Lijiang Old Town｜Embark on a Romantic Journey into Naxi Culture

📍 "A hundred miles with different winds, a thousand miles with different customs," Lijiang Old Town is like a book full of stories, with every stone path telling tales of the past. This comprehensive travel guide helps you easily unlock the charm of the ancient town! 🌟Best Time to Visit - Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November): The temperature is just right, with no extreme heat or cold. The ancient town is filled with blooming flowers, and every snapshot is a healing scene. This is the golden period to experience the old town. - Summer (June-August): Rain may occasionally visit, but the ancient town looks fresher after the rain, with lush greenery. It’s also a spectacular time to see Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, but be sure to prepare rain gear in advance. Since it’s peak season, try to avoid the crowds by traveling off-peak. - Winter (December-February): The weather is dry with little rain, and sunlight fills the ancient town. You can look up and see the snow-covered Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Fewer tourists allow you to quietly enjoy the slow pace of the old town. 🚗Transportation Guide - External Transport: After flying into Lijiang Sanyi Airport, take the airport shuttle bus directly to the old town; if you choose high-speed rail, arrive at Lijiang Station, then take a bus or taxi to the old town entrance—very convenient. - Internal Transport: Motor vehicles are prohibited inside the old town, so explore entirely on foot. Be sure to wear comfortable sneakers, or your feet will get tired after walking for a long time. 🏯Must-Visit Attractions - Big Waterwheel: The "face" of the ancient town and a symbolic entrance. Next to it hang numerous wish wind chimes that are super soothing when the wind blows. It’s the first stop for photos. - Sifang Street: The heart of the old town, once a bustling trade point on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. During the day, you can see Naxi elders performing traditional dances; at night, it transforms into a lively bar street, creating a fantastic atmosphere. - Mu Residence: Known as the "Forbidden City of Lijiang," it was the official residence of the former Lijiang Tusi. The architecture blends Han, Bai, and Naxi styles, making it very distinctive. It’s recommended to buy tickets and hire a guide to learn more historical stories. - Lion Hill and Wangu Tower: For panoramic views of Lijiang Old Town and distant views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, come here! Climb to the top of Lion Hill to Wangu Tower, where you can see the entire ancient town’s blue-tiled white walls and the snowy mountains in the distance—perfect for photos. - Dayan Flower Alley and Xianwen Alley: Dayan Flower Alley has many creative shops and restaurants with views, perfect for shopping and dining; Xianwen Alley is decorated with colorful oil-paper umbrellas, making you feel like you’re in a fairy tale world—great for photos. 📝Classic Itinerary Routes - One-Day Highlights Tour: South Gate of the Old Town → Mu Residence → Lion Hill → Wangu Tower → Sifang Street → Xianwen Alley → Dayan Flower Alley → Lijiang Eye Viewing Platform → Big Waterwheel. Visit all the core spots of the old town in one day. - Two-Day Deep Tour: Focus on the core area of Lijiang Old Town on the first day, including Mu Residence, Sifang Street, Lion Hill, etc.; on the second day, visit Black Dragon Pool Park (remember to bring the old town maintenance fee receipt), then head to the quieter Shuhe Ancient Town to experience a different ancient town vibe. 🍜Food Recommendations - Cured Pork Rib Hotpot: Lijiang’s signature dish. The ribs are marinated to be savory and flavorful, and the soup is rich and delicious—unforgettable with just one bite. - Wild Mushroom Hotpot: Yunnan is the "Kingdom of Mushrooms." Summer’s wild mushrooms are fresh and abundant, making the hotpot incredibly tasty. Mushroom lovers shouldn’t miss this. - Chickpea Jelly: A local specialty snack with a smooth and chewy texture, paired with special seasonings. It’s sour, spicy, and appetizing—a perfect treat while exploring the old town. - Fresh Flower Cake: Freshly baked flower cakes have a crispy crust and are filled with fragrant flowers. Sweet but not greasy, they’re not only delicious but also great as souvenirs for friends. 🏨Accommodation Suggestions - Inns inside Lijiang Old Town: Experience the unique Naxi-style residences up close. However, the many stone paths make dragging luggage inconvenient, and inns near the bar street might be a bit noisy, so choose your room carefully. - Inns in Shuhe Ancient Town: Quieter than Lijiang Old Town, suitable for travelers who prefer a slow pace and want to escape the hustle and bustle to enjoy a leisurely time. - Hotels outside the Old Town: Convenient transportation and newer facilities make for comfortable stays, but they lack the unique charm of the ancient towns. Suitable for travelers who prioritize convenience. 💡Useful Information - Old Town Maintenance Fee: Entering Lijiang Old Town requires a 50 RMB per person maintenance fee, which can be purchased at the ticket points at the old town entrance or via the official "Lijiang Old Town" mini-program. The ticket is valid for 7 days. - Pitfall Tips: Be cautious of people actively soliciting customers by the roadside or at stations; don’t trust easily. Ask clearly about prices before going to bars to avoid being overcharged. If you plan to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, it’s recommended to buy oxygen bottles and rent down jackets in the old town in advance, which is more cost-effective than buying them at the scenic area.