[2025 Lijiang Attraction] Travel Guide for Ancient City Waterwheel (Updated Mar)

Most tourists visiting Lijiang will go to Lijiang Ancient Town Lijiang Ancient Town, also known as Dayan Town, was built in the late Song Dynasty and the early Yuan Dynasty and has a history of more than 800 years. It is located in the middle of Lijiang Dam and is one of the famous towns on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. It is also a must-visit place in Lijiang. Here you can find wooden buildings with green tiles, ancient stone streets and alleys, and small bridges over flowing water. The scenery is very beautiful. There are iconic buildings in the city, such as Sifang Street, Mu's Residence, the Big Waterwheel, and Lion Hill. However, Lijiang Ancient Town is now quite commercial. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can choose to visit in the early morning or avoid the main streets. When the bustling tourists leave, everything returns to its original state. You can feel the tranquility and unique charm of the ancient city, slow down, and appreciate the plants and buildings of the ancient city~ A person with a backpack and a SLR camera, shuttling through the alleys~

Recommended route for touring Lijiang Ancient Town📖: Big Waterwheel—Wenchang Palace—Dayan Flower Alley—Dashiqiao—Sifang Street—Lion Mountain—Dashiqiao—Zhongyi Market. However, it's not necessary to follow this route strictly. If you want to find lively places, go to Sifang Street, where there are many popular photo spots nearby with great photo effects. If you want to enjoy a panoramic view of Lijiang Ancient Town, go to Lion Mountain and Wenchang Palace Viewing Platform. It's recommended to go at sunset, as it's not only free but also offers a great visual experience and beautiful photos. Highly recommended businesses in Lijiang Ancient Town🏠: Pictures three and four are from Chuangshi Music Live, which has a great environment, excellent atmosphere, impeccable service, and very cost-effective drinks! Pictures five and six are from Nayanfang Yak Hotpot. The dining environment makes me want to eat another bowl of rice. Outside the window, you can see the blue sky of the ancient town and distant mountains. The beef is tender and the hotpot base is delicious.

🌟 Dear travelers, today I bring you a super detailed Lijiang Ancient Town travel guide! From location to food, from accommodation to must-visit spots, make your trip to Lijiang even more perfect~ 📍 Location: Lijiang Ancient Town is located in Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, and is one of China's famous historical and cultural cities, filled with the rich Naxi ethnic style. 🌞 Day One: Morning: Arrive in Lijiang, first head to the north gate of the ancient town to feel the morning glow of the old city. Noon: Taste authentic Naxi cuisine at 'Grandma's Smoked Ribs'. Evening: Stroll around Sifang Street, enjoy the night view of the ancient town, and don't forget to check in at the 'Big Water Wheel'! 🌝 Day Two: Morning: Taste a special breakfast at 'Lijiang Baba Shop' near the south gate of the ancient town. Noon: Visit Mu's Residence to learn about the history and culture of the Naxi people. Evening: Experience Lijiang's nightlife on 'Bar Street', or watch a stunning performance at 'Eternal Love of Lijiang'. 🌞 Day Three: Morning: Buy some souvenirs at the 'Flower Cake Shop' in the ancient town. Noon: Enjoy lunch at 'Grandma's Chicken Bean Jelly', and experience a different Naxi flavor. Evening: End the pleasant Lijiang trip, head to the airport or train station, looking forward to coming again! 🍽️ Specialty Food: In addition to the above, there are Lijiang grilled fish, Black Goat Hotpot, and other not-to-be-missed delicacies. 🏨 Hotel Accommodation: Recommend 'Yunxue Li Guesthouse', located within the ancient town, with an elegant environment and complete facilities. 💡 Tips: 1. Lijiang Ancient Town is quite large, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes. 2. There are many handicraft shops in the ancient town, worth browsing. 3. Lijiang's weather is changeable, remember to bring rain gear and sun protection. 📣 Click on my homepage to see more exciting content, making your travel more colorful!

