Lijiang Five-Day Travel Guide

In Lijiang, you can experience the charm of Lijiang Old Town, admire the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and feel the tranquil mystery of Lugu Lake: Itinerary 1: First Experience in Lijiang Old Town: After arriving at Lijiang Sanyi Airport, take the airport shuttle bus or a taxi to Lijiang Old Town. In the afternoon, check into a guesthouse within the Old Town. After a short rest, stroll around Sifang Street and visit the Big Waterwheel. In the evening, climb Lion Hill to Wangu Tower to overlook the panoramic view of the Old Town and the sunset. At night, walk along Qiyi Street and taste Naxi specialty snacks such as cured pork rib hotpot and chickpea jelly. 2: One-Day Tour of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: Book tickets for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the cable car in advance. Depart early in the morning to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, take the cable car to the top of Glacier Park, and experience the breathtaking snow mountain. After descending, visit Blue Moon Valley and hike along the plank road to enjoy the crystal-clear blue lake. Return to the Old Town in the afternoon, where you can choose to visit the Naxi Pictographic Language Experience Center to learn Dongba script or watch a Naxi ancient music performance. 3: Shuhe Ancient Town - Lashi Lake Wetland Park: In the morning, head to Shuhe Ancient Town, which is quieter than Dayan Old Town. Visit Qinglong Bridge and Sifang Listening Square, and try horseback riding to experience the Ancient Tea Horse Road. In the afternoon, go to Lashi Lake, take a wooden boat tour, watch migratory birds in winter, and enjoy the sunset at the lakeside horse ranch. 4: Lugu Lake Circumferential Tour (Yunnan Section): Depart early by car to Lugu Lake. Upon arrival, start the lake tour, take photos at the Lige Peninsula viewing platform, stroll along Lover’s Beach, walk on the Marriage Bridge to experience Mosuo culture, and see the reed marshes at Caohai. At dusk, watch the sunset at Goddess Bay and join the Mosuo ethnic group’s bonfire party. 5: Lugu Lake - Return to Lijiang Old Town: In the morning, take a pig trough boat to Liwubi Island and visit Liwubi Temple. Return to Lijiang at noon. Spend the afternoon freely exploring the Old Town and shopping for souvenirs such as flower cakes and Pu'er tea, then return according to your flight schedule. Ticket Information Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: Entrance fee 100 RMB/person, cable car ticket 140 RMB/person, eco-friendly bus 20 RMB/person. Lugu Lake: Entrance fee 70 RMB/person. Lijiang Old Town Maintenance Fee: 50 RMB/person. Shuhe Ancient Town: Free. Lashi Lake Wetland Park: Entrance fee 30 RMB/person. Accommodation Recommendations Inside Lijiang Old Town: You can choose to stay near the South or North Gate, such as near Zhongyi Market, which is convenient for travel and affordable, costing 200-400 RMB per night. Shuhe Ancient Town: Most guesthouses here are renovated old courtyards, quiet with courtyards and terraces, costing 400-600 RMB per night. Food Recommendations Cured Pork Rib Hotpot: A Lijiang specialty, cured pork ribs are marinated and dried, with a salty and fragrant taste. Cooked with vegetables in hotpot, it is delicious. Chickpea Jelly: Made from chickpeas, it has a smooth texture and can be served cold or stir-fried. Paired with chili, Sichuan pepper, and other seasonings, it is very appetizing. Naxi Grilled Fish: Freshly killed and grilled local fish, crispy outside and tender inside, flavored with mint and other spices, offering a unique taste. Flower Cake: Filled with fresh flowers, with a crispy crust and sweet filling, it is a classic Lijiang snack.