First-Time in Lijiang? Copy This Ultimate Guide!

Friends! I accidentally ended up staying in Lijiang for three months, and now I'm sharing this super comprehensive travel guide with you. Bookmark it to make your Lijiang trip unforgettable! 1. Transportation & Accommodation • Transportation: If taking the high-speed rail, arrive at Lijiang Station; if flying, your destination is Sanyi Airport. • Accommodation: Choose to stay in the Old Town, Shuhe, or Baisha based on your preferences—each has its unique charm. 2. Itinerary DAY 1: Lijiang Old Town - Zhongjihai Park - Shuhe Ancient Town DAY 2: Baisha Ancient Town - Lijiang Botanical Garden - Tinghua Valley DAY 3: Fuguo Temple - Wenhai Village 3. Attraction Details 1. Lijiang Old Town (Dayan Ancient Town) Enter from the North Gate, where you’ll immediately see the iconic Lijiang Waterwheel—perfect for photos. Then explore Wenchang Palace, Mufu Palace, Sifang Street, and Lijiang Eye. The town is filled with flowers, and the scenery of small bridges and flowing water makes you feel like you’re in a painting. Spend 2-4 hours leisurely exploring its unique charm. 2. Zhongjihai Park A favorite among locals, this park offers a full view of the snow-capped mountains. You can also take a boat ride on the lake for a closer look at the majestic peaks. 3. Shuhe Ancient Town Shuhe is where I felt most at ease in Lijiang. Visit in the afternoon when it’s less crowded and especially beautiful. In the evening, head to Sifang Listening Square to enjoy live music with a coffee—pure bliss. At 9 PM, join the locals in traditional dancing for simple, joyful fun! 4. Baisha Ancient Town Compared to the other two ancient towns, Baisha might not be as bustling, but it’s the perfect spot for photographing the snow-capped mountains—every shot is stunning. 5. Lijiang Botanical Garden Just a few kilometers from Baisha, navigate to the North Gate. The ticket is only 9 yuan, and the famous giant prayer flags are here. The vast garden deserves 1-2 hours for exploration and photos. 6. Tinghua Valley Set aside half a day here! The expansive garden features dozens of flower varieties in full bloom, resembling a Monet garden beneath the mountains—every angle is photo-worthy!