Lijiang Old Town: Exploring Yunnan's Ancient Charm

Our Favourite Place in China So Far… (Lijiang Old Town)

Destination:ChinaProvince:YunnanCity:Lijiang
Our Favourite Place in China So Far… (Lijiang Old Town)
Max and Jacqueline2025-04-2021 min

Our third stop on our CRAZY CHINA TRIP brings us to what might be the best-looking old town we have ever been to. Lijiang, a town nestled between mountains and temples.

We’re travelling across China by train for 30 days — on a mission to explore the culture, food, and wild beauty of this huge country on a backpacker budget.

--- Max and Jacqueline
April 20, 2025, Spring in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Intro: 30 Days in China by Train
  2. 0:11First Impressions of Lijiang
  3. 0:33Arriving in the Old Town
  4. 1:04Chaos at the Train Station
  5. 1:32Welcome to Lijiang!
  6. 2:10Finding the Hotel in the Old Town
  7. 3:00Hotel Arrival & Views
  8. 3:52Noodle Soup by the River
  9. 4:38Wandering the Magical Streets
  10. 5:06Struggling with the Cold
  11. 5:50Traditional Crafts & Bracelets
  12. 6:23Discovering the Night Market
  13. 7:14Trying Local Street Food
  14. 8:29Night Lights & Street Scenes
  15. 8:54Surprise Tea Tasting
  16. 10:46Favourite Hotel in China (So Far)
  17. 11:33Exploring the Ancient Town & Park
  18. 12:18Why Lijiang is Worth the Journey
  19. 12:46Arriving at Black Dragon Pool
  20. 13:17Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Decision
  21. 13:52Locals Dancing in the Square
  22. 14:38Morning Vibes in the Old Town
  23. 15:25Final Thoughts on Lijiang
  24. 16:02Travel Tips for Lijiang
  25. 17:05Lijiang vs. Dali
  26. 18:10Recap: Would We Come Back?
  27. 19:20Teasing the Next Adventure
  28. 20:02Outro & Thank You!

Max And Jacqueline's China trip highlights Lijiang's captivating old town, charming streets, and stunning mountain views, leaving them with unforgettable memories.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1When exploring old towns in China, be prepared for potential walking distances from taxi drop-off points. It adds to the charm of discovering hidden alleys and unique architecture. (2:12)
  2. Tip 2Pack light! Traveling with minimal luggage makes navigating China's diverse terrain and public transport much easier. (5:02)
  3. Tip 3Embrace unexpected interactions. Locals are often eager to share their culture and experiences, leading to unforgettable moments. (10:07)
  4. Tip 4Look for affordable hotels that include breakfast to save money and enhance your overall experience. Consider booking in advance, especially during peak season. (11:12)
  5. Tip 5Consider exploring beyond the typical tourist routes in China. Lijiang, while further from major cities, offers a unique and rewarding experience. (12:08)
  6. Tip 6Entrance fees in China can add up. Prioritize attractions based on your budget, and research free or low-cost alternatives. (18:20)

Max And Jacqueline's 30-day Chinese adventure takes an enchanting turn in Lijiang, a town nestled between mountains and temples. They explore the historic old town, discovering charming streets, vibrant Naxi culture, and stunning mountain backdrops. From heartwarming local interactions to delicious noodle soup by an adorable river, their journey is filled with unexpected delights. Despite the cold weather, they find warmth in the local's hospitality and the beauty of the ancient town. Their exploration continues to a park with crystal-clear streams and ends with a captivating dance performance in a traditional plaza. Lijiang's unique charm leaves a lasting impression, making it their favorite place in China so far.

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Our Favourite Place in China So Far… (Lijiang Old Town)

Max And Jacqueline's Chinese adventure continues in the captivating town of Lijiang. Their journey begins with a train ride, highlighting the unique experience of train travel in China. Arriving in Lijiang, they're immediately struck by the town's beauty, describing it as even more charming than their previous stop in Dali. They check into a hotel nestled within the historic old town, a decision that perfectly encapsulates their immersive approach to travel.

