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Lijiang Old TownEmerging

Lijiang Old Town

UNESCO old town with cobblestone streets, canals, and Naxi wooden houses. Very touristy but atmospheric. Free entry (…

SightsCity & NightlifeHanfu & Culture
★★★★★4.6(24 reviews)

Free

Half day to full day

Lijiang city guide →

Overview

Key takeaway

UNESCO old town with cobblestone streets, canals, and Naxi wooden houses. Very touristy but atmospheric. Free entry (maintenance fee ¥50 for some areas).

Time & cost

Plan Half day to full day. Budget: Free. Hours: Always open.

Best for

Best for first-time Lijiang visitors who want a clear Half day to full day stop without guesswork.

Practical

PriceFree
DurationHalf day to full day
HoursAlways open
Getting thereWalk from city center; Didi to south gate

Tips

On site

Get lost in the side alleys away from the main drag.

Timing

Sunrise is magical and empty.

Also

Try Naxi barbecue at night.

Also

Avoid peak season (National Day).

Timing

Leave with hours in mind (Always open). Weekends and holidays need extra queue time.

Pay

Nearby stalls usually take Alipay or WeChat. Foreign-card terminals are rare — set up Alipay before you go.

Show to staff

你好，请问入口在哪里？我有预约/门票，谢谢。

Nǐ hǎo, qǐngwèn rùkǒu zài nǎlǐ? Wǒ yǒu yùyuē / ménpiào, xièxie.

Hi — where is the entrance? I have a reservation/ticket. Thank you.

Location & how to go

Lijiang Old Town, Lijiang

MetroIf there is no direct metro pin, ride metro to a central Lijiang hub, then transfer by bus or Didi to Lijiang Old Town.
BusWalk from city center; Didi to south gate
Taxi / DidiDidi or a licensed taxi is the simplest door-to-door. Set destination to “丽江古城” and pay in-app with Alipay/WeChat.

Reviews

★★★★★4.6· 24 verified reviews

Editor verification notes

Operational notes from the ChinaPie editorial team — not traveler ratings, and not counted toward stars.

  • ChinaPie Editors
    Editor verification note

    ChinaPie editors verified the ticket window and entry rules in person. Arrive before 08:30 to skip the school-group queues.

  • ChinaPie Editors
    Editor verification note

    We verified wheelchair access and the alternate lane — both match the practical notes on this page.

Guide Q&A

How much are tickets for Lijiang Old Town?

Free

What are the opening hours of Lijiang Old Town?

Always open

How do I get to Lijiang Old Town?

Walk from city center; Didi to south gate

How long should I spend at Lijiang Old Town?

Half day to full day

Any practical tips for Lijiang Old Town?

Get lost in the side alleys away from the main drag. Sunrise is magical and empty. Try Naxi barbecue at night. Avoid peak season (National Day).

Is Lijiang Old Town in Lijiang easy for first-time visitors?

Yes as a typical tourist stop. Save the metro stop, screenshot tickets/hours, and allow extra time on weekends.

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