Located in the picturesque province of Yunnan (云南), Lijiang Old Town (丽江古城) is one of China’s best-preserved ancient town. Home to the Naxi minority ethnic group, Lijiang has a history of more than 800 years. The old town is famed for its unique network of water system and ancient architecture styles. Such is its value, Lijiang Old Town was inducted into the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. So join us, as we show you the sights of Lijiang Old Town and things that you should know while planning for your Lijiang trip. Do share this Lijiang Old Town Travel Guide with your travel buddies!
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Lijiang Old Town Travel Guide
We were fortunate to be able to explore Lijiang Old Town twice, in Nov-2017 and Sep-2018. The following are what we’re gathered from our trips, plus some important travel tips.
Introduction: Lijiang Old Town, 丽江古城
Lijiang Old Town, also known as Dayan Old Town (大研镇), had its roots from the late Song (960 – 1279) and early Yuan (1271 – 1368) dynasties. The town rose to prominence in ancient China due to its strategic location along the Ancient Tea Horse Road. A major tea trading route linking China and South Asia.
The region is home to the Naxi people, who practise the Dongba culture and religion. Sadly though, most of the Naxi people had moved out of the old town in recent years. Mainly due to its commercialization and high cost of living.
Cobblestone streets and stone bridges
As with many ancient towns, Lijiang Old Town features wide cobblestone streets and archaic stone bridges. While its novel water system bears proof to Lijiang’s status as a crucial city during its heydays.
The Square Market (Sifang Square) is the social and geographical centre of town. From here, a few major streets branch out. Including Xinhua Street, DongDa Street, Guangyi Street, QiYi Street and WuYi Street.
Due to its myriad of narrow and twisting cobblestone alleys, Lijiang Old Town is out of bound to vehicles. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from one end of the old town to the other.
Elevation of 2400m
Lijiang city is at an elevation of 2400m. Most visitors do not feel any major signs of altitude sickness while in the city (i.e. old town).
However, altitude sickness often set in during trips to YuLong Snow Mountain. While many visitors also experience shortness of breath while climbing stairs at Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Orderliness and Cleanliness
Lijiang Old Town is a major destination for both local and foreign tourist. Thus, the Chinese government is particularly cautious about maintaining its security and cleanliness.
The police presence in Lijiang is heavy and obvious. Police squads can frequently be seen patrolling the old town. Ensuring Lijiang is a generally safe place.
Even the taxis in Lijiang city are heavily monitored. We were assured by our hotel host that taxi drivers (at least those plying near the old town) generally charge by meters and does not try to rip off tourist.
The authorities had also done a good job in ensuring Liijang Old Town’s cleanliness. The streets are largely well kept. While the public toilets within the old town are amongst the cleanest you’ll find at any Chinese tourist attractions.
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How many days to plan for Lijiang City
Lijiang is a relatively small city. As a tourist destination, there are only a few essential attractions to visit in the area. Including:
#1, Lijiang Old Town: Due to convenience, this is where most visitors will stay during their visit to Lijiang.
#2, YuLong Snow Mountain*: The southern-most permanent snow-capped mountain in the northern hemisphere. The base of the mountain (where visitors take the cable car to the peak) is a 30 minutes’ drive north of Lijiang Old Town.
#3, Tiger Leaping Gorge*: One of the deepest gorge in the world with spectacular flow especially during the wet season. Tiger Leaping Gorge is situated on the border between Lijiang and Shangri-La county. With its viewing platform on the side of Shangri-La county. The viewing platform is much closer to Lijiang (1.5 hours’ drive) than to Shangri-La (3 hours’ drive).
*Note: For more info on YuLong Snow Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge, refer to our other blog “3 Must-See Places in Lijiang“.
Most visitors would only need around 3 days to cover the above. Thus, many visitors to Lijiang typically bundle their trips with visits to other nearby destinations.
Other major tourist destinations in the region
The closest major tourist destinations (to Lijiang city) are Lugu lake (northeast, 4.5 hours’ drive, 210km), Shangri-La (northwest, 2.5 hours’ drive, 170km) and Dali (south, 2.5 hours’ drive, 180km).
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How to get from Lijiang Airport to Old Town
Lijiang has a small airport which mostly serves domestic routes. Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG) is 28km (30 minutes’ drive) south of the city. The most popular transport modes between the airport and old town are airport bus, private car (~RMB 80/car) and regular taxi (~RMB 80/car).
Airport Bus
The Airport Bus cost RMB 20/pax. Journey approximately 30 minutes. Pay directly to the driver on the bus (receipt will be issued). Departure should be every 30 minutes or so.
Note that the airport bus does not stop at the old town. Instead, its terminal station (in the city) is at the rear of Blue Sky Hotel. Which is a 10 minutes’ walk from the northern end (i.e. Waterwheel) of Lijiang Old Town.
However, depending on which part of the old town you’re staying, you might need to take a taxi from Blue Sky Hotel. Local taxis are coloured green (NOT BLUE). Base fare starts from RMB 8. For example, if you’re heading to the old town’s South Gate the fare is RMB 16 and takes 10-15 minutes.
