[Lijiang Free Travel] How to enjoy Lijiang travel in 5 days and 4 nights, a comprehensive itinerary planning package!
Contents
- Trip Planner
- Lijiang Itinerary Planning Overview
- Lijiang Day 1
- Lashihai
- Lijiang Old Town
- Black Dragon Pool Park
- Lijiang Day 2
- Baisha Ancient Town
- Listening to the Flower Valley-Lijiang Hundred Flowers Garden
- Shuhe Ancient Town
- Lijiang Eternal Love
- Lijiang Day 3
- Ganhaizi
- Yulong Snow Mountain Cableway
- Glacier Park
- Blue Moon Valley
- Dongba Valley
- Gesang Flower Sea
- Lijiang Day 4
- Lugu Lake
- Lijiang Day 5
- Lugu Lake
Show more
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This guide carefully plans a perfect 5-day and 4-night trip to Lijiang for you. Covering local attractions, authentic food and popular shopping areas, you can easily travel around Lijiang and enjoy a worry-free holiday. Whether it is an in-depth exploration of history and culture or a fashionable check-in in a modern city, this guide can meet your needs. Come and start your wonderful trip to Lijiang!
Go horseback riding and boating at Lashi Lake, eat chicken bean jelly in Lijiang Ancient Town, check in at the reflection of the snow-capped mountains at Heilongtan, and visit all the ancient city wetlands in one day.
The glaciers of Yulong Snow Mountain are within reach, the clear waters of Blue Moon Valley match the snow-capped mountains, and you can row a boat and feed seagulls in Lugu Lake. All the natural and folk customs are within your reach.
| Date | Journey |
| Day 1 | Lashi Lake->Lijiang Ancient Town->Heilongtan Park |
| Day 2 | Baisha Ancient Town->Tinghua Valley-Lijiang Hundred Flowers Garden->Shuhe Ancient Town->Lijiang Eternal Love |
| Day 3 | Ganhaizi->Yulong Snow Mountain Cableway->Glacier Park->Blue Moon Valley->Dongba Valley->Ge Sang Flower Sea |
| Day 4 | Lugu Lake |
| Day 5 | Lugu Lake |
Lashi Lake is located 10 kilometres west of Lijiang City. It is a beautiful grassland wetland with obvious water. It is a popular place for outings in the spring and summer around Lijiang. This is also the wintering habitat for many migratory birds, with hundreds of thousands of them spending the winter here every year. There are many horse farms in the villages near the lake, and many tourists choose to ride horses here and enjoy the leisurely time. Lashi Lake has thus become an ideal place for horse riding, boating and bird watching in Lijiang.
Address: No. 5, Anzhong Village, Haidong Village Committee, Lashi, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City
Business hours: Open from 09:00 to 19:00 tomorrow
evaluate:
| The elder sister who took us horseback riding also chatted with us. The scenery outside Lashi Lake is very beautiful, with flowers everywhere, blue sky and white clouds. There are a few horses on the lawn in the distance. There are few people. The bamboo raft is very comfortable with the breeze. The elder sister is very nice. |
Lijiang Ancient Town, also known as Dayan Ancient Town, is a world cultural heritage and an important town on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. This place has a history of more than 800 years. The city is full of ancient wooden buildings, bluestone roads, and flowing water. Standing in the city, you can see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance. TV dramas and movies such as "One Meter of Sunshine" and "Mu Mansion" were filmed here. Don't miss the former Tusi palace - Mu Mansion and the Naxi ancient music performances.
Address: Qixing Street, Gucheng District, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
Opening hours: 24 hours a day, all year round
evaluate:
| I think Lijiang is a very worthwhile place to visit. The architectural style here is unique, which is especially suitable for taking photos in cheongsam📷. Of course, you can also choose to rent local ethnic costumes to wear. ● Rich folk customs: Ethnic minorities such as the Naxi live here, and tourists can participate in dancing and singing and dancing with residents. They can also taste special foods such as Naxi grilled fish and cured pork ribs hot pot and experience unique folk customs. |
Heilongtan Park, also known as Yuquan Park, is located in the north of Lijiang Old Town, at the foot of Elephant Mountain. It is a landmark attraction in Lijiang and also the water source of Lijiang Ancient Town. You can see spring columns gushing out of the water beside the spring pool, and the spring water is very clear. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is reflected on the surface of the Black Dragon Pond. The scenery is very beautiful and it is an excellent angle to photograph the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This is the location of the Dongba Culture Research Institute, which houses many ancient buildings of national treasure level.
