Top 10 Lijiang Tourist Attractions and Things To Do Rated on TripAdvisor

These are top 10 Lijiang tourist attractions rated on TripAdvisor, Lijiang used to be a transit point for the Silk Road and the Tea-Horse Ancient Road. It has a very long history. Because of its unique cultural and natural landscape, Lijiang has become a very popular tourist destination in China. It is also one of the few ancient cities of ethnic minorities in China. Lijiang has been rated as a “world cultural heritage”: it has rich ethnic customs, a small bridge and flowing water layout, scattered residential buildings, and a loose life rhythm and rich nightlife.

1. Lugu Lake

Lugu Lake, at the border between Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces and about 200 kilometers (124 miles) from Lijiang city, is an alpine lake renowned for its stunning scenery and unique Mosuo culture. Lugu is called the “mother lake” by the local Mosuo people, who comprise what is sometimes described as the last matriarchal society in the world.

2. Blue Moon Valley

Blue Moon Valley originated from melting snow and ice on snowy mountains, flowing down cliffs, and finally forming a crystal clear and extremely cool river in the deep valley on the upper reaches of Blue Moon Valley. Moreover, the valley is crescent-shaped. From a distance, it looks like a round of blue moon inlaid at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain, hence its name is Blue Moon Valley.

3. Lijiang Impressions Show

Impression Lijiang is a cultural show which demonstrates the traditions and lifestyle of local Naxi, Yi and Bai ethnics of the area. It is the second outdoor production of famous Chinese film director Zhang Yimou, The open-air performance takes place inside Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Park at 3500 meters in an outdoor theater specifically designed to showcase the m ountain which is used as a breath-taking backdrop.

4.  Old Town of Lijiang

Lijiang Ancient Town is a well-preserved Naxi ancient town, listed as UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. It is one of the four best-preserved ancient cities in China. The unique geographical location, historical background and multiracial inhabitants make it one of the most popular travel destination in China. 

5. Mu’s Residence

Located at the southwest part of Lijiang, the Mu’s Residence was the mansion of the Mu family, the ruler of Naxi people that ruled Lijiang for about 470 years in ancient China, as well as the government office of Lijiang, which was built symmetrically according to imperial palace of Han minority ethnic group.

6. Black Dragon Pool 

Black Dragon Pool  is not only the water source of Lijiang’s ancient city, but also the place where Lijiang’s state-level protected cultural relics are most concentrated. Black Dragon Pool is the best place for shooting Yulong Snow Mountain.

7. Shuhe Ancient Town

Shuhe is in the former commercial district known for its leather and fur artisans. Known locally as Longquan village, Shuhe is thought to be the birthplace of the eminent Mu family of the Naxi minority ethnic group. A walk along it narrows streets and alleyways affords a glimpse into a previous era.

8. Square Street (Sifangjie)

Square Street is the core of Lijiang’s ancient city. The center of the street stretches out four main streets and is a famous snack street. There are many snacks and restaurants around, and you can eat a lot of Naxi delicacies at random. Every morning, many people dance Naxi dance here. In the evening, some people jump around the bonfire.

9. Ganhaizi Meadow

Ganhaizi Meadow is an open meadow and a natural pasture. The vast meadow is littered with low pine trees. Yaks pass by from time to time. It is a landscape of highland pastures. It is the closest and best place to look up the whole picture of Yulong Snow Mountain. There is the longest fairway in the world, the highest elevation in Asia and the only golf course at the foot of snow mountain.

10. Three Parallel Rivers

The Three Parallel Rivers refer to the three rivers of the Jinsha River, the Lancang River and the Nujiang River, which originate from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and run more than 170 kilometers from north to south in Yunnan Province, cross the mountains between Dandang Lika Mountain, Gaoligong Mountain, Nu Mountain and other high mountains and lofty hills.

These are the top 10 Lijiang tourist attractions and to-do items selected by TripAdvisor. If you want to know more about other Lijiang tourist attractions, you can inquire on the website or consult relevant staff.