Top 10 Famous Tourist Attractions Must-Visit in Lijiang

Lijiang borders Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture and Panzhihua City in Sichuan to the east, covering a total area of 20,600 square kilometers. With a permanent population of 1.25 million, it was once a transit station on the Silk Road and the Ancient Tea Horse Road, boasting a rich history. Lijiang is the only prefecture-level city in China that boasts three UNESCO World Heritage sites simultaneously. it has become an extremely popular travel destination in China. Here are the top 10 must-visit attractions in Lijiang.

Top 1: Lijiang Ancient Town

Lijiang Ancient Town

Lijiang Old Town is a national-level historical and cultural city, first established in the late Song Dynasty and early Yuan Dynasty (late 13th century), it is the most well-preserved ancient town with distinctive Naxi ethnic characteristics in China. Lijiang Ancient Town, also known as Dayan Ancient Town, it is one of the ancient towns of China's ethnic minorities. in China and has been designated a "World Cultural Heritage." It features a strong ethnic flavor, a layout with small bridges and flowing water, well-arranged residential buildings, and a relaxed pace of life with vibrant nightlife.

• Address:Gucheng District, Lijiang, Yunnan
• Open Hours: All day
• Tour Length: 0.5-1day

Top 2: Jade Gragon Snow Mountain

Jade Gragon Snow Mountain

In the Naxi language, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is called "Olu," meaning "Heavenly Mountain." Its thirteen snow-capped peaks stretch continuously, resembling a "giant dragon" soaring and dancing, which is why it is named "Jade Dragon." It is considered a sacred mountain in the hearts of the Naxi people. It remains covered in snow year-round, with the snow line ranging between 4,800 and 5,000 meters.

Nearby notable spots within the area are Blue Moon Valley, is famous for its breathtakingly beautiful, turquoise-blue lakes, which are fed by melted snow from the nearby peak.Yak Meadow, known for its vast grasslands and panoramic views of the mountain, Sometimes, you can even see yaks leisurely grazing on the grassland . Spruce Meadow, a serene forested area surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for nature walks and capturing the beauty of the mountain.

Tips: Remember to keep warm and bring oxygen tanks. During peak seasons and holidays, you may have to wait for cable car in long queues.

• Address: Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang, Yunnan Province
• Open Hours: 06:30 AM – 05:00 PM
• Tour Length: 1day

Top 3: Mu’s Residence

Mu’s Residence

It is the Tusi Mu's Yamen of the Naxi Ethnic Group in Yunnan.The Mu's Residence fully reflects the elegance and grandeur of Ming Dynasty architecture, while also preserving the simple and bold style reminiscent of Tang and Song Dynasty architecture from the Central Plains. This residence has even been compared to the Forbidden City in Beijing, earning the nickname "Northern Forbidden City, Southern Mu's Residence."

• Address: 49 Guangyuan Alley, Guanyi Street, Dayan Subdistrict, Old Town, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
• Open Hours: 09:00 AM – 05:30 PM
• Tour Length: 1-3 hours

Top 4: Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in China and it is also one of the most famous gorges in the world for its precipitous terrain. A place that one must hike at least once in your lifetime. It is renowned for its dramatic and rugged scenery. The gorge is situated on the upper reaches of the Jinsha River, with a total length of 17 kilometers and a winding road of 25 kilometers. After the river flows into the gorge, it narrows to just over 50 meters at its narrowest point, where a tiger or leopard could leap across, hence the name Tiger Leaping Gorge.

• Address: Approximately 86 kilometers (53 miles) north of Lijiang City and about 106 kilometers (66 miles) from Shangri-La
• Open Hours: 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM
• Tour Length: 2–3 hours for a short visit; 1–3days for hiking

Top 5: Black Gragon Pool

Black Gragon Pool

Black Dragon Pool, located in the scenic Jade Spring Park at the foot of Elephant Hill, is one of Lijiang's most famous attractions. This picturesque pool, surrounded by ancient trees and traditional architecture, offers stunning reflections of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it serves as a cultural hub, featuring the Longshen Temple and the Deyue Pavilion. The serene beauty and historical significance make Black Dragon Pool a must-visit destination for travelers.

