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Lijiang is one of the most beautiful ancient cities in China, outstanding with the harmonious beauty of nature, history and culture. Winding stone streets, romantic canals under ancient bridges and traditional wooden architecture create a space imbued with time. Dubbed the "Venice of the East", this ancient citadel is not only romantic but also rich in historical and cultural value.
Lijiang is the living center of the Naxi people - an ethnic minority with unique traditions. In 1997, this place was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site thanks to its unique architecture combining Chinese, Tibetan and Southeast Asian architecture. Besides, the city also possesses majestic natural scenery with the towering Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Lijiang is an ideal destination for those who love to explore history, culture and enjoy the nature of Southwest China.
Lijiang is located in Yunnan province, in southwest China, more than 2,800km from the capital Beijing. This city is located at an altitude of approx 2,400m above sea level, bringing a fresh and cool atmosphere all year round. It is this special location that helps Lijiang have a poetic natural landscape with rolling mountains, green valleys and clear streams flowing through every corner of the old town.
In terms of transportation, Lijiang has many convenient options for visitors to easily get to:
By air: International airport Lijiang Sanyi (LJG) About 28km from the city center, it is the gateway connecting Lijiang with major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming, Chengdu and many other international destinations.
By rail: There is a high-speed train connection between Kunming, Dali and Lhasa (Tibet), helping visitors move quickly and conveniently.
By bus: The Intercity bus system from Kunming or Dali is a popular choice for those who want to experience the journey of exploring Southwest China by road.
Lijiang is not simply an ancient city but also a living testament to the interaction between many cultures over the centuries. Formed more than 800 years ago, this city was once an important center on Ancient Tra Ma road, a place of trade between China, Tibet, and Southeast Asia.
In 1997, recognized by UNESCO, Lijiang Ancient City is a World Heritage Site, thanks to the excellent preservation of ancient architecture and unique canal system. Unlike many other ancient Chinese cities surrounded by walls, Lijiang was built according to natural terrain with paved roads and small streams weaving throughout the city, creating a harmonious and poetic landscape.
One of the special features of Lijiang is the presence of Naxi people, an ethnic minority with a unique culture with the ancient Dong Ba writing system - one of the last hieroglyphic writing systems in the world still in use. The Naxi people have unique customs, from traditional music to colorful brocade costumes, all of which contribute to the distinct identity of this city.
Lijiang's architecture is also a highlight not to be missed, with a mix of Ancient Chinese, Tibetan, and Southeast Asian styles. Traditional wooden houses with curved tile roofs, intricately carved wooden doors and red lanterns hanging on the porch create an ancient but vibrant space.
Lijiang is not only a tourist destination but also a cultural center, where precious traditional Chinese values are preserved. Coming here, visitors not only have the opportunity to admire the architectural beauty, but also have the opportunity to learn about the history, lifestyle, and legendary stories associated with this ancient city.
Lijiang Ancient City is not only famous for its rich history and unique culture, but also conquers tourists with its beautiful scenery like a fairy tale painting. From the blue canals weaving through the streets, the quiet stone bridges silhouetted against the water, to the ancient wooden houses and majestic snowy mountain scenery - all blend to create a peaceful space, captivating anyone who comes here.
One of the most distinctive features of Lijiang Ancient City is its intricate system of canals, considered the "Venice of the East". The city has more than 300 ancient stone bridges, each bridge has its own look and story, creating a beautiful network of connections between neighborhoods.
Stream Jade River, originating from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, flows throughout the ancient citadel, providing clean water for residents hundreds of years ago. Today, this stream is still clear, reflecting images of mossy wooden houses, ancient stone bridges and lush green trees along the banks.
Early in the morning, when the sunlight shines on the sparkling water, you can see local people doing laundry on the banks of the stream, creating a rare peaceful scene. When sunset falls, the red lanterns hanging on the bridges reflect into the water, making the entire ancient citadel seem immersed in a magical space.
