Lijiang Old Town: tourist guide and walking route

Location: Northwestern Yunnan, at 2,400 m above sea level.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1997, thanks to its 800-year-old history, traditional Naxi culture, and unique water canal system.

Cobbled lanes, wooden houses with carved details, flowing canals, stone bridges, red lanterns, traditional music, tea houses, and lively squares with dancing in the evenings.

It’s both a cultural hub and a romantic town – very atmospheric at night when the lanterns are lit.

What to visit in Lijiang Old Town

Sifang Street (四方街) – the central square, surrounded by shops, cafes, and bars. Great for people-watching.

Black Dragon Pool (黑龙潭公园) – beautiful park with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflections in the lake.

Mu’s Residence (木府) – former palace of the Mu family, the rulers of Lijiang during the Ming–Qing dynasties.

Dongba Culture Museum (东巴文化博物馆) – to learn about Naxi culture, pictographic script, and shaman traditions.

Dayan Ancient Town (大研古镇) – the oldest part of Lijiang Old Town.

Shuhe Ancient Town (束河古镇) – a quieter, less touristy old town 4 km away.

Naxi Ancient Music Performance (纳西古乐) – live concerts with traditional instruments and folk songs, some dating back 1,000 years.

Lion Hill & Wangu Pavilion (狮子山/万古楼) – climb up for a panoramic view of the entire town.

Tea houses & bars – along the canals, especially fun in the evening.

Markets & handicrafts – local embroidery, silver jewelry, and batik are popular souvenirs.

Things to do in Lijiang Old Town

• Wander through alleys, follow the water canals.
• Try local Naxi cuisine: Yak meat hotpot, Naxi baba (flatbread), fried goat cheese with rose jam.
• Take a half-day trip to Baisha Village (白沙古镇) for murals and quieter vibes.
• Join evening dancing in Sifang Square – locals and tourists dance together.

How to get to Lijiang Old Town

• By Air:

Fly to Lijiang Sanyi Airport (丽江三义机场).

From airport → Old Town: 30–40 min by taxi (approx. ¥80–100), or airport shuttle bus to Blue Sky Hotel (¥20), then short taxi ride.

• By Train:

High-speed trains connect Kunming → Lijiang (3–3.5 hrs).

From Lijiang Railway Station → Old Town: 20–25 min taxi (¥30–40).

• By Bus:

Long-distance buses from Dali (2–3 hrs) or Shangri-La (4–5 hrs).

Tourist information

Entrance Fee: The Old Town itself has no ticket, but there is a maintenance fee (¥50) usually collected via hotels.

Best time to visit:

Spring & Autumn (Mar–May, Sep–Nov): Clear skies, pleasant weather.

Avoid major Chinese holidays (Golden Week, Spring Festival) – very crowded.

• Stay: Boutique inns inside the Old Town for charm; or modern hotels outside for quieter nights.

Tips for visiting

• Wear comfortable shoes – streets are cobbled.

• Altitude is 2,400 m – most visitors are fine, but pace yourself if you just arrived from lower altitudes.

• Evenings can be chilly, bring a jacket.

1-Day walking route in Lijiang Old Town

Morning: Start at Black Dragon Pool

Enter through the north gate of the Old Town. Stroll around the lake and photograph the famous reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Visit the small Dongba Culture Museum inside the park.

Walk (15–20 min) into Dayan Ancient Town (大研古镇).

• Wander through cobblestone lanes with canals and wooden bridges.
• Stop at Sifang Street (四方街), the lively central square.

Coffee break at a canal-side café.

Visit Mu’s Residence (木府)

• Explore the palace complex of the Mu family, rulers of Lijiang.
• Climb up to Lion Hill for panoramic views of the entire Old Town.

Lunch suggestion: Try local Naxi dishes such as yak meat hotpot, Naxi baba (flatbread), or fried goat cheese with rose jam.

Afternoon: Explore hidden alleys and small shops

• Find handicrafts: silver jewelry, batik, embroidery.
• Visit a teahouse for local Pu’er tea.

Optional side trip: Walk or short taxi to Shuhe Ancient Town (束河古镇) – quieter and less commercial than Dayan. Perfect for photography and a relaxed vibe.

Evening: Dinner in Old Town

Choose a riverside restaurant with lantern views. Then watch a Naxi Ancient Music performance (usually starts ~20:00). After the show, return to Sifang Square – join locals dancing under the lanterns.

Practical notes

Walking distance: About 6–8 km if you cover Dayan + Black Dragon Pool + Mu’s Residence.

Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat, but wear comfortable shoes (cobbled streets).

Tickets during the walking trip:

• Black Dragon Pool – ¥50
• Mu’s Residence – ¥40
• Old Town Maintenance Fee – ¥50 (valid for multiple days)