Filter Tours
Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: CNY
- Languages: Mandarin Chinese, Naxi language, English (in tourist areas)
- Climate: Subtropical Highland
- Timezone: Asia/Shanghai
- Population: Approximately 1.2 million
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is spring through autumn for comfortable weather.
- Visa Requirements Visitors to Lijiang generally require a Chinese visa obtained prior to arrival, except for citizens of countries with visa-free agreements or those eligible for visa on arrival or e-visa under specific conditions. US, EU, and UK citizens must apply for a visa before traveling to China. Visa-free transit is available for some nationalities for short stays, but it is essential to check current regulations before travel.
About Lijiang
Lijiang is a captivating city in Yunnan Province, China, renowned for its ancient town and rich cultural heritage. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, traditional architecture, and ethnic diversity, particularly of the Naxi people. The Old Town of Lijiang is famous for its cobblestone streets, wooden buildings, and intricate waterways, preserving a centuries-old atmosphere that enchants visitors. Surrounded by stunning landscapes including Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang is a gateway for adventure and exploration. Tourists are drawn to its vibrant local culture, traditional music, and festivals that showcase the customs of the Naxi ethnic group. The city’s blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty makes it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic experience in southwestern China.
Top Attractions
1. Lijiang Old Town – A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient architecture, winding streets, and charming canals. 2. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – A majestic mountain offering hiking, cable car rides, and breathtaking views. 3. Black Dragon Pool – A scenic park with a clear pond reflecting the mountains and traditional pavilions. 4. Mu’s Residence – Historic mansion of the local ruling family, showcasing traditional Naxi architecture and artifacts. 5. Shuhe Ancient Town – A quieter, less crowded ancient town with well-preserved streets and local culture.
Popular Activities
Visitors can explore hiking and trekking around Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, horseback riding, and river rafting. Cultural experiences include attending Naxi music performances, visiting local markets, and participating in traditional festivals. Photography, exploring tea houses, and sampling local crafts are popular recreational options. Lijiang also offers opportunities for mountain biking and guided tours of ethnic villages.
Lijiang Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Southwest China
- Duration Range: Visitors can explore hiking and trekking around Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, horseback riding, and river rafting. Cultural experiences include attending Naxi music performances, visiting local markets, and participating in traditional festivals. Photography, exploring tea houses, and sampling local crafts are popular recreational options. Lijiang also offers opportunities for mountain biking and guided tours of ethnic villages.
- Group Size: Flexible group sizes
- Difficulty Level: Mixed Difficulty
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is spring through autumn for comfortable weather. Pack layers for cool evenings and sturdy shoes for walking on cobblestones. Respect local customs, especially in ethnic villages. Stay hydrated and be cautious of altitude when visiting mountainous areas. Carry cash for small purchases and use mobile payment apps where accepted. Safety is generally good, but keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas.
Average Tour Price: $75
Lowest Price Tour: $50
Highest Price Tour: $180
87 Available Tour Excursions in Lijiang
Start the day by exploring Lijiang’s oldest market to shop for your cooking class, with hands-on instruction led by a local Naxi minority family. Each person will prepare and eat three dishes.
Price: $59.00
Duration: 3 hours
The key highlight of this itinerary is to climb Haba Snow Mountain. Standing at 5396m, Haba is just above the snow-line and is covered with snow all the year round. This trip allows you to experience the typical process of climbing a snow mountain. It is not a hard climbing route. The most difficult is to overcome the high altitude sickness. If you often go to high altitude areas and if you want to have a try to reach the summit of a mountain at 5396m, please don’t hesitate to join our snow mountain climbing tour. Before reaching Haba Snow Mountain, have a stop to visit Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Price: $999.00
Duration: 96 hours
Spend 8 days traveling throughout Yunnan’s Tibetan region wine tasting, feasting on incredible Tibetan and local minority cuisine, and getting up close and personal with some of the highest peaks in China. Highlights Include: - The local cuisine throughout Yunnan is just as varied and special as the minorities that make it. Try a huge variety of homemade dishes in small villages and homes, like this cured pork and bean stew. - Visit villages far off the tourist track filled with local minority groups that live like they have for generations. - Explore stunning local wineries to taste a variety of locally produced red and white wines and learn about the history behind the winemakers. - Discover Yubeng Village, known locally as "heaven on earth," which sits below Yunnan's highest peak and is only accessible via a bumpy jeep ride over high mountain passes. - Climb up to see the largest Tibetan Monastery in Yunnan at the top of a pedestrian-only village outside of Shangrila.