Address: No. 1 Minzhu Road, Gucheng District, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
Business hours: Open from 07:20 to 21:00 tomorrow (no admission at 20:30)
evaluate:
| It's worth it once you come here! The lake and mountains are beautiful, with the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain behind it, and the pavilions and bridges are exquisite. If you are lucky, you can even see the sunset over Jinshan Mountain. It is a place you will never forget and will never leave. It is very worthwhile. |
Baisha Ancient Town is an ancient town in the north of Lijiang City. It is the settlement of the Naxi people in the Lijiang Basin and the birthplace of the Lijiang Mu chieftain. It still retains its ancient charm and is very quiet and simple. The "Baisha Murals" from the Ming and Qing Dynasties in the town are extremely precious. The air here is fresh, the environment is elegant, and you can also taste the local food.
Address: Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
Opening hours: 24 hours a day, all year round
evaluate:
| Baisha Ancient Town is a must-see when visiting Yunnan! The cobblestone streets, traditional architecture, and peaceful atmosphere make it the perfect place to relax and appreciate some history. Trust me, you won’t regret it! 🌿🏛️ |
Tinghua Valley-Lijiang Hundred Flowers Garden is a scenic spot with natural scenery and cultural experience at its core. The environment here is elegant, with flowers blooming throughout the year. Visitors can stroll in the sea of flowers and enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of nature. A variety of flowers are planted in the garden, presenting different colours and scenery as the seasons change.
In addition to flower viewing, Tinghua Valley also offers a wealth of cultural experience activities. Visitors can participate in traditional Naxi handicraft production and learn about local culture and history. There are several exhibition halls in the park, which showcase the natural ecology and cultural customs of Lijiang, allowing people to gain a deeper understanding of the charm of this land while visiting.
Tinghua Valley also provides a parent-child interactive area for family tourists, where children can play in a safe environment, learn about plants, and cultivate a love for nature. The restaurants in the park offer local specialities, allowing visitors to taste the authentic flavour of Lijiang while sightseeing.
Address: No. 100, Group 2, Baisha Village Committee, Baisha Town, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
Business hours: Open from 08:00 to 20:00 tomorrow
evaluate:
| I think the scenery is very good, but it is quite demanding in the season. When I went there this time, there were only 4 kinds of flowers, which were very beautiful, but it would be even better if there were more. The staff told me that we will have to wait until July and August when there will be more flowers. Overall, I'm quite satisfied. However, there are so many wasps in the flowers that I'm being stared at. I wonder if the staff has any better way to get rid of the flying insects. I also received some flower seeds as souvenirs, which is quite creative. Will go again. |
Shuhe Ancient Town is located in Lijiang Ancient Town, which is northwest of Dayan Ancient Town. It was an important post station on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. The structural layout of the ancient town is similar to that of Dayan Ancient City. There are many ancient buildings, clear rivers flowing through the alleys, and a beautiful environment. Walking in the ancient town, you can still feel the prosperity of the past. The Ancient Tea-Horse Road Museum introduces a lot of historical knowledge and is worth a visit.
Address: Inside the Shuhe Ancient Town Archway, Shuhe Road, Gucheng District, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
Opening hours: 24 hours a day, all year round
evaluate:
| If you’re heading to Lijiang, don’t skip Shuhe Ancient Town! It’s a hidden gem just 4km from the main town and much more peaceful than the crowded Lijiang Old Town. Cobblestone streets, flowing streams and traditional Naxi-style houses create such a relaxing atmosphere. I love how you can stroll around without being rushed - there's something charming around every corner, whether it's a quiet teahouse, local crafts, or red lanterns swaying in the breeze. It's also rich in history, having once been a key stopping point along the ancient Tea Horse Road. You can still feel the breath of timelessness in the air. |
Lijiang Songcheng Tourist Area is about 6 kilometers away from Lijiang Ancient Town and adjacent to Wenbi Lake. It is a theme scenic spot that showcases the folk customs of Lijiang. The core of this place is the wonderful "Thousands of Years of Love" performance, and there are various folk parks and performance shows outside. It is a good place to watch performances and experience folk customs. "Lijiang's Eternal Love?" The musical combines high-tech means with rich stage performance forms, reflecting the local history and culture, and is very exciting.
