1. An Extraordinary Step Back In Time
A gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lijiang's Old Town draws millions of visitors every year thanks to its stunning, hardly touched architecture that reaches back a thousand years. Cross-hatched by canals which served as the old city's water supply, it's focused around Market Square, and a series of pools where the water collected, allowing locals to wash food, clothes, and generally cool off. Expect regular Dongjing music performances featuring traditional Yunnanese instruments, and plenty of chances to pick up copperware souvenirs.
2. The Height Of Beauty
Soaring 5,500 meters above the city, Yùlóng Xuěshān doesn't look very accessible from the valley below and it's true that for some people it's just an awe-inspiring sight and photo opportunity. However, you can join tour buses in the center of Linjiang that ascend the mountain's slopes, while chairlifts take visitors even further into the clouds. At 4,500 meters, you'll come face to face with a sizable glacier, while further down the slopes, Blue Moon Lake and White Water River are notable beauty spots, but it's all extremely picturesque. Dress up warm if you're heading for the glacier, though.
3. An Exciting Exotic Emporium
The commercial center of Lijiang, Zhongye can be found in the Old Town, where it's been a livestock and copper mart for over 1,000 years. When you head there, you really get a sense that the kind of transactions you see have been ongoing for generations, although nothing's to stop you joining in with a spot of haggling. The complex is vast, but you won't be able to miss the forest of street food sellers, offering everything from tofu curries to pig's heads, freshly picked mandarin oranges and noodle bowls. And if you want high-quality wool, it's definitely the place to be.
4. Views To Make You Long For Yulong
In English "Jade Spring Park", Yu Quan Gong Yuan is most famous for one sight: the sublimely beautiful Black Dragon Pool. While the pool itself is elegantly shaped and complemented by the obligatory stone bridge and pagoda, it's the setting which makes the biggest impression. Behind the park, Yulong rises in all of its glory, creating one of the world's greatest photo opportunities. However, try to tear yourself away from the view and duck into the Dongba Culture Museum, which has some engaging ancient documents made by the distinctive local culture.
5. A Palace Of Imperial Power Projection
This mansion can be found in the southwestern part of the Old Town, and is a must-see during your tour of the city center. Mu wasn't just any old guy. In fact, the name refers to the Mu family, who ruled the local Naxi people on behalf of Beijing for centuries, from around 1270 to 1850. As with many Chinese palaces, the building has undergone extensive reconstruction, but it's been skillfully done based on period images, presenting an interesting window onto the distant Imperial past.
