5-Day In-Depth Tour of Lijiang

Best Season: Spring and Autumn (April-May/September-November) | Recommended for: Photography enthusiasts, cultural experience seekers, families with children 📍 Itinerary Highlights - Explore the three ancient towns: Dayan Ancient Town, Shuhe Ancient Town, and Baisha Ancient Town - Discover the secrets of the snow-capped mountains: Yulong Snow Mountain Glacier Park, Blue Moon Valley, and Yunshanping - Immerse yourself in the local culture: Naxi Dongba culture, Lugu Lake Mosuo customs, and the ancient tea-horse road - Flexible adjustments: 3-day compact itinerary alternative available 🗓️ Daily Itinerary Day 1: Explore the ancient town and immerse yourself in the culture Morning 1. Lijiang Ancient Town (Dayan Ancient Town) (9:00-12:00) Visit the Mu Mansion (official residence of the Naxi Tusi), Sifang Street, and the Big Waterwheel. Climb up Lion Mountain to enjoy a panoramic view of the ancient town. Avoid the pits: Avoid the commercial shops on the main street, and explore the workshops on Wuyi Street and Qixi Alley. Afternoon 2. Black Dragon Pool Park (14:30-16:00) - Capture the reflection of Yulong Snow Mountain and visit the Dongba Culture Museum (free). Evening 3. Ancient town night tour - Recommended: "Sakura Restaurant" with light and water scenery, or listen to folk songs at the bar on Sifang Street, and stay overnight at a Naxi courtyard guesthouse in the ancient town. Day 2: Challenge the panoramic view of Yulong Snow Mountain All day 1. Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area (7:30-17:00) Core route: ▸ Glacier Park Cable Car (tickets must be booked in advance) → Blue Moon Valley (electric car tour) → Yunshanping (hike through the primeval forest) ▸ Must-see performance: "Impression Lijiang" live snow mountain theater (14:00 show). Tips: Oxygen cylinders are available at the scenic area for 60 yuan/cylinder. It is recommended to purchase them in advance in the ancient town (20 yuan). Evening 2. Baisha Ancient Town - A quieter alternative to Dayan, visit Jiuding Longtan, Qinglong Bridge, and experience the leather goods production in the Leather Alley. Evening 3. Baisha Fire Pit Banquet - Gather around the fire pit and enjoy a Naxi dance performance. Stay at "Shuhe Wu Bai" designer guesthouse. Day 4-5: Lugu Lake Mosuo Secret Realm Day 4 1. Lijiang → Lugu Lake (7:30-12:00) Charter a car/bus (4 hours), passing through the Jinsha River Eighteen Bends Observation Deck. 2. Lake tour Route: Lijiang Peninsula → Zouhun Bridge → Grass Sea → Mosuo Museum. In the evening, take a pig trough boat to watch the sunset. Day 5 3. Mosuo home visit + return trip - Participate in the fire pit culture explanation in the grandmother's house, and return to Lijiang in the afternoon (direct flight or continue to Shangri-La). 🏨 Accommodation recommendations Type Recommended accommodation Highlights Ancient town charm hidden in the garden, secret view observation deck, panoramic mountain view terrace, TOTO bathroom Snow Mountain Secret Realm Jinmao Pu Xiu Snow Mountain Hotel The only five-star hotel in Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area Mosuo characteristics Lugu Lake Poetry Lily Honeymoon · Angyue Lakeside Starry Room + Mosuo bonfire party 🍜 Food map - Must-try snacks: chicken bean jelly (No. 88 snack shop), Lijiang Baba (Ama Yi), sparerib hotpot (Xiangshan Market) - Featured restaurants: Yunxueli (Naxi creative cuisine), Zaca Hui · Youth Store (Shuhe Literary Restaurant) - Avoid the pits: Be cautious when choosing "wild mushroom hotpot" in the ancient town, and prioritize chain brands. 🚗 Practical guide 1. Transportation It is recommended to join a tour group for Yulong Snow Mountain (including oxygen and cold-weather clothing). The charter price for Lugu Lake is 600 yuan/day. 2. Tickets Yulong Snow Mountain joint ticket (including Blue Moon Valley) 140 yuan, Glacier Park cable car 140 yuan (must be booked in advance). 3. Seasonal restrictions In April, the flowers are in full bloom in Baisha Ancient Town. In November, thousands of birds winter in Lugu Lake. ✅ 3-day compact itinerary - Day 1: Lijiang Ancient Town + Yulong Snow Mountain - Day 2: Shuhe Ancient Town + Lugu Lake - Day 3: Baisha Ancient Town + Black Dragon Pool