#1 Lijiang Old Town

Let’s get the obvious one out of the way first. Lijiang Old Town is a tourist’s ideal, a picture postcard combination of cobbled streets, traditional wooden buildings and sleepy canals fed fresh water from Yuquan Spring at Black Dragon Lake.

#2 Black Dragon Lake

A jewel set beneath Elephant Hill, Black Dragon Lake is the heart of Lijiang. One of the most beautiful scenic spots in Lijiang. The extensive lake covers more 430,000sq ft and is home to a number of ancient buildings including a five-arch bridge and an adjacent pagoda.

#3 Mu’s Palace

Palace was the centre of politics, power and wealth in the Naxi kingdom. Covering some eight acres, the palace and its courtyards bear a strong resemblance to Beijing’s Forbidden City, albeit in miniature. Home to many wonderful buildings which contain sutras, paintings and famous calligraphy works.

#4 Shuhe

If you’re searching for a more authentic, less touristy version of Lijiang Old Town, head to Shuhe. Located within forests 4 kilometres northwest of Lijiang, the town is nestled against the beautiful backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

#5 Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is the most southerly snowcapped mountain in the Northern Hemisphere. It is famous for its variant and beautiful natural scenes, and is considered a sacred mountain among the local Naxi ethnic people. It is also a popular hiking destination.

#6 Dongba Valley

Dongba Valley is a cultural theme park located at the Yulong Snow Mountain. This area has beautiful scenery and features five courtyards which respectively display the characteristics of Naxi, Lisu, Pumi, Yi, Naxi and Mosuo ethnic minority people. This is a good place to discover the unique customs of some of Yunnan’s ethnic.

#7 Lugu Lake

Lugu is nestled in the roots of the Himalayas than span the borders of Yunnan and Sichuan provinces. It’s a fair trek from Lijiang, though, some 200km away and 2,690m above sea level. Flowers bloom around the glittering lake with its forested slopes, beaches and islands all set against a backdrop of the Mountains.

#8 Direct flight from Kuala Lumpur

Lucky Air fly direct to Lijiang from Kuala Lumpur with return ticket as low as MYR 150. Book your tickets here for the best Lucky Air flight deals!

Interested to visit Lijiang? Check out these affordable yet enchanting Lijiang, Yunnan itinerary here!