Travel in Lijiang

The Old Town of Lijiang

The Old Town of Lijiang has no city walls. Local people like to stroll leisurely along the blue cobblestone paths and enjoy the sunshine and beautiful scenery. There are 354 bridges crossing the rivers and creeks in the Old Town of Lijiang.

The Mansion of the Mu Family was first built in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). It was transformed into the Lijiang Old Town Museum thanks to renovations in 1998.

The Phoenix House was first built in 1601 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Its name comes from its appearance, which resembles five phoenixes.

Tips:

1. Reserve hotels in advance if you go during hot seasons, such as the Spring Festival holiday, Labor Day holiday and National Day holiday. 2. It is rainy in mid-August. Visitors are advised to bring waterproof jackets and coats. 3. Bring thick jackets since the temperature difference is sharp between day and night. Take care of seniors and children in case they catch a cold.

Yulong Snow Mountains

The Yulong Snow Mountains are rich in wildlife. They are home to golden monkeys, clouded leopards and golden cats. The Yulong Snow Mountains are also famous as the home of ornamental plants in Yunnan province.

Lijiang people worship the Yulong Snow Mountains. The Naxi patron saint Sanduo is believed to be the embodiment of the Yulong Snow Mountains. The Sanduo Festival is celebrated every Feb 8 in the lunar calendar.

Ticket information: 80 yuan ($12.86) and another 80 yuan for the old town maintenance toll Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Cableway: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm

Tips:

The altitude of the Yulong Snow Mountains is comparatively high. Rent a jacket if there is strong wind. Avoid visiting in October because the mountains are covered in fog. The scenery in winter is the most spectacular because there is a large amount of snow covering the mountain.

The Old Town of Shuhe

The Old Town of Shuhe is very similar to the Old Town of Lijiang, but smaller, more tranquil and sunnier. It is the birthplace of the chieftain of the Mu Family. Tourists here can experience more primitive Naxi customs. The Old Town of Shuhe used to be famous for leather processing and bamboo weaving.

Must-Sees in Shuhe

Admiring the moon in Sanshenggong Temple

Sanshenggong Temple stands near Longtan Pond. When the full moon hangs in the sky, it will attract a lot of people who come here to admire it.

Yulong Snow Mountain scenery reflections in water

There are tall trees and clear ponds at the foot of Longquan Mountain. The water in the ponds reflects the scenery of the Yulong Snow Mountains.

Red leaves on Xishan Mountain

A large number of varnish trees stand on Xishan Mountain. The leaves gradually turn red and look quite amazing in autumn.

Edited by Li Yang and Michael Thai