Three Days in Lijiang Ancient Town: Some Honest Thoughts

🌈Lijiang Ancient Town Travel Guide | Encounter a Romantic Journey🌈 Hello everyone! When you set foot in Lijiang Ancient Town, it's like entering a dreamlike world where every corner exudes unique charm and every breath of air is filled with romance. Save this super detailed guide and let's embark on an unforgettable journey to Lijiang together! ## Preparation: Ready for Departure Lijiang's weather is like a playful child with significant seasonal temperature differences, so pack your clothes carefully according to the season. Summer may seem hot, but the evening coolness will make you appreciate the importance of a light jacket; winter is when cotton clothes and down jackets show their worth—don't let the cold ruin your travel mood. Besides clothing, sun protection is essential. Lijiang's sunshine is particularly intense, so sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats are must-haves, like armor protecting your skin and eyes. Don't forget documents, cameras, power banks, and other daily necessities. Your camera is the "magic box" for capturing beautiful moments, and the power bank is its "energy station," allowing you to capture those heart-stirring scenes anytime, anywhere. ## Transportation Guide: All Roads Lead to the Ancient Town ### By Air If you choose to fly, Lijiang Sanyi Airport will be your first stop. It's about 28 kilometers from the ancient town. The airport shuttle is an affordable and convenient option at just 20 yuan per person, taking you comfortably to the ancient town. If you're short on time, you can also take a taxi or book an airport pickup service to quickly start your ancient town journey. ### By Train The train is also a good choice. After arriving at Lijiang Station, you'll find it's about 10 kilometers from the ancient town. You can take a bus to experience the local atmosphere or take a taxi or ride-hailing service for a more convenient travel experience. ### Walking in the Ancient Town Once inside the ancient town, walking is the best way to explore. You can slow down and feel the rustic weight of the bluestone paths, listen to the pleasant sound of flowing water along the streets. Of course, if walking becomes tiring, you can also choose to take an electric cart or rent a bicycle to freely navigate the streets and alleys of the ancient town. ## Itinerary: Three Days to Explore the Ancient Town ### Day 1: Ancient Beginnings, Encountering a Beautiful Sunset Enter through the south gate of the ancient town, where a lively atmosphere greets you as if the town is warmly welcoming your arrival. Our first stop is Mu's Mansion. The 40 yuan ticket includes a guided tour, allowing you to deeply understand the history and culture of Mu's Mansion and appreciate its magnificent architecture. Every carved beam and painted column seems to tell stories of the past, and photos taken here all have a cinematic quality. Climb Lion Hill for a panoramic view of the entire ancient town. In the evening, the sunset's glow on the rooftops of the ancient town is like a golden veil. Standing at Wangu Tower, you can encounter a breathtaking sunset and feel the poetic romance of "sunset is boundlessly good." As night falls, the brilliant night view is intoxicating, as if you're in a magical fairy tale world. ### Day 2: A Double Feast of Food and Scenery Sifang Street is the center of the ancient town, where food, souvenirs, and bars abound. You can enjoy various cuisines, select your favorite souvenirs, and even have a drink at a bar in the evening to experience the ancient town's nightlife. Visit the Big Water Wheel, a landmark of Lijiang Ancient Town, and be sure to take photos. Then head to Black Dragon Pool Park, where the scenery is beautiful and the lake water is crystal clear. If you're lucky, you might capture the reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the lake—a truly spectacular sight. ### Day 3: Tranquil Ancient Town, Feeling the Echoes of History Shuhe Ancient Town is like a peaceful paradise, forming a stark contrast with the bustling Lijiang Ancient Town. Here, you can stroll on the bluestone paths, feel the tranquility and serenity, and allow your mind to completely relax. Next, we come to the Ancient Tea Horse Road. You can choose to cycle or hike