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Best Time to Visit Lijiang: March to April & Late October to December
The best time to visit Lijiang is in March and April, as well as late October to December, for the following reasons:
March and April: Best Time to Visit Lijiang
- Spring arrives, filling Lijiang with a fragrant and romantic atmosphere as flowers bloom throughout the ancient city.
- The weather is pleasant, with temperatures gradually rising. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant spring atmosphere during the day and experience the unique nightlife without it being too cold at night.
- It's an ideal time to appreciate the beauty of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, as the snow at the peak has not yet melted, allowing the majestic snowy peaks to shine.
- Spring is ideal for hiking in Tiger Leaping Gorge. The dry season reduces the risk of falling rocks and slipping feet when hiking on the cliff, making hiking safer.
- Witness the Sanduo Festival (三多节) on February 8th of the Lunar Calendar, usually in March. This is the grandest festival of the Naxi people, honoring their protector deity Sanduo. Festivities include traditional music performances, singing, dancing, horse racing, and picnics.
- This period offers a brief period of tranquility after the Chinese New Year holiday and before the upcoming Labor Day holiday, making it an ideal time for off-peak travel and avoiding crowds.
- March and April are also great for visiting other parts of Yunnan, such as Kunming and Dali, allowing travelers to combine multiple destinations for a comprehensive Yunnan experience.
Late October to December: Second Best Time to Visit Lijiang
- Autumn brings cool and pleasant weather, making it an enjoyable time to visit. The golden autumn colors add a sense of mystery, especially when looking out over Lijiang Old Town from Black Dragon Pond Park.
- The peak travel period during the Chinese National Day holiday has passed, resulting in fewer tourists and a better travel experience.
- Autumn is ideal for hiking in Yubeng Village under Meili Snow Mountain. The forest in autumn is more colorful, the village in autumn is more lively.
- This period is also the best season to visit Shangri-La, with Songzanlin Monastery exuding solemnity and the enchanting autumn colors of Pudacuo National Park. Visiting Lijiang from October to December provides an opportunity to explore Shangri-La, appreciate snowy mountains, and enjoy hiking.
Best Time to Visit Lijiang Top Attractions (Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain)
| Tourist Attractions | Best Month | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Lijiang Old Town | March to October | Blooming flowers, cosy life, Lively nightlife |
| Jade Dragon Snow Mountain | November to March | White Snow-caped mountains |
| Tiger Leaping Gorge | March to May | Safety, Clear-crystal River Water, |
| First Bend of Yangtze River | March to May | Green River with Green farm land |
| Lugu Lake | May to October | Unique white flower in the lake |
| Black Dragon Pool Park | October to November | Golden fallen leaves reflecting the snow-capped mountains |
Best Time to Visit Lijiang for Various Festivals
| Name | Date (Lunar Calendar) | Location | Duration | Events |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangbang Festival (棒棒会) | Jan 15th (正月十五) | Lijiang Old Town, Shuhe Old Town | 3 days | Flowers and agricultural tools exhibition |
| Sanduo Festival (三多节) | Feb 8th (二月初八) | Jade Dragon Snow Mountain | 3 days | Naxi Dance Show, Torch Relay (嘎米) |
| Dongba Festival (东巴会) | Mar 5th (三月初五) | Yushui Village under Yulong Snow Mountain | 1 day | Worshipping Dongba ancestors, Dongba Dance Show |
| Torch Festival (火把节) | June 24th (六月二十四) | Whole Lijiang | 3 days | singing, dancing, and merriment around bonfires |
| July Festival (七月会) | Mid-July (七月中旬) | Lijiang Old Town | 10 days | livestock and herbs trade (Horse Trade Festival) |
Visit Lijiang in Four Seasons
Lijiang Spring (March to May): Flowers Blooming
Climate:
Spring in Lijiang has pleasant temperatures, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. The weather is usually sunny and the days are bright.
