Liming Scenic Area of Laojun Mountain National Park in Lijiang

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Laojun Mountain Liming Scenic Area

Laojun Mountain Liming Scenic Area丽江老君山国家公园黎明景区, located in Liming Township, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, is a prestigious site that holds three titles: World Natural Heritage, National Scenic Area, and National Geopark. Covering a total area of 1,324 square kilometers, it is an important part of the Three Parallel Rivers World Natural Heritage site. In 2015, it was rated as a “4A” scenic area by the National Tourism Administration and is working towards “5A” status.

The area features the largest Danxia landform in China, spanning approximately 240 square kilometers. This striking landscape is formed by the red sandstone layer that has undergone fracturing, erosion, and weathering due to intense geological movements, resulting in spectacular red cliffs, isolated peaks, and deep valleys. With its unique biodiversity, geological diversity, and rich cultural heritage, this region is of great ecological tourism value.

Liming, located within Lijiang City, is primarily characterized by high mountain Danxia landforms and is distributed across three administrative villages: Liming, Meile, and Ligang. It covers an area of about 240 square kilometers and is one of the four main areas of the Laojun Mountain Scenic Area. The mountain rocks display colors akin to red danxia, with geological structures mainly composed of red gravel, sandstone, and mudstone, exhibiting hues ranging from deep red, purplish-red to light red.

Liming is approximately 120 kilometers from Lijiang city center. Within an expanse of over 300 square kilometers, there are more than 200 square kilometers of Danxia landforms, making it the largest Danxia landform group in Southwest China and one of the largest high mountain Danxia landscapes in the country. According to legend, Taishang Laojun (the Supreme Old Lord) practiced alchemy on Laojun Mountain nearby, and the ever-burning flames spread to this area, giving rise to this region of vibrant red sandstone.

Lijiang Liming Scenic Area Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit The Liming Scenic Area can be visited year-round, but the best seasons are spring and autumn when the climate is pleasant and the scenery is beautiful, making it the ideal time to view the Danxia landforms. To avoid peak tourist seasons, visitors are advised to visit during off-peak times for a more tranquil experience.
Touring Route The Liming Scenic Area has numerous attractions, and visitors can plan their route based on personal interests and time. Generally, tourists can start from Liming Township and head to Qian Guishan Scenic Area to admire the magnificent Danxia landforms. Next, they can visit Lover’s Pillar, Big Buddha Cliff, and other sites to experience the wonders of nature. Finally, visitors can proceed to Wuzhishan and Luohankuo to appreciate the diversity and richness of the Danxia landforms.
Precautions While visiting Liming Scenic Area, tourists should keep the following points in mind: First, respect local customs and religious beliefs; second, protect the environment by not littering or damaging vegetation; and lastly, ensure safety by avoiding climbing steep peaks and cliffs to prevent accidents.

