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July 25, 2025

7-Day Lijiang Travel Guide for Couples: Photography, Budget Tips & Hidden Gems

Discover romantic spots, affordable stays, and professional photography locations in Lijiang

Couples TravelPhotography ToursBudget Travel

Quick Overview

Chinese Name: 丽江

Location: Yunnan Province, Southwest China

Famous For: Ancient Town Architecture,Snow Mountain Landscapes,Naxi Culture,Photography Destinations

Daily Cost: $30-50 per person

Best Season: April-October

Introduction: Why Lijiang Captivates Travelers

Lijiang 丽江古城, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blends 800-year-old architecture with breathtaking mountain vistas. This guide reveals hidden photography spots like 听花谷's rainbow flower fields, budget-friendly accommodations near 四方街, and romantic sunset locations perfect for couples. With 7 days, you can explore both popular attractions and lesser-known cultural gems while maintaining a traveler's budget.

Best time to visit Lijiang

Ideal Seasons: April-October for mild weather, November-March for snow landscapes

🌱Spring: Temperatures 12-20°C with blooming wildflowers in 拉市海. Perfect for photography with soft light.

☀️Summer: Warm (15-25°C) with afternoon showers. Ideal for capturing dramatic skies over 玉龙雪山.

🍁Autumn: Golden autumn foliage in 白沙古镇. Stable weather with clear mountain views.

❄️Winter: Snow-dusted rooftops and frozen lakes. Requires warm clothing but offers unique photography opportunities.

Arriving and leaving Lijiang

Ancient Town is pedestrian-only. Use electric shuttles (¥2 per ride) for inter-town transport. Rent bicycles (¥20/day) for exploring nearby villages like 束河古镇.

Lijiang Sanyi International Airport [Recommended]

45 minutes from Ancient Town via taxi (¥100-150) or airport shuttle (¥25). New terminal handles international flights.

Lijiang Railway Station

2-hour bullet train from Kunming. Taxi to Ancient Town costs ¥80-100. Night sleeper trains available from Chengdu.

Where to stay in Lijiang: Best Neighborhood

Ancient Town Core

Stay near 木府 for easy access to main attractions. Budget options like 丽江古城和舍客栈 offer traditional courtyards.

Xinhua District

Modern hotels like 丽江古城英迪格酒店 with mountain views and better Wi-Fi connectivity.

Top Things to do in Lijiang

Lijiang Ancient Town

Wander cobblestone streets, explore 四方街 market, and watch Naxi music performances at 大研纳西古乐会.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Take the cable car to 冰川公园 (Glacier Park) and hike through 蓝月谷's turquoise lakes. Book tickets in advance.

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Lugu Lake

Experience Mosuo culture and take a pig-trough boat ride to 王妃岛. Overnight at lakeside guesthouses.

Tips

Visit major attractions early morning to avoid crowds. Carry valid ID for entry checks.

What to eat: Lijiang food Guide

Recommended Restaurants

2025 Recommended Night Markets in Lion Hill (Updated July)| Trip ...

1. Lion Hill Night Market

Affordable street food haven offering grilled cheese skewers 烤乳扇 and black pepper pork skewers 丽江烤串.

Naxi Family Guesthouse Restaurant: Pictures & Reviews - Tripadvisor

2. Naxi Family Restaurant

Authentic meals like 腊排骨 (preserved pork ribs) stew. Reservations recommended for sunset terrace views.

Signature Dishes

1. Naxi Suan Cai Hotpot

Try 田村酸汤牦牛火锅's signature sour soup with yak meat. The fermented vegetables add unique flavor.

2. Bamboo-Tube Rice

Sample this traditional dish at 丽江古城小吃街 where rice is cooked with mushrooms inside bamboo sections.

Lijiang itinerary 7 Days

DAY 1

🍳Breakfast at 丽江粑粑:Traditional rice flour pancakes with local tea

Explore 木府:Historical museum with palace architecture

DAY 2

🍳Early breakfast at 云雪丽大酒店:Prepare for mountain visit with warm porridge

Lijiang Travel FAQs

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