Top 50 Best Things to Do near Lijiang
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Top 50 Best Things to Do near Lijiang

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Haba Snow Mountain
    󰺂6.1
    Shangri-La56 km from Lijiang
    Highlights:
    󰀆Beginner & expert-friendly hiking trails
    󱓊Beginner-friendly peak in 2-3 days
    󱨠Saved by 128 users
    4.8/5
    哈巴雪山云来客栈哈巴雪山云来客栈

    There is a passion called climbing Haba Snow Mountain, and there is a beauty called hiking Haba Black Lake. If you haven't been here yet, make an appointment with me and take you to hike on the plateau pasture to appreciate the holy water and holy lake, or to overlook the Meili Snow Mountain, Yulong Snow Mountain, Yading Three Sacred Mountains and other snow-capped mountains from the top of Haba Snow Mountain.

  • Ancient Town Shaxi
    󰺂6.8
    Jianchuan.Shaxi Ancient Town70.8 km from Lijiang
    󱨠Saved by 328 users󱨠261 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    206***66206***66

    Shaxi Ancient Town is located in the southern part of Jianchuan County, Dali, Yunnan Province, between Dali and Lijiang. It is a national 4A-level scenic area. It is the only surviving ancient market town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, with a history dating back to the Yin and Shang Dynasties. It was once one of the birthplaces of Yunnan's Bronze Age culture. The ancient town features attractions such as Sideng Street, Xingjiao Temple, and an ancient stage. It boasts a rich ethnic culture, with the Bai people making up over 90% of the population, and still preserves folk festivals such as the Prince's Festival.

  • White Water Terraces
    󰺂6.9
    15.65
    Shangri-La73.9 km from Lijiang
    Highlights:
    󰋄Multicultural Bai Shui Festival
    󰀆Overlook Baishuitai from viewpoint
    󱨠Saved by 932 users󱨠301 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    M10***51M10***51

    It's not tiring to walk up without riding a horse. The first section is steep, but the wooden plank road is easy to walk on. There are a few benches in the middle where you can rest for a while. You can see the whole picture from the treetop viewing platform. The weather is good today, the scenery is beautiful, and it is very photogenic. I bought the ticket online and had to go to the tourist center to exchange it for a paper ticket, which is a bit cumbersome and there is no point in buying the ticket online.

  • Dali Geothermal Paradise
    󰺂6.2
    7.83
    Eryuan.Cibihu Scenic Area85.6 km from Lijiang
    󱨠775 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M57***16M57***16

    This is my second time to Geothermal Country, and I have a good experience every time. There are quite a lot of pools and types, including rose pool, red wine pool, milk pool, angelica pool, water park and swimming pool. The staff are very friendly and can help solve any problems in time. There is a free shuttle bus in the park, which is available on call, which is quite convenient.

  • Jizu Mountain
    󰺂6.7
    28.69
    Binchuan.Jizu Mountain Scenic AreaMore than 100 km from Lijiang
    󱨠1362 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Jizu Mountain is a famous Buddhist holy site with beautiful scenery and many pilgrims. The entrance fee is reasonable, but the cable car and shuttle bus within the scenic area are expensive, and have even increased in price since then, making it not very cost-effective.

  • Shuanglang
    󰺂7.2
    Dali.Shuanglang Scenic AreaMore than 100 km from Lijiang
    Highlights:
    󱓊Walk to Yujidao for sunset views
    󰀆Boat ride & Erhai scenery
    󱨠Saved by 448 users󱨠1139 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    M83***34M83***34

    Shuanglang Ancient Town is located in the northeastern part of Dali City, on the northeastern shore of Erhai Lake, bordering Jizu Mountain to the east. Named for its "two islands and two bends," it was an important military stronghold of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms. It gathers the essence of the Cangshan and Erhai scenery, featuring attractions such as Nanzhao Folk Island and Yuji Island. Yang Liping's Sun Palace and Moon Palace are also located here. The ancient town preserves historical and cultural blocks from the Ming and Qing dynasties and traditional Bai ethnic residences, exuding rich ethnic customs and earning it the reputation of "the No. 1 town for Cangshan and Erhai scenery."

