Top 20 Best Things to Do in Lijiang
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Top 20 Best Things to Do in Lijiang

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Yulong Snow Mountaintop_1
    󰺂9.0
    81
    Yulong.Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area30.6 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoGood Luck to Those Who See the Golden Sunrise at Yulong Snow Mountain | Oct 2025-Mar 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Take a cable car for panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains
    Cableway to 14780 ft glacier park
    󱨠Saved by 3764 users󱨠8327 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    We had to leave very early in the morning, basically all-inclusive. We went up the snow mountain in the morning, then to Blue Moon Valley in the afternoon, and drove back to the old town around 4 pm. Because it had snowed the day before, the boardwalk to the top was closed for snow removal when we arrived, so we could only check in at 4506.

  • Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorgetop_2
    󰺂8.4
    61
    Yulong.Tiger Leaping Gorge42.1 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoChallenge the extreme slopes of Tiger Leaping Gorge and marvel at the canyon and snow-capped mountains
    Highlights:
    World-class hiking & iconic rock
    󰋄World-class hiking: mountains & rapids
    󱨠Saved by 1281 users󱨠3264 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    白桃77白桃77

    The Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge offers stunning views of the Jinsha River, while the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge is a scenic hike. If you experience severe altitude sickness, you can buy an elevator ticket for the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, which easily takes you to the viewing platform. Those in good physical condition can skip the elevator and climb the stairs in about ten minutes. It's recommended to buy tickets at the visitor center. E-tickets purchased through Ctrip are not accepted by the scenic area; you must exchange them for paper tickets at the visitor center, which also incurs a 5 yuan parking fee. Hikers don't need tickets; you can drive directly to the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge. The scenic area management is somewhat poor, but the scenery is definitely worth the visit.

  • Lugu Lake Scenic Areatop_3
    󰺂8.3
    94
    Ninglang>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoLugu Lake Welcomes First Batch of Wintering Red-Billed Gulls | Nov 2025-Mar 2026
    Highlights:
    󰀆Experience unique Mosuo walking marriage
    Plateau lake at 2.685 km
    󱨠Saved by 814 users󱨠7021 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    爱浮屠爱浮屠

    Driving around Lugu Lake was so comfortable! The roads were easy to drive on, parking was convenient, and it was truly a paradise on earth. We took a boat from Puluo Wharf and saw the morning mist. The locals were all very friendly. The stone pot fish was delicious, and the apples were also very tasty.

  • The Romantic Show of Lijiang
    4
    󰺂8.0
    374
    Yulong.Lijiang Railway Station3.1 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Night Attractions
    Highlights:
    Interactive shows & cultural performances
    󱨜Lijiang culture & scenic beauty
    󱨠Saved by 569 users󱨠3317 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    152***15152***15

    I made several herbal sachets by hand in Dawa Village, Lijiang Ancient Town Scenic Area, to give to family and friends. When choosing the herbs, I considered their preferences (one for my mother to calm her nerves, one for my best friend to repel mosquitoes), and every stitch I sewed carried my blessings. These little sachets, imbued with the essence of Lijiang's herbs and my heartfelt sentiments, are far more meaningful than any ready-made souvenir!

  • Old Town of Lijiang
    5
    󰺂7.6
    Lijiang.The Old Town of Lijiang1.9 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoBest season to see the winter morning light in Lijiang | Oct 2025-Mar 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰋄Nine unique attractions together
    󱓊Unique waterway layout formed
    󱨠Saved by 1922 users󱨠4404 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    夜淡如然夜淡如然

    Visiting the Mu Palace during the day is the best time to truly appreciate its grandeur. The architectural lines, courtyard layers, and carved beams and painted rafters are all clearly visible in the sunlight, relying solely on their natural beauty without any nighttime filter. The overall scale is considerable, and as you walk around, you can feel the confidence of the Mu family, who once held absolute power in Lijiang. The highlights are the expansive views and meticulous layout. Standing on higher ground overlooking the ancient city, you instantly understand why they could rule for centuries. The downsides are the large number of tourists and the somewhat official-sounding guide signs, but these don't prevent you from taking stunning photos. Overall: Worth a visit, especially during the day to truly appreciate its scale and details.

