Set beneath the jagged glaciated crests of 5,596-meter Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in northwestern Yunnan, Lijiang is celebrated for its UNESCO World Heritage Old Town (Dayan), intricate network of clean mountain-fed canals, and indigenous Naxi Dongba culture.
Dayan Old Town is best discovered at dawn, when its willow-fringed flagstone streets and arched stone bridges are peaceful before commercial shops open. For a quieter and more authentic atmosphere, head four kilometers north to Shuhe Ancient Town or Baisha Village, where elder Naxi artisans practice traditional copper smithing and preserve ancient pictographic Dongba scripts.
Ascend Jade Dragon Snow Mountain via the Glacier Park cableway to reach high-altitude viewing platforms at 4,506 meters, or explore the turquoise alpine waters of Blue Moon Valley at its base. Complete your evening in Lijiang tasting local cured pork ribs hotpot (la riba) and fresh wild mountain mushroom broth.
