Lijiang (丽江) is a stunningly picturesque ancient city located in the northwest region of Yunnan province, China. It is home to the Naxi minority ethnic group and has a history of more than 800 years. Nestled in the mountainous region near the Yunnan/Sichuan border, the city is at an elevation of 2400m. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it used to be a major trading point along the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Join us, while we share with you the 3 must-see places in Lijiang!
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3 Must-See Places in Lijiang 丽江
We were fortunate to be able to explore Lijiang twice, in Nov-2017 and Sep-2018. Based on our visits, below are the 3 must-see places in Lijiang that you should not miss. Plus, all the travel tips and info that we’ve collected. Enjoy!
#1: Lijiang Old Town 丽江古城
The highlight of any trip to Lijiang must be visiting its beautifully preserved township, Lijiang Old Town.
Lijiang Old Town has a history of more than 800 years. And used to be a strategically important point along the ancient Tea Horse Road; a major tea trading route between China and South Asia. It is widely recognised as one of the best-preserved and most beautiful ancient town in China.
Due to the huge amount of information and pictures that we have for Lijiang Old Town, we’ve created a separate blog post especially for it. The blog post will include information such as its background, layout, trip planning tips, airport transfer, entry fees, hotel review and photography tips/spots. Click here to link to our Lijiang Old Town Travel Guide.
Click here for our higher resolution images of Lijiang Old Town
Click here for our higher resolution images of Lijiang Old Town
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#2: Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡)
A must-see attraction when in Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorge (canyon) in the world. With a maximum depth of 3790m. It has a length of about 23km. And its raging river is widely acknowledged as one of the most dramatic, especially during the wet season.
Due to its significant geological and ecological value, Tiger Leaping Gorge (and the surrounding area) had been inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2003.
Where is Tiger Leaping Gorge
The gorge is located along Jinsha River 金沙江. Which is the upper stretch of Yangtze River 长江, the longest river in Asia and third in the world. It is bordered by Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the east and Haba Snow Mountain to its west.
Administratively, Tiger Leaping Gorge is located along the border of Lijiang and Deqen Prefecture. With Jinsha River separating the two prefectures. The ticketing centre (main entrance; see map) and viewing platforms are all built on the side of Deqen Prefecture.
From the gorge, Lijiang city is 90km (1.5 hours drive) to the south. While the famed Shangri-La, capital of Deqen Prefecture is 110km (2-3 hours drive) to the northwest.
Viewing sections in Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge is separated into three viewing sections: Upper Gorge, Middle Gorge and Lower Gorge.
The best and most popular/famous viewing section is the Upper Gorge (see map). Which is also the first viewing section after driving past the gorge’s ticketing centre.
Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge (Upper Gorge)
There is a large parking area at Upper Gorge. From the carpark, a series of stairway leads visitors down (descending around 30m*) to a viewing platform that is at the river level.
At 20m wide, the gorge is at its narrowest point here. Resulting in majestic torrents of water plunging thru the river during rainy seasons (May to October).
*Note: The climb back up to the parking area can be tiring (due to the altitude). As of end-2018, the authorities are in the process of building escalators to help visitors overcome this climb.
Click here for our higher resolution images of Tiger Leaping Gorge
Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge (carpark level) (Nov-2017)
Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge (Sep-2018, wet season)
Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge (Sep-2018, wet season)
A tiger once leapt across
A large 13m boulder (a.k.a. Tiger Leaping Rock) rest in the middle of the river at this narrow point. Flanked by sheer cliffs on both sides of the river. Depending on the volume of water, the boulder might be submerged. Especially during the wet season.
It was said that the river was so narrow that a tiger once managed to jump across, via the boulder. Thus the name Tiger Leaping Gorge/Rock.
Getting to Tiger Leaping Gorge
The easiest way (for domestic travellers) to visit the gorge is via self-drive. And most visitors access the gorge as a half-day trip from Lijiang city. The roads (from both Lijiang and Shangri-La) are well paved and the drive is easy.
However, most foreign tourists are not able to drive in China (see our other blog on how foreigners can get a driving license in China). And it is not advisable to take public transport as the bus service only stop at the main road. Which is a considerable distance from both the gorge’s main entrance and main viewing platform (Upper Gorge).
