If you go

Flights

There are two flights to and from Beijing every day and a one-way ticket costs 1080 yuan (122 euros). Flying time is nearly four hours. There are also two return flights from Shanghai and the 4.5 hour trip costs 2,550 yuan. Many tourists use Kunming as the transit stop and then go to Lijiang by air, train or bus. A flight takes about 40 minutes and Lijiang airport is about 28 kilometers from town.

Climate

Lijiang has marked wet and dry seasons. The wet season spans May to October with plenty of rainfall. From November to April it is dry season. Autumn is the best time to visit Lijiang, when temperatures are pleasant and rain is rare. July and August are less desirable months with most rainfall and occasional lightning storms occurring during this period. January and February is the time when the wintry weather comes to its climax. But if you like a snowy scene, visit between January and March.

Souvenirs

Yak horn combs

Burned wood carvings

Buttered Tea

Lijiang Snow Tea

Xing Liquor (a nutritious liquor with low alcohol)

Li Yin (hand-crafted silver ornaments)

Naxi bracelets and necklaces carved with ancient Dongba hieroglyphs

Local food

Yak's milk yogurt

Naxi fried white cheese

Baba (a flat wheat bread)

Entertainment

Nightlife: Xinhua Street is a famous bar street that runs along the waterways in the Old Town

Naxi Concert Hall: Hosts a daily traditional Naxi music show performed by the Naxi orchestra

Dongba Palace: Another famous place for Naxi traditional music performance

Tips

Because Lijiang is 2,400 meters above sea level, this may affect some tourists from low-altitude areas. Altitude sickness pills are an easy solution.

Except for summer, the temperature difference between day and night can range from 5-18 C so it is a good idea to carry a jacket.

The high elevation leads to abundant sunshine all year round, so don't forget to bring your sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to avoid sunburn.