Yunnan Province – Lijiang

Yunnan – Lijiang

Home to mountains, gorges and raging rivers, Yunnan is an oasis
for nature lovers. The local Naxi people have a rich history, including
one of the oldest choreographic notations in the world.

Itinerary Highlights

`/ lijiang old town`

The Old Town takes you on a winding journey through river lined cobble streets lined with trinket shops, museums, galleries and colourful walls painted with Naxi script.

`/ tiger leaping gorge`

This is a demanding hike for those who take the Upper Gorge route, but the views are well worth it! Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in the world.

`/ jade dragon snow mountain`

This is the southern most glacier in the Northern Hemisphere and sits at 5596m of elevation. It has 13 peaks that some say collectively look like a flying dragon.

Suggested Itinerary

Recommended time (4-5 days)

*NOTE: This itinerary focuses on Lijiang – other cities to visit include Shangri La,
Dali & Xishuangbanna.

Day 1

From Lijiang Sanyi Airport you can get a taxi/Didi or take the Airport Shuttle Bus to the edge of the Old Town.

Airport bus to Minhang Lantian Binguan
20rmb
30 mins

Taxi/Didi
~100rmb
40 mins

RECOMMENDED ACCOMODATION
No.29 Courtyard Hostel

Once you arrive at the Old Town, leave your things at your accommodation and go explore.

1. Old Town (main tourist destination)
2. Naxi Script Museum (traditional Naxi people teaching the history)
3. Wenbi Reservoir (30 min cycle out of town, very peaceful & locals even swim in it)
4. Shuhe Ancient Town (quieter version of the touristy Old Town)

Finish off your day with some local hotpot (huǒguō) or bbq (shāokǎo) and catch the musical nightlife of the Old Town.

Day 2

Tiger Leaping Gorge
To save time in the morning, ask your accommodation for a car to drop you off at the bus for Tiger Leaping Gorge.
2 hours
45rmb

This bus will take you to the ticket office
45rmb
and then further along the road
– ask to be dropped off where the hiking trail starts.

Follow the signs for Upper/Middle Gorge. You will reach the hiking trail after you get beyond the construction.

Alternatively, you can start with seeing the river rapids and the famous leaping tiger statue. The hike takes ~7 hours.

You’ll end up at some guesthouses in time for dinner and sunset.

RECOMMENDED ACCOMODATION
Tea Horse Guesthouse

This can be a 1 or 2 day visit, depending on whether you hike or not.
Follow the Lower Gorge (local tourists often do this) to stay at the bottom and see the Gorge only.

Day 3

In the morning you’ll depart the guesthouse and start making your way back down.

Descent
~4 hours

Your descent will end at Tina’s Guesthouse.

Here you have lunch and buy your next destination’s ticket.

Option 1. Go back to Lijiang
Option 2. Go to Shangri La

*if you plan to go to Shangri La from here, pack light. If you head back to Lijiang town from here, leave your belongings at your accommodation and only bring essentials

Once you’re back in town – you’ll be wrecked! So take it easy and follow the paved paths to see what you can find – it’s a maze of beauty.

Day 4

Yulong Xueshan – Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Take the bus from Lijiang Bus Station on Changshui Road to Yulong Xueshan.
15rmb bus
20rmb road fee
50rmb entry fee
1 hour
There will be a cableway to take to the top. You should buy it here in advance as it may sell out.
140rmb

Oxygen tanks are available – I’d say not necessary but know your altitude limits.

After you descend, you’ll get a bus to
Blue Moon Valley – Baishui Lakes.

These lakes are unbelievable hues of blue with a full view of the snow mountain behind them.

Wander the paths and roads for a few hours and make sure to be back for the last bus into town at 5pm.