As one of the four ancient cities in China, Lijiang Ancient City was built in the late Song Dynasty and early Yuan Dynasty. It is a very famous 5A-level scenic spot that you must not miss when traveling to Yunnan. The houses in the ancient city of Lijiang are all ancient wooden buildings. The streets are built along the mountains and rivers, and are paved with bluestone roads. Strolling along the narrow and rugged alleys of the ancient city, you can slowly appreciate the whitewashed walls of the buildings on both sides of the alleys. Tile, discover the historical traces left on the stone walls one after another. Walking along the bluestone road, it is not difficult to find the scene of flowing water in every house and weeping willows in every house in the city. There are also small bridges lining the waves, large waterwheels turning slowly, and bright and beautiful flowers can be seen everywhere, just like a picture. Dynamic slideshow. Each technique, each scene, each brick and tile reveals the beauty of Chinese garden art. When you come to Lijiang Old Town, there are also colorful local ethnic customs and entertainment activities, including Naxi ancient music, Dongba rituals, divination culture and ancient town bar night markets, etc. You may wish to spend more time to experience local ethnic activities! When coming to Lijiang, Yunnan, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is also one of the attractions not to be missed. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a holy place that many mountain climbing and photography enthusiasts dream of. It is the sacred mountain in the hearts of the Naxi people. It is connected by 13 peaks and has steep and beautiful scenery. It has been the subject of movies and TV series "Dragon", "New Journey to the West" and "New Journey to the West". "Extreme Challenge" and other filming locations. #外游

With only days left I had to come and see the old town , this area needs more then a few hours. You can find western eats and also cafes , we hit the jackpot at this cafe. On a raining day , we had hot coffee and some great western options. Loved seeing the local craft and I fell in love with this scarf maker. Get ready to experience the old and new inside this town. Easy to get in , one entrance way and once your in its a big area to explore.

Winter break is here, kids! Pack your bags and follow this guide to explore the ancient towns and villages of Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang in Yunnan. Experience the rich history and enjoy the picturesque scenery! -- 🎒📍Travel Route: D1: Your Location -> Kunming After arriving in Kunming, check in to a 5⭐️ hotel and enjoy convenient 24-hour shuttle service and attentive butler service. D2: Haigeng Dam -> Stone Forest Scenic Area -> Small Stone Forest Scenic Area - Ashima -> Stone Forest Scenic Area - Viewing Platform Depart from Haigeng Dam in the morning, pass through the charming Stone Forest Scenic Area, experience the breathtaking Small Stone Forest Scenic Area, and finally admire the beautiful Stone Forest from the viewing platform. D3: The Ideal Garden -> Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple -> Erhai Ecological Corridor -> Erhai Lake Start your day trip from the Ideal Garden, experience the cultural heritage at the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, then walk through the Erhai Ecological Corridor and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Erhai Lake. D4: Dali Old Town -> Literature-Famous State -> Lijiang Old Town -> Big Water Wheel -> Three-Eyed Well Begin your historical and cultural journey from Dali Old Town, pass through the Literature-Famous State, then arrive at Lijiang Old Town, and finally visit the Big Water Wheel and the Three-Eyed Well. D5: Shuhe Ancient Town -> Tianyu Liufang -> Jade Dragon Snow Mountain -> Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Cableway Explore Shuhe Ancient Town and savor the rich culture of Tianyu Liufang, then ascend the magical Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and take the impressive cableway. D6: Wild Elephant Valley -> Butterfly Garden -> Gaozhuang Night Market, Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Experience the wild excitement of Wild Elephant Valley and the magical world of the Butterfly Garden, then experience the nightlife at Gaozhuang Night Market in Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan. D7: Manhena Natural Village -> Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park -> Xishuangbanna Peacock Villa Depart in the morning from Manhena Natural Village, travel through Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park, and finally reach Peacock Villa to appreciate the charm of nature. D8: Kunming -> Airport/Station Transfer -> Your Location End your enriching journey with 7*24-hour butler service and convenient airport/station transfer. Depart from Kunming by plane, taking home wonderful memories. -- Must-See Attractions: 🏔️Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: The mystical sacred mountain of the Naxi people. Watch the 13 mountain peaks rise and fall like a silver dragon dancing. It's stunning! 🗿Stone Forest Scenic Area: Walk into the strange stone forest and experience the magnificent scenery. You'll be captivated! 🐘Wild Elephant Valley: Explore the rainforest, experience the charm of elephants, and even see wild elephants! -- Tips: 1️⃣ Photo Spots: Don't forget to take photos at Grand View Park and West Mountain in Kunming, Erhai Lake and Shuanglang in Dali, and Lijiang Old Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang. They're all incredibly beautiful!📷 2️⃣ February Climate: The weather in Yunnan in February is generally warm, but with a large temperature difference between day and night. Remember to bring extra clothes and focus on warmth!🧣 3️⃣ Souvenir Prices: Pu'er tea from the Tea Horse Road in Lijiang and butter tea in Dali are affordable.🍵 Remember to bargain!💰 4️⃣ Local Customs: Yunnan has a rich and diverse folk culture. Be respectful, follow local customs, and communicate with locals in a friendly manner.👭 5️⃣ Other Precautions: Avoid going out in the evening or at night. The weather in the mountains and foothills can be unpredictable. Please be careful!🔦 -- Having experienced the bustling Kunming, the ancient charm of Dali, and the romance of Lijiang, my heart is full of the scenery and stories of this journey. Looking forward to seeing you again next time!😊

