Lijiang

Travel Guide

A traditional Chinese courtyard with ornate lanterns and tiled roofs.
A traditional Chinese street at dusk with red lanterns, ornate rooftops, and a mountain backdrop.
A traditional Chinese pavilion by a calm lake with mountains in the background.
A traditional multi-tiered pagoda by a calm lake with mountains in the background.
A traditional Chinese pavilion by a lake with mountains in the background.

Where to stay in Lijiang

Find the best Lijiang areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Lijiang
Learn more about Lijiang
A traditional Chinese street with ornate buildings, red lanterns, and a clear blue sky.

Dayan Old Town

Dayan Old Town is noteworthy for its historic sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Lijiang Old Town and Lijiang Mural.

A traditional wooden building with tiled roofs and a courtyard.
Photo by Andy Cao
Open Photo by Andy Cao

Shuhe Old Town

Historic sites and restaurants are notable features of Shuhe Old Town. You might consider a stop by Ancient Tea Horse Road Museum while you're exploring the neighborhood.

A traditional Chinese pavilion by a calm lake with mountains in the background.

Gucheng District

While visiting Gucheng District, you might make a stop by sights like Hong Kong Compatriots Donate Monument and Lijiang Old Town.

A lake surrounded by mountains, a golf course, and traditional buildings.
Photo by Jessie Lisa
Open Photo by Jessie Lisa

Lugu Lake - Ninglang

You'll enjoy the mountain views and museums in Lugu Lake - Ninglang. You might want to make time for a stop at Liwubi Island or Jiamu Hill.

InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort by IHG

InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort by IHG

5 out of 5
276 Xianghe Road Lijiang Yunnan
$183 nightly
The price is $197 total per night from Oct 14 to Oct 15
$197 total
Oct 14 - Oct 15
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Lijiang. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Mu Family Mansion and Lijiang Old Town ...
InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort by IHG
Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town by IHG

Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town by IHG

5 out of 5
111 Xing Wen Alley Qi Yi Street Lijiang Yunnan
$154 nightly
The price is $166 total per night from Oct 17 to Oct 18
$166 total
Oct 17 - Oct 18
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Lijiang. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Lijiang Old Town and Mu Family Mansion ...
Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town by IHG
Jinmao Purelax Lijiang -The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Jinmao Purelax Lijiang -The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

5 out of 5
No 8 Xiangjiang Road Lijiang Yunnan
$146 nightly
The price is $157 total per night from Sep 24 to Sep 25
$157 total
Sep 24 - Sep 25
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Lijiang. Enjoy free WiFi, 6 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Ancient Tea Horse Road Museum and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (99 reviews)
"place looks beautiful! we booked a suite with one bed room! it is a one bedroom house with yard! the place looks very nice! however, the back yard door is open from outside, people can come to house inside yard from outside this back door!"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2026

Jinmao Purelax Lijiang -The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
See all 421 properties in Lijiang
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cloudhaven Retreat (花开花落半山居)

Cloudhaven Retreat (花开花落半山居)

4 out of 5
126 Wenmiao Alley Lijiang Yunnan
Stay at this aparthotel in Lijiang. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Lijiang Old Town and Lijiang Mural are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (12 reviews)
"Access to the hotel needs to be clarified at the lower entrance. And the hotel name - Cloudhaven Retreat (花开花落半山居) needs to be updated. The hotel is using another name right now."

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2025

Cloudhaven Retreat (花开花落半山居)
Bantang White House

Bantang White House

4 out of 5
No.93 Qingxi Street Lijiang Yunnan
Stay at this aparthotel in Lijiang. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Wangu Pavilion and Mu Family Mansion are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (2 reviews)
"None of the staff spoke English. Very hard to communicate. Staff was friendly but clueless on how to deal with visitors from outside of China Food offerings were limited. No restaurant, just a bistro Very bad location, away from the city, squeezed in a tiny street. The entrance gave the appearance ..."