Lijiang Airport to Lijiang Old Town
For this trip, it is best to book a transport (private car, RMB 80/car, 30 minutes) with your hotel. Given that the cost of a private car is relatively cheap (especially if shared), and that you’ve just landed from a flight, it would be easiest to just engage a private car.
In addition, your driver will help you to call the hotel upon arrival at the old town’s entrance. Ensuring that the hotel staff will be around to help with your luggage and guide you to it.
Lijiang Old Town to Lijiang Airport
Again, if there is 2 or more pax, it might be worthwhile to just book a private car with your hotel. Else, if you’re alone and on a budget, consider the airport bus. Especially if you’re staying at the northern parts of Lijiang Old Town.
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Lijiang Old Town Preservation Fee (?)
There is often much confusion on whether there is a requirement to pay for entry into Lijiang Old Town.
On most websites, this fee (RMB 80) is often termed as “preservation fee”, “maintenance fee” or even “protection fee”. However, not all visitors reported paying or even knowing about the presence of such fees.
Interestingly, in the official tourist map/brochure that we personally obtained from information booths within the old town, it is stated that the “maintenance fee” is “80 yuan per person per time”.
However, based on our visit to Lijiang Old Town in Nov-2017 and Sep-2018, we never had to pay any fee. We had never seen any booth collecting the fee. And no one had ever inquired if we had paid it. In fact, we even spoke to the manager of a hotel in the old town and was told that the fee was “abolished” (for reasons that we shall not state in this blog).
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Where to stay in Lijiang
For convenience, most visitors choose to stay within the old town, or along its fringes.
There are a good number of small and tastefully renovated boutique hotels, both within and along the outskirts of the old town. Naturally, visitors should expect to pay slightly more and have smaller rooms for hotels situated within the old town. Having said, the average room pricing in the area is reasonable and good deals can often be snagged, especially if booked early.
Xilu Xiaoxie Inn
During our Sep-2018 trip, we stayed at Xilu Xiaoxie Inn**. Which is one of the most highly rated hotels (on Booking.com) within Lijiang Old Town.
The inn is conveniently located along QiYi Street. Making it a short walk from The Square Market. And is a 5 minutes’ walk from the South Gate (Nanmen Street).
As with many hotels in Lijiang Old Town, the staff will usually meet you at one of the town entrances (e.g. gates) upon your arrival. And walk you in so that you’ll not get lost in the maze of alleys.
Front courtyard of Xilu Xiaoxie Inn
Similar to most boutique hotels within the old town, Xilu Xiaoxie Inn is a relatively small property. The rooms, though small, are tastefully done up, clean and in excellent condition. Some rooms even have a loft with double bed.
The staffs are extremely courteous, friendly and helpful. And the hotel manager is able to communicate well in English (but not the rest of the junior staffs).
The hotel is situated near a school. Which have a number of small eateries serving cheap and good local breakfast from as early as 6am.
Our images of Xilu Xiaoxie Inn
Loft room with double bed
Loft room with double bed
Room with double bed
For dog lovers, you will be interested to know that the inn has a pair of beautiful and gentle Malamute.
**Disclosure: The links to Xilu Xiaoxie Inn are affiliated links. It will cost nothing to you, but we do receive a small fee if you book through these links. This small fee will go a long way to help us maintain this blog.
Related posts:
- 3 Must-See Places in Lijiang
- Lugu Lake Travel Guide 泸沽湖 (Yunnan, China)
- Xi’an Attractions (Shaanxi, China)
- Huashan Travel Guide (Shaanxi, China)
- Great Places to visit in Chengdu (Sichuan, China)
- How can foreigners get a driving license in China
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Sights in Lijiang Old Town
The following images are the photography loot from our 2017/2018 visits to Lijiang Old Town.
Photography Tips
Unsurprisingly, most of the more scenic spots are away from the main tourist-infested areas (e.g. The Square Market and northern part of town).
The best time to capture stunning images is usually the golden hour just before sunset. When the sky takes on a golden hue and the alleys are starting to get lited up in a sea of tungsten yellow.
Evenings are also another great time to get some lovely images. As the old town’s lighting explodes into a full bloom of contrasting colours. Though the tourist crowd at this time might clutter your shots. Tripods are essential during the evenings.
Our favourite photography spots
We especially love the stream (Middle River) running parallel to QiYi Street. Due to its location off the main streets, this area along the stream tends to receive fewer visitors. There are a number of peaceful and lovely spots here. Especially suitable for lovebirds, photography buffs and those looking for a crack Instagram shot.
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Panoramic photo of Lijiang Old Town
Go to Lion Hill to take a panoramic photo of the entire old town. Numerous cafes/restaurants on Lion Hill have upper levels that provide sweeping views of Lijiang Old Town.
Most of them are ok for visitors to take a quick photo. However, they do require some form of purchase if you’re using the seats and/or need more time for your photo taking. Which is absolutely reasonable given that they have a business to run.
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Random sights in Lijiang Old Town
Related posts:
- 3 Must-See Places in Lijiang
- Lugu Lake Travel Guide 泸沽湖 (Yunnan, China)
- Xi’an Attractions (Shaanxi, China)
- Huashan Travel Guide (Shaanxi, China)
- Great Places to visit in Chengdu (Sichuan, China)
- How can foreigners get a driving license in China
- The Bund, Shanghai
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