In particular, the area Big Stone Bridge and Fuhui Bridge are prominent places where visitors can stroll, take photos and enjoy the romantic scenery of the ancient citadel.
Entering Lijiang Ancient City, visitors seem to be lost in a world of traditional wooden houses bearing the mark of ancient China. These curved gray tile roofs, red-brown wooden walls, and exquisitely carved windows, all have been preserved almost intact over the centuries.
The roads in the ancient citadel are paved with cobblestones, with stones worn smooth over time, giving the feeling of walking on the footprints of history. Unlike noisy modern cities, Lijiang pedestrian street has a slow pace of life, where visitors can leisurely walk, admire ancient architecture and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
On both sides of the road, the arts and crafts stores, traditional tea shops, and specialty restaurants have remained the same style for hundreds of years. Here, you can enjoy a cup of fragrant tea in a small wooden house, listen to the sound of gurgling water outside, or visit shops selling calligraphy paintings and silver jewelry of the Naxi people.
Another special feature of Lijiang is the “Chinese Riad” – ancient houses with gardens inside, similar to the architecture in Morocco. These small courtyards often have wells, green trees and walls decorated with traditional motifs, creating a peaceful living space in the heart of the ancient citadel.
Not only has the picturesque old town, Lijiang also possesses a majestic natural wonder: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. With an altitude 5.596m, this is one of the highest mountains in Yunnan province, covered with white snow all year round and is considered a sacred symbol of the Naxi people.
According to legend, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is the embodiment of a dragon god protecting this land. Therefore, the Naxi people worship this place as a sacred land, regularly organizing traditional rituals to show their respect.
One of the experiences not to be missed when coming to Lijiang is Journey to conquer heights by cable car. The modern cable car route will take visitors to high altitudes 4.506m, where you can admire the panoramic view of the majestic snowy mountains and the sea of clouds floating at your feet. At the cable car station, visitors can walk there Glacier Park – a beautiful area of ice and snow, where ancient glaciers and icebergs sparkle in the sun.
If you want to explore further, you can visit Blue Moon Valley, where jade green lakes reflect the snowy mountains, creating a magical scene. This is also a place sought after by many photographers because of its magical beauty.
Lijiang is not only an ancient city imbued with history but also a convergence of unique cultural features of the Naxi people and other ethnic minorities. Coming here, visitors can immerse themselves in the traditional art space, enjoy local cuisine and enjoy the bustling yet nostalgic atmosphere. Below are experiences not to be missed when visiting Lijiang Ancient City.
Located right in the heart of Lijiang Ancient City, Tu Phuong Square is the intersection of the main streets, considered the heart of the old town. This is not only an ideal stop to rest but also a place that reflects the lifestyle of indigenous people.
During the day, the square is bustling with shops selling handicrafts, silver carving artisans are hard at work, and Naxi girls in traditional costumes weave fabric at the looms. The atmosphere here is always bustling with laughter and footsteps of tourists exploring the small alleys connecting the square throughout the ancient citadel.
When dusk falls, Tu Phuong Square turns into an outdoor stage with special folk art performances. Traditional dances of the Naxi people and songs with Tibetan and Mongolian influences resound in the shimmering space of lanterns, creating a magical and enchanting scene. This is a great opportunity for visitors to experience local culture in the most authentic way.
Lijiang is not only famous for its charming scenery but also for preserving the quintessence of traditional art. The Naxi people, with their long history, have developed a rich artistic culture, including Ancient Naxi music and Naxi opera – two unique forms of art that visitors should not miss.
Ancient Naxi music is one of the oldest music genres in China, more than 1,000 years old. This music genre combines royal music of the Tang and Song dynasties and Tibetan folk melodies, creating a unique feature that cannot be found anywhere else. What's special is that the traditional orchestra still uses ancient instruments such as the pipa, the moon lute and the bamboo, bringing melancholy and nostalgic sounds.
Every evening, at Lijiang Theater, visitors can enjoy Naxi concerts performed by elderly artists. They are the "living treasures" of this culture, having devoted their lives to preserving and spreading ancient music. A concert is not only a sound experience but also a journey back in time, bringing visitors back to the mysterious stories of Lijiang.