#favouriteitinerary Although it experienced a downturn for three years, the Big Water Wheel has made a strong comeback! It is a classic landmark in Lijiang Old Town that you absolutely can't miss when visiting. Personal Opinion: In my opinion, the Big Water Wheel is an iconic spot that captures the essence of Lijiang. Its resurgence makes it even more exciting to visit, and it is a must-see for anyone exploring the area.

Lijiang. 9️⃣ spots to see the golden snow-capped mountains. Super photogenic! ‼️ 😱 I have lived in Lijiang for 30 years, and I would like to share some spots to take photos of the golden snow-capped mountains with you. 📸 1️⃣ Jianshan Xiaoyuan 🏡: Pros: Many spots to take photos. Cons: One person, one consumption/average CNY 38 per person. 2️⃣ Zhongyi Market ⛩️: Pros: You can see the golden snow-capped mountains in the hustle and bustle of the world without getting up early. Cons: It is far from the snow-capped mountains, so you lack the feeling of being there. 3️⃣ Big Waterwheel at the entrance of the ancient town 🎡: Pros: You don't have to get up early. Cons: It is far from the snow-capped mountains. 4️⃣ Shuhe Kongshanyu Baiduju B&B 🏠: Pros: You don't have to get up early, and you can take photos of the golden snow-capped mountains on the roof. Cons: Not many spots to take photos. 5️⃣ Yugu Farm 🐑: Pros: Near Shuhe, you don't have to get up early, and there are many spots to take photos. Cons: It may be difficult to find the location on the map. You need to search for "Xiaoshan Coffee & Restaurant" or "Hongfa Temple" on the map. It is 20 meters downhill to the left behind the temple. You can go directly to the security booth. 6️⃣ Lijiang Dajingfan ❤️: Pros: Many spots to take photos, very photogenic, with big prayer flags, reflections of the golden snow-capped mountains, cabins, etc. Cons: You need to get up early. 🚗 The address is in Lijiang Botanical Garden. 7️⃣ Tinghuagu 🌸: Many spots to take photos, very photogenic. Cons: You need to buy a ticket or spend money 🎫 about CNY 50 to 80. 8️⃣ Lonely Tree 🌳: Pros: Few people. Cons: You need to get up early, and it is difficult to find the location. It is near Jianshan Xiaoyuan. 9️⃣ Unknown Lake 🏝️: Pros: Almost no one. Cons: It is near Jianshan Xiaoyuan, you need to get up early, and it is difficult to find the location.

