https://nz.trip.com/moments/detail/lijiang-32-136793855?locale=en-NZ
Eli Tran
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Wander Through Winte

Wander Through Winter’s Charm in Lijiang Old Town 🌸🍂 Stroll into a dreamy December in Lijiang Old Town—cobblestone alleys lined with ancient wooden facades, glowing lanterns, and the sweet surprise of cherry blossoms and golden autumn leaves. This UNESCO gem pairs timeless architecture with nature’s seasonal show, perfect for those seeking cultural vibes and magical photo ops! 🗺️ Recommended Route & Must-Dos: Start your day early to catch soft morning light. Enter via the ancient South Gate, winding towards Square Street, the beating heart full of cafes and local crafts. Wander deeper through secluded lanes by Black Dragon Pool, a serene spot where mountains mirror in calm waters. Pop into the smaller courtyards for quieter scenes and sample piping hot yak butter tea or local flower cakes for a quick warm-up. 📸 Insta-Worthy Angles: Snap the cherry blossoms peeking around red lanterns on the main street, and don’t miss the fiery yellow leaves tumbling over old tiled roofs by the canal bridges. The vista from Lion Hill is breathtaking—grab a panorama of the old town and snow-dusted peaks beyond! ✨ Visiting Tips: December mornings can be chilly. Dress in layers and bring a simple scarf for extra warmth. The air is crisp and crowds thin—ideal for a peaceful walk! Local shops often open before 9 AM and close around 9–10 PM. Lijiang’s altitude means the sun can be strong even in winter—don’t forget sunscreen. #lijiang #oldtown #wintermagic #culturalheritage #travelasia
Posted: Oct 13, 2025
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Old Town of Lijiang

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Lijiang
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Old Town of Lijiang

Stepping Into a Living Postcard at Lijiang Old Town 🌧️🏮✨ Lijiang Old Town is a UNESCO treasure where ancient cobblestone streets, stone bridges, and classic wooden houses glow under neon-lit lanterns. Nighttime transforms the whole place into a vibrant maze—rain or shine, the crowds bring the city’s heartbeat to life! 🗺️ Recommended Route: Start at the Waterwheel for a must-snap opening shot, then stroll south through Square Street and along the main canals. Hit up Lion Hill for sweeping views dotted with rooftops and twinkling lanterns. 📸 Top Photo Spots: – Waterwheel entrance at dusk: Catch lights reflecting off wet stones. – Ancient bridges by the canals: Frame lanterns and winding streets. – The side alleys: Their moody glow and detailed woodwork pop best after sunset. 🎒 Must-dos: – Sample local snacks from open-front shops—yak jerky and rose cakes are crowd favorites. – Duck into a tiny bar for Naxi folk music (even if it’s drizzling outside, the vibe stays strong). – Try calligraphy or silver jewelry workshops tucked in hidden courtyards. 💡 Visiting Tips: – Wear sturdy non-slip shoes: The ancient stone flooring gets dangerously slick when wet! – Bring a light rain jacket, not an umbrella; narrow lanes make umbrellas awkward and the rain enhances the colors anyway. – Nights are dazzling but busiest, so pace yourself and watch pickpocket hotspots in crowds. ⚠️ Precautions: Watch your step in wet conditions—the floors get very slippery fast, so don’t rush, especially on bridges. #Lijiang #OldTown #NightMarkets #ChinaTravel #TravelTips

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Spring is the perfect time to visit Lijiang, Yunnan: the weather is ideal, the hordes of summer tourists haven't yet arrived, and the fruit trees are blossoming. We spent a very enjoyable couple of days wandering the streets of the old town, tasting local food and sipping coffee made from beans grown in Yunnan. Lijiang is undoubtedly a tourist destination, but it's one well worth visiting. The old town is small enough to be covered on foot (indeed, most of it is closed to vehicle traffic), so get a guesthouse in or near the old town (we stayed just outside the north gate, where a small hill gives a great view of the area) and leave the traffic jams of metropolitan China behind. #leaveyourmark #urbanexplorer #lightthecity #lijiang #yunnan #china #historicallandmarks #oldtown #coffee #mountains #tourism #springblossoms

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