3 Days Lijiang Tour: Old Towns, Naxi Culture & Local Food Experience

Nǐ hǎo! Welcome to Lijiang, the most popular destination in the Yunnan province! Upon your arrival at Lijiang's airport or train station, our local tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit, greet you, and escort you to the Lijiang Old Town area. They will assist you in checking in at your hotel.

Lijiang Arrival Ideas (by Flight or High Speed Train):

(1) Lijiang Sanyi Airport offers direct flights to major cities in China, including Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Changsha, Wuhan, and more. Additionally, high-speed trains are available to Lijiang Station from cities such as Kunming (3.5-4 hours), Dali (2-2.5 hours), Shangri-La (1-1.5 hours), and others. (2) Transfer to Lijiang Old Town: Lijiang Airport is approximately 28 km away from the old town, which is about a 45-minute drive. Lijiang Train Station is approximately 10 km away from the old town, and it takes about 26 minutes by car.

Lijiang (丽江), nestled under the breathtaking Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, forms a beautiful and peaceful link between Shangri-La to the north and Dali to the south. A UNESCO World Heritage site named "Old Town of Lijiang", it's not only a living ancient town complex, encompassing Dayan, Shuhe, and Baisha, but also the heartland of the Naxi ethnic group, with about 74% of the population being Naxi. A visit to Lijiang allows you to enjoy endless snow-capped mountain views, appreciate the charming old town, experience the rich Naxi culture, and unwind in its peaceful atmosphere.

This afternoon, you will have some time to explore Lijiang Old Town (丽江古城), also known as Dayan Old Town. With over 800 years of history, Lijiang Old Town was once a bustling hub for trade along the famous "Old Tea Horse Caravan Trail". The town resembles a labyrinth, characterized by its numerous cobbled streets, traditional wooden houses with upturned eaves, ancient bridges, and an intricate network of waterways. You'll visit the Mu Palace (木府), a sprawling complex located in the heart of Lijiang Old Town, often referred to as the “Forbidden City of the South”. It offers a captivating glimpse into the grandeur of Naxi royalty, showcasing rich Naxi culture and the fascinating history of the Mu family. You'll also discover why Lijiang Old Town, unlike the top three most famous ancient Chinese cities, has no city wall. Afterwards, walk to a higher vantage point to capture a breathtaking panoramic view of the sprawling old town, with snow-capped mountains forming a majestic backdrop in the distance. Take a short walk to Sifang Street (四方街), the most famous square. Here, you can explore Naxi handicrafts, souvenirs, and local specialties, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of bustling bars with lively music spilling out onto the streets.

Afterward, let's head to Black Dragon Pond Park (黑龙潭公园), located at the northern edge of Lijiang Old Town. This picturesque location offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, highlighted by the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. On clear days, the reflection of the snow-capped peak on the tranquil water of the Black Dragon Pool creates a breathtaking scene.

Further Exploration in the Evening (Optional, explore on your own):

Lijiang Old Town takes on a different ambiance in the evening, showcasing its unique charm. (1) Here are some recommended alleys for taking awesome photos: Xianwen Alley (现文巷, also known as Oil-paper Umbrella Street), Zhenxing Alley (振兴巷, Lantern Street), Nanmen Bridge (南门桥,Wind Chime Street), and Sakura Restaurant (樱花餐厅), among others. (2) For those seeking nightlife, bars, and local cuisine, the following alleys are recommended: Sifang Street (where you can witness a bonfire dance performed by the Naxi people around 19:00), Wuyi Street (五一街), Xinhua Street (新华街), Zhongyi Market (忠义市场), etc.

After breakfast, our local guide will escort you to the bustling Zhongyi Market (忠义市场), located near the south gate of Dayan Old Town. This market offers a glimpse into local life and culture. You'll see many Naxi locals dressed in their traditional attire selling fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, tea, and a variety of mushrooms. If you like, try some local specialties like grilled rushan (烤乳扇), a skewered milk skin dish, and local milk (阿么奶). It's a great place to experience the energy of daily life in Lijiang and begin your day.

After that, drive about 20km to Yuhu Village (玉湖村), a traditional Naxi village nestled on the slopes of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The village is framed by the imposing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on one side and the tranquil Jade Lake on the other. The snow-capped peaks provide a dramatic backdrop. Be impressed by the stone houses, with their blue-grey stone walls and wooden doors and windows. Visit the Former Residence of Joseph Rock (洛克故居). Joseph Rock was an Austrian-American explorer, botanist, and anthropologist who lived in Yuhu Village for nearly three decades, from the 1920s to the 1940s. Explore his residence and view the exhibits, photographs, and artifacts related to Rock's research on the local flora, Naxi culture, and the natural environment. Here, you can also have close contact with Naxi locals and experience their traditional way of life. (Optional Activity: If you're interested in horseback riding, you can rent a horse for a leisurely ride around Yuhu Village.)

Leaving the Yuhu Village, you'll continue your journey to Baisha Village (白沙村), the birthplace of the Mu chieftaincy and the ancient capital of the Naxi ethnic group. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Old Town of Lijiang", Baisha Village is oone of the best places for an immersive experience in Naxi traditions and culture. Here, you can visit the Baisha Murals, showcasing a unique fusion of Buddhist, Taoist, and local Naxi religious elements, reflecting the diverse spiritual beliefs of the region. These murals are found within several temples, including the Dabaoji Palace, the Liuli Temple, and the Wenchang Palace.

Explore Naxi Culture in Baisha Village: Choose Your Activities

1. Visit a local Naxi family and learn to make Naxi pancakes(Highly recommended and our top pick)
2. Appreciate and learn Naxi embroidery from a local artisan
3. Witness the traditional Dongba papermaking process
4. Learn to write Dongba script

Afterward, on the way back to Lijiang, you can make a stop at Shuhe Ancient Town (束河古镇). It is an important stop along the legendary Tea Horse Ancient Road. Unlike the bustling Lijiang Old Town, Shuhe offers a tranquil escape, with charming shops selling locally-made crafts lining the narrow cobbled streets. The gentle murmur of water flowing through canals and the aroma of Naxi cuisine wafting from cozy teahouses create a peaceful atmosphere where time seems to slow down. (Note: You can try local snacks like Chicken Bean Cold Noodles, Grilled Milk Fan, Fresh Flower Cake, Yunnan Ham Mooncake, and Jar-Roasted Rose Milk.)

After the tour, head back to Lijiang.

After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to Lijiang. Our local guide and driver will escort you to the airport or train station in Lijiang for your departure.

Extension Ideas: If you wish to extend your trip and explore other highlighted parts of Yunnan, such as Kunming, Dali, Shangri-La, Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Xishuangbanna, and more, we can help you with the arrangements.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Yunnan tour, we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!