Scenery:
Spring is the season of flowers in Lijiang, especially from mid-April to early May when cherry blossoms and peach blossoms are in full bloom, creating picturesque landscapes. Additionally, various flowers such as camellias and rhododendrons bloom throughout the spring season.
Recommended activities:
- Enjoy flower viewing in Lijiang Old Town
- Go hiking in Tiger Leaping Gorge,
- Explore Shuhe Ancient Town by bike,
- Participate in ethnic minority festivals like the Sanduo Festival.
Lijiang Summer (June to August): Busy Summer Vacation
Climate:
Summer in Lijiang is relatively warm, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. June to July is the rainy season in Lijiang, so it's important to be aware of weather changes.
Scenery:
During summer, Lijiang is lush with greenery, and streams flow gently. It is a good time to admire the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, as the snow on the mountain melts, revealing its beautiful black peaks.
Recommended activities:
- Visit the Blue Moon Valley of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
- Experience the roaring Tiger Leaping Gorge during the peak water season
- Enjoy the Naxi ethnic bonfire party in Lijiang Old Town
- Participate in the Mosuo ethnic group's "walking marriage" customs at Lugu Lake.
Lijiang Autumn (September to November): Golden and Red
Climate:
Autumn in Lijiang has pleasant temperatures, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. The weather is mostly sunny, with cool and refreshing days.
Scenery:
Lijiang in autumn is adorned with vibrant colors as leaves turn golden and red. September to October is the harvest season in Lijiang, offering a chance to taste a variety of fresh fruits and crops.
Recommended activities:
- Visit Heilongtan Park to appreciate the autumn foliage and enjoy views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
- Go hiking in Tiger Leaping Gorge
- Participate in ethnic minority celebrations of the harvest season.
Lijiang Winter (December to February): not that bad
Climate:
Winter in Lijiang is cold, with average temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C. The weather is mostly clear, with occasional snowfall, so it's important to dress warmly.
Scenery:
During winter, Lijiang transforms into a snowy kingdom, especially in places like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the snow-covered landscapes are magnificent. The snow scenes in Shuhe Ancient Town and other areas are also unique and charming.
Recommended activities:
- Visit attractions like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge to enjoy the snowy landscapes.
- Experience the local Naxi hotpot cuisine
- Participate in Naxi ethnic minority celebrations of the Bangbang Festival.
Lijiang Weather and Temperature by Month
| Month | Average Temperature | Temperature Range | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7°C (45°F) | 2°C - 12°C (36°F - 54°F) | Cold, occasional snowfall |
| February | 9°C (48°F) | 4°C - 14°C (39°F - 57°F) | Cold in night, warm in day |
| March | 12°C (54°F) | 7°C - 17°C (45°F - 63°F) | Turn warm, cold in night |
| April | 15°C (59°F) | 10°C - 20°C (50°F - 68°F) | Mild, spring, warm in night |
| May | 18°C (64°F) | 13°C - 23°C (55°F - 73°F) | Mild, occasional showers |
| June | 19°C (66°F) | 15°C - 24°C (59°F - 75°F) | Warm, occasional |
| July | 19°C (66°F) | 15°C - 24°C (59°F - 75°F) | Warm, occasional |
| August | 18°C (64°F) | 14°C - 23°C (57°F - 73°F) | Warm, occasional |
| September | 16°C (61°F) | 13°C - 21°C (55°F - 70°F) | Mild, less rainfall |
| October | 14°C (57°F) | 10°C - 18°C (50°F - 64°F) | Cool, autumn foliage |
| November | 10°C (50°F) | 5°C - 15°C (41°F - 59°F) | Cool, turn cold in night |
| December | 7°C (45°F) | 2°C - 12°C (36°F - 54°F) | Cold, occasional snowfall |
Peak Season in Lijiang: May to Early October
The peak season in Lijiang spans from May to early October, with mild and pleasant weather ideal for outdoor activities and summer vacation. Average highs range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), and sun protection is recommended. It's advisable to book accommodations and tickets in advance due to the increased demand, but prices may be higher.
