the Naxi locals during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The Yuhu River, fed by melting mountain snow, runs through the village. Notably, Dr. Joseph Rock, a famous botanist, lived here with the Naxi people for 27 years to study the mountain flora. Most houses are made of stone and wood, offering simple yet timeless charm.

This palace showcases meticulous ancient Chinese architecture, with a layout similar to Beijing’s Imperial Palace. The main hall is about 20 meters high, two stories tall, accompanied by over 20 smaller buildings covering roughly 2,000 square meters. Visitors can admire the grandeur of the palace while enjoying views of the ancient town below, framed by mountains stretching as far as the eye can see.

This local restaurant is famous for its pork rib dishes. We highly recommend the smoked pork rib hotpot, where the tender ribs perfectly complement the flavorful broth infused with aromatic spices. Staff are attentive and ready to explain the ingredients in each dish.

This cozy and warm café is located in Lijiang Old Town. While it serves Western-style dishes, the local twist comes from the beverages! Try Yunnan coffee and Tibetan-influenced butter tea, which has a salty flavor from buffalo milk butter and roasted barley. It’s a perfect spot to sip and enjoy views of the ancient town.

Almost every dish here is delicious with rich Chinese flavors. It’s recommended to order both soups and stir-fried dishes to experience a variety of tastes. In addition to its great flavors, the prices are reasonable, service is attentive, and food is served quickly. Conveniently located near Lijiang Old Town.

⭐ 3-Star Homestay Ideal for: Families, glam travelers, peace seekers, nature lovers

Located amidst nature, this homestay offers stunning lake views right from your window. The rooms are spacious and airy, with full facilities even though it’s a bit far from the city center. At night, the air is fresh, and the surroundings are quiet and peaceful. Guests especially praise the variety of breakfast options and the friendliness of the staff.

Highlights:

📍 Book Mengtian Wild Luxury via Traveloka

⭐ 5-Star

Ideal for: Comfort seekers, glam travelers, families

Feel like you’re staying in a palace! This hotel is inspired by ancient Chinese palaces, featuring spacious, impeccably clean rooms. It’s in an excellent location—you can walk to Dukezong Ancient Town or enjoy views of the ancient town from some rooms. The hotel also offers a variety of Lijiang local dishes for breakfast.

Highlights:

📍 Book Hotel Indigo DIQING MOONLIGHT via Traveloka

⭐ 3-Star

Ideal for: Families, comfort seekers, glam travelers

The rooms are bright, clean, and stylish. This relatively new hotel offers spotless facilities and modern amenities. It’s within walking distance to the ancient town, yet located in a quiet neighborhood, providing a peaceful atmosphere. Staff are friendly and welcoming.

Highlights:

📍 Book Eryuan Chengnan No.1 Yard via Traveloka

Wondering about the weather in Lijiang? Actually, this city is great to visit all year round. Each season offers its own unique charm and beauty:

Summer (June – August) Temperatures are mild, around 15–25°C, but the sun can be very strong, so always apply sunscreen for outdoor activities. Nature is lush and green, with occasional rainfall.

Autumn (September – November) Slightly cooler, with temperatures around 10–20°C. The main charm of this season is the golden and red foliage, along with the harvest period in Lijiang.

Winter (December – February) Very cold, sometimes dropping below 0°C at night. If you want a Switzerland-like vibe, visiting in December is perfect.

Spring (March – May) Mild and pleasant, around 5–15°C. Flowers bloom throughout the city, making it feel like walking through a giant garden. Ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

You can fly directly from Bangkok to Lijiang Sanyi International Airport. Several airlines operate this route, including China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Air China. You can search for cheap flights to Lijiang via Traveloka.