• Address: Elephant Mountain of the Old Town of Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
• Open Hours: 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM
• Tour Length: 1-3 hours

Top 6: Square Street ( Sifang jie)

Lijiang Ancient Town

Square Street is said to have been built by the Mu family chieftains during the Ming Dynasty, modeled after the shape of their official seal. The square is designed to welcome guests from all directions, with its four sides open to visitors from all around.

There are two Square Streets: one is located in the center of Lijiang Old Town, and the other is in Shuhe Ancient Town.

1.Lijiang Square (Sifang) Street, located in the heart of Lijiang Old Town in Yunnan Province, is a bustling square that serves as a central hub for cultural and commercial activities. This historical area is paved with ancient stone tiles and surrounded by traditional Naxi architecture. It is a vibrant place where locals and tourists alike gather to shop, dine, and experience the rich heritage of the Naxi people. Sifang Street is also a venue for various cultural performances and festivals, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Lijiang.

2.Shuhe Square(Sifang )Street is a central attraction in Shuhe Ancient Town, one of the well-preserved ancient towns in Lijiang, Yunnan. This square serves as the heart of Shuhe, featuring traditional Naxi architecture and a vibrant atmosphere. It is surrounded by old-style buildings, shops, and cafes, offering a glimpse into the local culture and history. The square is a gathering place for both locals and visitors, often hosting cultural performances and activities, making it a must-visit spot for those exploring Shuhe.

• 1.Address: Center of Lijiang Ancient Town
• 2.Address: Center of Shuhe Ancient Town
• Open Hours: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
• Tour Length: 1-3 hours

Top 7: First Bend of the Yangtze River

Fist Bend

First Bend, also known as the First Bend of the Yangtze River, is a scenic spot located in Shigu Town, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province. Here, the Yangtze River makes a dramatic turn of nearly 180 degrees, creating a breathtaking natural landscape. This unique geographical feature is not only a stunning visual spectacle but also a historically significant site, marking the beginning of the river's journey through the heart of China. The area is surrounded by picturesque mountains and rich cultural heritage, making it a popular destination for tourists and photographers alike.

• Address: Shigu Town, Lijiang
• Open Hours: 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM
• Tour Length: 1-3 hours

Top 8: Baisha Ancient Murals

The Baisha Murals are a significant cultural heritage dating back to the Ming Dynasty. These murals combine the artistic styles of Han, Tibetan, Bai, and Naxi ethnic groups, showcasing a unique blend of religious themes and daily life scenes. The vibrant colors and intricate details make them a remarkable example of ancient Chinese art, reflecting the diverse cultural influences and harmonious coexistence of different ethnicities in the region.

• Address: In Baisha Ancient Town, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
• Open Hours: 08:00 AM – 05:30 PM
• Tour Length: 1-3 hours

Top 9: Lugu Lake

Lugu Lake

Lugu Lake, situated at an altitude of 2,680 meters, with the deepest point reaching 93 meters. The water is clear and blue, with a visibility of 12 to 14 meters, making it one of the deepest freshwater lakes in China.From May to October,the pristine white seaweed flowers float on crystal waters of the lake,creating a scene that feels like stepping into a beautiful painting as you boat through the lake. The ethnic -Mosuo people live here and still maintain a matriarchal family structure and are known as the "Mystical Kingdom of Women."

• Address: at the border between Yanyuan County in Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province, and Ninglang County in Yunnan Province
• Open Hours: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
• Tour Length: 1-2days

Top 10: Naxi Dongba Culture Museum

The Naxi Dongba Culture Museum, located in Lijiang, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the unique Dongba culture in China. The museum features a rich collection of artifacts, traditional costumes, ancient manuscripts, and ceremonial objects that reflect the Naxi's history, beliefs, and artistic heritage. Through its exhibits, the museum offers visitors an in-depth look at the Dongba script, a pictographic writing system used by the Naxi, and the vibrant religious and cultural practices of this fascinating ethnic group.

• Address: Near Black Dragon Pool Park in Yunnan Province
• Open Hours: 08:00 AM – 06:30 PM
• Tour Length: 1-3 hours

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