A 3-Day Healing Trip to Lijiang
Three days of leisurely strolling through the Old Town, hiking to the summit of a snow-capped mountain, and just relaxing in the sun—the best way to experience Lijiang.
Best for: For first-time visitors to Lijiang who want to experience the snow-capped mountains, the ancient town, and the slow pace of life.
Day 1: A Leisurely Day in the Ancient Town
A leisurely day exploring Dayan Ancient Town and Baisha Ancient Town.
Lijiang Old Town at Dawn
Dayan Ancient Town is least crowded between 7 and 8 a.m.—the giant waterwheel and Sifang Street reveal their true charm. Exploring the narrow alleys is where the real magic lies.
Mu Mansion
“In the north, there is the Forbidden City; in the south, there is the Mu Mansion.” The palace of the Naxi chieftain; admission is 60 yuan.
Baisha Ancient Town
Much less crowded than Dayan. Jiuding Longtan, Qinglong Bridge, and Sifang Tingyin Square. Grandmothers basking in the sun, dogs lounging on doorsteps—this is the true, leisurely pace of Lijiang.
Dinner: Smoked spare ribs hot pot
“Ama Cured Pork Ribs” outside the Old Town, 60–80 yuan per person. It’s absolutely delicious when dipped in mint powder!
Don’t eat inside the Old Town—it’s expensive and not authentic
Head to Zhongyi Market or Qixing Street to eat
Day 2: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain + Blue Moon Valley
Hike to the 4,680-meter summit and see the milky-blue lakes.
Set off for Yulong Snow Mountain
It’s about a 40-minute private car ride from the Old Town. Secure your cable car tickets in advance through the “Lijiang Tourism Group” WeChat official account (tickets go on sale at 8:00 PM the night before). Buy oxygen cylinders at pharmacies in the Old Town for 15–20 yuan.
Secure your cable car tickets 1–3 days in advance! They are not available for purchase on-site!
Oxygen cylinders cost 20 yuan in the Old Town but over 60 yuan on the mountain.
Glacier Park Cable Car
Take the cable car up to 4,506 m → hike along the wooden boardwalk to the 4,680 m observation deck. It’s normal to get out of breath after just a few steps! Walk slowly—don’t run. Sunglasses are a must—the glare off the snow is blinding.
Pace yourself! Altitude sickness is no joke
Blue Moon Valley
The lake water is truly milk-blue—no filters needed! Four lakes: Yuye Lake, Jingtan Lake (most photogenic), Blue Moon Lake, and Tingtao Lake. Wear white or red for photos.
Electric cart available for 40 yuan—you can also walk the entire route
Baisha Ancient Town
More unspoiled than Shuhe; take photos with the snow-capped mountains as a backdrop on the main street. Check out the Baisha murals. Find a second-floor café to enjoy the view of the snow-capped mountains.
Day 3: Relax and unwind + Departure
Capture the reflection of the snow-capped mountains at Black Dragon Pool; buy souvenirs at Zhongyi Market.
Black Dragon Pool Park
On calm, windless mornings, the water’s surface is as smooth as a mirror—the perfect spot to capture the reflection of Yulong Snow Mountain.
Zhongyi Market
Buying souvenirs: Freshly baked flower-shaped pastries from Jiahua—3 for 10 yuan; chickpea jelly—5 yuan. Half the price of what you’d pay in the Old Town.