Lijiang , China

1-Day Old Town Tour in Lijiang

Active

6h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

In Lijiang, Naxi culture is a unique enduring part of life in the region that you will want to experience. We will bring you to a local market and experience the daily life of the locals, then we will admire the brilliant vistas of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on horseback and visit Yuhu Village, famous for its unique architecture and culture seen nowhere else. You will see traditional houses, ancient fresco’s and old towns and explore the unique local Dongba shaman culture.
• Zhongyi morning market: visiting the biggest farmers market in the area.
• Black Dragon Pool: one of the most iconic parks in China.
• Dongba Museum: exhibits about the ancient and unique Dongba culture of the Naxi ethnic minority.
• Yuhu Village: one of few traditional villages, buildings made of “Monkey Head”, a mixture of stone and mud, horseback riding
• Shuhe Ancient town: stroll around this ancient town

Available options

1-Day Old Town Tour in Lijiang

Pickup included

What's included

Experienced private English-speaking tour guides

2 bottles of local drinking water per person per day

Supplement for the tour guide (meals)

24/7 English-speaking customer services

Government taxes

Detailed itinerary

Welcome to travel with us.

Stop 2

After breakfast your driver and tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Lijiang ancient town. We will first go to the Zhongyi morning market inside the old town of Lijiang, a lively local market where the local Naxi people sell food, wares and livestock.

What's not included

Lunch and Dinner

Shopping

Chinese visa

Personal expenses

Domestic and international flights

Tourist bus / minibus transportation between airport / train station

Personal Travel Accident Insurance.

Tips for drivers and guides, highly appreciated but not requested

Things not mentioned in this itinerary

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN EN

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Passport name, number, expiry, birth date and country are required at time of booking for all participants

A maximum of 8 people per booking

Important notes

• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

About Lijiang

Lijiang is a picturesque ancient town in southwest China, renowned for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. The town is famous for its intricate system of canals and waterways, earning it the nickname 'City of the Water.' Lijiang is also a gateway to the stunning landscapes of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and offers a unique blend of ethnic Naxi culture.

Top Attractions

Old Town of Lijiang

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old Town of Lijiang is famous for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture and intricate system of canals and waterways.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, ¥50 for some historical sites

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

A stunning mountain range with peaks reaching over 5,000 meters, offering breathtaking views and various outdoor activities.

Nature Full day Cable car: ¥150, Blue Moon Valley: ¥80, Impression Lijiang Show: ¥150-300

Black Dragon Pool Park

A beautiful park featuring a large pond reflecting the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, surrounded by lush gardens and traditional architecture.

Nature 1-2 hours ¥30

Must-Try Local Dishes

Crossing the Bridge Noodles

A traditional Naxi dish consisting of a clear soup with a variety of ingredients, including mushrooms, vegetables, and meat, served with rice noodles.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions available

Yunnan Rice Noodles

A popular breakfast dish made with rice noodles, often served with a rich broth, meat, and vegetables.

Breakfast/Lunch Vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions available

Steamed Fish from Lijiang

A local specialty featuring fish steamed with a variety of spices and herbs, often served with chili oil and garlic.

Dinner Contains fish

Popular Activities

Hiking in Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Tiger Leaping Gorge trek Mountain biking Tea tasting at local tea houses Boat rides on canals Spa treatments Visiting Mu Palace Exploring Dongba Culture Museum

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer the best weather with mild temperatures and minimal rainfall. The landscapes are lush and vibrant, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Chinese
Widely spoken: Naxi, English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Lijiang is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis.
• Avoid street money changers and use official exchange counters.

Getting there

By air

Lijiang Sanyi International Airport • 25 km from city center

By train

Lijiang Railway Station

By bus

Lijiang Long-Distance Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are affordable and convenient, but schedules and routes can be confusing for tourists.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town Shangri-La Road Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area

Day trips

Shangri-La

150 km • Full day

A picturesque town known for its Tibetan culture, stunning landscapes, and historic sites.

Dali

200 km • Full day

A historic city known for its ancient towns, cultural heritage, and beautiful landscapes.

Tiger Leaping Gorge

100 km • Full day

One of the deepest gorges in the world, offering stunning views and challenging hikes.

Festivals

Lijiang Lusheng Festival • March Naxi New Year • January (lunar calendar) Lijiang Snow and Ice Festival • December to February

Pro tips

Visit the old town early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Try the local specialty, Crossing the Bridge Noodles, at a reputable restaurant for an authentic experience.
Book tickets for popular attractions like the Impression Lijiang Show in advance to avoid long lines.
Carry a map or use a reliable navigation app, as street signs can be confusing and English is not widely spoken.
Bring layers of clothing, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day and year.