• The best times to visit Lijiang are from late March to May and October to November. These periods are drier and sunny with comfortable temperatures, when most of the time Jade Dragon Snow Mountain can be seen from the ancient town of Lijiang. It is also relatively mild in winter but the vegetation changes to leafless or drought colors.
• Transportation to Lijiang is more convenient than all other Yunnan cities except Kunming. There are direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Kunming. Bullet trains connect with Kunming, and it will be connected with Shangri-La, Lugu Lake, and Chengdu by bullet trains in the near future.
• Two nights or three days is recommended for an essential Lijiang tour. You can cover all the highlights of Lijiang in a 3-day tour. If you would like to go deeper, for example do some hiking in Tiger Leaping Gorge or on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, one or two more nights are needed. You can easily combine it with other cities in Yunnan.

Its high altitude and low latitude give Lijiang cooler summers and warmer winters. The rainy season is from June to September. The weather can change several times in a single day and the temperature varies greatly between day and night.

• Spring (March to May) — starting clear, mild
• Summer (June to September) — warm and humid
• Autumn (October to November) — mild and becoming clearer
• Winter (December to February) — clear and cool

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Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

The old town of Lijiang has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. With spectacular natural scenery, historical sites, and interesting ethnic culture, Lijiang is an attractive destination and hiking area. No matter what you expect from Lijiang, you won’t be disappointed.

If you would like to experience ethnic life and history, Dayan Ancient Town, Suhe Ancient Town, and Baisha Village are highly recommended. Peaceful Lugu Lake is a wonderland for scenery and the last surviving matriarchal minority.

If you are keen on breathtaking landscapes and want to taste some adventure, Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain hiking will be your cup of tea.

If you are interested in culture and art, don’t miss the chance to talk with a Naxi shaman and the amazing show “Impression Lijiang”. Read more

InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort

You will always have many options, no matter whether you prefer an international chain hotel or a small boutique hotel with local character. Your accommodation experience in Lijiang could well be another highlight of your Lijiang tour.

If you want to feel the romantic local atmosphere and have a colorful night, you could choose to stay in the Dayan or Shuhe ancient towns.

If you want to get close to the local people’s life and prefer peaceful moments, a hotel in Baisha Village is recommended.

If you would like to have a taste of the wilds, enjoy a starry night, and follow in the footsteps of explorer Josher Rock, Yuhu Village at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a place where you should like to stay.