Price: $2,200.00
Duration: 192 hours
On this day trip, you will see all the beautiful scenery in Lijiang, it is a leisure day tour. You will visit Black Dragon Pool, Dongba Culture Museum, then followed with Lijiang Old Town, continue to visit Mu Palace and Lion Hill which are also located in Lijiang Old Town. It is a good chance to learn Naxi script and culture.
Price: $209.00
Duration: 9 hours
This Lijiang ecotour offers a truly unique and authentic experience, taking you far beyond the typical tourist crowds to uncover hidden treasures. You'll discover secluded spiritual sanctuaries, pristine natural wonders, and untouched beauty on a special conservation patrol hike. Intimate cultural immersion is at the heart of this journey, with a home-cooked lunch in a local village and an exploration of rich heritage, all far from the hustle and bustle of mass tourism, providing solitude with nature and authentic cultural experiences.
Price: $242.00
Duration: 10 hours
Discover the natural beauty of the Tiger Leaping Gorge, Haba Snow Mountain, and Baishui Terrace on a full-day scenic drive from Lijiang to Shangri-La. Start your tour with pickup from your hotel in Lijiang and head to the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Continue onto Haba Village, home to the Naxi people. Pass the Haba Snow Mountain, the main peak of which is 5,396 meters above sea level. See the Baishui Terrace, a natural limestone terrace that resembles a frozen waterfall. Enter the Pudacuo National Park and see the Napahai grassland Go deep into the secret place of Shangri-La, Niru Village. Finally, reach the Dukezong Ancient Town in Shangri-La. Choose to return to Lijiang via highway or stay over at Shangri-La City
Price: $111.74
Duration: 10 hours
The Yubeng village is surrounded by towering mountains, forests, and meadows, creating a breathtakingly beautiful landscape. The village itself is nestled in a valley surrounded by towering peaks, with the Ailao River flowing through it.
Price: $682.00
Duration: 96 hours
Explore Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baisha village, on this 8-hour private tour from Lijiang. Travel by air-conditioned vehicle with a personal English-speaking tour guide to the UNESCO World Heritage listed old town. Learn its rich Naxi ethnic minority culture and wonderful Lijiang attraction highlights.
Price: $392.67
Duration: 8-9 hours
Visit highlights of Lijiang including Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Spruce Meadow cable car, White Water River, Impression of Lijiang Show, Lijiang old town, Black Dragon Pool park, Baisha village, Shuhe old town and Tiger leaping Gorge with this 3 days Private tour from Lijiang. You will be picked up and dropped off Lijiang/Shuhe hotel/airport/train station.
Price: $584.33
Duration: 72 hours
In the morning we will drive 45km about 1 hour to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (5598m), take a cable car up to Yunshanping (spruce Meadow) or Maoniuping (Yak Meadow) for the spectacular views of the Snow Mountains with the grasslands in the foreground, and visit White Water River. After lunch we pay a visit to Baisha Naxi Village, where houses built of adobe and wooden struts and beams are usually decorated with fish designs, visit the Baisha Frescoes; more tours including Black Dragon Pool.
Price: $224.17
Duration: 8 hours
This isn't just another walking tour; it's a carefully crafted journey into the heart and soul of Lijiang. What sets this experience apart is its authentic and immersive approach to exploring Naxi culture. You won't just see the sights; you'll feel the history, connect with the local traditions, and gain a deeper understanding of this unique UNESCO World Heritage site. Our experienced, local guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge and providing insider perspectives you won't find in a guidebook. We focus on a small-group experience, allowing for a more personal and interactive tour, ensuring you have ample opportunity to ask questions and engage with the surroundings. Beyond the well-trodden paths, we'll take you to hidden gems and local favorites, offering a glimpse into the authentic daily life of Lijiang.
Price: $68.00
Duration: 4 hours
This this private day trip takes you will learn the life of Naxi in Baisha Village and its unique culture. You will also enjoy the famous show "Lijiang Impressions" which makes your eyes and heart touched. In addition, you will take a breath of the fresh air while walking in the virgin forest of Jade Snow Mountain.