Start my new year trip at Kunming & Lijiang at Yunan,China. Amazing sceneries & friendly people.pemandangan yang indah sambil bermain salji di Yulong mountian .pengalaman pertama makan makanan halal di Kunming.belajar #newyearnewtrip📍Address: Kunming Yunnan and Lijiang #staycation #travel #healingplace

at Qianxuelou 📍, a name with an oriental charm. Every step is a scene with Chinese aesthetics ⛩️ Here, you can really enjoy your stay 🫶 Overlook the ancient city and the snow-capped mountains through the window Take a picture and feel like you are in a painting 🖼️ 🏘️: Lijiang Nanman Qianxuelou Hotel (Ancient City Dashuiche Branch) 🟠About the room Almost all rooms have a view 👀 of the snow-capped mountains 🏔️, the ancient city 🏚️, and the courtyard 🏡 Book a room type according to your preference Every view is stunning ❤️ The room is comfortable, and the details show the Chinese design You can experience a different Lijiang without leaving the house ⚪️About the food 🍵Tea room/Cafe: The environment and food are great ☕️Afternoon tea: A popular spot with a view, where you can enjoy the beauty of the ancient city 🍲Qianxue Restaurant: Creative Yunnan cuisine 🏷️Tips: ▪️I personally like the snow-capped mountain room, where you can see the golden mountain in the morning when you open the curtains. I was lucky to take a picture with the snow-capped mountain at the beginning of the new year 💓; ▪️The public area is a great place to take pictures 📷, and you can take a picture of your life in every corner 🧚‍♀️; ▪️The butler is considerate and always available, providing warm ❤️ service during your stay; ▪️It is convenient to visit the ancient city, and not far from Baisha Ancient Town;

