Hotels in Lijiang

Lijiang is a popular destination in southwest China. The historic city is famous for its idyllic streets, authentic houses, attractive surrounding landscapes, and century-old Naxi culture.

The city is also called 'Venice of the East', thanks to its infrastructure of waterways and bridges. Lijiang's Old Town has been a registered UNESCO Heritage Site since 1997, and it thrives due to its tourism. However, it sees mostly domestic tourism. This makes it feel very authentic for foreigners.

When should you visit Lijiang?

Lijiang is suitable for traveling year round. It has mild, warm winters and cool summers. A perfect time to visit Lijiang is in spring, when the cherry blossoms are in full swing. Try to avoid Chinese public holidays, as Lijiang will be especially flooded with visitors on those days.

What to do in and around Lijiang?

In the city, you can wander around endlessly, admiring the typical architecture, narrow streets, and local products, but there are also a number of sights, such as:

• Zhongyi market
• The Lijiang Impression Show is a cultural show about the traditions and habits of the Naxi, Yi, and Bai inhabitants in the area. It is shown in the highest outdoor theater in the world.
• A little north of Old Town, you will find Black Dragon Pool, the most photographed spot in Lijiang. The surrounding park is the perfect spot to go for a walk.

Besides those attractions in Lijiang, there is also a lot to do in Lijiang surroundings. What about hiking in the Tiger Leaping Gorge (the most acclaimed hiking route in China), exploring neighboring villages like Baisha, and visiting the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the most southernly snow-capped mountain in the Northern Hemisphere outside of the Andes? Climbers will be rewarded by a fantastic panoramic view.

Where to stay in Lijiang

Blossom Hill Inn Lijiang is a 3-star hotel offering amenities such as free breakfast, free WiFi, free airport pick-up, two onsite restaurants, a garden, and individually decorated rooms with cable, pillow top beds, deep soaking tubs, and rainfall showers.

Another three-star hotel in Lijiang is He Mu Ju Inn Zhongyi Branch. The guesthouse offers free buffet breakfast, restaurant, free WiFi, 24-hour front desk, dry cleaning service, and rooms with airconditioning, free bottled water, and free toiletries.

JunBo Boutique Guesthouse has an exceptional rating from guest reviews. Previous guests appreciate the clean and comfortable rooms and impeccable customer service. The hotel has free cook-to-order breakfasts, free WiFi, airconditioning, laundry facilities, and concierge services.

Liman Wenzhi No.1 Hotel Lijiang Ancient Town is a 4-star hotel offering facilities like free breakfast, restaurant and bar, free WiFi, room service, and airport and area shuttles for a fee.

The 5-star Banyan Tree Lijiang is perfect for those looking to relax, for example if you are staying in Lijiang to go hiking. On top of two restaurants and free WiFi, the hotel offers the following amenities to make your stay extra comfortable:

• Full-service spa
• Fitness center
• Room service
• Rooms with patios
• Rainfall showers
• Refrigerators and minibars

Hotels near Lijiang Airport

Lijiang has its own airport near the city. A car drive can take half an hour, but public transport takes longer than that. For those leaving or arriving at odd hours, it can be a better option to book a hotel near Lijiang Airport than having to travel to or from their booked accommodation.