  • Lashihai Wetland Park
    6
    󰺂7.3
    Yulong.Lijiang Lashihai Wetland Scenic Area9.2 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoMigratory birds return to Lashihai Wetland Park | Nov 2025-Dec 2025
    Highlights:
    󱓊Lakeside greenery & abundant fish
    󰋄Naxi village & lakeside culture
    󱨠Saved by 450 users󱨠2006 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    印象西南印象西南

    Lashi Lake: Choose the right way to experience the poetic beauty of tea and horse racing and the gentle lakeside scenery. Overall Rating: 4.5 (5 out of 5) Lashi Lake has always had a polarizing reputation. Luckily, with thorough pre-departure research, we avoided any pitfalls and enjoyed a delightful journey that blends historical traces with natural beauty. It's not a perfect scenic spot, but with the right experience, it's worth adding to your Lijiang itinerary. 🌟 Must-Experience Highlights 1. Horseback Riding on the Ancient Tea Horse Road: An Immersive Historical Journey: The 198 RMB package, booked in advance through a reputable platform, is a fantastic deal, including full transfers, a one-hour horseback ride, unlimited boating, and a buffet of free-range chicken hot pot. The groom led the horse steadily forward, passing through pine forests and fields. The wind was filled with the fragrance of grass and trees, and the stone pavement beneath our feet truly evoked the vicissitudes of the caravans of yesteryear, far from the perfunctory experience of "concrete roads going in circles" as rumored online. 2. Rafting at Lashi Lake: Picturesque scenery: Kayaking costs 40 yuan per person for unlimited use. By the time you reach the center of the lake, the only sound is the sound of water. Looking up, you can see Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance, and looking down, the lake is crystal clear. In the evening, the setting sun paints the lake a warm golden color, creating stunning photos without filters. 3. Food and Accommodation: A hidden gem in the countryside: The free-range chicken hot pot for lunch boasts fresh ingredients, firm and flavorful chicken, and unlimited refills are available. The guesthouse near Dayu Village was a pleasant surprise. The sea view room came with a terrace. In the morning, I sat on the terrace to watch the sunrise over tea, and at night, I could see the lake shimmering under the stars. The owner also kindly shared a hidden spot for free birdwatching. 4. Off-the-beaten-path Viewing Spots: Free and Photogenic: Take a taxi directly to the free lakeside boardwalk in Dayu Village. It's uncrowded and quiet, with reeds swaying in the wind, making it a perfect spot for photographing the wetland scenery. There's no need to squeeze into those popular photo spots. 🚨 Pitfalls & Practical Tips - Traffic Pitfalls: Never trust "low-cost" offers offered by touts or drivers. They often lure you in with a few dozen yuan, then jack up the price once you arrive, deliberately ripping you off. If driving yourself, avoid navigating directly to the wetland park. Book a package in advance and follow the directions for a more worry-free experience. - Consumer Warning: Some

  • The Ancient Town of Shuhe
    7
    󰺂7.1
    Lijiang.Shuhe Old Town7.4 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 3 of Night Attractions in Lijiang
    Highlights:
    󰀆Explore Tea & Horse Road Museum
    󱓊Naxi market & unique snacks
    󱨠Saved by 933 users󱨠776 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    博😘😘肖博😘😘肖