Address: No. 88, Yuxing West Road, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
Business hours: Open from 14:00 to 21:00 tomorrow
evaluate:
| It was so worthwhile to take my mom to the Lijiang Eternal Love Scenic Area this time. We planned our time very well. We watched Lijiang Love Song at 15:30, then Eternal Love at 16:30, and then The Great Earthquake at 18:10. Mom savoured the experience for a long time after watching it, and kept marvelling at how such a great stage was created and presented, and why there was a flood on the stage. She lamented that this was a truly ever-changing big stage. I will take her to see more places in the future! |
Ganhaizi is located at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain. It used to be a lake wetland, but later dried up and became a dense alpine meadow. The meadow is very open and is an excellent pasture. It is also very close to the snow-capped mountains, from where you can see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It is a very good place to take photos of the entire Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from above. Most of the tourists who visit Ganhaizi do not come here specifically. They just pass by here when visiting the Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area, walking on the grassland and taking pictures of the snow-capped mountains.
Address: Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City
Business hours: Open from 09:00 to 16:00 tomorrow (no admission at 17:00)
evaluate:
| There are many small lakes at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain, so when the weather is good, you can see the reflection. [Scenery] The overall background is the snow-capped mountains. [Fun] There are some local villagers' horse riding and other activities interspersed |
The Yulong Snow Mountain Cableway is one of the three cableways in the Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area and is also one of the more popular ones. Visitors can take the cable car from the lower station of Ganhaizi to the glacier park at an altitude of 4,506 meters. After getting off the cable car, you can climb along the wooden plank road laid on the glacier to the highest point of 4,680 meters above sea level and experience the charm of snow-capped mountains and glaciers up close.
Address: Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area, Xuehua Village, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
Business hours: Open from 08:00 to 16:00 tomorrow
evaluate:
| The glacier cable car can take you up to 4680. I had a ticket from 9:00 to 9:30 in the morning. There were not many people queuing for the cable car at that time, and only a group of people could go up at a time, so I didn't have to wait long. After getting on the cable car, there will be slight shaking in several places which is very exciting. The ascent speed is also very fast. You can take a few breaths of oxygen to relieve the tension while taking the cable car. The infrastructure for the cableway is also pretty good, with staff constantly reminding people of the flow of people. After you go up the mountain, the weather changes will be obvious. Once the wind blows, fog will cover the mountain, but it will disperse after a while, so don't worry too much. It is generally recommended to complete the climb in 1.5 hours, but this is not possible. I spent almost four hours on it. Climbing at high altitudes is really tiring, and you must ensure your own safety. Although you can see many people walking very fast, you still have to do it within your ability. |
The Glacier Park is located in the Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area. It is a gentle slope on the northeast slope of the main peak of Yulong Snow Mountain, Fanzidou. It is covered with snow in autumn, winter and spring, and glaciers can be seen in summer. There is a cableway connecting the park, so it is almost easy to go up the mountain. It is a good choice to experience the charm of the snow-capped mountains up close. There is also a marking stone tablet on the top of the mountain, which is also a popular spot for many tourists to take photos.
