I came to Lijiang after listening to advice, and it was absolutely amazing...

Hey guys! I binge-read travel guides before going to Lijiang, and following netizens' suggestions really paid off! 💪 Avoid the crowds while capturing the romance of the ancient town, the healing power of the snow mountain, and the joy of delicious food—this super practical guide will help you unlock the best of Lijiang! 🌆 **Strolling Through the Ancient Town! The Right Way to Avoid Tourist Traps** Some say Lijiang is too commercialized? They just didn’t explore the right spots! 😎 **Dayan Ancient Town** at 7 AM is when it’s at its most beautiful—the cobblestone paths still glisten with dew, shops are just opening, and you can find a café with bougainvillea by the window ☕️. Sip on Yunnan small-grain coffee as sunlight slowly spreads over the tiled rooftops—pure vibes! 📸 Don’t just stick to the main streets during the day! Wander into the alleys of **Qiyi Street** and **Wuyi Street**, where you’ll find hidden gems—👗 embroidered ethnic shawls, handmade silver jewelry, and if you’re good at bargaining, you can snag them for half price! When hunger strikes, head straight to **Zhongyi Market**—freshly baked rose pastries are 10 yuan for 3, crispy on the outside with sweet but not overpowering rose filling. I devoured two in no time! 🏔️ **Jade Dragon Snow Mountain! A Breathtaking Experience Even for the Lazy** Listen up—skip the cheap tours! 🚫 Book your **cable car + sightseeing bus** tickets in advance through official channels and choose the **Ganhaizi** route—less climbing, lower altitude sickness risk. As the cable car ascends, watch the snow-capped mountain draw closer with clouds swirling beneath you—goosebumps guaranteed! 📸 Too cold at the summit? Rent a down jacket, sip hot milk tea, and snap a photo with the **"4680"** marker—instant social media gold! 🍜 **Lijiang on a Plate! Locals’ Secret Food Picks** 🍲 **Ama Spare Ribs Hot Pot** is a must! The ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender in a rich broth—pair it with water celery for a refreshing touch. Just 60 yuan per person for a feast! 🥘 **Naxi Grilled Fish** is crispy outside, tender inside, topped with mint and chili—so good you’ll lick your fingers! Don’t forget to add **erkuai** (rice cakes) to soak up the sauce—divine! 🍨 **Snow Mountain Preserves** make perfect souvenirs! Candied roses and crabapples are translucent, sweet, and tangy—great for whetting your appetite! 📝 **Blood, Sweat, and Tears: Lijiang Survival Tips** • ❌ Avoid "one-day tour" touts at the ancient town gates—they often drag you to shopping stops! • ⚠️ **Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen!** The mountain’s UV rays are brutal—sunglasses and SPF are non-negotiable! • 👟 **Wear comfy shoes!** The ancient town’s uneven cobblestones will wreck your feet after a long day—comfort is key! ✨ Lijiang’s romance lingers in the evening breeze of the ancient town, the misty peaks of the snow mountain, and every bite of soul-soothing food. Save this guide, pack your bags, and set off on a healing getaway! Like and bookmark so you won’t get lost on your trip~ 💖