Lijiang
丽江
Touristy old town, but perfect base for Yunnan's wonders
Lijiang Old Town is touristy - no denying that. But it's also Yunnan's best transport hub for reaching incredible destinations. Spend a day enjoying the admittedly pretty old town (especially at night), find the good bars with live Naxi music, then use it as your base for Lugu Lake's matriarchal Mosuo culture, Shangri-La's Tibetan monasteries, and Tiger Leaping Gorge's dramatic trails. The commercialization funds good infrastructure - use it to your advantage.
The Honest Take:
Yes, Lijiang Old Town is touristy and commercialized. But it's also a convenient base for exploring Yunnan's genuine treasures - Lugu Lake, Shangri-La, Tiger Leaping Gorge. The bars and cafes, while not traditional, can have surprisingly good vibes. Think of it as your comfortable launching pad for real adventures.
Solution:
Use Lijiang as your base, not your destination
With Car
- →Book Lugu Lake tours from Lijiang - it's the easiest way
- →Some bars near Sifang Street have genuinely good live folk music
- →Maintenance fee is 50 RMB now, valid for a week
- →Shuhe Ancient Town is less crowded and more pleasant
- →Rent a car for maximum flexibility exploring Yunnan
- →Winter is actually nice - fewer crowds, clear mountain views