Address: Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City
Business hours: Open from 07:00 to 17:00 tomorrow (admission ends at 16:00)
evaluate:
| The Glacier Park is located on the northeast slope of Fanzidou, the main peak of Yulong Snow Mountain in Yulong County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province. It is a tourist park consisting of stone caves, stone caves, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, cableways, and plank roads formed by glacial erosion. It is a landform relic formed by the Quaternary glacier and is known as the "Lucerne Glass Palace". The main attractions in Glacier Park include the Snow Mountain Cableway, which rises from 3,356 meters to 4,506 meters above sea level; the towering seracs are part of the glacier and its essence; and the winding plank road leads directly to the best viewing platform on the snow mountain. In winter and spring, Glacier Park is covered with vast amounts of snow, making it a great place for skiing and playing in the snow. In summer and autumn, you can challenge your limits and purify your soul by viewing the seracs of the "Green Snow Peaks" of Glacier No. 1. |
The Blue Moon Valley is located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang. It was formed by the Baishui River, which is the meltwater from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The water in the pool is crystal clear and it is a magical blue color that is very eye-catching. There are four lakes of different colors in Blue Moon Valley, namely "Yuye" Lake, "Jingtan" Lake, "Blue Moon" Lake and "Tingtao" Lake, as well as many small waterfalls scattered around, which are very beautiful for taking pictures.
Address: Yulong Snow Mountain National Scenic Area, 15 km from Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City
Business hours: Open from 08:00 to 17:00 tomorrow
evaluate:
| The bluest waters and the lushest scenery are found in Blue Moon Valley - pure magic, but only when the sun is out! The scenery is surreal, with turquoise lakes, waterfalls and snow-capped mountains in the distance. No wonder this gem holds the prestigious A-grade rating in the Chinese scenic area system. Bring your camera, and sunglasses and wait for clear weather as this place shines in the sun. A must-see in Lijiang for anyone exploring China's amazing scenery! |
Dongba Valley is an immersive experience that interweaves geological wonders with Naxi culture. There are no noisy amusement facilities here. Instead, there are rugged Danxia rock walls, deep streams and Naxi courtyards filled with the aroma of barley wine, forming a unique place where nature and humanity coexist.
The rock layers in the canyon have weathered for tens of millions of years, forming honeycomb-shaped holes and reddish-brown cliffs. In the rainy season, mosses cling to the cracks in the rocks, and in the winter, icicles hang from the rock eaves. The code of time is hidden in the geological texture. Walking along the wooden plank road through the valley, you can see the Naxi "Shugu" (natural god) sacrificial site. The traces of butter left on the stone platform continue the tradition of dialogue between man and nature.
Cultural experience is the soul of Dongba Valley. By the fire pit in the traditional grandmother's house, Dongba inheritors will demonstrate the process of writing scriptures with pine soot ink, and tourists can try to print the wind horse flag pattern on moxa paper. Every Wednesday and Saturday morning, the sound of "Remeicuo" dance songs can be heard in the valley. The villagers' dancing in circles is derived from the ancient memories of farming and hunting. If it happens to be the autumn harvest season, you can participate in the production of Lijiang Baba, using freshly picked wild honey with buckwheat noodles to feel the original taste of the gift of the land.
A light hiking route has been opened on the west side of the canyon. During the two-hour journey, you can see traces of alpine rhododendrons and Yunnan golden monkeys. It is recommended to go there when the morning mist has not yet dissipated, as the water vapour rising from the rock walls will transform into a flowing light and shadow theatre.
This place is suitable for travellers who are looking for an in-depth cultural experience. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, rocks and prayer flags, they can experience the survival wisdom of a nation that respects heaven and earth.
Address: Yuquan Road, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City
Business hours: Open from 07:30-17:00 tomorrow
evaluate:
| Dongba Valley is a place full of ethnic characteristics, showcasing the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Naxi people. There are many handicraft shops and folk performances here, which can allow tourists to have a deeper understanding of the Naxi culture. At the same time, the natural scenery is also very good, and the scenery in the valley is pleasant. However, some commercial projects may be repetitive to a certain extent, and tourists can selectively participate according to their interests. During the tour, we must respect the local culture and traditions and observe them in a civilized manner. Dongba Valley is a great place to experience ethnic culture. |
The sea of Gesar flowers is distributed in the Dongba Valley and Wenbi Lake areas at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain. Following the road to the snow mountain, you can soon see the Gesar flowers blooming at the entrance of Dongba Valley. They are integrated with the wooden structure of Naxi residential buildings, giving the feeling of a field of flowers in front of the courtyard.
