Welcome to an adventure in solo travel through the vibrant landscapes and rich culture of China! As someone who has explored the solo travel scene in various corners of China, I am thrilled to share insights, tips, and experiences to make your solo journey through China both exciting and enriching.
Lijiang, a city nestled in the heart of Yunnan province in China, is a treasure trove of natural wonders and cultural heritage. Known for its ancient charm and breathtaking landscapes, Lijiang offers a tapestry of experiences for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of history and nature. Let’s embark on a journey through the top 10 must-visit attractions in Lijiang:
1. Explore Lijiang Ancient Town
Location: Gucheng District, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
Highlights:
Lijiang Ancient Town, one of China’s four ancient towns, boasts a history spanning nearly a millennium. The architecture, primarily built with red cobblestones and wooden structures, showcases the unique “Three Lanes and Seven Alleys” layout. The meandering streets along the rivers create a picturesque water town scene.
2. Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Location: Xuehua Village, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
Highlights:
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, an iconic landmark of Lijiang, reaches heights of up to 5,596 meters. With its high-altitude snowfields, pristine forests, and alpine meadows, it offers a diverse range of natural landscapes. The Blue Moon Valley within the area is famous for its azure waters and crescent-shaped valley.
3. Visit Lugu Lake
Location: Bordering Lijiang City in Yunnan Province and Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province
Highlights:
Lugu Lake stands as one of China’s deepest plateau lakes, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and unique Mosuo culture. The lakeside features Mosuo villages, grassy marshlands, and the iconic Kissing Bridges, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
4. Discover Shuhe Ancient Town
Location: Northwest of Lijiang Ancient Town
Highlights:
Shuhe Ancient Town, a national 4A-level scenic area, traces its roots back to the Ming Dynasty and is a key component of Lijiang Ancient Town’s UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Known for its distinctive Naxi culture and architectural style, the town’s wooden structures are set along the rivers, creating a charming waterside ambiance.
5. Enjoy the Lijiang Impression Show
Location: No. 88 Yuxing West Road, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
Highlights:
Lijiang Impression Show is a large-scale tourism destination themed around Naxi culture. Visitors can explore the Tea Horse Ancient Street, Naxi villages, Chieftain’s Mansion, and Flower Tower to experience the ancient production and living scenes of the Naxi people. The grand performance “Lijiang Impression” showcases the profound history and vibrant culture of the Naxi people.
6. Relax at Lashi Lake Wetland Park
Location: Anzhong Village, Dashicun, Lashi Lake, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
Highlights:
Lashi Lake is Yunnan Province’s first nature reserve named after a “wetland.” The park offers a harmonious blend of lakes, mountains, and forests, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching, horseback riding, boating, and other outdoor activities.
7. Trek at Tiger Leaping Gorge
Location: Longpan Township, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
Highlights:
Tiger Leaping Gorge is renowned for its rugged terrain and is a segment of the upper reaches of the Jinsha River. With towering cliffs, swift waters, and a narrowest point of around 30 meters, the gorge offers a unique landscape, attracting hiking enthusiasts from around the world.
8. Relax at
Location: Gucheng District, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
Highlights:
Black Dragon Pool Park, an expansion of the renowned “Yuquan Park” within Lijiang, seamlessly blends ancient architecture and garden styles. Visitors can explore attractions like the Longquan Temple, Black Dragon Pool, Deyuelou Pavilion, and Wufeng Pavilion, with the Black Dragon Pool being the most iconic feature.
9. Visit the Three Rivers Confluence Scenic Area
Location: Junction of Lijiang City, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, and Deqen Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province.
Highlights:
The Three Rivers Confluence Scenic Area is one of Yunnan Province’s most famous natural landscapes, listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2003. Encompassing majestic mountains, gorges, snow-capped peaks, and pristine forests, it serves as a biodiversity hotspot.
10. Visit Mu’s Residence
Location: Within Lijiang Ancient Town
Highlights
Mu’s Residence, one of the iconic buildings within Lijiang Ancient Town, was the official residence of the Mu family, the rulers of the Naxi ethnic group. The grand complex comprises over 150 rooms, including the Loyalty and Righteousness Archway, main gate, council hall, Wanjuan Building, Huafa Hall, Guangbi Building, Yuyin Building, Sanqing Hall, auxiliary halls, pavilions, theater, and courtyards, showcasing exquisite carvings and vibrant paintings.
These ten attractions in Lijiang each hold a unique allure, whether it be the natural splendor or the cultural heritage they embody. Travelers exploring Lijiang are encouraged to include these destinations in their itineraries to truly experience the enchanting charm of Lijiang.
How to get to lijinag?
Lijiang has a airport( Lijiang Sanyi Airport), the airport is situated in Qihe town, Gucheng district, approximately 28 km south of Lijiang ancient city, so you can go to lijiang by plane.
1. Los Angeles (LAX) → Lijiang (LJG)
There are various flight options from Los Angeles (LAX) to Lijiang (LJG) with different departure times, durations, and prices. The fastest flight takes around 23 hours and 40 minutes with 2 changes and costs $2,177. There are cheaper options available with longer durations and more changes.
2. Singapore Changi (SIN) → Lijiang (LJG)
There are many flight options from Singapore Changi to Lijiang, with varying durations and prices. The fastest flight takes 8 hours and 20 minutes with one change, costing $1,566.
The cheapest option is a 16-hour and 45-minute flight with one change for $200. There are also longer duration flights with multiple changes available.
