Lanterns in Lijiang

It's day one of your Lijiang China trip and upon arrival in Lijiang (usually at the airport if you’re coming from Xi'an or Chengdu) a transfer will take you to the ancient city centre called 'old town' or 'Dayan'. This part of Lijiang is on UNESCO’s World Heritage list and also car-free. You’ll be dropped off at the square, the last point where cars are allowed. Our representative will accompany you to your court yard hotel in the ancient centre of the city. The Ancient Town Protection Fee is included in the price of this trip. Keep the payment stub that the representative will give to you as you’ll have to present it every time you enter the ancient city centre.

During your Lijiang China trip, you’ll stay at a court yard hotel in a wooden house which is very authentic and similar to all the other houses in the area. All rooms are positioned around a court yard full of plants, sitting areas and lanterns. The staff at the reception can provide you with a map to help you explore Lijiang independently. When walking around Lijiang, you'll find many souvenir stores, internet cafés and restaurants. Lijiang is the number one tourist destination for Chinese tourists and whilst in Lijiang during your trip to China you’re sure to see many Chinese tour groups walking through the old town.

The centre of Lijiang is exceptionally beautiful in the evening. The small canals, bridges, cobble stone streets and wooden houses are all lit up by red Chinese lanterns. During one of these mystical evenings, you can walk over to the concert building where there are frequent classical Tao temple music recitals. It's a Naxi tradition that almost disappeared when all musical instruments were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. The most popular musical group is lead by ‘Xuan Ke', a local hero. He revived the tradition together with elderly musicians and instruments.

Another unique experience during the evenings of this trip to China is hearing the Naxi men and women sing limericks to each other, sometimes from one side of a canal to another. There's singing, screaming, drinking and dancing. Chinese and Western tourists usually join in too, adding to the celebratory atmosphere… you may not know what you’re singing - but it’s guaranteed to be a fun part of your trip to China!

On day two of this Lijiang China trip, you’ll go on a bike ride in the area around Lijiang. You and your guide will travel out of Lijiang and onto a paved road with snow-capped mountains to the left and right of you. After about 45 minutes you’ll reach the traditional Naxi village of Baisha, where you’ll park your bike and go for a walk through the streets. This village is just as beautiful as Lijiang, only less touristy and more genuine and peaceful.

The legendary herbal practitioner Dr. Ho lives in this village. He’s 80 years old; however he is still extremely hospitable and welcomes guests with a cup of ‘health tea’. He’ll show you newspaper clippings of himself that he’s saved from international newspapers and if you like, you can even receive medical advice from him. People from all over the world- and even a few celebrities- have visited him for his advice and his tea.

Just after noon you’ll arrive back in Lijiang and you’ll have enough time to freshen up at your hotel before having the rest of the afternoon to spend as you wish. 

We suggest heading to the Black Dragon Pool Park (approx. 60 Yuan). This spectacular man-made park has a lake that reflects the Jade Snow Mountain tops when the sun is shining.

This is one of the most photographed places in China… and when you see it, you’ll understand why. Around the lake you’ll see temples, museums and stores where the Naxi minority show-off their calligraphy skills. A visit to this park is sure to be a real highlight of your trip to China.