Reviewed on May 29, 2025

Bantang White House
Jinhong Villa

Jinhong Villa

2 out of 5
126 Ziyun Xiang, Beimen Street (Beimen Lijiang Yunnan
Stay at this aparthotel in Lijiang. Popular attractions Lijiang Mural and Black Dragon Pool are located nearby.
Jinhong Villa
See all properties in Lijiang
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Lijiang attractions

A traditional Chinese street with wooden buildings, red lanterns, and ornate roofs.

Lijiang Old Town

8.6/10 (21 reviews)
Find out about the history of Lijiang when you spend time at Lijiang Old Town. Discover the mountain views in this culturally rich area.
See properties

Things to do

Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Spruce Meadow Ropeway Tour

Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Spruce Meadow Ropeway Tour

$70
per adult
Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Spruce Meadow Ropeway Tour
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Countryside Experience

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Countryside Experience

$49
per adult
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Countryside Experience
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Lijiang Scenic Train Private Tour

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Glacier Cableway with Scenic Train Tour

$67
per adult
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Glacier Cableway with Scenic Train Tour
See all activities in Lijiang

Frequently asked questions

Is Lijiang worth visiting?
Lijiang is worth visiting for its standout attractions like Tiger Leaping Gorge and Lijiang Old Town. Travelers can also explore distinct areas such as Gucheng District and Lugu Lake - Ninglang, and enjoy a diverse food scene offering Asian and Italian dishes.
When is the best time to visit Lijiang?
The best time to visit Lijiang is from May through September, when the weather conditions are generally most pleasant for travelers. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of November through February are a good option, offering a more tranquil experience.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Lijiang?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Lijiang depend on what you want to see:

  • Gucheng District offers cultural sites like Black Dragon Pool, Puji Monastery, and the Ancient Tea Horse Road Museum.
  • Lugu Lake - Ninglang features natural beauty and local culture with Jiamu Hill, Lake Houses, and the Folk Museum.
  • Dayan Old Town is known for historical attractions such as the Lijiang Mural, Wangu Pavilion, and the Mu Family Mansion.

What is Lijiang known for?
Lijiang is known for its significant landmarks like the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge and the historic Lijiang Old Town. Travelers can also explore the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area. This city, home to neighborhoods such as Gucheng District, also offers a strong Asian food culture.
What is a good itinerary length for Lijiang?
A good itinerary length for Lijiang is two to three days to explore Lijiang Old Town and experience the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain & Dongba Culture. For an extended stay, five to seven days allows travelers to include a two-day Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking tour or a two-day Lugu Lake and Mosuo Culture Discovery Tour. See Lijiang Activities.
How do you get around Lijiang?
Lijiang is primarily served by train, with Lijiang Railway Station providing connections for travelers arriving or departing. For getting around the city itself, local taxis and rideshare services are generally available to help you reach various destinations within Lijiang.
What are the top things to do in and around Lijiang?
Lijiang offers a blend of natural wonders, historic sites, and unique cultural experiences for travelers:


How do I plan a trip to Lijiang?
To plan your trip to Lijiang, search Expedia for hotels in areas like Gucheng District or Dayan Old Town. Book flights, rental cars, and activities such as a Jade Dragon Snow Mountain experience or a Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking tour in advance. Remember to pair outdoor plans with indoor backups for weather flexibility.
What cuisines can you find in Lijiang?
In Lijiang you can find Chinese cuisine, with dishes like stir-fries, dumplings, and various noodle preparations. Travelers also have options for Italian, European, and steakhouse meals, alongside vegan and vegetarian choices. The area also features coffee shops and tea houses.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Lijiang?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Lijiang by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Lijiang with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Lijiang trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Lijiang?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Lijiang can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Lijiang trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Lijiang trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Lijiang trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Lijiang trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Lijiang?
If it's your first trip to Lijiang, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Lijiang hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Lijiang hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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