Top 10 China tours 2024/2025 for first visits and returns: embark on a lifetime experience. Learn more
 Lijiang Facts

Lijiang Facts

Written by Chris QuanUpdated Sep. 15, 2021

Name: Lijiang (丽江; Lìjiāng /lee-jang/)

Meaning: 'beautiful river'

Previous names: Dayecheng

Features

  • 3 UNESCO World Heritage listed ancient districts
  • Near Tiger Leaping Gorge for scenery and hiking
  • Near Jade Dragon Snow Mountain for hiking and winter fun
  • Place to go for a tour of Yunnan's other nearby highlights such as Dali and Shaxi
  • Most of the large municipality is sparsely populated with wilderness or rural scenes.

Lijiang ancient town

Main Attractions

History

Lijiang was a Naxi people's town on the Chama Road trade route between the south and Tibet. The town has an 800 year history.

  • 1250s The town submitted to the expanding Mongol Empire.
  • 1368 The Jumin Prefectural Government Office and the Mujia complex were built during the Ming era.
  • 1601 The Wufeng Tower was built.
  • 1997 A severe earthquake damaged the the city, but Lijiang's unique architecture, heritage, and waterworks were brought to world attention.
  • 1997 Dayan Old Town, Basha Village and Shuhe Village were listed as the Old Town of Lijiang UNESCO World Heritage site.

Geography

  • Significance of the town: The town is a leading tourist city and has ancient towns and natural areas as the major attractions.
  • Nearby cities: Dali (129 km/80 mi), Kunming (323 km/201 mi)
  • Municipality terrain: The city sits in a high elevation river valley.
  • Average altitude: 2,400 meters (7,874 feet)
  • Main rivers: Jade River

Location Information

  • Municipality location: southwestern China.
  • Municipality Population: (2010) 1,245,000
  • Municipality Area: 21,219 sq km (8,192.7 sq mi)
  • Urban area: 1,124 sq km (435 sq mi)
  • Urban population: 155,540
  • Urban population density: 138/sq km (357/sq mi)
  • North to south distance of main urban area: 9 km (5.5 mi)
  • East to west distance of main urban area: 5 km (3 mi)
  • City center: The corner of Xianggeli Avenue and Xiangshan Street (26.88N, 100.21E)

Climate

  • Average high temperature in June: 24 degrees Celsius (75.2 °F)
  • Average low temperature in January: 0 degrees Celsius (32 °F)
  • Mild, subtropical high-altitude climate; annual precipitation: 970 mm (38 in) The summers are cool; and in the winter, the temperature may drop below freezing though the days are cool and often sunny.

Economy

  • Average annual income: 11,673 RMB (1,621 USD)
  • Development: developing. Lijiang was a town that was at first a foreign backpacker favorite, and now it has become very popular with Chinese tourists.
  • Industry: 43.6% tertiary industry (service, tourist industry), 38.3% secondary (industry), 18.1% primary (agriculture)
  • Shopping Streets: Square Street

Transportation

  • Lijiang Airport is a domestic airport about 28 kilometers from city center.
  • 1 train station with trains to Kunming
Start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create Your Trip

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Why China Highlights

Save Your Time

Save Your Time

  • Less research, more enjoyment!
  • Real-time 1V1 expert planning.
  • Seamless coordination
Maximize Your Flexibility

Maximize Your Flexibility

  • Your own personal guide and ride.
  • Explore at your own pace.
  • Unparalleled flexibility, impossible on a group tour.
Ensure Your Satisfaction

Ensure Your Satisfaction

  • Well-trained elite 20% of guides.
  • 20% vacancy on vehicles.
  • 24/7 emergency support.
Live Your China Story

Live Your China Story

  • Authentic local culture and lifestyles.
  • Understand the culture by living it.
  • Uncover fascinating histories and witness New China.
Rated 5 out of 5 | 98.8% Excellence
China Highlights International
Travel Service Co., LTD
Featured on
China Highlights was featured on these medias.

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China