OMG, you guys! A 3-day getaway in Lijiang cured my mental burnout.

Lijiang is a place you'll never want to leave! Hey everyone, stop stressing about where to go on vacation! Lijiang, a city full of romance and poetry, is definitely your best choice! It has ancient streets, magnificent snow-capped mountains, mysterious lakes, and countless delicacies. The key is that it's super cost-effective, so students and workers, go for it! Itinerary Day 1: First Impressions of the Ancient City Arrive in Lijiang in the morning, go to the hotel to drop off your luggage, and take a short rest. Then go straight to Lijiang Ancient City. Walking into this world cultural heritage site is like walking into an ancient ink painting. Stroll along the bluestone streets, feel the traces of time, and the small shops along the street are full of dazzling goods, each with its own story. Don't forget to check in at the big waterwheel, which is the iconic building of the ancient city. Take a few photos, and you'll have content for your social media! At noon, find a small restaurant in the ancient city and try the local specialties, such as Naxi grilled fish, which is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, spicy and flavorful, and super satisfying in one bite! There's also chicken pea jelly, which is smooth and refreshing, with a special sauce that is sour, spicy, appetizing, and refreshing. In the afternoon, go to Mufu Palace, known as the "Forbidden City of Lijiang," which has a glorious history and exquisite architecture. Here, you can learn about the culture of the Naxi people and the Tusi system, and feel the luxury and solemnity of ancient times. Climb to the viewing platform of Mufu Palace, and you can see the entire ancient city, with its blue tiles and white walls, scattered and well-arranged, which is extremely beautiful! The ancient city is a different scene at night, with bright lights and bustling crowds. Stroll around Sifang Street, which is the center of the ancient city, full of life. Find a bar to sit down, listen to the songs of the resident singers, drink a little wine, and feel the nightlife of Lijiang. Maybe you can even have a romantic encounter! Day 2: Snow Mountain Adventure Get up early in the morning and head to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This is a landmark attraction in Lijiang, so you must check it out! Take the cable car up the mountain, and the scenery along the way is picturesque, as if you are in a fairyland. After reaching the top of the mountain, stand on the 4,680m snow peak and overlook the continuous mountains and white glaciers. The feeling of shock is beyond words. But be careful, the temperature on the mountain is low, so remember to wear more clothes, and prepare oxygen tanks in advance to prevent altitude sickness. After coming down from the snow mountain, go to Blue Moon Valley. The lake water here is as blue as jade, shining with a charming light under the sunlight, like sapphires inlaid in the mountains. Stroll along the lake, admire the picturesque scenery, and take photos. Every photo is a blockbuster. At noon, have a steaming hot pot of cured pork ribs at a restaurant near the scenic spot. The ribs are stewed until they are soft and tender, and the soup is rich and delicious. Add some vegetables for a nutritious and delicious meal. In the afternoon, go to Spruce Meadow, which is an alpine meadow surrounded by spruces, as if you have entered a fairy tale world. Stroll on the meadow, breathe the fresh air, look at the distant snow-capped mountains, and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature. You can also feed the small animals here and get up close and personal with them. Day 3: Slow Life in the Ancient Town In the morning, head to Baisha Ancient Town, a quiet ancient town under the snow mountain, full of artistic atmosphere. Here, you can slow down and enjoy a leisurely time. Stroll around the small shops in the ancient town, look at the exquisite handicrafts, or find a cafe to sit down, bask in the sun, and look at the snow mountain. It's so pleasant. Don't forget to check in at Baisha Murals, which are artistic treasures of the Ming Dynasty and have high historical and artistic value. At noon, eat a bowl of local chicken rice noodles in Baisha Ancient Town. The soup is fresh and delicious, and the rice noodles are smooth. A mouthful of soup and a mouthful of rice noodles will leave you with endless aftertaste. In the afternoon, go to Shuhe Ancient Town, which is quieter and more secluded than Lijiang Ancient City, with the artistic conception of a small bridge, flowing water, and people's homes. Stroll along the stream, admire the antique buildings, and feel the charm of the ancient town. You can also go to Jiuding Dragon Pool, where the lake water is crystal clear, reflecting the surrounding trees and buildings, which is magnificent. In the evening, find a guesthouse in Shuhe Ancient Town to stay in and experience the night in the ancient town. Lie in bed, listen to the sound of the gurgling water outside the window, and have a sweet dream. Nearby Attractions 1. Lugu Lake: It's a bit far from Lijiang, but it's definitely worth a visit! It has crystal-clear lake water, mysterious Mosuo ethnic culture, romantic pig trough boat tours, and stunning sunrises and sunsets, like a paradise. You can arrange 2–3 days to visit and feel its charm. 