    Of the three ancient towns in Lijiang, Dayan Ancient Town is bustling with activity, its bars blaring at night; Baisha Ancient Town, near Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, has a natural filter, making it incredibly photogenic. But if you ask me which one I love most, I would unhesitatingly choose Shuhe Ancient Town—a secluded haven with sparse crowds, a river flowing through it, flowers blooming along the roadside, and willows swaying gently. Shuhe Ancient Town is neither as noisy as Dayan nor as deserted as Baisha. It strikes a perfect balance between tranquility and vibrancy, like a traditional Chinese ink painting where nature and culture blend seamlessly. Here, you can find a long-lost peace, as if time itself has slowed down. For those who enjoy quietly finding an ancient town to relax in the sun, Shuhe Ancient Town is a treasure. You can sit by the river, watching the flowing water, listening to the birdsong, and feeling the healing power of nature. Or, you can find a small shop, order a coffee, read a good book, and enjoy a rare moment of leisure.

  • Baisha Ancient Town
    8
    󰺂6.8
    Yulong.Baisha old town/FOLIDAY Town Lijiang Mediterranean Resort11 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 3 of Family-friendly Attractions in Lijiang
    Highlights:
    󰋄Tie-dye crafts & cycling town
    󱓊Majestic Yulong Snow Mountain views
    󱨠Saved by 637 users󱨠169 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    中国尔玛中国尔玛

    Baisha Ancient Town has already achieved a similar effect to Lijiang Ancient Town and Shuhe Ancient Town in their heyday, attracting many visitors to Lijiang who also make a point of visiting Baisha. This is a very positive development. The town boasts many uniquely decorated and charming shops, and some snack stalls are gradually developing their own specialties, extending their opening hours late into the night to cater to every need. When exploring this town, don't rely too much on recommendations; instead, explore on your own. Spend more time with friendly shopkeepers and listen to their stories – that's the best way to enjoy the experience. If you like, you can stay in one of the town's guesthouses and fully immerse yourself in the sunshine and freedom. However, many areas feel chaotic and disorganized. The main street is narrow yet constantly filled with vehicles, creating a chaotic atmosphere filled with shouting and swearing. Vehicles should be banned! Furthermore, some buildings have been renovated in a haphazard and inconsistent style, which is unacceptable. Maintaining the traditional architectural style is crucial for an ancient town. We hope the management will take this seriously.

  • Tinghua Valley - Lijiang Flowers Garden
    9
    󰺂6.5
    118
    Yulong10 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 4 of Family-friendly Attractions in Lijiang
    Highlights:
    󱓊Fairytale Hobbit treehouse view
    Flowers & seasons at Yulong
    󱨠Saved by 597 users󱨠158 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    M84***07M84***07

    The ticket includes souvenirs and afternoon tea. The souvenirs are seeds. Each person has cake and tea for afternoon tea. The price/performance ratio is good. Many people take wedding photos. If you are afraid of altitude sickness, you can go

  • Xuesong Village (Yuhu Village)
    10
    󰺂6.2
    Yulong.Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area17.7 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Stone houses & serene ambiance
    󱓊Ancient & rustic stone houses
    󱨠Saved by 164 users󱨠25% positive reviews
    4.0/5
    龙拜龙拜

    This is my second time visiting Yuhu Village. I like the style of this village. The houses are all built of stone. There is a street leading to the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. There are many snacks on the roadside and it is very lively.

What Best Things to Do are there in Lijiang?
These are all Best Things to Do in Lijiang:Yulong Snow Mountain, Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge, Lugu Lake Scenic Area, The Romantic Show of Lijiang, Old Town of Lijiang
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Lijiang?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Lijiang include:Yulong Snow Mountain:4.5, Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge:4.6, Lugu Lake Scenic Area:4.7, The Romantic Show of Lijiang:4.6, Old Town of Lijiang:4.7
At what locations in Lijiang can Best Things to Do in Lijiang be found?
The Best Things to Do in Lijiang are mainly located in:Yulong Snow Mountain:Yulong, Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge:Yulong, Lugu Lake Scenic Area:Ninglang, The Romantic Show of Lijiang:Yulong, Old Town of Lijiang:Lijiang
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