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Lijiang

Visit Lijiang, China

Visit Lijiang, China

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Nestled beneath the snowy peaks of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the narrow cobbled streets of Old Lijiang run with the clear waters of mountain streams.

The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain On The Border Of TibetFeatured in the Channel 4 documentary ‘Beyond the Clouds’, this idyllic old place is now a World Heritage Town. Once among the ancient streets of the old town, flanked by traditional Naxi-style architecture, the magic of the area becomes apparent.

This region is the stronghold of the Naxi people, unique matriarchal Dongba culture combines shamanism with a unique pictographic language. From the 500-year-old Giant Camelia Tree and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the Baisha Frescoes and Lugu Lake, the region surrounding Lijiang is one of the most beautiful imaginable, and prompted the naturalist Joseph Rock to devote much of his life to the study of its flora and indigenous cultures.

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Veronica Spann

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Lijiang by contacting one of our China specialists

Suggested itineraries featuring Lijiang

Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Lijiang, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Lijiang

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Lijiang

    Photos of Lijiang

    • Rooftops of Lijiang Old Town
      Rooftops of Lijiang Old Town
    • Black Dragon Pool, Lijiang
      Black Dragon Pool, Lijiang
    • Lijiang
      Lijiang
    • Lijiang
      Lijiang
    • Lijiang and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
      Lijiang and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
    • Jade Dragon Mountain from the Black Dragon Pool, Lijiang
      Jade Dragon Mountain from the Black Dragon Pool, Lijiang
    • Naxi lady, Lijiang
      Naxi lady, Lijiang
    • Fruit seller, Lijiang Old Town
      Fruit seller, Lijiang Old Town

    Our expert guides to exploring Lijiang

    Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Lijiang, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Lijiang at its best.

    • Characterful stays in China
      Songtsam Hotel, Shangri-la

      Characterful stays in China

      Characterful stays in China

      Whether you’re staying in a converted farmhouse surrounded by countryside or a traditional Tibetan building overlooking a monastery, basing yourself in a boutique property during your vacation to China opens your eyes to new cultures and authentic local life. Country specialist Stephanie shares her recommendations.

      9 min read

      Read this guide
    • The slow side of China: visiting the rural provinces
      Li river, Guilin

      The slow side of China: visiting the rural provinces

      The slow side of China: visiting the rural provinces

      There are still places to visit in China that remain almost untouched by the modern world. Country specialist Cheryl shares her experiences of rural China, from meeting local people and learning about their minority cultures to hiking through mountains and rice terraces.

      10 min read

      Read this guide
    • China’s spiritual side: the best temples, grottoes, mosques and mountains
      Songzanlin Monastery, Shangri-la

      China’s spiritual side: the best temples, grottoes, mosques and mountains

      China’s spiritual side: the best temples, grottoes, mosques and mountains

      You can explore spiritual China in country specialist Anthony’s guide to the Middle Kingdom’s most intriguing holy places. He shares his thoughts on the why and how of visiting Buddhist monasteries, temples and cave art, and even sacred mountains.

      7 min read

      Read this guide

    Accommodation choices for Lijiang

    We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Lijiang. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

    Ideas for experiencing Lijiang

    Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Lijiang, and which use the best local guides.

    • Tiger Leaping Gorge Excursion
      Tiger Leaping Gorge

      Tiger Leaping Gorge Excursion

      Tiger Leaping Gorge Excursion

      Tiger Leaping Gorge measures 16 km and has an awesome depth of 3,900 meters, making it one of the deepest gorges in the world.

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