9 Tour Routes and Travel Tips for Lijiang Laojun Mountain National Park

Lijiang Laojun Mountain National Park (丽江老君山国家公园) is located in the western part of Yulong County (玉龙县), Lijiang City (丽江市), between the Jinsha River (金沙江) and Lancang River (澜沧江). It stretches west to the border between Lijiang and Lanping (兰坪), north to Liming Township (黎明乡) and includes Meile (美乐), south to the foot of Laojun Mountain at the border between Lijiang and Jianchuan (剑川), and east to the vertical line of the Taohua (桃花) area. It also includes the northern Ludian Xinzhu area (鲁甸新主片区) and the Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡) at the border between Yulong County and Shangri-La County (香格里拉县). The park covers an area of 1,085 square kilometers, with altitudes ranging from 1,800 to 4,247 meters. It holds the titles of “World Natural Heritage,” “National Key Scenic Spot,” and “National Geopark,” making it one of the eight major zones of the “Three Parallel Rivers” World Natural Heritage site. Its rich geological, biological, and landscape diversity make it an important area for showcasing the natural ecological value of the “Three Parallel Rivers.”

Mountain Biking and Hiking: 9 Pure – Play Routes through Lijiang Laojun Mountain

Laojun Mountain (老君山)

Laojun Mountain has developed a tourism loop that connects unique resources such as the 99 Dragon Pools (九十九龙潭), the Danxia landform in Liming (黎明丹霞地貌), the Xinzhhu Natural Botanical Garden (新主天然植物园), and the Lizu Golden Monkey Habitat Area (利苴滇金丝猴栖息区). It has become an important display area for the World Natural Heritage “Three Parallel Rivers.” The five major zones include:
  • Liming Zone (黎明片区): “China’s No.1, world – class Danxia landform.”
  • 99 Dragon Pools Zone (老君山99龙潭片区): “Fairy mountains and jade pools, kingdom of rhododendrons.”
  • Jinsichang Zone (金丝厂片区): “Alpine glacial lakes, alpine forest pastures.”
  • Lizu Golden Monkey Protection Zone (利苴滇金丝猴保护区): “Habitat of the Yunnan Golden Monkey.”
  • Xinzhu Natural Botanical Garden Zone (新主天然植物园片区): “Plant gene bank of the Hengduan Mountains.”

Laojun Mountain Attractions (老君山景点)

The park integrates unique rocks, forests, snow and ice, peaks and gullies, lakes and streams, combining the features of being spectacular, dangerous, beautiful, and serene. Activities such as mountain climbing, rafting, fishing, exploring the virgin forest, scientific research, tracing the source, and picking wild vegetables and fruits are available. It is an ideal place for scientific exploration, leisure vacations, and sightseeing. The unique geological landforms, beautiful ecological environment, fresh air, ingenious design, and pleasant climate make it a place where the breathtaking beauty will surely leave you lingering.
The wonders and beauty of Laojun Mountain are endless. Words alone cannot do it justice; you have to see it for yourself. Here are some collected routes for you to explore. Get ready for an amazing journey!