Thus, for foreign visitors, the easiest way is to book a half-day tour with one of the numerous tour agents in Lijiang (or Shangri-La). Else, visitors could try engaging the service of a private car (with driver) and purchase the tickets directly at the gorge’s main entrance.
Top Tip: For those who are already planning to travel from Lijiang to Shangri-La (or vice versa), note that Tiger Leaping Gorge is located along the way if travelling via the old route of G214**. Thus, if you’re booking a private car (with driver) for this journey, ask if the driver is willing to make a brief stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge. This will save you the time and cost of engaging a separate tour to visit the gorge.
**As of mid-2019, there appears to be a new XiangLi Highway linking Lijiang and Shangri-La. This new highway will bypass Tiger Leaping Gorge. However, you could still check if your driver is willing to use G214 instead.
Click here for our higher resolution images of Tiger Leaping Gorge
Other visitor information (Tiger Leaping Gorge)
- Gorge entry fee: RMB 65/32.50 (Adult/Child)
- Altitude of Upper Gorge viewing platform/carpark: Approximately 1800m
- When to visit: Try to visit Tiger Leaping Gorge during the wet season of May to October. The river swells to frightening levels during this period and is at its most impressive form.
Related posts:
- Lijiang Old Town Travel Guide, 丽江古城 (Yunnan, China)
- 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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#3: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (YuLong Snow Mountain) 玉龙雪山
With a peak of 5596m, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is the southern-most permanent snow-capped mountain range in the Northern Hemisphere. The mountain is a short 30 minutes’ drive north of Lijiang Old Town. And is a sacred mountain for the local Naxi minority ethnic group.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is famed for its stunning white peaks protruding from a sea of clouds. It boasts one of the highest cable car service in China. And its Peak Viewing Platform (at 4680m in Glacier Park) is one of the highest observation platforms in the world. Little wonder the mountain is extremely popular with both foreign and domestic visitors.
Other side attractions within the mountain range include Blue Moon Valley, Spruce Meadow and Yak Meadow. With both Spruce and Yak Meadow accessible only by their respective cable car service.
Visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
The trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is normally done as a full-day trip from Lijiang city.
All visitors entering the mountain are required to pay mountain entry fees. This is in addition to the various cable car/attraction bus fees for the individual attractions within the mountain. (Refer to the end of this section for the respective fees)
Mountain entry fee: RMB 130/65 (Adult/Child). Payable to all entering Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Visitors to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain will enter via the mountain’s main visitor centre. The visitor centre contains the ticketing booths and amenities such as restaurants/cafes, retail shops and winter-jacket rental outlets.
At the visitor centre, travellers will need to transfer to attraction buses (shuttle bus services) to get to the various attractions. No outside vehicles are allowed in the mountain beyond the visitor centre.
Altitude of the main visitor centre: ~3050m
Guided Day-Tour Package
Many travel agents in Lijiang city offers guided day-tour packages for the mountain. These packages typically include the fees for transport (to/from the mountain), mountain entry, cable car, attraction bus, buffet lunch and winter-jacket rental. The buffet lunch and winter-jacket rental outlets are located in/adjacent to the visitor centre.
Click here for our higher resolution images of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
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Attractions in Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
The following are the various attractions within Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. (Refer to the end of this section for the respective fees)
#1: Glacier Park (4506m)
The undisputed main attraction in the mountain range. Glacier Park is situated near the peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. And is only accessible via cable car, which is one of the highest in China. Glacier Park offers close-up and stunning views of the mountain’s glaciers and peaks.
From its base station (3356m), the cable car service sends visitors up to Glacier Park (Upper Station, 4506m). On clear days, visitors will be awed by the panoramic views of the peaks from Glacier Park.
Peak Viewing Platform (4680m)
From Glacier Park’s Upper Station, wooden stairways allow visitors to hike up to the Peak Viewing Platform (4680m). This platform is the highest point accessible to visitors within Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Though the climbing distance is short, it can be physically demanding and time-consuming due to the high altitude. It is very common for visitors to experience shortness of breath and fatigue (i.e. altitude sickness) from this short climb. Visitors should exercise caution and turn back if feeling unwell.
Click here for our higher resolution images of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Peak Platform (4680m)
Oxygen canisters
To provide temporary relief to the symptoms of altitude sickness, visitors to Glacier Park are usually advised to bring along oxygen canisters. These are widely available for purchase in Lijiang city and at the mountain.