  • Butterfly Spring Scenic Area
    󰺂6.5
    19.82
    Dali.Upper Section of the Erhai Lake Ecological CorridorMore than 100 km from Lijiang
    Highlights:
    󰋄April butterfly spectacle with thousands
    󱓊Square spring pool with bubbling water
    󱨠Saved by 175 users󱨠734 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    M22***03M22***03

    There weren't too many tourists. A stroll was very pleasant, and the photos taken at Butterfly Spring were surprisingly good. We even caught the 11 pm performance, which, while not professional, had its own unique charm. Pretty good.

  • Potatso National Park
    󰺂8.2
    124.11
    Shangri-La.Pudacuo National Forest ParkMore than 100 km from Lijiang
    Highlights:
    󰋄Winter mist & May-June
    󱨜Winter mist on Shudu Lake
    󱨠Saved by 879 users󱨠3656 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    _cs***01_cs***01

    Returning to the first national park on the mainland after 18 years, I happened to be there today and it snowed, so I did a snow hike, which was quite enjoyable overall. However, the shuttle buses in the park sometimes require waiting, which I hope can be improved.

  • Erhai Lake
    󰺂7.9
    Dali.Small Putuo Scenic Area of Wase TownMore than 100 km from Lijiang
    Highlights:
    󱓊Nearby towns with historical heritage
    󱨜National scenic area & lake
    󱨠Saved by 1188 users󱨠2865 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    芥子拾须弥芥子拾须弥

    Erhai Lake boasts breathtaking scenery that is truly captivating. It is the second largest freshwater lake on the Yunnan plateau, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the Cangshan Mountains to the west, creating a stunningly beautiful landscape where "Cangshan and Erhai are intertwined." In the mornings, a light mist hangs in the air; in the evenings, the setting sun paints the water golden; and on moonlit nights, the moon's reflection shines exceptionally brightly. The lake is rich in natural landscapes, including islands and karst caves, and every year, red-billed gulls come to roost here. Scattered around Erhai Lake are Bai ethnic villages, where traditional architecture blends harmoniously with the pastoral scenery, adding a unique charm to this landscape with its rich ethnic customs. It's suitable for all types of travelers: families, parents, children, couples, and individuals alike. It's suitable year-round: each season offers a different kind of beauty, such as the return of seagulls in winter.

  • Sichuanlugu Lake Scenic Area
    󰺂6.2
    82.4
    Yanyuan.Visiting Marriage Bridge / Chohai ResortMore than 100 km from Lijiang
    󱨠224 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Lugu Lake was incredibly beautiful, even better than expected. The staff throughout the scenic area were incredibly welcoming, especially the mother and daughter who rowed the pig trough boat at Wuzhiluo Wharf. Their service was incredibly warm and attentive, leaving our whole family with a truly wonderful experience! Parking at every attraction in the scenic area was incredibly convenient and mostly free. Great review!

Best things to do in Lijiang (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Lijiang? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Lijiang offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Lijiang

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Lijiang experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Haba Snow Mountain

• Shangri-La | 56 km from Lijiang

• : Beginner & expert-friendly hiking trails,Beginner-friendly peak in 2-3 days

Ancient Town Shaxi

• Jianchuan.Shaxi Ancient Town | 70.8 km from Lijiang

White Water Terraces

• Shangri-La | 73.9 km from Lijiang

• : Multicultural Bai Shui Festival,Overlook Baishuitai from viewpoint

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Lijiang

If you want to explore attractions just outside Lijiang, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Lijiang, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Lijiang special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Lijiang

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Lijiang

Ready to explore the best of Lijiang? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What are some Best Things to Do near Lijiang?
Some Best Things to Do near Lijiang include:Haba Snow Mountain, Ancient Town Shaxi, White Water Terraces, Dali Geothermal Paradise, Jizu Mountain
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do near Lijiang?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do near Lijiang include:Haba Snow Mountain:4.8, Ancient Town Shaxi:4.8, White Water Terraces:4.5, Dali Geothermal Paradise:4.7, Jizu Mountain:4.7
Where are Best Things to Do near Lijiang located?
The Best Things to Do near Lijiang are mainly located in:Haba Snow Mountain:Shangri-La, Ancient Town Shaxi:Jianchuan, White Water Terraces:Shangri-La, Dali Geothermal Paradise:Eryuan, Jizu Mountain:Binchuan
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