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Lijiang Old Town

丽江古城

Explore Lijiang Old Town with a practical walking route from the south gate to Mufu, Sifang Street, viewpoints, markets, and night streets.

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Quick Facts
Ticket
The public lanes are not a normal gated ticket attraction. Lijiang Old Town maintenance fee is listed as CNY 50 per person as an administrative charge; Mufu, Lion Hill, shows, and some venues charge separately.
Hours
The old town area is open all day. Shops, markets, bars, museums, and individual courtyards keep their own hours; local guidance notes the busiest evening period is usually 20:00-23:00.
Duration
3-5 hours; longer if adding Mufu and nightlife
Metro
No metro. Use taxis, buses, airport shuttle stops, or walk in from the south, north, or east gates; vehicles have limited access inside the old-town core.
Best Time
Mar-May and Sep-Nov; evenings are lively year-round
Visitors
All ages
How to Visit
1

Enter from the south or east for easier pacing

Start from the South Gate if you want food and easier transport, or from the Big Waterwheel if you want the classic first photo.

The lanes are uneven, so avoid heavy wheeled luggage inside the core.
2

Put Mufu before the busiest lanes

Visit Mufu first if you want history and a structured route, then walk toward Sifang Street and the central alleys.

This keeps the cultural stop from becoming an afterthought.
3

Use Sifang Street as your navigation anchor

From Sifang Street, branch toward Dayan Flower Lane, Xianwen Lane, the Big Waterwheel, or Lion Hill depending on your energy.

It is the simplest way to avoid getting lost.
4

Eat away from the most obvious bar lanes

For casual local food, look toward Zhongyi Market and side streets rather than only the most touristic restaurants.

Prices and atmosphere change quickly by lane.
Highlights
  • UNESCO-listed old town lanes with Naxi architecture, canals, bridges, and courtyards
  • Sifang Street, Big Waterwheel, Zhongyi Market, and Mufu can be combined in one walk
  • Strong contrast between quiet morning lanes and busy night streets
  • Good base for food, shopping, bars, and onward trips around Lijiang
  • Easy to pair with Black Dragon Pool, Shuhe, or Baisha
Insider Tips

Wear shoes with grip; the stone lanes can be slick after rain.

Ask prices clearly before entering bars or taking promoted photo services.

Come early morning if you want quiet photos without crowds.

Use a map pin for your gate or hotel because the inner lanes can feel repetitive.

If staying inside the old town, confirm luggage pickup or drop-off before arrival.

More Lijiang Attractions
01City Guide

Baisha Ancient Town

白沙古镇

All Ages

Admission

Baisha Ancient Town lanes are free to walk. Baisha Murals are a separate paid venue, commonly listed around CNY 20-30; some Yulong Snow Mountain combo products include Baisha Murals.

Typical Visit

2-4 hours

02City Guide

Black Dragon Pool Park

黑龙潭公园

All Ages

Admission

No separate standalone admission is normally needed, but access may be tied to Lijiang Old Town maintenance-fee rules. Carry ID and check the gate notice if asked.

Typical Visit

1-2 hours; half-day if adding Elephant Hill

03City Guide

Blue Moon Valley

蓝月谷

All Ages

Admission

Blue Moon Valley is inside Yulong Snow Mountain. Budget for Yulong Snow Mountain admission CNY 100 and the scenic sightseeing bus CNY 20; the optional Blue Moon Valley electric cart is CNY 40 for the full route or CNY 20 per stop.

Typical Visit

1.5-3 hours

04City Guide

Daluoshui Village

大落水村

All Ages

Admission

Daluoshui is inside the wider Lugu Lake scenic area. Use the Lugu Lake admission ticket, commonly CNY 70; boat rides, bonfire events, lodging, and local activities are extra.

Typical Visit

2-4 hours; overnight if using it as a base

05City Guide

Impression Lijiang

《印象·丽江》

All Ages

Admission

Official listed prices are CNY 280 for a standard ticket and CNY 346 for a VIP ticket. Discount bundles with Yulong Snow Mountain transport or cableways may be sold separately.

Typical Visit

1-1.5 hours for the show; longer with mountain transfers

06City Guide

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

玉龙雪山

Adults Focused

Admission

Yulong Snow Mountain admission is CNY 100. The scenic sightseeing bus is CNY 20. Optional official items include Glacier Park cableway CNY 120 plus bus, Yunshanping cableway CNY 40 plus bus, snow sightseeing train CNY 50 one-way or CNY 80 return, and other paid add-ons.

Typical Visit

6-8 hours