About Lijiang
Lijiang, in northwest Yunnan, is home to the UNESCO-listed Old Town, the Naxi people's 800-year-old water-town, and the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (5,596m). A private car with driver is the best way to explore Lijiang's scattered highlights.
Popular Lijiang Itineraries
| Option | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Jade Dragon Snow Mountain | Full day (8 hrs) | Cable car + Glacier Park + Blue Moon Valley | from $100 |
| Old Town + Shuhe + Baisha | Full day (7 hrs) | Old Town + Shuhe + Baisha murals | from $80 |
| Tiger Leaping Gorge | Full day (10 hrs) | Upper Gorge + Jinsha River views | from $130 |
| Lijiang + Dali | 3 days | Lijiang + Dali + Erhai Lake | from $380 |
Top Attractions in Lijiang
Lijiang Old Town (Dayan)
UNESCO World Heritage Site with 800-year-old Naxi architecture, winding canals, and stone bridges. Explore Sifang Street, Mu's Residence, and Wangu Tower for panoramic views.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
China's southernmost snow mountain, peak at 5,596m. Cable car to 4,506m, Glacier Park, and Impression Lijiang outdoor show. 30km north, full day.
Blue Moon Valley
Stunning turquoise-blue glacial river valley at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Four terraced lakes with crystal-clear water. Boardwalk loop takes 1-2 hours.
Shuhe & Baisha Villages
Quieter alternatives to Lijiang Old Town. Shuhe has well-preserved Naxi courtyards; Baisha is famous for its 600-year-old murals.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
One of the world's deepest gorges (3,900m from river to peak). The Upper Gorge has the famous Tiger Leaping Stone. 90km from Lijiang, day trip possible.
Lashi Lake & Lugu Lake
Lashi Lake (20min) is a wetland reserve for horse riding. Lugu Lake (3.5hr) is the pristine Mother Lake of the Mosuo people. Best for an overnight trip.
Suggested Itineraries
1-Day Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Morning: Hotel pickup to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, cable car to 4,506m, Glacier Park hike
Afternoon: Blue Moon Valley boardwalk, Shuhe Ancient Town, return to hotel
2-Day Lijiang Highlights
Day 1: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley, Shuhe Village, Old Town evening
Day 2: Tiger Leaping Gorge day trip, Baisha Murals, airport/HSR transfer
Lijiang Car Service Rates
| Service | Duration | Price (USD) | Price (CNY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Transfer (LJG) | One-way | $30 | ~¥216 |
| City & Old Town Day Tour | 8 hrs / 100km | $80 | ~¥576 |
| Jade Dragon Snow Mountain | Full day | $100 | ~¥720 |
| Tiger Leaping Gorge Day Trip | Full day | $130 | ~¥936 |
| Lugu Lake Round Trip | 2 days | $280 | ~¥2,016 |
| Lijiang to Dali Transfer | One-way | $120 | ~¥864 |
Prices include vehicle, driver, fuel, tolls, and parking. Entrance fees, meals, and cable car tickets are not included.
What's Included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional Chinese/English-speaking driver
- Hotel / airport / HSR pickup
- All fuel, tolls, parking
- Driver waiting time at attractions
- Bottled water & portable oxygen
- 24/7 WhatsApp/WeChat support
Not Included
- Entrance fees (Jade Dragon ¥100)
- Cable car tickets (¥120)
- Meals & beverages
- Tour guide / interpreter
- Gratuities & travel insurance