Though these Chinese-made canisters are usually marked “oxygen canisters”, we suspect them to be nothing more than compressed air. Having said, even compressed air might help (to a certain extent) when one is experiencing altitude sickness while at Glacier Park. Thus, we do recommend bringing them along.
Tip for buying oxygen canister: As to be expected, the retail price of oxygen canisters get insanely higher at the mountain. It is way cheaper to get them at Lijiang city. Try to purchase them at the minimarts on the edge of Lijiang Old Town. A large canister normally retails for RMB 10 at these locations.
Important tips for visiting Glacier Park
- The queue for Glacier Park’s cable car can get ridiculously long especially during holidays/weekends. Avoid these periods if possible.
- Do not venture outside the wooden platforms/stairways while at Glacier Park. It is extremely dangerous to walk on snow/glacier without any proper gear/guidance.
- Avoid renting winter clothing at the mountain. Bring your own jacket/gloves. You will need it.
Altitude at Glacier Park
- Lower Cable Car Station: 3356m (base station)
- Upper Cable Car Station: 4506m
- Peak viewing platform: 4680m
Click here for our higher resolution images of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
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#2: Blue Moon Valley (2830m)
The second most visited attraction within Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Blue Moon Valley is situated at an altitude of around 2830m. And is a short shuttle bus ride north of the main visitor centre. The valley is the only attraction within the mountain that doesn’t require cable car access.
Features at Blue Moon Valley
Blue Moon Valley is made up of the following features:
#1: White Water Terrace (not to be confused with the White Water Terrace in neighbouring Shangri-La)
#2: Jade-Like Wine Lake (YuYe Lake)
#3: Mirror Lake (JingTan Lake)
#4: Blue Moon Lake (LanYue Lake)
#5: Wave-Listening Lake (Tingtao Lake)
The lakes (#2-#5) are all situated sequentially and directly downstream from White Water Terrace.
Man-made scenery
At first glance, the scenery in Blue Moon Valley is truly impressive. With the lakes and White Water Terrace forming an exquisite series of waterways and cascades. Many domestic visitors spend lengthy periods here taking pictures of the stunning features.
However, most of the features in Blue Moon Valley are man-made. Indeed, with a closer inspection of the lake bottoms and cascades, one could see signs of landscaping works.
The partially man-made White Water Terrace was the first to be opened to tourist more than a decade ago. And the rest of the lakes were constructed in more recent years.
Having said, Blue Moon Valley does warrant a brief visit not least for its peaceful setting and free entrance.
Note: The Blue Moon Valley here should not be confused with another valley by the same name in neighbouring Shangri-La.
Click here for our higher resolution images of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
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#3: Spruce Meadow and Yak Meadow
Both Spruce Meadow (3240m) and Yak Meadow (3650m) are open grasslands which are only accessible via their respective cable car services. Spruce Meadow got its name from the lofty spruces surrounding the grassland. While Yak Meadow has its name from the yaks grazing on the fields. Both meadows are relatively further from the main visitor centre and thus receives fewer visitors.
The last we visited both meadows were more than a decade ago, when the mountain was less developed. However, we didn’t have much deep impression of them back then. Thus, we decided on give them a pass on our more recent Nov-2017 trip. And judging by what we read online, we aren’t missing much either.
Other visitor information (including fees) (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain)
The mountain’s main visitor centre (ticketing centre) is a short 30 minutes’ drive north of Lijiang Old Town.
Mountain entry fees
RMB 130/65 (Adult/Child). Payable to all entering Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This fee is separate from other fees listed below.
Glacier Park fees
Cable Car: RMB 180/90 (Adult/Child) for round trip
Attraction bus: RMB 20 (round trip)
Blue Moon Lake fees
(No entrance fee)
Attraction bus: RMB 20 (round trip)
Spruce Meadow fees
Cable Car: RMB 55 (Adult) for round trip
Attraction bus: RMB 20 (round trip)
Yap Meadow fees
Cable Car: RMB 60 (Adult) for round trip
Attraction bus: RMB 20 (round trip)
How to get to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
There are regular bus services from Lijiang Old Town to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain’s visitor centre. Else taxis are available for this short journey (30 minutes’ drive).
Click here for our higher resolution images of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Related posts:
- Lijiang Old Town Travel Guide, 丽江古城 (Yunnan, China)
- 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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