The Torch Festival, on June 24th of the Lunar Calendar, usually in July or August, and the July Festival, on Mid-July of the Lunar Calendar, usually in August, celebrated by the Naxi People in Lijiang, are notable festivals during the peak season. However, expect larger crowds in popular areas like the Old Town of Lijiang and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, leading to longer queues and busier streets.
Overall, the peak season offers favorable weather and vibrant festivities, but it's important to plan ahead and be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices.
Worst Time to Visit Lijiang: During Chinese’s Public Holidays
The worst time to visit Lijiang is during China's public holidays, including the Dragon Boat Festival, Qingming Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and other 3-day mini holidays. Particularly, the 7-day Spring Festival and National Day holidays, as well as the 5-day Labor Day holiday, should be avoided.
During these peak holiday periods, Lijiang experiences overcrowding, leading to crowded streets, traffic jams, and long queues at popular attractions. Hotel prices increase, flight tickets become expensive, and securing high-speed train tickets can be challenging. These factors can detract from the overall travel experience. To ensure a more enjoyable trip, it is recommended to plan their visit to Lijiang one week before or after these peak holiday periods.
Chinese Public Holiday Dates in 2024 & 2025
| Holidays | Duration | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 3 days | Dec.30 (2023) - Jan.1,2024 | Jan 1 - Jan 3 |
| Spring Festival | 7-8 days | Feb 10 - Feb 17 | Jan 28 - Feb 4 |
| Qingming Festival | 3 days | Apr 4 - Apr 6 | Apr 4 - Apr 6 |
| Dragon Boat Festival | 3 days | Jun 8 - Jun 10 | May 31 - Jun 2 |
| Labor Day | 5 days | May 1 - May 5 | May 1 - May 5 |
| Mid-Autumn Festival | 3 days | Sep 15 - Sep 17 | Oct 1 - Oct 8 |
| National Day | 7 -8 days | Oct 1 - Oct 7 | Oct 1 - Oct 8 |
How to Plan a Trip to Lijiang
When planning a tour to Lijiang, it is often included as one of the stops of the Yunnan itinerary, with visitors typically allocating 2-3 days for their time in Lijiang. Many people choose to enter Lijiang from Dali, which is a 2-3 hour drive away. After arrival, the afternoon and evening can be spent exploring the Dali Ancient City, as well as nearby attractions like Black Dragon Pool Park and Mu Palace.
The second day is usually dedicated to visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the villages at the foot of the mountain, such as Yuhu Village, Baisha Village, and Shuhe Ancient Town. This allows for a focused exploration of the Dongba culture. Afterward, travelers have the option to continue north towards Shangri-La, making a stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge along the way, or head to Lugu Lake to experience the unique "walking marriage" culture of the Mosuo ethnic group. Both options would require an additional 2-3 days.
This itinerary allows visitors to make the most of their time in Lijiang while also exploring nearby destinations with rich cultural and natural attractions.
Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) to Explore Lijiang, Yunnan
Travel to Lijiang with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) and indulge yourself in the enchanting beauty and vibrant culture of Yunnan. With over a decade of experience in the region, AOT is a trusted travel partner that provides a variety of customizable Lijiang tour packages, catering to the preferences of every traveler. Whether you're looking for a old town explore, a snow mountain adventure, a romantic escape, or a cultural exploration of Lijiang and its Naxi minority heritage, AOT has the expertise to curate the perfect itinerary for your needs. Immerse yourself in the wonders of Lijiang with AOT and create unforgettable memories in this captivating destination.
Popular Attractions: Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tour Packages: Lijiang Tours, Lijiang Shangri-La Tours, Kunming Lijiang Tours
Embark on an extraordinary adventure with Asia Odyssey Travel and explore the beauty, culture, and warm hospitality of Lijiang. Contact us today to start planning your dream vacation.
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