5 Top Things to Do in Lijiang Old Town
Yunnan is considered by many as the most alluring destination in China: stretching from the Eastern flanks of the Tibetan plateau all the way down to the subtropical Xishuangbanna region, bordering with Laos, Myanmar and the greater South East Asian region, Yunnan has something to excite every taste. We will reserve more space to other insightful posts about different areas of the province, but this time the focus is on the Northwest, and Lijiang Old Town.
The Old Town of Lijiang is by far one of the most alluring Yunnanese Northern towns: located just a few hours by bus or car from the “Roof of the World” atmosphere of Shangri-La, the stunning topography of Tiger Leaping Gorge and the dreamy cobbled streets and picturesque lake of Dali, Lijiang is the pulsating heart of the Naxi ethnic group and will steal your heart. It will be love at first sight.
In fact, how you cannot fall in love with such a charismatic, vibrating, culturally thriving destination? A place where it is possible to immerse yourself in the best of both Chinese worlds, the present and the past? A UNESCO World heritage Site, Lijiang was unfortunately plagued by an earthquake in the 90s, but the damage was quickly restored and it is still possible to travel to the town and have an authentic experience. Lijiang traditionally lies at the confluence of the Tibetan and the Chinese Worlds, and historically represented an important trade point between the two cultures. It is still possible to witness a multi ethnic atmosphere visiting the many traditional styled houses and cafes lining the bustling cobbled streets of the Old Town.
The following is a list of the 5 must do activities while in Lijiang. There is always so much to see and do there, that probably I will come back to this topic in another post, but the following are absolutely the top 5 activities you must do when in Lijiang:
1 A Visit in the Old Town
This is probably the first thing you will do once in Lijiang. Not only the city is a treasure trove of architecture and traditional activities, but also boosts some of the most mouth-watering dining experiences and cosy bars. Its traditionally built cobbled streets, arches and narrow passages make a walk in Lijiang Old Town a captivating experience, and it is just up to you to decide whether to stop at the Tibetan inn for a coffee or which side of the long canals to sit at and witness the flow of the lanterns in the water.
2 Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
This is a small mountain range situated 25 kilometres from Lijiang old town, and capped all year round. Soaring at 5,596 metres, this mountain range is one of the most beautiful in the region and evokes enchanting visions to the visitors. It is possible to take a cable car or do it in a more scenic and adventurous way renting some mules in the nearby Baisha village. You can reach a height of 4600 metres, a very respectable achievement for a first taste of the Tibetan flanks waiting for you if you will be lucky enough to proceed with your travels up North.
3 Black Dragon Pool
If you have seen a Yunnan tourist brochure, you probably have already seen this place, since it is one of the most photographed in the whole China. From the central bridge, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain forms in fact the perfect backdrop and rises up in a beautiful symmetry. Walk for 1 kilometre north of the Old Town centre, and you will find yourself in this large place, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and traditional buildings. Groups of friendly locals playing majhongg or Chinese chess will be the other attraction this pool is famous for.
4 Naxi Concert Hall
Lijiang and this area of Yunnan is the home of the Naxi ethnic minority, very well known for their artistic and musical side. In the evenings, from 8 to 10 pm you might enjoy the traditional Naxi music Culture Show performed by the Naxi Orchestra, which includes some 70-90 year old men. The musical output mixes Chinese traditional music from the Tang dynasty with other yunnanese instruments, flavours and experiences. This is a very well promoted and famous group, but it is also possible to witness some performances by lesser known, but equally skilled musicians in the city’s parks and most hidden corners, so look around carefully before shelling your money for the Naxi performance.
5 Visit Naxi villages
If you are brave enough, you might venture on the hills surrounding Lijiang to explore some of the traditional Naxi villages. You might do this renting a van in town, or privately. Renting a van can cost you anything in-between ¥100-300, depending on the driver and how much Chinese you speak, but if done in a group this option might also prove very useful because most public vans stop running around 5 pm, making it difficult to get back to Lijiang for your overnight stay. But if you really want adventure, the suggestion is to find a friendly local or a student willing to show you where the minivans heading out of Lijiang depart from, and start your adventure from there. A one way minivan fee, dating back to 2008 when I visited for the first time, was around ¥2 to Shuhe, and ¥3-5 for villages farther north. Indeed it is very affordable, but consider that, without proper Chinese, it might be very difficult for you to secure your ride back into town. If you are really that kind of independent traveller, a village overnight stop might change an unpleasant situation into the experience of a lifetime…
Tags: China Adventure, China Travel, lijiang, naxi orchestra, naxi people, southwest China, The Great Outdoors, things to do in lijiang, Tibet, travel lijiang, yunnan
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Hi,
Can all these be done on my own? By the way, is it too much if I include Shangri-La and all the above you mentioned in a 5 days trip?
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