Lijiang: attractions, tours and tickets

For a taste of local Yunnan culture and cuisine, you can’t beat a visit to Lijiang. The streets are festooned with colourful umbrellas and glowing lanterns, giving you a warm welcome in the UNESCO-listed old town of the city. It’s the cultural heartland of the Naxi people who were the first settlers of the city over a thousand years ago. It was their ingenuity that built the canals and waterways that still criss-cross the city today. And, if you’re impressed with the ancient town, get ready to be wowed by the ancient natural landscapes that surround Lijiang, like the oh-so-Instagramable Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, whose 13 peaks dominate the skyline.

Top three things to do in Lijiang

1. Get lost in Lijiang’s ancient streets

Take a wander through the cobbled streets lined with traditional wooden houses and wind your way to Old Market Square – the hub of the ancient area called Dayan Old Town. See the intricate details of the houses and pick up handmade souvenirs in the market. It’s easy to get lost in this maze of alleyways, so make a beeline for the ornate Mu Mansion in the heart of the old town – it’s been in the governing Mu family for over 22 generations.

2. Take in the view from above

The best way to truly appreciate the architecture and detail of this town is from above. Climb the flanks of Lion Hill within the UNESCO-listed area to reach the Wangu Tower – a great central viewpoint. It’s five stories feature 10,000 dragon motifs and the entire tower was built using no metal or nails as an example of Naxi woodwork and craftsmanship. You could also try one of the many tucked away rooftop teahouses and coffee shops for a good vantage point.

3. Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

It’s a beast of a mountain that soars to over five and a half thousand meters and will loom large in the background of many of your photos in Lijiang. You can take a cable car up to three different heights, depending on how adventurous you’re feeling. There are alpine meadows and valley lakes to see lower down and oxygen tanks available if you’re a keen hiker and want to visit the highest peaks. Whichever point you reach, make sure you pack your camera.