Lijiang, a dreamland in the hearts of many, is waiting for you. These 10 stunning photo spots will help you explore Lijiang and create unforgettable memories! Get your camera and your most comfortable shoes ready, and let's go! Ancient City, must-see moments 1. Big Waterwheel: A landmark of the ancient city At the north gate, the ancient waterwheel slowly turns. It's a landmark of Lijiang Ancient City and a popular photo spot for tourists. In the morning, the sunlight shines on the water, creating a beautiful scene with the ancient buildings. In the evening, the golden sunset light covers the waterwheel, adding a sense of tranquility and beauty. Choose the right angle to capture the perfect blend of the waterwheel and the surrounding environment. Remember, the best time to shoot is in the morning and evening when the light is soft. 2. Mufu Palace: A grand journey through time If you want to learn more about Lijiang's culture, Mufu Palace is a must-visit. The CNY 40 ticket includes a guided tour, taking you on a journey through time to experience the glorious history of the Naxi Kingdom. The grand architecture, exquisite wood carvings, and stone carvings all exude ancient charm. At 8:30 pm, the light show at the entrance of Mufu Palace is stunning, with dazzling lights illuminating the entire palace like a fairy tale world. Plan your time in advance to enjoy this spectacular show. When shooting Mufu Palace, you can choose a wide angle to show the grandeur of the architecture or focus on the details to capture the exquisite carvings. 3. Lion Hill: A great view of the ancient city Want to see the whole of Lijiang Ancient City? Climb Lion Hill! It takes about 15 minutes to reach Wangu Tower, but the view from the top is breathtaking. The entire ancient city is like a huge painting. The blue tiles, white walls, and flowing water are all at your feet. The best time to shoot is in the morning or evening when the light is soft. Bring your wide-angle lens to capture this stunning scene. Pay attention to the composition and combine the beauty of the ancient city with the distant mountains and clouds for a better visual effect. 4. Yichi Lane: Artificial snow romance Yichi Lane, with a CNY 35 ticket, has an artificial snow show every night at 8 pm, like a fairy tale world. The snowflakes fall on the ancient buildings, creating a romantic atmosphere. Besides the artificial snow, there is also a 5D show for a visual and auditory feast. Do your homework in advance to learn about the show times and content, and choose the right angle and time to capture the best moments. Use the snowflakes as the foreground to highlight the building's outline and create a dreamy atmosphere. 5. Xianwen Lane (Oil-paper Umbrella Street): A romantic encounter Near Sifang Street, Xianwen Lane, also known as Oil-paper Umbrella Street, is full of colorful oil-paper umbrellas. Whether it's day or night, this place is full of poetry. During the day, the sunlight shines through the umbrellas, creating a peaceful atmosphere. At night, the lights illuminate the umbrellas, making them more colorful and dreamy. Shoot against the light to highlight the colors and layers of the umbrellas, or shoot from a low angle to show the overall picture of the umbrellas and buildings. 6. Zhenxing Lane (Lantern Street): The charm of Dongba script The eaves are full of lanterns with Dongba pictographs, ancient and mysterious. At night, the lanterns light up the street, full of ethnic characteristics. This is also a great place to shoot night scenes. Choose different angles and light to capture the details of the lanterns and buildings. Use long exposure to extend the lanterns' light and create a dreamy effect. 7. Nanmen Bridge (Wind Chime Street): A tranquil corner The small bridge, flowing water, flowers, and wind chimes create a peaceful atmosphere. Nanmen Bridge, also known as Wind Chime Street, is a quiet corner of Lijiang Ancient City. It's perfect for shooting relaxed and natural scenes, like sitting by the bridge or walking along the riverbank. Choose simple compositions to highlight the tranquility and beauty of the scene. 8. Sakura Restaurant: Flowers by day, lights by night Sakura Restaurant has beautiful flowers during the day and stunning lights at night. Visit the second floor at night to enjoy the night view of Lijiang Ancient City. You can capture the unique night view of the ancient city, with skyscrapers and ancient buildings illuminated by lights. Use long exposure to capture the details of the night scene, or use a wide-angle lens to show the overall picture. 9. Dayan Flower Lane: A gathering place for intangible cultural heritage Dayan Flower Lane is full of Yunnan's intangible cultural heritage. You can admire exquisite handicrafts and climb the Lijiang Eye Observation Deck to overlook the ancient city at night. The observation deck offers a wide view of the ancient city and distant mountains. Pay attention to the composition and combine the beauty of the ancient city with the distant mountains and clouds for a better visual effect. 10. Dashiqiao: Romantic river lanterns The riverbank is full of flowers, and bars and shops are built by the water. At night, you can release river lanterns, creating a unique atmosphere. Dashiqiao is an important attraction in Lijiang Ancient City and a great place to shoot night scenes. At night, the river lanterns float on the water, and the lights reflect in the water, creating a beautiful picture. Use long exposure to capture the light and trajectory of the river lanterns and create a dreamy effect. Lijiang travel tips: 1. The ancient city has cobblestone roads, so wear comfortable shoes for walking. 2. Lijiang has a large temperature difference between day and night, so bring a jacket to prevent catching a cold. 3. Lijiang is on a plateau with strong UV rays and dry air, so protect yourself from the sun and keep your skin moisturized. Bring sunscreen, lip balm, and other items. 4. Lijiang's cuisine is similar to Sichuan cuisine. If you can't eat spicy food, let the restaurant know in advance. Lijiang is not just beautiful scenery but also unforgettable experiences. Get your camera and your smile ready for a spontaneous trip to Lijiang! May you create beautiful memories in this ancient city! Let's capture the beauty of this land and feel its unique charm! Let's explore more secrets of Lijiang and discover more surprises! Let's leave our footprints in Lijiang and let this land remember our visit! Lijiang, a place that will make you linger, is waiting for you to explore! Let's dive into Lijiang, feel its unique charm, and create beautiful memories! Lijiang, may you have the best memories! Lijiang, looking forward to meeting you again!

