3-Day Healing Trip to Lijiang
Three days to leisurely explore the ancient city, climb a snow-capped mountain, and relax in the sun—the perfect way to experience Lijiang.
Suitable for: First-time visitors to Lijiang want to experience snow-capped mountains, the ancient town, and a laid-back lifestyle.
Day 1: Leisurely Moments in the Ancient City
A leisurely day-long stroll through Dayan Ancient Town and Baisha Ancient Town.
Lijiang Old Town at Dawn
Dayan Ancient Town is least crowded between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m.—the Great Waterwheel and Sifang Street reveal their true charm. Exploring the narrow alleys is where the real magic lies.
Mu Family Mansion
“In the north, there is the Forbidden City; in the south, there is the Mu Mansion.” The palace of the Naxi Tusi rulers; admission is 60 yuan.
Baisha Ancient Town
It’s much less crowded than Dayan. Jiuding Longtan, Qinglong Bridge, and Sifang Tingyin Square. Grandmas basking in the sun, dogs lounging on doorsteps—this is the slow pace that Lijiang is all about.
Dinner: Cured Pork Rib Hot Pot
Outside the Old Town, try “Ama’s Smoked Pork Ribs” for 60–80 yuan per person. Dipping them in mint powder is absolutely delicious!
Don’t eat inside the Old City—it’s expensive and not authentic
Head to Zhongyi Market or Qixing Street for a meal
Day 2: Yulong Snow Mountain + Blue Moon Valley
Climb to the summit of 4680 and admire the milky-blue lake.
Heading to Yulong Snow Mountain
It takes about 40 minutes by private car to reach the Old Town. Book tickets for the main cable car in advance via the “Lijiang Tourism Group” WeChat official account (tickets are released at 8:00 PM the night before). Oxygen cylinders cost 15–20 yuan at pharmacies in the Old Town.
Secure your cable car tickets 1–3 days in advance! They are not available for purchase on-site!
Oxygen tanks: 20 yuan in the Old City, 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.
Know your limits! Altitude sickness is no joke
Blue Moon Valley
The lake water is truly milk-blue—no filters needed! Four lakes: Yuye Lake, Jingtan Lake (the most photogenic), Blue Moon Lake, and Tingtao Lake. Wear white or red for photos.
Electric scooter available for 40 yuan—you can also walk the entire route
Baisha Ancient Town
It’s even more unspoiled than Shuhe, and you can take photos with the snow-capped mountains as a backdrop on the main street. Check out the Baisha murals. Find a café on the second floor to enjoy the view of the snow-capped mountains.
Day 3: Total Relaxation + Departure
Take photos of the snow-capped mountains reflected in Hei Long Tan; buy souvenirs at Zhongyi Market.
Heilongtan Park
On windless mornings, the water’s surface is as smooth as a mirror—the perfect spot to photograph the reflection of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Zhongyi Market
Shopping for souvenirs: Freshly baked flower-shaped pastries from Jiahua—3 for 10 yuan; chickpea jelly—5 yuan. Prices are half what they are inside the Old Town.