Price: $315.00
Duration: 7 hours
Visit highlights of Lijiang with this private tour: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Spruce Meadow cable car, White Water River and Impression of Lijiang Show You will be picked up and dropped off Lijiang/Shuhe
Price: $297.48
Duration: 8 hours
What truly sets this journey apart is the unparalleled blend of rare wildlife encounters, authentic cultural immersion, and hands-on conservation engagement. Imagine witnessing the endangered Yunnan snub-nosed monkey in their pristine mountain home, then stepping into vibrant local markets and ancient villages to connect with Tibetan, Lisu, and Naxi cultures. Beyond typical sightseeing, you'll become a citizen scientist, contributing to biodiversity monitoring and gaining exclusive insights into vital conservation efforts. This is more than a tour; it's a deeply enriching and responsible adventure that creates lasting memories while directly supporting the preservation of Shangri-La's unique natural and cultural heritage.
Price: $513.00
Duration: 48 hours
This tour covers some distinctive scenic spots between Lijiang and Shangri-La. During this journey you can see one of the deepest gorges in the world - the Tiger leaping Gorge with a 3900-meter-high cliff from the river to the top of the mountain.
Price: $265.00
Duration: 8 hours
Take in the breathtaking vistas of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from various scenic viewpoints while immersing yourself in the rich Naxi culture, an essential part of life in Lijiang. This is an experience you won’t want to miss! Spend a day delving into the fascinating world of Dongba culture and the daily life of a traditional Naxi family. Learn the art of writing ancient Dongba hieroglyphs from an authentic Dongba disciple, discover the significance of traditional Naxi dances, and even try your hand at making delicious local dumplings. At the end of your cultural journey, enjoy the fruits of your labor by sharing a home-cooked Naxi dinner with the family. A perfect day of culture, tradition, and unforgettable memories!
Price: $240.00
Duration: 24 hours
Spend full-day maximize your time in Lijiang for a private and customizable sightseeing tour instead. This personalized tour is tailored to your needs and allows you to tick off Lijiang city attractions, such as Mu Palace, Lion Hill, Lijiang Old Town, the Dongba Culture Museum, and the Black Dragon Pool. Enjoy amazing landscape from the Wangu Tower. If you have other sites in mind to go, just feel free to discuss with your tour guide. This private tour includes English speaking tour guide, private vehicle, local lunch and entrance fee.
Price: $208.00
Duration: 6-8 hours
Discover Jade Dragon Snow Mountain-Yunnan’s most wild and beautiful mountain scenery on this full-day, private tour from Lijiang. After morning pickup from your hotel, use the convenient shuttle bus and cable car to reach the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain for stunning views of its glacier and peaks. See highlights like the Glacier Park, Ganhaizi, Baishui River and Blue Moon Valley. Tour offer the option to take the cable car to explore Spruce Plateau or Yak Meadow. This private tour including English speaking tour guide, travel by private air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fee, round trip cable car, lunch and door-to-door hotel transfers.
Price: $258.00
Duration: 8-9 hours
1. Choose Your Tour
Browse our curated selection of tours and select your perfect adventure.
2. Check Details
Review tour inclusions, duration, and meeting points carefully.
3. Book Online
Complete your booking securely with instant confirmation.
4. Enjoy Your Experience
Join the tour and create unforgettable memories in Lijiang.
Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Lijiang’s cuisine reflects Naxi and Yunnan flavors, featuring fresh herbs, mushrooms, and local spices. Signature dishes include Naxi baba (a type of flatbread), wild mushroom hotpot, and yak meat specialties. Dining customs emphasize communal eating and sharing dishes. Noteworthy restaurants include N’s Kitchen for international and local fusion and The Jade Fountain for authentic Naxi cuisine.
Getting Around
Lijiang is accessible by air via Lijiang Sanyi Airport with connections to major Chinese cities. Trains and buses link Lijiang to other parts of Yunnan. Local transportation includes taxis, electric carts in the Old Town, and bike rentals. Walking is common in the historic areas. Transportation costs are generally affordable, with taxis charging moderate fares.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is spring through autumn for comfortable weather. Pack layers for cool evenings and sturdy shoes for walking on cobblestones. Respect local customs, especially in ethnic villages. Stay hydrated and be cautious of altitude when visiting mountainous areas. Carry cash for small purchases and use mobile payment apps where accepted. Safety is generally good, but keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas.
Culture & Customs
Lijiang’s culture is deeply influenced by the Naxi ethnic group, known for their Dongba script and traditional music. Social customs include polite greetings and respect for elders. Major festivals include the Torch Festival and Naxi New Year. Visitors should dress modestly when visiting temples and avoid loud behavior. Photography of locals should be done with permission.