Tour 1: Outdoor Hiking and Trekking Routes

Recommended Itinerary A: 8 – Day Overall Crossing of Laojun Mountain

  • Physical Strength Index: ☆☆☆
  • Scenic Index: ☆☆☆☆☆
  • Suitable Season: All year round
  • Route Features: A complete crossing of the Lijiang Laojun Mountain National Park, also a mystery – exploring trip through the core area of the Three Parallel Rivers. The journey features beautiful scenery and exceptionally rich geological, geomorphological, and flora and fauna resources, making it a rare pristine outdoor resource in China. Suitable for outdoor enthusiasts to explore, enjoy flowers and photography, and conduct scientific research.
Day 1: Lijiang – 99 Dragon Pools (by vehicle) – Elong Lake
  • In the morning, take a chartered vehicle to Qunlong Mountain Villa (elevation 3,800 meters, 3 – hour drive, 109 kilometers). After a 30 – minute hike, arrive at the 99 Dragon Pools area of Laojun Mountain National Park (elevation between 3,900 – 4,100 meters). Admire the plateau glacial lake groups (Sister Lakes, Virgin Lake, Sancai Lake) and various alpine plants. Have a picnic and rest at the foot of Taishang Peak (elevation 4,247 meters). Then hike for 4 hours (6 kilometers) to Elong Lake (3,900 meters), with opportunities for photography along the way.
Day 2: Elong Lake – Xiaoqiao Head – Lizu Village
  • Pack up and hike for 4 hours to Azuoluo, enjoying various rare flora and fauna and having a picnic along the way. In the afternoon, hike for 3 hours to Xiaoqiao Head (2,380 meters), then take a 30 – minute vehicle ride (5 kilometers) to Lizu Village.
Day 3: Lizu Village – Sancha River – Fengwu Mountain Villa
  • After breakfast, set off and trek through the virgin forest, enjoying various rare flora and fauna and getting a distant view of the main peak of Laojun Mountain – Taishang Peak (elevation 4,247 meters). The entire hike is about 15 kilometers and takes approximately 6 hours, with opportunities for photography along the way.
Day 4: Fengwu Mountain Villa – Jinsichang Sister Lakes – Qixian Lake
  • After breakfast, hike to explore the Jinsichang Sister Lakes and Shiren Lake, and get a distant view of the main peak of Jinsichang – Jinxiu Peak (elevation 4,527 meters). It takes about 5 hours to reach the Qixian Lake scenic area in Jinsichang, with lunch en route and opportunities for photography along the way.
Day 5: Qixian Lake – Golden Monkey Watchtower – Golden Monkey Observation Station
  • Depart from Qixian Lake, pass through the Jinsichang Rhododendron Garden and Golden Monkey Watchtower to reach the Golden Monkey Observation Station. Have lunch en route. The entire hike is about 14 kilometers and takes around 6 hours, with opportunities for photography along the way.
Day 6: Golden Monkey Observation Station – Dayang Field – Daibaiqi
  • Depart from the Golden Monkey Observation Station and enjoy the natural scenery and alpine meadows along the way. Have a picnic and rest at Dayang Field, and fully experience the rich ethnic风情. In the afternoon, it takes about 3 hours to reach Daibaiqi.
Day 7: Daibaiqi – Liming
  • Depart from Daibaiqi early in the morning, hike for about 4 hours along the forest – area road for 16 kilometers to reach the Liming Red Stone Street. Have lunch at the Red Stone Street, and in the afternoon, you can freely explore the area (it is recommended to climb the Qian Gui Mountain, a 4 – KM round – trip plank road).
Day 8: Red Stone Street – Sechongluo Christian Church – Lusheng Village – Liming Red Stone Street – Return to Lijiang
  • After breakfast, visit the villages enveloped by the Danxia landform – Sechongluo, Laomo Village, or Lusheng Village. These places are like a paradise on earth and a paradise for photographers. Hike for 5 hours, return to the Red Stone Street for lunch, and then take a vehicle back to Lijiang to conclude the journey.

Tour 2: Rhododendron 99 Dragon Pools

Recommended Itinerary B: 3 – Day Southern Zone Trip

  • Physical Strength Index: ☆☆☆☆
  • Scenic Index: ☆☆☆☆☆
  • Suitable Season: All year round
  • Route Features: A 32 – KM hike through the 99 Dragon Pools, alpine meadows, and Wulong Gully Canyon. The scenery is exceptionally beautiful, with rich geological, geomorphological, and flora and fauna resources. This is a crossing trip through the southern zone (99 Dragon Pools) of Lijiang Laojun Mountain National Park.
Day 1: Lijiang – 99 Dragon Pools (by chartered vehicle) – Elong Lake
  • In the morning, take a chartered vehicle to Qunlong Mountain Villa (elevation 3,800 meters, 3 – hour drive, 109 kilometers). After a 30 – minute hike, arrive at the 99 Dragon Pools area of Laojun Mountain National Park (elevation between 3,900 – 4,100 meters). Admire the plateau glacial lake groups (Sister Lakes, Virgin Lake, Sancai Lake) and various alpine plants. Have a picnic and rest at the foot of Taishang Peak (elevation 4,247 meters). Then hike for 4 hours (6 kilometers) to Elong Lake for camping (3,900 meters), with opportunities for photography along the way.
Day 2: Elong Lake – Xiaoqiao Head – Lizu Village
  • Pack up and hike for 4 hours to Azuoluo, enjoying various rare flora and fauna and having a picnic along the way. In the afternoon, hike for 3 hours to Xiaoqiao Head (2,380 meters), then take a 30 – minute vehicle ride (5 kilometers) to Lizu Village and stay at a farmhouse inn.
Day 3: Lizu Village – Taohua – First Bend of the Yangtze River – Shigu Town (lunch) – Return to Lijiang by vehicle
  • On this day, the journey is completed by vehicle, with ample time. The highlights of the day include the Lisu ethnic group’s rural scenery in Lizu Village, the 500 – year – old history of the Bai ethnic group’s Taohua Village, and the First Bend of the Yangtze River, which has rewritten the history of Chinese civilization. After several days of outdoor experiences, returning to the secular and crazy Lijiang is a perfect ending.

