Picture perfect
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.
