It is said there is a fairyland beneath the colorful clouds of southern China. A place blessed with fresh air, clear streams, breathtaking snow-capped 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-KunmingMore 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
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Travelers' Voices on Lijiang
1.
Jun. 9,2009 17:42 Reply
Mr.Liu(USA) said:
Lijiang is the best place in my China trip, I spent 5 days there. I still feel live in dream. Special the orderly town is real ancient town, never see before in my life.the waterways, the bridges,the Nakhi people, give me a lot wonderful memories.
We just live a small Inn ( RUI CHUN INN ),not live 5 stars Hotel, BUT you fell live in home, 3 young girls work there, very friendly, them can help you get tickets, call Taxi, or teach you the NAKHI languages ....the Rate only 50Y ( $7.5 )for room of day. I back home over couple weeks, I still contact them, Xiao Mei, Xiao Ji and Xiao Su,,If some one want live the old system house. I can give you information.
Wonderful Lijiang, I will return back someday soon !!
Jun. 25,2009 19:27
Ms.Pam(Australia) replied:
I enjoyed reading your story and the bit about the modest lodgings at RUI CHUN INN. I shall be in Lijiang also for 6 days during August '09 and would like their contact details, address, telephone, e-mail..etc.
Will you advise / HELP, please.......Pam
2.
Jun. 7,2009 05:16 Reply
Ms.t said:
Is there a train to Lijiang ? I read that a railway to Lijiang was being built in 2006. Has it been colmpleted ? If yes to which places is Lijiang linked by train ?
What is the best way to get there from either Shenzhen, Hong Kong on Guilin ?
I know the flights are quite expensive so would like to get information on alternative forms of transport
Thanks
Jun. 8,2009 01:53
Ms.Jackie replied:
Hi, Ms.t. The railway hasn't been completed and it is expecting to be finished in the end of this year. At that time, passengers can get to Lijiang by train from Dali and Kunming.
You can get to Kunming by train or air at first and then change to buses to Lijiang. :)
Jun. 9,2009 00:46
Ms.t replied:
Thanks for the reply.
Where is the nearest train station to Lijiang, and how long does the bus take from there ? How are the roads ?
Jun. 10,2009 01:14
Mr.Sam(CN) replied:
Hi, the nearest railway station is in Dali City, but it only has three trains to and from Kunming everyday.
If you take bus from Kunming to Lijiang, it is about 10 hour. There are express bus departing from Kunming which is much comfortable relatively. From Dali to Lijiang, it is 4 hours.
Jun. 9,2009 15:08
Ms.Jackie replied:
The nearest railway station is located in Dali City, but the trains there only running between Dali and Kunming. So, you have to take train or flight to Kunming firstly.
As for bus, from Kunming to Lijiang, it is about 10 hours and from Dali to Lijiang, it is 4 hours.
Jun. 11,2009 01:01
Mr.t replied:
Thank you Ms. Jackie and Mr. Sam for the information.
Are there flights to Dali and/or Lijiang from either Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guilin, or Wuhan ? How expensive are the flights ?
Jun. 11,2009 03:14
Mr.Sam replied:
As I know, Dali has lesser flights than Lijiang does. The flights to Dali mainly from Kunming and Guangzhou. Most Chinese cities have direct to Lijiang, such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen. It seems that no flight from HK, Guilin and Wuhan to Lijiang currently.
3.
May. 16,2009 05:13 Reply
Mr.Terr(Canada) said:
I've been offered a position to oversee the construction a golf course adjacent to Jade Dragon at Snow Mountain, for a duration of 1 year. How would life be for a Canadian Expatriate? What is the social life like? Is there a present expat community? For someone who is really used to big city lights and a lot of action, will I get bored very quickly?
May. 20,2009 03:40
Ms.Cindy replied:
Generally speaking, that is a quiet place. Lijiang Old Town is especially favoed by expats from other country, so you can see many visitor fromforeign countries. Well, it has few people like you who will spend a whole year there. In the old town, there is a street full of night club and bars, as well as teahouse. The famous show Lijiang Impression directed by Zhang Yimou is amazing, of course you can see it so often, the ticket is not cheap. For the rest of the city, you can explore by yourself when you come here. Good day! :-)
4.
Apr. 26,2009 14:38 Reply
Mr.Zubieta(USA) said:
My beautiful chinese wife and I spent our honeymoon there.
Our hostel was clean and very inexpensive, centrally located in old town.
I love this city, and will definetively will return there again.
This town holds wonderful memories for my wife and I
I highly recomend it.
5.
Apr. 24,2009 20:11 Reply
Ms.lavigne(Canada) said:
Lijiang is a nice place,if you want to go there agian,My Lijiang's friend can help you!she is a little girl.and every kind.
6.
Apr. 11,2009 06:40 Reply
Mr.Andy Chi(U. S.) said:
I was visitng the shopping strip at a winter night in December 2005. The scene of that night was so romantic that it really made me feel I was back to ancient Tang dynasty thru time machine. I have been roaming back to that place in my dream a couple times since then. If I am still writing about this city years after, you should know how much I love this city..
7.
Feb. 12,2009 05:13 Reply
Mr.Myers(USA) said:
We stayed in Lijiang for one week and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and the traditional ambience. Especially the small inn where we stayed. We stumbled upon it and by luck were able to get a room by the stream. It was decorated with traditional furniture and Yunnan style art. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We hope to go back again. If you're in Lijiang check out this place. It's called Shi Shang Liu Quan (Flowing Pebble Stream Inn). It's on Ren Li Lu near Ju Bao Jie. Around the corner they have another inn that is especially for couples called Ke Xin Xiao Zhu (Sweetheart Inn). It's very romantic and private. It's a pity we couldn't stay there but it's always booked. We hope to return next year.
Feb. 25,2009 01:51
Mr.hew(ma;aysia) replied:
hi mr. myers, i am on this site looking for reco for hotel. thanks for your note, i hope to find it.