2. Tiger Leaping Gorge: One of the most famous canyons in the world, it is known for its spectacular canyon scenery and turbulent river water. Standing on the edge of the canyon, watching the rushing river water, and feeling the power of nature, makes people excited. It's a day trip from Lijiang. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Guesthouses in Lijiang Ancient City: If you want to feel the atmosphere of the ancient city, you can choose to stay in a guesthouse in the ancient city. The price is generally between CNY 100–300 per night, which is very cost-effective. But be careful, most of the roads in the ancient city are stone roads, which is not convenient for pulling suitcases, so try to choose a guesthouse near the entrance. It is recommended to stay near the South Gate or North Gate, which is more convenient for travel. 2. Inns in Shuhe Ancient Town: Shuhe Ancient Town is relatively quiet, suitable for friends who like quietness. The prices of the inns here are also more affordable, generally between CNY 100–200 per night. You can choose an inn near the stream, and when you wake up in the morning, listening to the sound of the gurgling water, you will feel particularly comfortable. 3. Youth Hostels: If you are traveling alone, or want to make more friends, youth hostels are a good choice. There are many cost-effective youth hostels in Lijiang, and the price of a bed is generally between CNY 50–100 per night. There are usually many interesting activities in youth hostels, where you can play with friends from all over the world. Food Recommendations 1. Cured Pork Ribs Hot Pot: A must-eat when you come to Lijiang! The cured pork ribs are marinated, salty and flavorful, and the meat is tender after stewing, and the soup is rich. With a variety of vegetables, cooked in the pot, the vegetables that have absorbed the soup are also particularly delicious. It is recommended to go to Ama Yi and Apo Cured Pork Ribs, the taste is very authentic. 2. Naxi Grilled Fish: Grilled fish that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a unique sauce and various side dishes, is spicy and delicious, making people unable to stop. The fish meat of the grilled fish is fresh, tender, and juicy, and the fish skin is grilled until golden and crispy. With the rich taste of the side dishes, one bite is full of happiness. 3. Lijiang Baba: This is a traditional snack in Lijiang, with sweet and savory flavors. The sweet one is filled with rose sugar, which is sweet and delicious; the savory one is added with minced meat and chopped green onion, which is salty, fragrant, and crispy. You can have one as breakfast or afternoon tea anytime, anywhere, and it's delicious. 4. Chicken Pea Jelly: Jelly made from chicken peas, with a smooth taste, with chili, vinegar, soy sauce, and other seasonings, is sour, spicy, and appetizing. In the hot summer, a bowl of chicken pea jelly is simply a pleasure in the world. 5. Fresh Flower Cake: A specialty of Yunnan, the fresh flower cake in Lijiang is also excellent. Fresh roses are made into fillings, wrapped in a crispy crust. Take a bite, and the fragrance of flowers fills your mouth, sweet but not greasy. You can buy some as souvenirs to give to relatives and friends. Helpful Tips 1. Sun Protection: The ultraviolet rays in Lijiang are very strong, so be sure to take sun protection measures. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and sun protection clothing are essential, otherwise you will easily get sunburned. 2. Altitude Sickness: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain has a high altitude, and some people may have symptoms of altitude sickness. You can prepare some anti-altitude sickness medicines in advance, such as Rhodiola, or you can buy oxygen tanks in the scenic area. Do not exercise vigorously on the mountain, walk slowly, and let your body adapt to the plateau environment. 3. Avoid Scams: When traveling in Lijiang, pay attention to some small traps. For example, when riding horses in Lashi Lake, you must negotiate the price in advance to avoid being ripped off; the prices of some goods in the ancient city may be high, so you can bargain appropriately; do not believe in low-priced tour groups that solicit customers on the roadside, there may be forced consumption. 4. Respect Customs: Lijiang is a multi-ethnic area, so respect local customs. For example, pay attention to your dress when entering temples, and do not make loud noises; when visiting a Naxi family, do not step on the threshold, etc.