Things to do in Lijiang

We only managed to get the earliest tickets, so we set off while it was still dark, taking a taxi. Upon arrival, we went straight to collect the oxygen cylinders and bottled water included in our package, and rented thick down jackets. Remember, always arrive at your reserved time for the cable car; otherwise, you won't be allowed through the ticket check. If you've finished exploring the main cable car and it's not time to take the Spruce Meadow cable car yet, you can take a bus to other attractions or simply wait. Because it was cloudy and rainy that day, we only reached 4506 meters for photos. At around 3000 meters, we didn't feel much, but at 4000 meters, breathing became quite difficult, and we felt a bit dizzy. Using oxygen occasionally was necessary; in the end, we didn't even finish one bottle, and we gave the other to the hotel. Spruce Meadow and Blue Moon Valley are both beautiful and photogenic!

A truly worthwhile destination; the experience exceeded my expectations. Although there were no seagulls and the water hyacinths weren't in full bloom at Lugu Lake in late September, it was still incredibly beautiful. Whether you start from Lijiang or Dali, it's very friendly to independent travelers, with convenient public transportation. A tour around the lake is also easy, and the stone pot fish and cured pork rib hot pot are delicious.

The Mu Palace was quiet in the morning, enhancing its historical weight. The warm sunshine bathed us as we followed the free guided tour through the various halls, learning about the Mu Palace's history over the centuries. The scenery was beautiful, with many photo spots, among which the central axis on the second floor of the Sanqing Hall offered an excellent vantage point.

The night view of Lijiang Old Town is a gentle interplay of lights and flowing water. As night falls, the cobblestone streets are bathed in the warm yellow glow of lanterns, creating a poetic atmosphere. The Jade River shimmers, reflecting the starry sky of the old town. In the streets and alleys, Naxi ancient music and folk songs blend together, and the everyday life of the city merges with the ancient charm of a thousand years ago. From a high vantage point, the myriad lights of homes create a scene resembling a flowing ink painting of Jiangnan, gentle and romantic, captivating visitors with its blend of tranquility and vibrancy, making them linger and reluctant to leave.

Yulong Snow Mountain was such a special experience for me. 🏔️🤍 I’ve seen so many photos of this place before, but seeing the snow-covered mountains with my own eyes felt completely different.The cold and the altitude definitely made it a little challenging 😂 but I kept looking around and thinking how beautiful everything was. The mountains, the clouds, and the whole atmosphere were just unforgettable.Really happy I got to experience this in person. Definitely one of the highlights of my Yunnan trip. ✨

Horseback riding along the Ancient Tea Horse Road is definitely worthwhile. The only downside was that I bought shoe covers this time; it was incredibly hot and stuffy, very uncomfortable. Don't blindly follow the shopkeepers' recommendations; follow your own pace. The food wasn't particularly delicious, but it was good value for money. Just make sure you're not hungry. The scenery was beautiful, and there were fruit vendors along the roadside.

This place is worth to visit. 5/5. I celebrated my birthday here. What a unforgettable moment.

This is absolutely stunning!!! It’s really nice to walk around the whole lake slowly. I can be here all day seriously. Love this place!

- Tranquil and Relaxed Atmosphere: Compared to Lijiang Ancient Town, Shuhe Ancient Town is quieter and more peaceful, without excessive noise and commercial hawking. It feels more like a place to live, where visitors can slow down and enjoy leisurely moments. - Beautiful Natural Scenery: Shuhe Ancient Town is nourished by water, which comes from melting snow from the mountains. The water is crystal clear, flowing through the fields and into the town, forming small canals that surround every row of houses. The emerald green waters of Jiuding Longtan (Nine Dragon Pool) are like an emerald embedded in the town, adding to its ethereal beauty. - Rich Cultural Heritage: Shuhe Ancient Town has a long history. Formerly known as "Suhe," it is related to the ancient Naxi tribe. During the Yuan and Ming dynasties, it was an important post on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Many relics from that time are still preserved, such as the stone slabs worn smooth by horses' hooves. Historical buildings like Jiefang Bridge and Yujin Bridge also bear the marks of time. - Rich in folk customs: The ancient town preserves the traditional architectural style and lifestyle of the Naxi people. Visitors can see Naxi elders sunbathing in their courtyards, admire exquisite Naxi wood carvings, embroidery and other handicrafts, hear melodious Naxi ancient music, and experience the rich ethnic customs.

It was great choice. Return bus shuttle ride lijiang ancient town to jade dragon snow mountain ticketing office. Plus we get single ride sight seeing train which we really enjoyed! Hui helped us with purchasing the Yun shan ping cable car tickets at the ticketing office counter as we tried to purchase it online but was sold out. Thanks Hui and her good service!