Generated with sparks and insights from 9 sources

Summary

This 5-day itinerary for Lijiang offers a perfect blend of historical exploration, natural beauty, and cultural immersion. From the ancient streets of Lijiang Old Town to the serene landscapes of Lugu Lake and Blue Moon Valley, this guide ensures you experience the best of Lijiang. The itinerary also includes visits to lesser-known gems like Lashihai and Shuhe Ancient Town, providing a comprehensive and enriching travel experience.

Day1: Exploring Old Town Lijiang

Start your trip with a visit to the Old Town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cobblestone streets, streams, bridges, and traditional Naxi houses. This day will immerse you in the historical and cultural essence of Lijiang.

Old Town of Lijiang

An ancient part of the city with cobblestone streets, streams, bridges, and traditional Naxi houses. It's a serene environment with mysterious alleyways, dimly lit bars, and quaint shops.

img5

img6

img7

img8

img9

img10

img11

img12

img13

img14

Tips

Visit in the morning for a quieter experience and at night to enjoy the bustling nightlife.

Travel Information
🕒   Hours: See hours
📍   Address: V6CP+P8H, Gucheng District, Lijiang, Yunnan, China, 674100

🌄 Day 2: Lugu Lake and Blue Moon Valley

Spend the day exploring the natural beauty of Lugu Lake and Blue Moon Valley. These locations offer stunning views, serene environments, and opportunities for photography and relaxation.

<div class="-md-ext-markdown-card"> { "content": "Travel Time Tips\n\n\n> Lugu Lake\n>\n> \u2b07\ufe0f (232 km, \ud83d\ude98 4 hr 41)\n>\n> Blue Moon Valley\n>\n", "color": "#232425", "background": "#FFF9F2", "darkmodeColor": "#e0e0e0", "darkmodeBackground": "#333"} </div>

🏞️ Lugu Lake

Lugu Lake is a picturesque destination that should be on everyone's travel list. This natural wonder is ideal for nature enthusiasts and provides stunning views of its pristine waters and surroundings. The road to reach here is tiring, but everything is worth it upon arrival. It is a place of peace and zen, perfect for sailing and enjoying lake tours.

img5

img6

img7

img8

img9

img10

img11

img12

img13

img14

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Lijiang Series Ep. 6: Lugu lake", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61t8MartOqs", "channel": { "name": "CGTN Nature"}, "published_date": "Sep 7, 2023", "length": "5:27" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Lugu Lake, Where Women Hold Sway (Yunnan: The China ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVZUSI_iNEo", "channel": { "name": "Destination China"}, "published_date": "Aug 15, 2019", "length": "7:09" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Lugu Lake, Yunnan The Most Beautiful Plateau Lake in China ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNJfE1L_s7M", "channel": { "name": "DuckTravel走鴨旅行"}, "published_date": "May 25, 2022", "length": "55:33" }</div>

Tips

To fully appreciate the beauty of the area, it's recommended to rent a car or hire a driver to explore the scenic routes along the way. Consider staying for a couple of nights to fully appreciate the area.

🌈 Blue Moon Valley

Blue Moon Valley is known for its stunning mountain views, four lakes, and a vivid blue river that provide an ideal location for photography enthusiasts. The scenery is truly breathtaking, especially when illuminated by sunlight, making it appear like a magical place with enchanting waters.

img5

img6

img7

img8

img9

img10

img11

img12

img13

img14

Tips

Visit on a sunny day to see the water's enchanting colors. Many couples visit the valley to take wedding photos, inspired by the legends about young lovers in the area. Use the green golf carts for easy exploration.

Travel Information
📍   Address: 46GV+8VM, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang, Yunnan, China, 674106

🌄 Day 3: Lashihai and Shuhe Ancient Town

Explore the natural and historical beauty of Lijiang by visiting Lashihai and Shuhe Ancient Town. These locations offer a mix of nature, history, and local culture.

<div class="-md-ext-markdown-card"> { "content": "Travel Time Tips\n\n\n> Lashihai\n>\n> \u2b07\ufe0f (10.3 km, \ud83d\ude98 20 min)\n>\n> Shuhe Ancient Town\n>\n", "color": "#232425", "background": "#FFF9F2", "darkmodeColor": "#e0e0e0", "darkmodeBackground": "#333"} </div>

🏞️ Lashihai

Lashihai, situated 10 km from Lijiang's old town, is a picturesque destination known for its horse tours and exploration of ancient Naxi towns like Baisha, Yuhu, and Shuhe. The area offers stunning views and a glimpse into the region's rich history.

img5

img6

img7

img8

img9

img10

img11

img12

img13

img14

Tips

When visiting Lashihai, consider negotiating prices for horse tours around the lake, providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and historical significance of the area.

