A Food & Sightseeing Combo: Must-See Places in Lijiang

There’s a kind of magic that lingers in the air of Lijiang—a mix of crisp mountain breeze, the distant echo of Naxi ancient music, and the irresistible aroma of sizzling street food. It’s a place where history isn’t just preserved in stones but is alive in the sizzle of a hot wok, the vibrant colors of embroidered aprons, and the soft glow of lanterns reflecting on cobblestone canals. Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Yunnan, China, isn’t just a destination; it’s a full-sensory experience. For travelers who believe that the best way to understand a culture is through its flavors and its landscapes, Lijiang offers the perfect combo: breathtaking sights and unforgettable tastes.

Lijiang Old Town: A Maze of Wonders

At the heart of the Lijiang experience is the Old Town (Dayan Old Town), a sprawling network of cobblestone streets, ancient waterways, and traditional Naxi architecture. Unlike many historical sites that feel frozen in time, Lijiang’s Old Town is vibrantly alive.

Getting Lost in the Alleyways

One of the greatest joys of visiting Lijiang is ditching the map. The town is a labyrinth of narrow lanes, each turn revealing something new: a small courtyard filled with blooming flowers, an old woman hand-embroidering a traditional headdress, or a hidden café overlooking the tiled roofs. The canals, fed by meltwater from the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, crisscross the town, their gentle gurgle providing a constant, soothing soundtrack. Key landmarks like Sifang Street (the main square) and Mu Mansion are essential stops, but the real magic lies in the unplanned discoveries.

The Naxi Culture and Dongba Script

The Naxi people, the indigenous inhabitants of Lijiang, have a rich matriarchal history and a unique spiritual culture. This is beautifully encapsulated in the Dongba script, one of the world’s last living pictographic writing systems. You’ll see it inscribed on wooden signs and in the Dongba Religious Scriptures, a treasured cultural relic. Visiting the Naxi Dongba Culture Museum provides deep context, making a stroll through the town even more meaningful.

A Culinary Journey Through the Old Town

Lijiang’s food scene is a spectacular fusion of Naxi, Tibetan, and Bai culinary traditions, characterized by hearty, flavorful dishes perfect for the high-altitude climate.

Must-Try Street Food Delights

The food in Lijiang is an attraction in itself. As you wander, follow your nose to these unmissable treats:

Lijiang Baba: This is the iconic street food of Lijiang. It’s a savory or sometimes slightly sweet wheat flatbread, often pan-fried with minced meat, spring onions, and spices. The crispy exterior and soft, flavorful inside make it the perfect on-the-go snack.

Naxi Grill: Every evening, the air fills with the smoky scent of open grills. Skewers of yak meat, fresh mushrooms, tofu, and local vegetables are grilled over charcoal and seasoned with cumin, chili, and sesame. It’s a social, communal eating experience not to be missed.

Yak Yogurt: Sold in small clay pots from tiny shops, this thick, tangy yogurt is a Lijiang classic. Topped with a sprinkle of local honey or fresh fruit, it’s the perfect refreshing pause during a day of exploration.

Restaurants with a View

For a more sit-down experience, seek out a restaurant with a rooftop terrace. Overlooking the sea of grey-tiled roofs with the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance, these spots are perfect for sunset. Order a hot pot—a simmering pot of broth placed in the center of your table where you cook thinly sliced yak meat, wild mushrooms, and greens. It’s warming, delicious, and quintessentially Yunnanese.

Beyond the Old Town: Day Trips to Remember

While the Old Town could captivate you for days, the surrounding areas offer some of Yunnan’s most stunning landscapes.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Dominating the skyline north of Lijiang, this sacred mountain is a must-see. Its 13 peaks, perpetually snow-capped, are a breathtaking backdrop to the entire region.

The Cable Car Experience

To truly appreciate its scale, take a cable car up the mountain. The ride itself is an adventure, offering panoramic views of glaciers, forests, and meadows below. The highest cable car takes you to Glacier Park, at an elevation of over 4,500 meters, where you can walk on boardwalks amidst the snow (oxygen cans are available for those who need them!).

Impression Lijiang Show

At the mountain’s base, directed by famed filmmaker Zhang Yimou, this large-scale outdoor performance is a cultural spectacle. Hundreds of performers from local ethnic groups sing, dance, and ride horses against the incredible natural backdrop of the mountain. It’s a powerful, moving tribute to the region’s traditions and spirit.

Shuhe Old Town

If you find Lijiang’s Old Town a bit too bustling, escape to Shuhe, another ancient tea-horse town just a short drive away. It’s often described as Lijiang’s quieter, more relaxed cousin. The same charming canals and cobblestone streets are there, but with fewer crowds. It’s an ideal place to spend an afternoon sipping local Pu'er tea in a quiet courtyard, watching horses clip-clop down the main street, a nostalgic reminder of its trading past.

Black Dragon Pool Park

For the quintessential postcard view of Lijiang, head to this park just outside the Old Town. On a clear day, the view of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain perfectly reflected in the park’s crystal-clear pond is simply stunning. The park is also home to several temples and the Moon-Embracing Pavilion, making it a serene spot for a leisurely walk.

Embracing the Local Vibe: Travel Hotspots & Tips

Lijiang is more than a checklist of sights; it’s about embracing a slower pace of life.

Photography Hotspots

From the vibrant market scenes to the majestic mountain vistas, Lijiang is a photographer’s dream. The best light for capturing the Old Town’s rustic charm is during the golden hours—early morning or late afternoon. For that iconic shot of the rooftops with the mountain behind, the Wangu Pavilion on Lion Hill offers an unparalleled vantage point.

Souvenirs with Soul

Skip the mass-produced trinkets. Instead, look for authentic handicrafts. Handmade silver jewelry with Naxi motifs, Dongba script calligraphy on handmade paper, or warm, soft yak wool scarves make for meaningful souvenirs that support local artisans.

Lijiang is a destination that feeds both the body and the soul. It’s where every meal tells a story and every view feels like a painting come to life. It’s a place to wander, to taste, to listen, and to remember.