Traditional timber houses, cobbled streets and Nasi culture against the backdrop of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Lijiang is a wonderfully picturesque, historic city, found in the northwest part of China’s Yunnan district and along the famous trade route known as the Ancient Tea Horse Road.

Here the Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historical centre of Lijiang – comprises narrow cobbled streets and wonderful examples of both Han and Zang architecture in the form of countless two-storey wooden-framed tile-roofed houses. Wander under the arched gateways, into courtyards and under carved roof beams representative of the Nasi culture.

The Old Town is made up of three areas: Dayan Old Town, established in the Ming dynasty and where you’ll find the tranquil Black Dragon Pond Park; Baisha village where you can visit a traditional Nasi community; and finally, the picture-perfect Shuhe ancient town, in which the Qinglong Bridge that dates back to the Ming dynasty, sits.

Lijiang also boasts awe-inspiring natural landscapes, ranging from snow-capped mountains like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and glacial lakes such as Blue Moon Valley in the highlands, to endless canyons such as the Tiger Leaping Gorge making it an idyllic place for anyone looking to escape the bustling cities and explore the beauty of the great outdoors.

A word from one of our experts

I have especially fond memories of my time in Lijiang, particularly hiking through a forest up to a small working monastery just outside the town, where there were no other tourists and we were greeted warmly by the resident monks.
Rachel O Leary headshot
Rachel O Leary

Senior Travel Designer

Luxury accommodation in Lijiang

There are many incredible places to stay in Lijiang. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Lijiang

Banyan Tree Lijiang
Found at the foot of the fantastically named Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Banyan Tree Lijiang decorates the already mesmerizing landscape. Its regal combination of traditional style buildings and modern-day luxury perfectly evoke a romanticised sense of a bygone kingdom; specifically that of the Nashi (also sometimes referred to as Nakhi) people. Rooms here are palatial in their own right, borrowing from elements of Nashi architecture such as perfect symmetry, elegant pillars and subtly carved poles. Here you can absorb panoramic views of the legendary Jade Dragon Snow Mountains from your plush king-sized bed, as well as bask in the beauty of your carefully tended private gardens, relax in the private outdoor heated pools and individually tailor your comfort with a thoughtful pillow menu. Rooms are decorated with dark woods and red hues, known in China as the traditional symbolic colour of happiness, and a stay here is sure to instil such a thing. Dining here is just as perfected as the hotel’s aesthetic, atmosphere and luxury. Here you can indulge in the best of the local cuisine in the hotel’s two restaurants, or enjoy a unique gourmet dining experience in a pagoda under the moonlight. Here you can indulge the senses at the Banyan Tree Spa, enjoy a class of yoga, along with a range of guided tours of Lijiang by both bike and foot, or revitalize with a game of tennis on the on-site courts that benefit from a breathtaking backdrop of the mountains. Guests can also visit the Banyan Tree Gallery, which is filled with an enchanting collection of handicrafts, resort apparel and signature spa amenities, letting you take a little piece of this tranquil paradise home with you.
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Authentic experiences

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Trip Inspiration

Get inspired with our Lijiang example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

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Whatever you want from your adventure in Lijiang, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.