Lijiang

Lijiang's old-town landscape is shaped by water, timber buildings and the cultures that met along historic trading routes. Dayan, Shuhe and Baisha offer different places to begin exploring that heritage. Leave time to notice a courtyard, follow a water channel or sit down for Naxi food. The mountain setting adds another direction to the trip, but town walks and a mountain excursion deserve their own plans.

Best for

Heritage streets, Naxi culture and a slower Yunnan stop.

When to go

Spring and autumn suit an old-town-focused visit; make mountain plans around the conditions for your actual outing.

Trip shape

Give the old-town areas time of their own, then add a mountain outing if it matches your interests.

Food to explore

Look for Naxi cooking and local snacks alongside the old town's shops and restaurants.

Getting around

Explore the old-town lanes on foot and arrange separate transport when changing areas or heading into the mountains.