Lijiang Weather in January

Lijiang（丽江）, one of China’s most beloved UNESCO World Heritage Sites, blends cobblestone alleys, Naxi culture, and spectacular mountain views into one timeless destination. In January, the city is cool and dry, offering crisp blue skies, fewer tourists, and magical views of snow-dusted rooftops and the iconic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

☀️ Weather in January

👕 What to Wear in January

Daytime: Long sleeves or fleece, light jacket

Evening: Down coat, scarf, gloves (especially in mountain areas)

Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or boots for cobbled streets

Extras: Sunscreen and sunglasses — the highland UV is strong

🧭 What to Do in January

Lashihai Lake:
Lashi Lake is a famous attraction in Lijiang. There are Naxi and other minority nationalities inhabited around Lashihai Lake, who are rich in cultural and folk customs. Zhiyun Temple situated by Lashihai Lake is regarded as one of the five temples in the city of Lijiang. It is a famous tourism spot of Tibetan Lamaism.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain:
Travelers can witness the splendour of imposing mountains covered by white snow. They can go skiing in the scenic area and appreciate the gorgeous panorama. After the visit, they can go to the nearby Blue Moon Valley.

Lijiang Ancient Town:
Travelers can also spend a leisure life in the Old Town of Lijiang. Enjoying Naxi Ethnic minority’s ancient music.

Ganhaizi Meadow:
There are many tour facilities, spreading all over the  Dry Sea Meadow like stars in the sky. It’s a great convenience for the tourists, who can do skiing, sliding on the sand, gliding, car racing, horse racing, and towed gliding.

Mu’s Residence:
It reflects the architectural style of the central plains of China during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Its layout is arranged according to the pattern of the Forbidden City. Decorative work, including carvings and paintings of buildings, are similar in style to those in the palace of Ming. Most of the decorations are simple but sublime showing the dignity of the ruler. Some of the buildings show the delicate characteristics of landscape gardens in south China.

Black Dragon Pool:
Black Dragon Pool, or Jade Spring(玉泉) Park is the main headwater of the Yushui River which goes through the Old Town. People believe that the gods of the Naxi ethnic minorities are living in the chestnut woods, beside the mouth of springs, behind the carved doors and below the bridges.

🎉 Festivals & Culture in January

🧧 Chinese New Year (Late Jan or Early Feb)

In preparation, locals dry meat, make sticky rice cakes, and decorate homes

Red lanterns light up the Old Town — very atmospheric at night

Some villages nearby hold Naxi winter prayer ceremonies and offerings

🔥 Mountain Fire Festivals (in surrounding villages)

Bonfires, dancing, and music to ward off evil and welcome spring

Simple, heartfelt, and largely untouched by tourism

🍲 What to Eat in January

Lijiang Baba – pan-fried Naxi-style wheat pancakes, both savory and sweet

Hot pot with yak meat or mushrooms – perfect for cold nights

Rice noodles with wild vegetables – earthy and comforting

Highland barley wine or sweet plum tea – warms you from within

Sticky rice with brown sugar or walnut filling – seasonal treat

🍲 Local meals in January are all about warmth, community, and flavor.

✅ Why Visit Lijiang in January?

✨ Lijiang in January: Ancient Stone, Fresh Snow & a Winter Soul

Morning light on snowy peaks. Temple incense in crisp air. Red lanterns glowing over quiet canals. Lijiang in January is like stepping into a Chinese watercolor painting — peaceful, pure, and timeless.

Lijiang Weather and Climate by Month

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

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