Address: Dongba Valley and Wenbi Lake at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
Opening hours: 24 hours a day, all year round
evaluate:
| The eyes are filled with colorful colors, which is a strong visual enjoyment. Seasonal views! |
Lugu Lake is located on the border between Yunnan and Sichuan, with an altitude of about 2,685 meters. It has beautiful scenery and simple folk customs, and is known as the "Pearl of the Plateau".
Highlights Overview
Lugu Lake is surrounded by green mountains, with winding and graceful lakeshores. There are 17 beaches and 14 bays along the lake. There are 5 islands, 3 peninsulas and 1 seawall island scattered in the lake. Among them, Heiwawu Island, Liwubi Island and Lige Island are the three scenic spots with great viewing and sightseeing value in the lake, and are known as the "Lugu Three Islands". From June to August every year, water lilies are in full bloom in the lake. The flowers are as white as ice and snow, dotted like stars, and sway in the wind. The scenery is very charming, like a fairyland on earth.
There are many villages along the lake, among which the more prosperous ones that can provide food and accommodation are mainly Daluoshui Village and Lige Village. Daluoshui Village is located on the southwest bank of Lugu Lake. It is the earliest developed village on the shore of Lugu Lake. The shuttle bus to and from Lijiang stops here. Lige Island and Lige Village are located on the northwest shore of the lake and have been a popular tourist hub in recent years. On the north bank of the lake are Nice Village, Xiaoluoshui Village and Dazui Village, which are quieter because there are fewer tourists. Going further east, you will enter Sichuan Province. The Caohai Lake and the princess's former residence on the southeast shore of the lake are also worth stopping at.

Address: Luguhu Town, Ninglang County, Lijiang City
Opening hours: 24 hours a day, all year round
evaluate:
| Buying tickets online is fast and convenient. Lugu Lake is beautiful against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds. The lake is beautiful on a sunny day, and the green mountains are lush and soft. The road condition in the scenic area is good, and there is an observation deck. The only problem is that the parking lot management is a bit chaotic. Many tourist vehicles are parked in the entrance and exit lanes, blocking the cars parked in the parking spaces, and no one cares. The scenery of lakes and mountains is beautiful and intoxicating. Thank you for the gift of nature~ |
Lugu Lake is located on the border between Yunnan and Sichuan, with an altitude of about 2,685 meters. It has beautiful scenery and simple folk customs, and is known as the "Pearl of the Plateau".
Highlights Overview
Lugu Lake is surrounded by green mountains, with winding and graceful lakeshores. There are 17 beaches and 14 bays along the lake. There are 5 islands, 3 peninsulas and 1 seawall island scattered in the lake. Among them, Heiwawu Island, Liwubi Island and Lige Island are the three scenic spots with great viewing and sightseeing value in the lake, and are known as the "Lugu Three Islands". From June to August every year, water lilies are in full bloom in the lake. The flowers are as white as ice and snow, dotted like stars, and sway in the wind. The scenery is very charming, like a fairyland on earth.
There are many villages along the lake, among which the more prosperous ones that can provide food and accommodation are mainly Daluoshui Village and Lige Village. Daluoshui Village is located on the southwest bank of Lugu Lake. It is the earliest developed village on the shore of Lugu Lake. The shuttle bus to and from Lijiang stops here. Lige Island and Lige Village are located on the northwest shore of the lake and have been a popular tourist hub in recent years. On the north bank of the lake are Nice Village, Xiaoluoshui Village and Dazui Village, which are quieter because there are fewer tourists. Going further east, you will enter Sichuan Province. The Caohai Lake and the princess's former residence on the southeast shore of the lake are also worth stopping at.

Address: Luguhu Town, Ninglang County, Lijiang City
Opening hours: 24 hours a day, all year round
evaluate:
| Buying tickets online is fast and convenient. Lugu Lake is beautiful against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds. The lake is beautiful on a sunny day, and the green mountains are lush and soft. The road condition in the scenic area is good, and there is an observation deck. The only problem is that the parking lot management is a bit chaotic. Many tourist vehicles are parked in the entrance and exit lanes, blocking the cars parked in the parking spaces, and no one cares. The scenery of lakes and mountains is beautiful and intoxicating. Thank you for the gift of nature~ |
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