Tour 3

Recommended Itinerary C: 3 – Day Middle and Northern Zone Trip

  • Physical Strength Index: ☆☆☆
  • Scenic Index: ☆☆☆☆☆
  • Suitable Season: All year round
  • Route Features: Passing through the Jinsichang area, Dayang Field area, and Liming Danxia area in the heart of Laojun Mountain. Enjoy the vast alpine meadow scenery, virgin forests, and Danxia wonders. This is a crossing trip through the middle and northern three zones of Lijiang Laojun Mountain National Park.
Day 1: Lijiang – First Bend of the Yangtze River – Taohua Village – Lizu (farmhouse inn)
  • In the morning, take a vehicle from Lijiang for 50 KM to the First Bend of the Yangtze River, which has rewritten the history of Chinese civilization. Continue for 22 KM to the 500 – year – old Taohua Bai Village for sightseeing, then drive another 20 KM to Lizu Lisu Village, and finally stay at a farmhouse inn in Lizu. A whole – roasted sheep bonfire party can be held at night.
Day 2: Lizu – Sancha River – Golden Monkey Protection Station – Golden Monkey Watchtower – Dayang Field (camping)
  • Depart from Lizu Village early in the morning and hike 3 KM to Sancha River, then continue for another 8 KM along the forest path to the Golden Monkey Protection Station in the Jinsichang area for lunch. After lunch, hike 2.5 KM to the Golden Monkey Watchtower (elevation 3,800 M), where you can stay and observe wild Yunnan Golden Monkeys. Descend 4 KM to the Dayang Field alpine pasture (elevation 3,600 M) for camping.
Day 3: Dayang Field – Daibaiqi – Liming
  • Depart from Dayang Field early in the morning and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the alpine meadow’s winding flower sea along the way. After hiking 2 KM to Gezhesai Pass, you can take a tractor or a four – wheel – drive jeep for 26 KM to Liming Red Stone Street (elevation 2,350 M). After lunch, visit the 4 – KM round – trip plank road to climb Qian Gui Mountain (elevation 2,680 M) and enjoy the Danxia wonder “Turtles Chasing the Sun.” The return journey from Red Stone Street to Lijiang is 124 KM by road and takes about 2.5 hours.

Tour 4

Shigu Town First Bend of the Yangtze River

Recommended Itinerary D: 4 – Day North – South Zone Longitudinal Crossing

  • Physical Strength Index: ☆☆☆☆☆
  • Scenic Index: ☆☆☆☆☆
  • Suitable Season: All year round
  • Route Features: This route combines all the attractions of Itineraries B and C, with a total hike of 88 kilometers. However, it demands higher physical fitness and a tight schedule. It is recommended for those with some outdoor experience. Note: If Day 4 is a hike from Dayang Field to Liming, the time will be extended by about 5 hours.
Day 1: Lijiang (by vehicle 109 KM) – Qunlong Mountain Villa (hike 8 KM) – Elong Lake (camping)
Day 2: Elong Lake (hike 12 KM) – Xiaoqiao Head (by vehicle 5 KM) – Lizu (farmhouse inn) Day 3: Lizu (hike 11 KM) – Golden Monkey Protection Station (hike 2.5 KM) – Golden Monkey Watchtower (hike 4 KM) – Dayang Field (camping)
Day 4: Dayang Field – (by vehicle) Liming – First Bend of the Yangtze River – Return to Lijiang to conclude the trip

