+ 86 135 087 267 82 (Chinese and English)

Search our Site

LijiangIs Lijiang truly one of China's most beautiful cities? At a height of 2,400 meters at the slopes of the Himalaya, it is certainly an inspiration and a refreshment. Regarded as the Venice of the Orient with its dizzying array of water canals, quaint bridges and cobble-stoned streets, Lijiang was declared an Unesco World Heritage Site in 1997. Lijiang was an important stop on the ancient caravan route to Tibet; it has an ancient history.

 

Dag 1: Lijiang is one of China's most beautiful cities

The driver will pick you up in your hotel in Dali to start your 180 km drive through mountains and impressive valleys. You also will encounter many stone masonries.
It will take around 1,5 hours to get from Dali to Lijiang. The driver will bring you directly to your hotel. Take it is easy, as you will soon experience the altitude of 2,400 meters.
In the afternoon you have plenty of time to discover the car-free Old Town of Lijiang. In the evenings, locals are often dancing and just relaxing at the town square. Take a look, don't miss it.

Lijiang consist in an old and a new part. The old town is a maze of narrow streets along which channels flow. You will find a lot of souvenir shops, on the outside of the old town you will still find the old houses.
In Lijiang you can find the Naxi minority, the major non-Chinese population. Their houses are decorated with carvings in panels, doors and window frames. Naxi women trade at the local markets in Lijiang.

The Old Town is illuminated by red lampions in the evening. You might witness a Naxi concert, or at least other locals singing lirics on the streets; dancing, singing, yelling, drinking. Enjoy!

Day 2: Naxi-village, Tibetan monastry and Jade Dragon Mountain

After breakfast, the driver will pick you up for a full day touring.
First you will visit the old town Baisha with it's old temples and palace with frescos. Maybe, you will meet the famous Dr. Ho. We walk through a typical Naxi-village.
If you have experience Baisha, you will continue to WenfenSi Tibetan monastery high in the mountains. A very rewarding walk will show you great views at Jade Dragon Mountain.
Then, you drive back to Lijiang city to visit the Black Dragon Pook Park.
This very rewarding day will end in your hotel. Again you have time to enjoy the vibrant and colourful evening in Lijiang.

Day 3: Explore Lijiang city

A day to enjoy yourself!! Or, pick one of our suggestions:

  • Around LashiHei Lake - Ride your bike: we will bring you with rented bikes to the lake. Click for more detailed information.
  • Visit the temple on top of Lion Hil
  • Trekking through the Tiger Leaping Gorge: this is actually one of the excursions we offer. A two days trekking through a most impressive Gorge with steep mountains and deep valleys: The Tiger Leaping Gorge.
      

After enjoying your last breakfast in Lijiang, the Lijiang module ends. You will be brought to Shangri-La. Or, let us know where you would like to go. When you decide to go to Shangri-La we can make a photo stop in the Tiger Leaping Gorge. We can also bring you to the airport to fly to Kunming or Lhasa. If you want a flight from Shangri-La, we of course escort you there.

 

  • Tip: would you like to spend more time in/around Lijiang, take a look at our two days excursion to the Tiger Leaping Gorge.



Hotels in Lijiang

We only suggest quality hotels, three to five stars. Here a selection of the hotels we propose for this module.
Would you like to spend the night in another hotel, please let us know, we can offer all hotels of good quality.

Hexi Hotel ***

Hexi four star hotel - Lijiang city, Yunnan province, ChinaSouth Gate Square - Old Town
Old traditional buildings

Hexi Courtyard is a typical Naxi-building, opened in 2005. It consists in 24 characteristic ethnic yards. This construction is a precious antiquity in Lijiang Old Town, and the local government has put it under special protection. The hotel has 171 guestrooms, which have all the necessary facilities (including free internet). Among others, you can find a bar, a shopping area, a restaurant, a sauna, massage services and a beauty salon in the hotel.

Banyan Tree Hotel *****

Banayan tree Hotel - five star hotel in Lijiang city, YunnanLijiang
A 15 minutes drive from the city centre

Banyan Tree Lijiang was awarded Best Luxury Hotel and Best Spa Resort in China at the 2007 China Hotel Starlight Awards. Located 2,000 metres above sea level in the heart of China and 40 minutes away from Lijiang Airport, Banyan Tree Lijiang is 15 minutes from the historical town of Dayan. The majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain acts as a backdrop to the South.

Lijiang Wangfu Hotel

Wangfu Hotel in Lijiang - Yunnan provinceGucheng, Lijiang
Located in the South Gate Square in Old Town

The Lijiang Wangfu hotel - opened in 2005 - with its simple and uncomplicated architecture, is a charming building, that represents the ancient Naxi construction techniques. The hotel is complete with small courtyards, gates, and waterside pavilions. The hotel has 92 rooms that are all equipped with what you would expect of a four-star hotel. Both Western and Chinese dishes are served. Lijiang Wangfu offers rooms with flat-screen TVs and free internet. Guest can enjoy Naxi bonfire party every Friday. The hotel is a leisurely stroll from Old Town Centre. The luxurious rooms are fitted with oriental furnishings. Amenities include a minibar and tea/coffee maker. En suite bathrooms come with a bathtub.