Best of Lijiang Attractions & Luxury Tours, China

Travel to the colorful Old Town of Lijiang which is more than 800 years old and lies within the Yunnan province. Lijiang was founded and prospered due to its position on the old Tea Horse Road trade route between Yunnan and central China as well as Tibet, India, Burma and other Asian countries.

Chosen as the governmental seat by Kubla Khan, its first emperor, Lijiang rapidly grew into the area’s political, educational and cultural center and the richness of the times remains evident in the town’s fancy homes and shops.

Lijiang has been inhabited by various tribes and people making it a special place to view a variety of ancient architecture. The predominant culture is that of the Naxi who incorporated specific traits of Tibet, Bai and Han into their building designs, creating their own unique style known as Dongba.

Enjoy walking along narrow, stone lanes through rows of closely nestled and diversely decorated houses. Pass beautifully carved doors and windows, and admire gardens full of blossoming trees and flowers. Water is the lifeblood of Lijiang and there are numerous canals, streams and pools in the city as well as a great number of intriguing bridges which poetically cross them.

Visit the central Square Street in Old Town and wander along a maze of streets and alleyways which radiate from this hub. Make your way to the Black Dragon Pool which was and is the main water supply for the Old Town of Jijiang and is surrounded by gorgeous scenery and traditional architecture.

While at Black Dragon Pool, catch an amazing photo opportunity at the center bridge with the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as a stunning backdrop. Walk along one of the canals extending from the Pool, serenely drift along in a paddle waterwheel boat, or hike up nearby Elephant Hill and capture the beauty of the surrounding area.

Head to the Naxi Concert Hall and enjoy the sounds and history of traditional Naxi music played on instruments dating back to the Tang dynasty. Take walking tours through the Dongba (Naxi) Museum and learn more of this fascinating culture.

Outside of Lijiang, enjoy a chair lift to Dry Sea Meadow, a cable car ride to Cloud Fir Meadow, or visit Yak Meadow. Take an excursion to Baisha Village, which is actually made up of twelve smaller villages, and get an ancient taste of the Naxi culture which originally settled there over a thousand years ago.

Year-round ski vacations can be realized at Yulong Snow Mountain (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain). Yulong Mountain is approximately 15 kilometers from Lijiang and because of its high altitude it offers excellent skiing snow regardless of when you visit. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Ski Resort embraces China’s highest elevation at around 4,600 meters above sea level.

Yulong is also well known for its amazing diversity of flora and fauna. During late spring and early autumn, the mountain explodes in a stunning variety of flowers, particularly azaleas. Access the ski resort or simply take in the mountain’s astonishing beauty via several cable car services.

Special Culinary Experiences

Hua Hua Shen – A very popular restaurant specializing in Naxi culinary delights. A must experience for those desiring to indulge in the local cuisine.
Jiannan Chun Xiao Chi – Offers a pleasantly diverse menu of both Chinese and local Naxi specialties.

Le Petit Paris – Head to this popular tourist bar to enjoy a laidback atmosphere while partaking of drinks and either Chinese or French dishes.

Interesting/Unique Accommodations

Crowne Plaza Hotel – A beautiful resort that lies in Old Town Lijiang and is decorated in the captivating style of the Naxi (Dongba). Treat yourself to luxury accommodations and first class facilities during your luxury Lijiang tour at the Crowne Plaza.

Zen Garden Hotel – Zen is a boutique hotel surrounding a wonderful garden that contains a small pond filled with fish and a stream running through. Often, a musician playing a traditional harp strums melodically in the area as you relax. Located 5 minutes from the Old Town Square.

Banyan Tree – For a peaceful stay just outside of Lijiang (10 minute drive), relax at the Banyan Tree. The resort offers large villas, a beautiful garden and pool, a spa and gorgeous views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

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