In addition to music, the Naxi people are also famous for Naxi opera, a traditional theater form that combines folk elements and Tibetan Buddhist beliefs. The plays often recreate legends and ancient stories about gods and national heroes, with colorful costumes and expressive acting.
Plays are performed on outdoor stages or in traditional theaters, attracting many visitors. In particular, if you are lucky enough to come to Lijiang during the festival, you will have the opportunity to participate in a theater performance in the square, where locals join in the bustling and vibrant atmosphere.
If Tibet has its Barkhor Street famous around the Potala Palace, Lijiang also has an equally attractive old street: Banh Ba Ba Street. This is one of the oldest streets in the ancient citadel, home to handicraft shops, silver jewelry stores and traditional eateries.
Along Banh Ba Ba Street, you will encounter these craft shops, sophisticated calligraphy paintings, paper lanterns, wooden sculptures and famous silver jewelry of the Naxi people. Local artisans with skillful hands meticulously craft each item, creating works imbued with national cultural imprints.
If you love jewelry, you can visit silver shops and choose for yourself a necklace or silver ring engraved with ancient patterns, a meaningful souvenir when leaving Lijiang.
Not only is it a shopping paradise, Banh Ba Ba Street is also a great place to shop and enjoy Lijiang cuisine. One of the most outstanding dishes here is Tibetan butter tea – a rich tea made from black tea, yak butter and salt, very suitable for sipping in the cold weather.
Also, you can try rose cake, a fragrant cake made from rose petals and flour, with the typical flavor of this land. If you want to explore more specialties, go to small roadside restaurants to enjoy traditional dishes such as noodles across the bridge, Yunnan mushroom hot pot and nice grilled yak beef.
Walking on this ancient street, you will feel a very different Lijiang - not only a tourist city but also a place that preserves the soul of Naxi culture.
In addition to the charming scenery and ancient architecture, Lijiang also fascinates visitors with its rich cuisine imbued with the flavors of the Southwest China highlands. The dishes here are not only attractive because of their unique flavors but also reflect the long-standing culture of the Naxi people and other ethnic minorities. Below are three specialties you must try when coming to Lijiang.
Noodles across the bridge is one of the iconic dishes of Yunnan province, known for its elegant yet extremely rich flavor. This dish originates from a touching folk tale about love and sacrifice. According to legend, a wife brought food to her husband who was studying in an isolated temple on the island, but on the way, the food often got cold. She came up with a way to use a layer of chicken fat to keep the broth hot longer, and from there, the dish noodles across the bridge was born.
A bowl of authentic cross-bridge noodles includes hot broth cooked from chicken, pork bones and herbs, creating a naturally sweet taste. Soft and chewy noodles made from delicious rice from the highlands. When enjoying, diners will manually add each ingredient into the bowl of broth, from chicken, eggs, mushrooms, tofu to green vegetables and other toppings. The feeling of enjoying a bowl of hot noodles in the cold weather of Lijiang will definitely make you unforgettable!
Noodles across the bridge are not only a dish but also an interesting cultural experience. If you want to enjoy it properly, visit the traditional restaurants in the ancient citadel, which maintain the traditional flavor of this dish.
When winter comes, there's nothing better than gathering around a pot hot rib hot pot – a typical dish that helps Lijiang people cope with the cold of the high mountains. Unlike Sichuan spicy hot pots or Guizhou herbal hot pots, Lijiang rib hot pots bring a frugal but extremely rich flavor thanks to the harmonious combination of stewed bones and herbs.
The main ingredients of this dish are braised pork ribs, cooked with vegetables such as cabbage, snow mushrooms and taro. In particular, the hot pot broth is seasoned with pepper, goji berry, red apple and dong quai, creating a pleasant aroma and natural sweetness. Locals believe that rib hotpot is not only delicious but also helps to nourish blood, improves health and keeps the body warm on cold days.
