Top Things You Must Do in Lijiang During Your Yunnan Tour
When visiting Lijiang during your Yunnan tour, here are the top things you must do to make the most of your experience:
- Explore Lijiang Old Town: Wander through the UNESCO-listed Lijiang Old Town, famous for its cobblestone streets, traditional Naxi architecture, and waterways. Don’t miss the bustling Square Street (Sifangjie) and Mu’s Mansion (Mufu).
- Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: Marvel at the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xueshan), with its dramatic peaks and glaciers. Take a cable car to enjoy stunning views and explore attractions like the Spruce Meadow (Yunshanping) and Blue Moon Valley (Lan Yuegu).
- Experience Naxi Culture: Learn about the Naxi ethnic minority at the Dongba Culture Museum and Dongba Valley. Attend a traditional Dongba music and dance performance to immerse yourself in local culture.
- Walk along the Black Dragon Pool: Visit the picturesque Black Dragon Pool Park (Heilongtan), with its iconic Moon-Embracing Pavilion and reflections of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the water. It’s an ideal spot for photography.
- Hike Tiger Leaping Gorge: Embark on a trek through Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia), one of the deepest gorges in the world, offering breathtaking views of the Jinsha River and surrounding mountains.
- Enjoy Local Cuisine: Sample Lijiang’s culinary delights, including Naxi dishes like Yunnan-style hot pot, Baba flatbread, and local snacks such as yak meat jerky and Lijiang Baba.
- Visit Shuhe Ancient Town: Explore the quieter Shuhe Ancient Town, another UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its preserved Naxi culture, ancient buildings, and charming watercourses.
- Attend a Naxi Orchestra Performance: Experience the ancient Naxi Orchestra, a unique musical tradition featuring traditional Chinese instruments like the pipa, erhu, and guqin, performed by local musicians.
- Shop for Souvenirs: Browse local markets and shops for Naxi handicrafts, Yunnan tea, ethnic jewelry, and traditional artworks. Baisha Village is known for its traditional Naxi embroidery.
- Relax at Lugu Lake: Take a day trip to Lugu Lake (Luguhu), a pristine highland lake surrounded by mountains and inhabited by the Mosuo ethnic minority. Enjoy boating, cycling, or simply relaxing by the lakeside.
These activities will provide you with a rich and memorable experience of Lijiang’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant local life during your Yunnan tour.
