Nestled beneath the snowy peaks of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the narrow cobbled streets of Old Lijiang run with the clear waters of mountain streams.
Featured in the Channel 4 documentary ‘Beyond the Clouds’, this idyllic old place is now a World Heritage Town. Once among the ancient streets of the old town, flanked by traditional Naxi-style architecture, the magic of the area becomes apparent.
This region is the stronghold of the Naxi people, unique matriarchal Dongba culture combines shamanism with a unique pictographic language. From the 500-year-old Giant Camelia Tree and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the Baisha Frescoes and Lugu Lake, the region surrounding Lijiang is one of the most beautiful imaginable, and prompted the naturalist Joseph Rock to devote much of his life to the study of its flora and indigenous cultures.
who's been there
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Photos of Lijiang
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![Rooftops of Lijiang Old Town]()
Rooftops of Lijiang Old Town -
![Black Dragon Pool, Lijiang]()
Black Dragon Pool, Lijiang -
![Lijiang]()
Lijiang -
![Lijiang]()
Lijiang -
![Lijiang and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain]()
Lijiang and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain -
![Jade Dragon Mountain from the Black Dragon Pool, Lijiang]()
Jade Dragon Mountain from the Black Dragon Pool, Lijiang -
![Naxi women, Lijiang]()
Naxi women, Lijiang -
![Fruit seller, Lijiang Old Town]()
Fruit seller, Lijiang Old Town
Our expert guides to exploring Lijiang
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Lijiang, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Lijiang at its best.
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Characterful stays in China ![Songtsam Hotel, Shangri-la]()
Characterful stays in China
Characterful stays in China
Whether you’re staying in a converted farmhouse surrounded by countryside or a traditional Tibetan building overlooking a monastery, basing yourself in a boutique property during your vacation to China opens your eyes to new cultures and authentic local life. Country specialist Stephanie shares her recommendations.
Read this guide -
The slow side of China: visiting the rural provinces ![Li river, Guilin]()
The slow side of China: visiting the rural provinces
The slow side of China: visiting the rural provinces
There are still places to visit in China that remain almost untouched by the modern world. Country specialist Cheryl shares her experiences of rural China, from meeting local people and learning about their minority cultures to hiking through mountains and rice terraces.
Read this guide -
China’s spiritual side: the best temples, grottoes, mosques and mountains ![Songzanlin Monastery, Shangri-la]()
China’s spiritual side: the best temples, grottoes, mosques and mountains
China’s spiritual side: the best temples, grottoes, mosques and mountains
You can explore spiritual China in country specialist Anthony’s guide to the Middle Kingdom’s most intriguing holy places. He shares his thoughts on the why and how of visiting Buddhist monasteries, temples and cave art, and even sacred mountains.
Read this guide