🏯 Shuhe Ancient Town

Shuhe Ancient Town, located near Lijiang in Yunnan, China, is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends history and charm. Stepping into Shuhe feels like entering a living museum, with its well-preserved cobblestone streets, traditional Naxi architecture, and serene canals. The town exudes a timeless atmosphere, providing a glimpse into ancient China.

img5

img6

img7

img8

img9

img10

img11

img12

img13

img14

Tips

To fully appreciate the tranquility and old-world charm of Shuhe, consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds and immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +86 888 517 4636
🌐   Website: http://www.ljshuhe.com/
📍   Address: China, Yunnan, Lijiang, Gucheng District, 束河路 邮政编码 - 674101

🏨 Day 4: Hotel Indigo and Lion Rock

Enjoy a relaxing day with a stay at Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town and a visit to Lion Rock for stunning views of the city.

<div class="-md-ext-markdown-card"> { "content": "Travel Time Tips\n\n\n> Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town\n>\n> \u2b07\ufe0f (3.0 km, \ud83d\ude98 10 min)\n>\n> Lion Rock\n>\n", "color": "#232425", "background": "#FFF9F2", "darkmodeColor": "#e0e0e0", "darkmodeBackground": "#333"} </div>

🏨 Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town

The Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town is a beautiful hotel surrounded by gardens, offering comfortable rooms and a variety of amenities. The rooms are spacious, with unique traditional Chinese decor and lots of garden design/greens in the public areas. The hotel also provides masks and humidifiers in the room, which is very useful as it can get very dry in Lijiang during the winter. The staff are very attentive, helpful, and friendly, and the hotel is situated on the west entrance of the ancient city, providing a quiet area even at night.

img5

img6

img7

img8

img9

img10

img11

img12

img13

img14

Tips

Enjoy the quiet area and the hotel's proximity to the ancient city. The staff can help organize guided trips to nearby attractions. For breakfast, guests can choose between the restaurant at the Indigo (a la carte menu) or the breakfast buffet at the InterContinental, which offers a variety of options. The hotel is close to Lijiang Ancient Town, but it's very quiet at night, so guests don't have to worry about noise.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +86 888 559 9111
🌐   Website: https://www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/us/en/lijiang/ljgin/hoteldetail
📍   Address: Gucheng District, Lijiang, China, 674100

🏔️ Lion Rock

Lion Rock is a must-see destination offering stunning views of the city and surrounding areas. It comes highly recommended and is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking to explore its beauty.

img5

img6

img7

img8

img9

img10

img11

img12

img13

img14

Tips

Visit for panoramic views and a peaceful atmosphere.

🌄 Day 5: Qingxi Reservoir and World Heritage Park

Conclude your trip with a visit to Qingxi Reservoir and World Heritage Park, offering beautiful natural scenery and a relaxing environment.

<div class="-md-ext-markdown-card"> { "content": "Travel Time Tips\n\n\n> Qingxi Reservoir\n>\n> \u2b07\ufe0f (3.9 km, \ud83d\ude98 14 min)\n>\n> World Heritage Park\n>\n", "color": "#232425", "background": "#FFF9F2", "darkmodeColor": "#e0e0e0", "darkmodeBackground": "#333"} </div>

🏞️ Qingxi Reservoir

Qingxi Reservoir is a serene and picturesque destination, nestled amidst the natural beauty of Lijiang. The tranquil waters and surrounding greenery create a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely stroll or quiet contemplation.

img5

img6

img7

img8

img9

img10

img11

img12

img13

img14

Tips

To fully appreciate the tranquility of Qingxi Reservoir, it's recommended to visit early in the morning. This allows you to experience the stillness of the reservoir and its surroundings before the day's activities begin.

🌳 World Heritage Park

World Heritage Park in Lijiang is a harmonious blend of natural splendor and cultural significance. As you wander through the park, you'll encounter breathtaking landscapes and immersive displays that showcase the rich heritage of the region. The park's serene ambiance provides an ideal setting for relaxation and exploration.

img5

img6

img7

img8

img9

img10

img11

img12

img13

img14

Tips

Spend a few hours exploring World Heritage Park, allowing ample time to absorb the beauty of the surroundings and delve into the cultural narratives woven throughout the park. Don't rush – take moments to appreciate the tranquility and immerse yourself in the heritage on display.