Lijiang Liming Scenic Area Attractions List

Main Attractions

Qian Guishan: Rocks with a tortoise shell-like surface appear as if thousands of turtles are climbing a gentle slope. The surrounding Danxia rock formations vary in shape, creating a breathtaking vista. From the summit, the Jinsha River appears like a white ribbon, with mountains resembling flames against the sky.
Lover’s Pillar: A pair of massive stone pillars resembling a man and a woman tightly embracing each other, symbolizing pure and sincere love.
Big Buddha Cliff: A steep Danxia rock featuring a giant stone resembling a sitting Buddha, watching over the world.
Mongolian Yurt: The mountain shape resembles a Mongolian yurt, with a clearly defined eave and discernible drapery.
Southern Heavenly Gate: Two towering Danxia cliffs stand majestically opposite each other, shrouded in mist and surrounded by dense trees, resembling a grand celestial gateway.
Sky-piercing Ridge: The steep red stone peaks rise sharply, resembling swords piercing the sky.
Camel Peak: Located about 6 kilometers south of Liming Village, the mountain resembles a resting camel, calm and serene.
Wuzhishan: Located in Liming Village, this mountain resembles outstretched fingers reaching towards the sky, with its colorful cliffs reflecting red, white, and gray hues.
Luohankuo: South of Wuzhishan, this cave features diverse karst formations, resembling divine statues and altars, with clear spring water inside.
Chuanxin Mountain: In Liming Valley, a prominent peak rises above a massive cave, resembling an arch bridge leading to a beautiful realm.
Red Rock Liming: Opposite Wuzhishan, this area features towering red cliffs and a central pass that resembles a giant saddle, with a stone resembling a Buddha meditating.
Kenzalu Viewing Ridge: Located 2 kilometers into Kenzalu Canyon, this ridge offers stunning panoramic views of the Danxia landscape.
Sansongping: About 15 kilometers south of Ligang, this area, covered by three towering cypress trees, serves as a summer pasture.
Anapufeng: A pyramid-shaped peak between Meile and Goba villages with sheer cliffs on three sides.
Three Sunrises and Sunsets: Around the winter solstice, the rising sun is blocked twice by high peaks, allowing for three stunning sunrise and sunset experiences in a single day.
Stone Coffin Mountain: At the intersection of Kenzalu Canyon and Laomo Canyon, this mountain resembles a lacquered stone coffin.
Yitian Peak: Across from Stone Coffin Mountain, a striking red mountain guarded by a towering peak, visible from miles away.
Qiaopeng Mountain Peaks: This area features elegant peaks with stark white and pink colors, associated with local folklore.
Hulu Sheng Village: Most of the male villagers, aged from teenagers to elderly, are skilled at playing the hulusheng (a traditional musical instrument), creating a unique cultural atmosphere.
Yixiantian: About 3 kilometers east of Liming Village, this narrow gorge features steep cliffs and a limited opening to the sky.
Fuhuy Rock: Located in Kenzalu Canyon, it resembles a tiger in deep thought.
High Mountain Danxia: Spanning over 250 square kilometers, this area features the largest and most spectacular Danxia landform in the country.
Liming Tent Camp: A low-carbon, eco-friendly high-end tent camping site and the only tent hotel located in a high mountain Danxia area.
Via Ferrata Climbing: Featuring unique Danxia cliffs, this area is known as a world-class climbing destination for experiencing outdoor climbing adventures.

Lijiang Liming Qian Guishan Tour Guide

Best Time to Visit
Qian Guishan is suitable for year-round visits, but the best viewing times are in the morning and evening when sunlight creates beautiful shadow effects on the rocks, enhancing the mountain’s vibrant colors. To avoid peak tourist seasons, visitors are encouraged to visit during non-holiday periods for a more peaceful environment.
Touring Method
Visitors can choose to walk or take a cable car to Qian Guishan. Walking allows for a closer connection with nature, but safety precautions are necessary. The cable car offers an easy ascent to enjoy the stunning views. During the tour, visitors can follow the signs to visit attractions like Qian Guishan Sunrise, Lover’s Pillar, and Big Buddha Cliff.
Precautions
When touring Qian Guishan, visitors should respect nature by not damaging vegetation or rocks. Safety is important, so avoid climbing steep peaks and cliffs, and protect the environment by not littering to maintain the cleanliness of the scenic area.

Additionally, visitors can explore other attractions in the Liming Scenic Area based on their interests and time. For example, they can visit Wuzhishan for its majestic terrain, Luohankuo for its karst wonders, or Sky-piercing Ridge for its breathtaking peaks. During the journey, local delicacies and snacks can be enjoyed, allowing visitors to experience the unique customs and culture of the Naxi people.

Travel Information
On August 8, 2020, the Lijiang Cultural and Tourism Bureau, in collaboration with the Lijiang Tourism Association, released the “Lijiang Tourism Integrity Pricing Guidelines”: A one-day tour of Liming (including meal fees, transportation costs, comprehensive fees, scenic area tickets, and ancient town maintenance fees) costs 160 yuan/person in low season (110 yuan/person if guests pay the ancient town maintenance fee themselves) and 175 yuan/person in peak season (125 yuan/person if guests pay the ancient town maintenance fee themselves).