along this ancient trade route, almost hearing the echoes of horse hooves from years past, feeling the historical resonance lingering in the air. ## Food Recommendations: Lijiang on the Tip of Your Tongue ### Cured Ribs Hot Pot This dish is a must-try in Lijiang. The cured ribs, after being marinated and air-dried, emit a rich aroma. When cooked with various ingredients, the taste is amazing! Every bite is memorable, as if you've consumed the flavor of Lijiang itself. ### Naxi Grilled Fish Crispy outside and tender inside, Naxi grilled fish with its unique seasonings is incredibly aromatic. One bite through the crispy skin into the tender fish creates an ultimate taste experience. ### Chicken Bean Jelly Smooth chicken bean jelly topped with spicy sauce is deliciously satisfying. It's not only unique in texture but also nutritious—a tasty and healthy snack. ### Yak Meat Tender and nutritious yak meat is flavorful whether made into hot pot, stir-fry, or barbecue. Rich in protein and various trace elements, it nourishes your body while you enjoy its taste. ### Lijiang Baba Lijiang Baba comes in sweet and savory flavors, both crispy and delicious. The sweet ones have a sugary taste, while the savory ones have a hint of saltiness—both worth trying. ### Butter Tea A warm cup of butter tea can dispel travel fatigue and let you experience the local culture. Its rich, mellow taste seems to warm your entire body and soul with just one sip. ## Shopping Selections: Bringing Lijiang's Beauty Home Lijiang's handicrafts are exquisite—woodcarvings, silver jewelry, leather goods, etc., all full of ethnic style. Each handicraft embodies the craftsman's dedication and wisdom, a unique representation of Lijiang's culture. Traditional clothing is another highlight of shopping in Lijiang, such as the Naxi "wearing stars and moon" outfit. Wearing it instantly makes you the center of attention. Tea is also a specialty of Lijiang, with Pu'er and Dian Hong being quality varieties. Take some home to enjoy during leisure time, savoring the tea fragrance of Lijiang. Postcards, hand-painted pictures, and other souvenirs make thoughtful gifts for friends and family. They not only convey your affection but also allow loved ones to experience Lijiang's unique charm. ## Photo Spots: Capturing the Most Beautiful Moments ### Cherry Blossom Restaurant Beautiful in all seasons, the Cherry Blossom Restaurant allows for great photos anytime. Even without dining, the environment makes for easy photo opportunities, as if you're in a romantic fairy tale. ### Xianwen Lane The colorful paper umbrellas in Xianwen Lane are like blooming flowers, adding a touch of romance to the alley. Walking through, it feels like traveling back in time, with a romantic atmosphere that's captivating. ### Zhenxing Lane Zhenxing Lane with its hanging lanterns is filled with Dongba cultural elements. Taking photos here allows you to experience the charm of ancient culture while capturing distinctive images. ### Nanmen Bridge The wind chimes at Nanmen Bridge make pleasant sounds when the breeze blows, as if telling stories of the ancient town. Standing on the bridge for photos creates healing images that lift your spirits. ### Dayan Flower Lane Dayan Flower Lane offers rich and diverse creative products full of artistic atmosphere. From the viewing platform, you can see the night view of the ancient town—the brilliant lights and ancient buildings complementing each other to form a beautiful picture. ### Big Stone Bridge The unique angle of Big Stone Bridge provides excellent photo opportunities. Here, you can capture the unique charm of the ancient town and take stunning photos. ## Important Notes: Travel Civilly, Travel Happily When traveling in Lijiang, respect local religious customs and avoid taboos. Pay special attention to food hygiene—street food may be plentiful, but for health reasons, choose carefully. When shopping, compare prices to avoid being overcharged. Traveling during off-peak times is also a good choice, allowing you to enjoy your trip more leisurely away from the crowds. The ancient town has many stone paths, so wear comfortable shoes for a more pleasant journey. May everyone enjoy their time in Lijiang Ancient Town, gather wonderful memories, and make this trip a precious treasure in your life! 💕