"Lijiang 'Budget Travel' Guide: How to Pretend You're a Big Spender with Just 50 Yuan?"

📍Location: Situated in the northwest of Yunnan Province, at the junction of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. Known for its unique natural scenery, rich ethnic minority culture, and well-preserved ancient town, it's hailed as the "Venice of the East" and "Gusu on the Plateau," and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site🌈 🚗Transportation: ✅Airport: Lijiang Sanyi Airport, taxi to the ancient town takes about 30 minutes (~80 yuan), or take the airport shuttle bus (20 yuan/person). ✅High-speed rail/train: Lijiang Station, taxi to the ancient town takes 15 minutes. ✅Local transport: Walk within the ancient town; for nearby attractions, hire a car, share a ride, or take tourist shuttles (e.g., Jade Dragon Snow Mountain shuttle). ✅Self-drive: Roads to Lugu Lake and Shangri-La are complex; inexperienced drivers should opt for car hire (~300-500 yuan/day). 👍Must-visit spots: ✅1. Lijiang Ancient Town (Dayan Ancient Town) - Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage Site, Naxi-style architecture, landmarks like Sifang Street, Mufu Palace, and the Big Water Wheel. - Tip: The town is beautifully lit at night, but the bar street can be noisy. For quiet, head to Wuyi Street or Qiyi Street. ✅2. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - Activities: Take the cable car to the summit (4,680m), visit Blue Moon Valley, watch the "Impression Lijiang" show. - Tip: Book tickets in advance, bring oxygen bottles and warm clothing (rentable at the site). ✅3. Shuhe Ancient Town - Highlights: Quieter than Dayan, perfect for relaxing, photography, and experiencing the Tea Horse Road culture. ✅4. Lugu Lake (~4-hour drive from Lijiang) - Activities: Cycle around the lake, ride a pig-trough boat, visit Mosuo families. A 2-day, 1-night trip is recommended. ✅5. Baisha Ancient Town - Highlights: Authentic Naxi village with close-up mountain views, try hand-dyed fabrics. ✅6. Lashi Lake - Activities: Horseback riding on the Tea Horse Road, boating, and bird-watching. Choose reputable stables to avoid scams. 🏨Accommodation: ✅Ancient Town: Convenient but pricier; pick soundproof guesthouses (e.g., "Blossom Hill," "Yuegu Lou"). ✅Shuhe/Baisha: Quieter, ideal for vacations. ✅Lugu Lake: Stay at Lige Peninsula or Daluoshui Village for stunning lake views. 🍱Food: ✅1. Naxi specialties: - Cured ribs hotpot, chickpea jelly, Naxi grilled fish, "Watery Yangxue" (wild vegetable). - Recommended restaurants: Ama Cured Ribs, Yunxueli Restaurant. ✅2. Snacks & desserts: - Lijiang baba, flower cakes, butter tea, yak yogurt. ✅3. Bars & cafes: - The bar street is lively but pricey; try "Big Ice's Little House" or "Hope You're Here" café. 🎟️Tickets: - Lijiang Ancient Town: Free (50 yuan maintenance fee not enforced). - Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: 100 yuan entry + 140 yuan cable car. - Shuhe/Baisha: Free. - Lugu Lake: 70 yuan. - Mufu Palace: 40 yuan. - Lashi Lake horseback riding: From 160 yuan. - Student discounts: 50% off. Book snow mountain cable cars early! 💗Other tips: Lijiang is best enjoyed slowly—take time to soak in the local pace. Extend your trip to include Shangri-La or Dali if possible!