Lijiang Travel Guide: Your Complete Guide to Ancient Naxi Culture

Lijiang: A Beautiful City in Yunnan

Lijiang in Yunnan is also a lovely city, and I've personally visited four times. For most first-time tourists to Yunnan Province, Kunming is the first stop, Dali the second, and Lijiang the third. If there's a lot of interest, I can provide more details about Dali, where I lived for a year, and Kunming, where I also spent a year. Though I haven’t lived in Lijiang for an entire year, I’ve visited four times, and every time has been unforgettable.

My Experiences in Lijiang

• First Trip (2018): My first trip to Lijiang was in 2018. I drove there from Chongqing with two close friends. At the time, I had a driver's license but didn’t know how to drive. We drove from Xichang to Lugu Lake, then to Lijiang, and finally into the city center. Another common route is from Kunming to Dali and then to Lijiang, both of which offer stunning scenery.

This trip left a deep impression on me because I spent the night by Lugu Lake. When I opened the window, I could see the tranquil lake, and the peaceful atmosphere was unforgettable. I also visited the Mosuo Museum and participated in a local bonfire party, where everyone danced around the fire, and Mosuo girls sang beautiful songs.

• Second Trip (May 2022): In May 2022, I drove alone from Chengdu to Lijiang, following the same route. Four years after my first visit, I passed by Lugu Lake again. While the scenery was still beautiful, my perspective had changed. I didn’t feel the initial surprise, but I still loved the peacefulness of this mountain paradise. During this trip, I also visited Tiger Leaping Gorge. Standing by the Jinsha River, gazing at the towering cliffs, I felt an overwhelming sense of awe.

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• Third Trip (February 2023): In February 2023, while living in Dali, I took a slow train to Lijiang. The train snaked through the mountains between Cangshan and Erhai Lake, with views that looked like scenes from a traditional Chinese painting. When I arrived in Lijiang, it was early spring, and the cherry blossoms in the ancient city were blooming. The soft sounds of Naxi ancient music could be heard from the alleyways. I visited Baisha Village and Shuhe Ancient Town during this trip.

• Fourth Trip (October 2023): In October 2023, I traveled on the newly opened Dali-Lijiang Railway, a feat of modern engineering, especially the section over Tiger Leaping Gorge. The elevated bridges span deep valleys, making the train appear as if it’s floating above the canyons. The scenery along the route—snow-capped mountains, rivers, and canyons—was more breathtaking than any previous road trip. Our destination was Pudacuo National Forest Park, where the snow-covered landscape was stunning.

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Lijiang’s Must-See Attractions

Lijiang offers numerous tourist attractions, but they are spread out across the city. If you're on a tight budget, consider joining a tour group, but make sure you have a detailed itinerary. If possible, driving yourself is the best option, as it allows for more flexibility and time.

Some of Lijiang’s must-see attractions include:

• Lijiang Old Town

• Shuhe Ancient Town

• Baisha Murals

• Tiger Leaping Gorge

• Lugu Lake

• Pudacuo National Forest Park

If you haven’t seen a snow-capped mountain before, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is worth visiting. Although I’ve seen many snow-capped mountains, I didn’t climb this one. I’ll update my blog with photos of the snow-capped mountains I've visited— they’re absolutely beautiful.

Lijiang’s Cultural Richness

Lijiang is not only famous for its natural beauty but also for its rich cultural heritage. The Dongba culture of the Naxi people is like a living epic, continuing in every street and alley. Every bluestone slab in the ancient city tells the story of the Ancient Tea Horse Road. In the early morning mist, you can almost hear the sound of caravan bells.

Lijiang was a key hub on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Tibetans, who primarily consume beef and mutton, needed large amounts of tea to counterbalance their greasy diet. Yunnan is famous for its Pu'er tea, making Lijiang an essential trading point for tea. People in Lijiang exchanged tea for Tibetan yaks, medicinal herbs, and furs, which contributed to a thriving caravan trade network.

Joseph Rock Memorial Hall

Another interesting spot in Lijiang is the Joseph Rock Memorial Hall. This museum displays the camera, manuscripts, and photographs of American explorer Joseph Rock, who spent 27 years exploring northwestern Yunnan. He was the first Westerner to introduce Lijiang to the world and left behind a wealth of documentation in National Geographic magazine. The memorial hall, tucked away in a corner of the ancient city, remains a must-see for those interested in Lijiang's cultural history.

When my friend and I visited the memorial hall, the yellowed photographs and faded manuscripts quietly told the story of an adventure from a century ago. In the display case, the lens of Rock's old camera still gleamed, as if it had captured the breath of the snow-capped mountains and forests.

Anyone who loves history and culture should not miss this place. As Locke once wrote, "I would rather die in the sunshine of Lijiang than live in the shadows of some other place."

Lijiang's Geographical Location and Climate

Lijiang's geographical location may not be ideal, but its scenery is truly stunning, and its culture is equally captivating. Situated at an altitude of around 2,300 meters, the main urban area of Lijiang has a mild climate, even in summer. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, and the afternoon sun is warm and pleasant. It’s a great place for a short stay, especially for those who enjoy cooler weather.

Lijiang Today

Today, Lijiang is a blend of tradition and modernity. Cafes and teahouses line the cobblestone streets of the ancient town, where folk songs and Naxi ancient music fill the air. Many people from other places come to Lijiang to do business, opening hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants, while tourists visit for short or long stays. Each person has their own story to tell.

Tips for Visiting Lijiang

If you plan to explore Lijiang in more depth, consider buying a comprehensive travel guide. It will make your trip more enjoyable and informative.

Final Thoughts

Lijiang is a city with unique natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, Lijiang always offers something new to discover.

Have a wonderful trip, and welcome to Lijiang!