Nestled in the shadow of the snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang is one of China’s most popular tourist spots - and who are we to argue? Once a major trading post along the age-old Tea Horse Road linking the Yunnan Province and Tibet, the city is still a busy commercial hub today. Visitors from far and wide flock the streets of the famous old town - a labyrinth of cobbled streets flanked by koi-filled canals and weeping willows. A stroll around this atmospheric area will make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time - and the culture doesn’t end there. The city has some fantastic museums, music and dance shows where you can learn about Naxi traditions and lifestyles.
If you find yourself wanting to escape the constant throng of the old town, the city’s Himalayan horizon offers plenty of scenic spots for reflection. From snow-dusted mountains, to lush pine forests, to glacier-fed lakes, all you have to do is follow the hiking trails leading from the city and you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views and Instagram-worthy photo-ops. Ok, so it’s not exactly ‘off the beaten path’, but the stunning scenery will make you forget (or at least overlook) the hordes of other sightseers.
Once you’ve got accustomed to the crowds, the UNESCO-listed old town and spectacular mountain hiking trails are well worth exploring. So why not add Lijiang to your China itinerary? We promise you won’t regret it.
