Day 1 in Lijiang City

Welcome to Lijiang City! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check-in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

We recommend you get acquainted with the city by taking a stroll around Lijiang Old Town, which will take you back in time. Wander along the quaint cobblestone streets past the canals and cross over the traditional stone bridges. Lijiang Old Town is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site brimming with a wide array of shops, cafes, restaurants and coffee shops, housed in historic wooden houses. Stop into one of the restaurants or cafes and try a `Naxi sandwich` (goats cheese, tomato and fried egg on local baba flatbread) then do some shopping and pick up some authentic items to bring home.

Sifang Street Square in the old town is filled with plenty of great shops offering souvenirs and locally made items such as traditional teas, herbal medicines, jewelry, yak horn combs, Naxi clothing and burned wood carvings. Take some time to appreciate the ancient alleyways, historic bridges and the lively atmosphere found here.

Walking around Old town gives you a chance to observe the ancient Naxi culture who have lived in Lijiang for over a 1,000 years, the Naxi people are considered to be one of the oldest ethnic groups in China. Take a walk along the canal path which will lead you to Black Dragon Pool Park where you can visit the Dongba Museum.

Next, visit Mu Palace the `Forbidden City` of Lijiang, where the Mu Clan of the Naxi people ruled over 400 years ago, the large complex covers 16 acres of land and once contained almost 100 buildings. The palace was the center of power, politics and wealth in ancient Naxi, but was destroyed during the Qing Dynasty. It was re-built in 1999 and is spread over 8 acres featuring beautiful Chinese architecture, well-manicured lawns and vibrant gardens decorated with plum blossoms and magnolia trees.

Head into Yuquan Park to the spectacular Black Dragon Pool, which sits beneath Elephant Hill in the heart of the city, a stunning serene scenic spot home to many traditional buildings including the Longshen Temple and a five arch Suocui Bridge and pagoda along with the Lijiang City Museum and the Dongba Research Institute. Learn about the culture and lifestyle of the Naxi people at the Dongba Research Institute, which opened in 1984 and features a collection of over 12,000 cultural relics, 2,500 of which are precious objects.

This beautiful region provides unobstructed views of the spectacular Jade Dragon Mountain range with the traditional Dayue Pavilion, which sits in the heart of the lake. Visit the main buildings found in the area and take some breathtaking pictures with the mountains in the backdrop.

Make your way back to Lijiang Old Town as evening time approaches, stop by the canals along the way and purchase one of the flower- shaped styrofoam boats being sold, make a wish and send the boats floating down the canal.

Visit one of the authentic restaurants in town and enjoy some delicious Naxi cuisine. There are many dining options found in Old Town including ones serving Western cuisine, Tibetan, and Sichuan, choose the one that appeals to you.

There are several bars found along the streets of Old Town if you fancy a drink after dinner, look for bars dotted along the canals which provide a relaxing environment to sit back and enjoy the evening.

Day 2 in Lijiang City

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at one of the many quaint cafes or coffee shops found in Old Town, many of them offer outdoor seating. Enjoy some delicious breakfast and traditional China tea while taking in the relaxing atmosphere and listening to the sound of the water running through the canals.

Rent a bicycle and explore the city, cycle along the canal path and visit the Zhongyi Market, a bustling marketplace open daily selling produce, copper items, and livestock! See locals buying and selling goods in the vibrant marketplace, pick up some fresh items such as freshly steamed buns and other tasty treats for a picnic later on in the day.

Continue on your bike through the ancient streets and check out one of the many spacious parks in the city such as Lion Mountain Park which covers 37 acres and reaches an elevation of 8,202 feet. The Wangu Tower sits atop of Lion Mountain and is regarded as the number one dome-shaped structure in China. The park and mountainside are blanketed in lush verdant trees, there are over 40 ancient cypress trees here that date back over 800 years. See some of the other sites in the park including Wenchang Palace, Twin Stone Garden, and The White Horse Dragon Pond Temple.

Find a serene spot in the shade under one of the ancient trees and enjoy your picnic while witnessing everyday activities taking place in the park. Visit one of Lijiang`s many teahouses found on every street in the city, tea is the most important drink in the country. Teahouses are decked out in traditional Chinese architecture and visitors can drink and see the tea making process.

Spend your afternoon exploring the beautiful region located north of the city in the verdant valley of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The mountain is the highest peak and southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere soaring 18,360 feet above sea level and visible from Lijiang, the summit features snow all year round. Take a scenic cable car ride up to the peak and stand in awe at the spectacular bird`s eye views over the city and surrounding area. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain features 13 main peaks that resemble a silver dragon flying through the sky, the mountainside offers great hiking through flora and fauna and breathtaking scenery.

If time allows, visit the beautiful Blue Moon Valley where a sparkling blue river winds its way through the lush valley and resembles a blue crescent moon. The lake reflects the stunning surrounding mountains, cliffs, and greenery and when it rains the white mud and limestone rubble swirl together turning the water milky white. Visit White Water Terrace a great lookout point for breathtaking views.

Attend the Impressions Lijiang Show, a large scale open-air performance using Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as the stage background. The cultural show presents a story of the ancient Dongba culture of Lijiang, the long history of the ancient tea-horse road, and the folk customs of the Naxi people with over 100 horses and 500 non-professional actors putting on their best performance with song and dance.

On your last day in Lijiang head back to the Old Town which is a beautiful sight at night, red lanterns are hung all over town and the winding streets and canals are lit up and sparkling. Visit one of the wonderful restaurants serving delicious cuisine, if you`re up for it visit one of the restaurants where the waitresses dress in traditional Naxi clothing and perform a sing along as they work. If you fancy a nightcap head to Xinhua Street the street runs along the water and is notorious for its nightlife and is lined with bustling bars.

Additional Days in Lijiang City

If you are able to spend additional days in Lijiang City be sure to visit Lugo Lake which is simply a stunning scene first thing in the morning at sunrise. The picturesque freshwater lake is situated 124 miles away from Lijiang City, surrounded by magical mountains which are perfect for hiking, take a boat ride on the peaceful lake or relax on the beaches and islands that dot around the lake.

Visit the Baisha Village and the Baisha Naxi Embroidery Institute situated north of Yulong Snow Mountain, the original settlement of the Naxi people and home to the Mu Family.

Your Last Day in Lijiang City

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.