
It is said there is a fairyland beneath the colorful clouds of southern China. A place blessed with fresh air, clear streams, breathtaking snow mountains, and an undisturbed landscape inhabited by a friendly group of people. Life in this fairyland is so peaceful, a fairyland called Lijiang, located at the hub of Tibet, Yunnan and Sichuan provinces.
While the geographical position of Lijiang City is remote, it has the advantage of ensuring a pleasant year round climate and a wide variety of tourist resources in the 20,600 square kilometers area. The earliest recorded history of Lijiang can be traced back to the Warring States Period (476 BC-221 BC) but with the advent of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the local economy reached a peak with the development of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road which made a great contribution to both commercial and cultural communication between Tibet, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces.
At present, Lijiang City is an attractive tourist destination in Yunnan Province that exercises jurisdiction over four counties and an Old Town District. Lijiang is the main region inhabited by Naxi Group, one of China's 55 minority ethnic groups. In its long history, the local residents have established their splendid Dongba Culture which has absorbed aspects of the culture of Tibet and the Central Plains along the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River. The various souvenirs marked with these Dongba hieroglyphs are very popular with visitors from home and abroad.
Lijiang has the best preserved ancient town in China - the Old Town which has been listed in the World Cultural Heritages by UNESCO in 1997. The Old Town was once the center of Lijiang and continues to maintain the original flavor of the local lifestyle, the typical groups of buildings and the profound cultural heritage of the region. When wandering along Square Street or any other streets in the Old Town, you will be struck by the peaceful surroundings. From enjoying the sight of the setting sun from historic hotels to local farmsteads, there are many favorable things here for travelers. Naturally, there are a number of tour destinations to enhance your visit as well. Among them, the most famous is Mufu (Mu's Palace) which should not be missed during your trip.
Around Lijiang, there are a number of splendid natural beauty spots that will certainly astonish you. If you like to see superlative natural scenery, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain which provides a majestic backdrop to the Moon-Embracing Pavilion at Black Dragon Pond will fulfill your desire. For those seeking an exotic experience in Lijiang, a visit to the Mosuo People beside Lugu Lake is a must. They are called the last 'Kingdom of Women' on earth. If you would like to experience the local lifestyle, then come and participate in one or more of their various festivals that are held throughout the year.
Lijiang does not have a direct rail link and is reached by travelers by air or by coach. However, having got to Lijiang, visiting round and about is easy with the help of the city buses, taxis or for the more energetic by bicycle. However, please don't forget to save some time to walk in Lijiang. Along your way, you must visit some of the souvenir shops and taste some local dishes and snacks. At night, the famous bar street in the Old Town is really worth a visit. No matter where you go, you will find a harmonious combination of tradition and fashion in Lijiang City.
Recommended Lijiang Package Tour Itineraries:
Fantastic Lijiang: 4 Days to Lijiang Old Town
Yunan Highlights: 9 Days Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-La-Kunming
More Lijiang Tour Information:
Golf Tour: Detailed information about 4 Days Golf Tour in Lijiang
Hiking Tours: Information about hiking in Lijiang for your reference
Bicycle Tours: Offer information about cycling in and around Lijiang
Travelers' Voices on Lijiang
1.
Dec. 28,2009 08:26 Reply
Mr.Pexstret(Malaysia) said:
Hai
I am student in Korea
and i will going to visit Lijiang in Febuary
just like to know how to goto Li Jiang from Beijing
thanks
you informaton will help me alot.
Dec. 30,2009 20:29
Mr.Jamie replied:
You can fly to Lijiang from Beijing directly. You can also get to Kunming first by train or air and then take buses to Lijiang. It takes about 8 hours from Kunming to Lijiang.
2.
Dec. 20,2009 21:58 Reply
Ms.olivia fan(Australia) said:
today i am in lijiang we met alot of new friends from shenzhen. lijiang has alot of alsome stuff to buy. there are very cheap hotel
Dec. 21,2009 02:15
Ms.VL(S'pore) replied:
Sounds great! We will be leaving for Lijiang tomorrow morning. What is the weather like there now?
3.
Oct. 16,2009 06:12 Reply
Mr.aaron(singapore) said:
Hello, I m going to LiJiang this Dec 2009 with my mom (over 80 yrs old). Thought of brining her up to Jade Dragon Mountain for the spectacular scenery. I wonder it is safe for her to take the cable car ? whether the temp too cold ? need oxygen ? the path too slipery ..etc. Anyone been there care to share yr experience ?
Oct. 17,2009 21:46
Ms.Dora replied:
The cable car is a bit scaring, I think, and the weather at December is cold up to mountains. Yes, the altitude is high, above 4000 meters. To see the mountain, you also need to walk and it is hard to your mom, I think.
Oct. 18,2009 21:16
Mr.aaron(singapore) replied:
thks dora. I read from mr Ian earlier post mentioned cable is safe. May be I jus bring her up to mt top cable car station, take a view and come down (she never see snow b4). Get her a thermal coat and oxygen jus in case......
Dec. 16,2009 06:17
Ms.Aries(Malaysia) replied:
Hi Aaron,
Are you back from your trip with your mom? How's the trip? I am thinking to take my mum, 72 years old to join a tour of Kunming/Dali/Lijiang/Stone Forest/Jiuxiang middle of Feb 2009. Is it advisable for her to visit these places as I understand there will be alot of walking and climbing to places like Jiuxiang Cave, Western Hill Dragon Gate and cable car ride to the Dragon Snow Mountain. Will the weather be very cold then at the Dragon Snow Mountain?
Hope to hear from you. Tks...Aries
Dec. 17,2009 07:20
Mr.aaron(singaapore) replied:
Hi Aries,
I only plan to go Lijiang this coming X'mas till new yr. However, I not able to secure a return flight due to airlines cancallation of flights. I m afraid I can't answer yr questions. I m now chg my travel plan to visit Hanoi. Hope u hv nice trip and update us yr experience.
Jus to highlight to you another issue I faced. The booking of home-run hotels in LiJiang old town require you to pay deposite in advance thru China bank acct. This is diff from the usual international practise using Visa/Master credit payment. I m not famililar with this mode of payment (and this can be easily a scam setup). I m not sure anyone here can share their experience. rgds.
4.
Dec. 11,2009 03:45 Reply
Mr.Frank(usa) said:
Im heading to lijian dec/jan 09. any other friendly home style hotels?? Is there a gym to grab a workout??
Dec. 11,2009 21:33
Mr.Hank replied:
There are many home style hostels located in the ancient city of Lijang, you could find one easily on line or when you arrive there.
5.
Nov. 2,2009 01:31 Reply
Ms.tan(singapore) said:
does anybody noes the weathe in LiJiang for this comin 6-14 december??i nid this urgently!!
Nov. 2,2009 04:55
Ms.Dora replied:
It is about 15-18 at daytime and as low as 1C at night. Need to weat sweater and overcoat. Not rainy at this period, but you still have to check the current weather forecast before leaving. have a nice trip.