Tour 5

Recommended Itinerary E: 2 – Day North Zone Liming Small Loop

  • Physical Strength Index: ☆☆☆☆
  • Scenic Index: ☆☆☆☆☆
  • Suitable Season: Best in summer
  • Route Features: This is a 45 – KM round – trip from Liming in the northern zone of Laojun Mountain, featuring the magnificent Danxia wonders of Liming and the grandeur of Geladand Alpine Meadow. The sea of rhododendrons and the Danxia peaks complement each other, making it a place where you can linger.
Day 1: Lijiang (by vehicle 124 KM) – Liming Red Stone Street – After lunch, climb Qian Gui Mountain (4 – KM round – trip plank road) – Liming Red Stone Street (by vehicle 22 KM) – Geladand Meadow (camp at an elevation of 3,700 M for sightseeing)
Day 2: Geladand Meadow (by vehicle 22 KM) – Liming (70 KM) – First Bend of the Yangtze River (50 KM) – Return to Lijiang

Tour 6

99 Dragon Pools Sister Lakes

Recommended Itinerary F: 2 – Day South Zone 99 Dragon Pools Small Loop

  • Physical Strength Index: ☆☆☆
  • Scenic Index: ☆☆☆☆
  • Suitable Season: All year round
  • Route Features: This is a 20 – KM round – trip through the 99 Dragon Pools area in the southern zone of Laojun Mountain National Park. The scenery is beautiful, with diverse geological and geomorphological features and rich flora and fauna resources. Within the short two – day trip, there are eight glacial lakes and wild Yunnan Golden Monkey populations. It is suitable for flower – viewing, photography, geological popular science, and other outdoor experiences.
Day 1: Lijiang (by vehicle 109 KM) – Qunlong Mountain Villa (elevation 3,800 M) – 99 Dragon Pools (elevation 4,000 M) – Elong Lake (camp at an elevation of 3,900 M)
Day 2: Elong Lake Camp – Heilongtan (elevation 3,900 M) – Climb Taishang Peak (elevation 4,247 M) – Qunlong Mountain Villa (return to Lijiang by vehicle)

Tour 7

Mountain Biking Route Recommendations

Recommended Itinerary A: 3 – Day Mountain Biking Liming Small Loop

  • Physical Strength Index: ☆☆☆☆
  • Scenic Index: ☆☆☆☆☆
  • Suitable Season: All year round
  • Route Features: This is a 45 – KM round – trip from Liming in the northern zone of Laojun Mountain, featuring the magnificent Danxia wonders of Liming and the grandeur of Geladand Alpine Meadow. The sea of rhododendrons and the Danxia peaks complement each other, making it a place where you can linger.
Day 1: Lijiang (by vehicle 124 KM) – Liming Red Stone Street – After lunch, climb Qian Gui Mountain (4 – KM round – trip plank road)
Day 2: Liming Red Stone Street (bike 22 KM at an elevation of 2,400 M) – Geladand Meadow (camp at an elevation of 3,700 M for sightseeing)
Day 3: Geladand Meadow (bike 22 KM) – Liming (by vehicle 70 KM) – First Bend of the Yangtze River (by vehicle 50 KM) – Return to Lijiang

Tour 8

Recommended Itinerary B: 2 – Day Mountain Biking Route

  • Physical Strength Index: ☆☆
  • Scenic Index: ☆☆☆
  • Suitable Season: All year round
  • Route Features: This is a 75 – KM mountain biking route that allows you to ride and camp deep in the Wulong Gully.
Day 1: Lijiang (by vehicle 50 KM) – First Bend of the Yangtze River (bike 22 KM) – Taohua Village (14 KM) – Wulong Gully Canyon (camping)
Day 2: Wulong Gully Canyon (bike 36 KM) – First Bend of the Yangtze River (by vehicle 50 KM) – Return to Lijiang

Tour 9

Recommended Itinerary C: 2 – Day Mountain Biking North Zone Route

  • Physical Strength Index: ☆☆☆
  • Scenic Index: ☆☆☆☆
  • Suitable Season: All year round
  • Route Features: This is a 60 – KM – around mountain biking route in the northern zone of Laojun Mountain, passing through the magnificent Danxia peaks of Liming and leading to the vast Dayang Field alpine meadow.
Day 1: Lijiang (by vehicle 124 KM) – Liming (28 KM) – Dayang Field (camping)
Day 2: Dayang Field (28 KM) – Liming (by vehicle 124 KM) – Return to Lijiang
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