Lijiang — Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors
Airport transfers, signature food and top things to do — everything a visitor needs in Lijiang.
Ancient Naxi town beneath Jade Dragon Snow Mountain — cobbled lanes, UNESCO old town and snow peaks.
🍜 Signature dishes in Lijiang
- 腊排骨火锅Cured Pork Rib Hotpot
- 鸡豆凉粉Chickpea Jelly
- 丽江粑粑Lijiang Baba Cake
- 纳西烤鱼Naxi Grilled Fish
- 米灌肠Rice Blood Sausage
- 酥油茶Butter Tea
- 水性杨花Water Flower Vegetable
- 纳西烤肉Naxi Roast Pork
- 雪桃Snow Peach
- 黑山羊火锅Black Goat Hotpot
🎟️ Top things to do
- Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Cable car to 4,500m
- Lijiang Old Town
UNESCO Naxi old town
- Lugu Lake
Mosuo lake culture, 4h drive
- Tiger Leaping Gorge
Dramatic gorge, 1.5h drive
- Shuhe Ancient Town
Quieter old town
- Naxi feast dinner
Cured ribs & baba
- Blue Moon Valley
Turquoise pools below the glacier
- Baisha Village
Naxi frescoes & quiet village
- Impression Lijiang Show
Outdoor Naxi performance
👥 Visitor tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from the airport to downtown Lijiang?
Take the metro or a taxi from LJG (Sanyi) airport. The metro is the cheapest option; taxis are convenient for luggage and groups.
Do I need a visa to visit Lijiang on a layover?
Many nationalities can use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy in Lijiang. Check your eligibility in the visa checker tool before travelling.
Is a layover in Lijiang visa free, and how long can I stay?
Inside the airport's international transit area you can wait up to 24 hours without a visa. To leave the airport, nationals of 57 countries can use the 240-hour visa-free transit (up to 10 days, counted from 00:00 the day after entry) and many others have 30-day visa-free entry. Full answers: see the visa & layover FAQ. Visa Q&A →
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Data provided by PivotCN · airport (LJG (Sanyi)) · verify with official sources before travel.