Hotels in Lijiang

Lijiang: Ancient Naxi Town at 2,400 Metres

Lijiang sits in northwest Yunnan Province, China, at an elevation of 2,400 metres on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. The city divides into two distinct zones: Lijiang Old Town (Dayan), a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 1997, and the modern district to the south. Dayan's cobblestone lanes, carved wooden shopfronts, and a network of canals fed by Black Dragon Pool have made it one of Yunnan's most-visited destinations. The Naxi people, whose Dongba pictographic script remains in active ceremonial use, shaped the town's architecture and culture over seven centuries.

Where to Stay in Lijiang

Most hotels orient around the Old Town core, where guesthouses occupy converted Naxi courtyard homes along lanes such as Xinyi Jie and Wuyi Jie. Shuhe Ancient Town, 4 km north, offers a quieter alternative with fewer crowds and lower rates. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain — its highest peak reaching 5,596 metres — is visible from the northern edge of the old quarter and accessible by cable car from a base 25 km from the city centre.

Practical Tips

• Altitude: At 2,400 m, mild acclimatisation is advisable for visitors arriving from low-elevation cities; allow one rest day before trekking.
• Access: Lijiang Sanyi International Airport connects to Kunming (50 min), Chengdu, and Guangzhou; high-speed rail from Kunming takes approximately 3 hours.
• Old Town fee: An 80 RMB maintenance fee applies to first-time visitors entering Dayan.