Caravan cuisine that even the locals love! ✔️ Wild mushroom hotpot with 6 types of mushrooms, including matsutake and boletus, that are stewed to perfection. Each bite is a taste of the forest. ✔️ Dried cured pork ribs with a firm texture and salty aroma that lingers. The more you chew, the more you can taste the story of the caravan. ✔️ Water shield with a tender and smooth texture and a fresh and sweet taste of the lake. ✔️ Freshly cut yak meat with beautiful marbling. The tender and rich flavors intertwine on your tongue, bringing you the taste of the plateau. You can also order a whole roasted suckling pig with a crispy golden skin and juicy and tender meat. Perfect for parties!

Best place to visit.many good spot for photo and surprisingly this town very clean. Love it#lijiang

Recommended Tour Route 1. South Gate: Enter from the South Gate of Lijiang Ancient Town and first enjoy the iconic building of the ancient town - the Big Waterwheel. 2. Stroll along July 1st Street: Stroll along July 1st Street and feel the ancient charm of the ancient town. 3. Sifang Street: Sifang Street is the center of the ancient town. During the day, you can enjoy the dance of Naxi grandmothers, and at night, it is very lively. 4. Mu's Residence: The history and culture of the Naxi people are concentrated here. The building has distinctive features and is worth visiting. 5. Lion Mountain: Climb Lion Mountain and stand at the highest point of the ancient town to overlook the magnificent scenery of the entire Lijiang, especially the photo effect with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as the background is excellent. 6. Dayan Flower Lane: The flowers bloom most in summer. You can explore the non-legacy shops, but it is recommended to consume rationally. 7. Xianwen Lane and Zhenxing Lane: Xianwen Lane is full of oil-paper umbrellas, and Zhenxing Lane is full of lanterns. Both are good places for taking photos. 8. Bar Street: You can go to Bar Street at night, listen to folk songs, have a drink, but drink in moderation.

Address, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province Lijiang Ancient Town is located in the Old Town District of Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, also known as Dayan Town. It is situated in the middle of the Lijiang Plain and was established at the end of the Song Dynasty and the beginning of the Yuan Dynasty (late 13th century). It lies on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and covers an area of 7.279 square kilometers. Lijiang is one of the second batch of historical and cultural cities approved in China, and it is one of the two ancient cities that have successfully applied for World Cultural Heritage as a whole. The large waterwheel and Flower Street are landmarks of Lijiang. Strolling leisurely on the stone-paved roads, you can experience the slow pace of life here. ㊙️ You can always see beautiful ladies being photographed for travel shoots, and the city is also known as the 'City of Romance', offering a chance for a beautiful encounter. 🌈 There are many unique cafes where you can relax your mind. 🌺 There are plenty of bars here, and the nightlife starts in the evening, making it a popular spot for the youth.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city Looking for the peace and ease that your heart desires Then come to Lijiang for a trip In the place where there is wind, look at the wider world - Lijiang Ancient City does not require a ticket, it's accessible from all directions, you can wander around freely About transportation🚖 Direct flight to Lijiang✈️You can take a taxi directly from the airport - About check-in points📷 Stroll around the ancient city during the day, bask in the sun, have a cup of coffee, listen to a folk song🎵 Stroll around the night view at night, release a river lamp, have a drink in a small pub on the side of the road🍹 ✅Big Waterwheel✅Dayan Flower Alley✅Sifang Street✅Mu Mansion Remember to check in and take photos at these places ✅The Big Waterwheel is at the entrance of Lijiang Ancient City, it's a landmark building ✅Dayan Flower Alley viewing platform can overlook the ancient city, colorful oil-paper umbrellas and colorful stairs for shooting❤️ ✅Sifang Street is in the commercial center of the ancient city, where you can eat, drink, play, and shop, it's bustling ✅Mu Mansion is the filming location of 'Mu Mansion Wind and Cloud', you can come and visit after dinner - About food🥣 Licheng Restaurant (Black Dragon Pool Branch) Remember to try garlic sprouts with dried beef, the dried beef is small and not broken, the garlic sprouts are stir-fried and fragrant🔥 Old lady's potato, the happiness of a potato head🥔 Soft and glutinous There are also snacks and flower cakes in the ancient city🌸You can eat while strolling around~

Exploring this beautiful world.