Their exploration of Lijiang's old town is a sensory feast. They savor delicious and affordable noodle soup near a centuries-old stone bridge, a moment that perfectly captures the blend of exploration and tranquility they seek. The town's labyrinthine streets, vibrant Naxi culture, and stunning mountain backdrop create an atmosphere that feels like stepping into another world. They marvel at the traditional architecture, the intricate details of the buildings, and the stunning views.

The travelers' interactions with locals add a layer of authenticity to their experience. A chance encounter leads to a heartwarming tea tasting, showcasing the kindness and generosity of the Lijiang people. This interaction underscores their commitment to experiencing the local culture firsthand. The spontaneous tea tasting becomes a highlight of their trip, a testament to the unexpected joys of travel. They also note the confidence and pride of the Chinese people in their heritage, observing a unique cultural dynamic.

Beyond the old town, Max And Jacqueline venture into a bustling food market, sampling local delicacies like fried rolls and spicy beef skewers. The market's vibrant atmosphere and diverse food offerings further enrich their cultural immersion. They even attempt to decipher the meanings of food stall signs, adding humor and cultural insight to their culinary explorations. The market visit showcases their adventurous spirit and willingness to embrace new experiences.

Their exploration extends to Black Dragon Pool Park, where they admire the crystal-clear waters and the majestic backdrop of the snow-capped mountains. This visit offers a moment of tranquility amidst their busy exploration, highlighting the park's natural beauty. They also discuss their decision not to visit Jade Snow Mountain due to cost constraints, demonstrating their budget-conscious approach to backpacking.

Their Lijiang adventure culminates in a visit to the Bisha community, known for its fresco and wall paintings. They end their day with a visit to Lion's Hill for breathtaking views and a surprising encounter with cherry blossoms. The unexpected discovery of cherry blossoms, usually associated with Japan, adds an element of surprise and delight to their journey. The trip concludes with reflections on their favorite aspects of Lijiang, emphasizing the town's unique charm and the warmth of its people. Lijiang emerges as their favorite location in China thus far, a testament to its beauty, culture, and the unforgettable experiences they encountered there.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the most memorable part of your stay in Lijiang?
A: It's hard to pick just one! The whole town was enchanting, but the tea tasting with the kind local lady was incredibly sweet and memorable. And the food market was a sensory explosion!
Q: What advice would you give to others planning a trip to Lijiang?
A: Definitely go! It's worth the trip, even if it's a bit further from other popular cities. Be prepared to walk a lot, and pack light. And most importantly, be open to unexpected encounters and interactions with the locals. You never know what amazing experiences you might find!

Lijiang Old Town: Exploring Yunnan's Ancient Charm

Our third stop on our CRAZY CHINA TRIP brings us to what might be the best-looking old town we have ever been to. Lijiang, a town nestled between mountains and temples. 00:00 Intro: 30 Days in China by Train 00:11 First Impressions of Lijiang 00:33 Arriving in the Old Town 01:04 Chaos at the Train...

Lijiang Old Town: Exploring China's Ancient Charm

Max and Jacqueline's 30-day China train adventure brought them to Lijiang's captivating old town, nestled amidst mountains and temples. Their journey included navigating a chaotic train station, finding their hotel, and savoring delicious noodle soup. Exploring the magical streets, they encountered traditional crafts, a vibrant night market, and delightful street food. Despite the cold, they experienced a surprise tea tasting and discovered their favorite hotel so far. The ancient town, a park, and Black Dragon Pool added to their exploration, culminating in a reflection on why Lijiang is worth visiting. The video also includes comparisons with Dali and a teaser of their next adventure.

Attractions in this video: Lijiang Old Town, Black Dragon Pool Park, Lions Hill, Jade Snow Mountain