A Relaxing Lijiang Itinerary: Sunrise Views and Cozy Cafes
|Sunrise Views and Cozy Cafes. A quick getaway to Lijiang! Here's a jam-packed itinerary for a short and sweet trip, no time wasted!
✔Itinerary:
Day 1: Yuhu Village → The Land of Wilds → Lijiang Old Town
Day 2: Dongba Valley → Baisha Ancient Town
Day 3: Shuhe Ancient Town
✔Must-sees:
1️⃣Yuhu Village: A picturesque village nestled beneath the snow-capped mountains. It's incredibly beautiful! You can see the mountains just by looking up; it's practically the closest you can get to them. (Be warned, it can get very windy by the lake in Yuhu Village!)
Recommended cafes: Qizhi Coffee, Valam Pushi Rooftop Coffee
2️⃣The Land of Wilds: A unique wilderness playground next to Shuhe Ancient Town! The little houses inside are so charming! If you have time, spend a while here and feel like a kid again! (There's an entrance fee, but it's very photogenic!)
3️⃣Lijiang Old Town: Best visited at night! From certain angles, you can see the entire old town lit up. There are also special events in the evening! (While it's a bit commercialized, it's definitely a unique choice for evening strolls, snacks, and entertainment.)
4️⃣Baisha Ancient Town: Another town with stunning snow mountain views! It's quite large and offers a lot to explore. It's not overly commercialized, and you can find all sorts of classic Lijiang snacks here!
Recommended cafes: Seven Seas Coffee, Yi Wa Tang, Bi Shan Tea Room, Baisha Bookstore Snow Mountain View Coffee
5️⃣Shuhe Ancient Town: Compared to Baisha, Shuhe feels much more tranquil! It's located almost in the center of the scenic area, making it a convenient base for exploring.
✔Sunrise Viewing Spots:
1️⃣Dongba Valley: A free scenic spot at the foot of the snow mountains! Experience the mountains and their reflection in the lake up close – it's an absolute must-see!
2️⃣Baisha Ancient Town and some of the cafes nearby!
3️⃣Near Lijiang Old Town. The viewing platform at our hotel offered distant views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – a prime spot in the city!
✔Accommodation:
If you're like me and enjoy easy access to food, shopping, and a lively atmosphere, choose a hotel near Lijiang Old Town! We stayed at the Lijiang Zangyuan Snow Mountain Hotel. At just over CNY 100 per person, it offered great value, a unique rooftop viewing area, and free hair braiding!
✔Important Notes:
1️⃣Lijiang experiences significant temperature differences between day and night, so pack warm clothes!
2️⃣Lijiang sits at a high altitude, so even if you don't climb Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you might experience altitude sickness (ear ringing, headaches, fatigue, etc.). Drinking cola or using supplemental oxygen can help alleviate symptoms.
3️⃣All cafes require a purchase to enter and take photos. Choose whichever one piques your interest!