A special feature of Lijiang rib hot pot is how to enjoy it slowly, like the lifestyle of the people here. Visitors can sip hot pot, chat, and enjoy the cozy space amidst the mysterious old town scenery.
Not only rich dishes, Lijiang is also famous for its attractive snacks, among them Yak yogurt is a specialty loved by many tourists.
Yak yogurt is made from Yak cow milk – a species of cattle that lives on the Tibetan plateau. Different from regular cow's milk, Yak milk has higher nutritional content, richer taste and especially natural aroma which cannot be confused. To make a delicious batch of yogurt, fresh Yak milk will be fermented for many hours without using any preservatives, helping to maintain freshness and natural probiotics.
Yak yogurt can be eaten with many toppings such as wild honey, walnuts or dried roses, creating a sweet, fatty and refreshing flavor. Some shops also serve Yak yogurt in traditional Tibetan style – Drink with butter tea to increase the fatty taste and warm feeling in the stomach.
Lijiang is a destination of ancient beauty, majestic nature and unique culture. However, to have a smooth trip and fully enjoy the best things here, visitors need to keep in mind some important experiences. Below are some useful tips for those visiting Lijiang for the first time.
Lijiang has a mild plateau climate all year round, each season has its own beauty. Depending on your preferences, you can choose the most suitable time to explore this place.
Spring (March - May): This is the moment Peach and plum blossoms bloom, creating a picturesque scene. The weather is cool, temperatures range from 10 - 20°C, very suitable for walking in Lijiang Ancient City and taking beautiful check-in photos.
Fall (September - November): The sky is blue, the air is fresh and the temperature is pleasant from 8 - 18°C. This is also the season with fewer tourists than summer, helping you enjoy a more peaceful space. The forests changing yellow leaves on the roads around Lijiang are also a scene worth experiencing.
Winter (December - February): This is the ideal time if you love to admire the falling snow on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. However, the temperature may drop below 0°C, so visitors need to prepare warm clothes and anti-slip shoes if planning to go to the mountains or explore higher areas.
Lijiang has many means of transportation to suit each tourist's needs. For the best experience, you should consider the following means:
Walk in the Citadel: Lijiang Old Town has Ancient stone streets, very suitable for walking and exploring every beautiful little corner. However, some of the paths can be quite steep, so be prepared with a comfortable pair of shoes to avoid foot pain.
Tram in the old town: If you don't want to walk too much, you can use electric vehicle service to run around the Citadel at a reasonable cost. This is a suitable choice for the elderly or families with young children.
Cable car to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: DThis is an experience not to be missed, but Limited number of tickets per day, especially during peak season. Therefore, you should Book tickets at least 1 - 2 days in advance to avoid tickets sold out.
In addition, if you want to move from Lijiang to nearby destinations such as Dali, Shangri-La or Tiger Leaping Gorge, you can choose bus or train at a quite reasonable cost.
To have a safe and complete trip, you should pay attention to the following important things:
High altitude and its effects on health: Lijiang is located at an altitude 2,400m above sea level, so some visitors may suffer high altitude shock syndrome (headache, dizziness, difficulty breathing). When you first arrive, you should rest, drink lots of water and avoid strenuous exercise so your body can gradually adapt. If you have a plan for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (more than 4,500m), please bring along an oxygen tank to ensure health.
Cash & payments: Many small shops in Lijiang Old City do not accept international credit cards, so you should bring cash or use Alipay/WeChat Pay for easier payment.
Respect Naxi culture: The Naxi people value tradition very much, so when visiting temples, monasteries or sacred areas, visitors should maintain a respectful attitude and avoid talking loudly. In particular, you should not take photos of local people or mosques without asking permission first.
Lijiang is not only an ancient city but also a colorful destination with rich culture and majestic natural landscapes. From walking on cobblestone streets, exploring ancient bridges, to admiring the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, every experience here brings unforgettable impressions. If you are looking for a destination that is both rich in history and breathtaking natural beauty, Lijiang is the ideal choice!
