Lijiang, China 10-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive in Hanoi

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), transfer to your accommodation, and check-in.

Take some time to settle in.

Explore Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter, known for its narrow streets, ancient houses, and diverse street food.

Be mindful of motorbikes and street vendors. Haggling is common at market stalls.

Hoan Kiem Lake Stroll

Enjoy a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, a central point of Hanoi, and admire the Ngoc Son Temple and Turtle Tower.

The area is beautifully lit in the evening.

Water Puppet Show

Experience a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a unique art form depicting rural life and folk tales.

Book tickets in advance, especially on weekends, as shows can sell out quickly.

Dinner in Old Quarter

Savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine at a local restaurant or try some street food specialties like Bún Chả.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Visit the final resting place of Ho Chi Minh.

Explore the complex including his stilt house and the Presidential Palace grounds.

Dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered). Check opening hours as it's often closed on Mondays and Fridays.

One Pillar Pagoda

See the unique One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist temple built from wood on a single stone pillar.

Located within the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex.

Temple of Literature

Explore Vietnam's first national university, a beautiful complex dedicated to Confucius and scholars.

Lunch: Authentic Pho

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese bowl of Pho, a staple of local cuisine.

Hanoi Train Street

Visit the famous Hanoi Train Street (if accessible) and witness the unique spectacle of a train passing through a narrow residential area.

Enjoy a coffee at a cafe overlooking the tracks.

Access can be restricted; check local conditions. Ensure safety if a train is passing.

Relaxation: Foot Massage

Unwind with a rejuvenating Vietnamese foot massage after a day of sightseeing.

Hanoi Street Food Tour

Embark on a culinary adventure trying various local street food delicacies.

You can do this independently or with a guided tour.

Try Banh Mi, Egg Coffee, and spring rolls. Guided tours usually cost around USD 25-40.

Breakfast & Check-out

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe before checking out and heading to the airport.

Flight to Lijiang (via Kunming)

Take a flight from Hanoi (HAN) to Kunming (KMG), then connect to a domestic flight to Lijiang (LJG).

This will involve crossing the time zone (Hanoi UTC+7, China UTC+8), so factor in the time difference.

Arrive in Lijiang & Check-in

Arrive at Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG), transfer to your hotel, and check-in.

Late Dinner in Lijiang

Have a late dinner at a restaurant near your accommodation, getting a first taste of Lijiang's atmosphere.

Lijiang Old Town Exploration

Spend the morning exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Lijiang Old Town.

Wander through its labyrinthine alleys, ancient bridges, and traditional Naxi architecture. Visit Sifang Square (Square Street).

The Old Town is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes. Entry fee might be required for the old town preservation which is typically included in package tours.

Visit Sanyanjing

Discover Sanyanjing, a series of three wells where locals perform daily rituals and draw water.

It offers insight into local life.

Naxi Cuisine Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Naxi lunch at one of the many local eateries in the Old Town.

Try specialties like baba bread or chicken hotpot.

Baima Longtansi

Visit Baima Longtansi, a tranquil place of worship within the Old Town, offering a peaceful retreat and beautiful architecture.

Local Market Exploration

Explore one of Lijiang's local markets to see fresh produce, local crafts, and interact with residents.

A great place for souvenirs.

Practice your bargaining skills if buying souvenirs.

Sunset View from Lion Hill

Head up to Lion Hill for panoramic views of Lijiang Old Town, especially beautiful during sunset.

Small entrance fee for some viewing platforms.

Dinner & Evening Stroll

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the Old Town, then take an evening stroll to see the town lit up.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Trip

Embark on a full-day excursion to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Take the cable car up to one of the peaks (e.g., Spruce Meadow or Glacier Park) for breathtaking views. Explore the Ganhaizi grassland and Baishui River (Blue Moon Valley).

High altitude can cause discomfort; consider bringing altitude sickness medication. Dress in layers as temperatures vary. Book tickets (for park entry and cable cars) in advance, especially during peak season. You can arrange this trip with local guides or tours.

Relaxing Dinner

Enjoy a relaxing dinner back in Lijiang Old Town after your mountain adventure.

Travel to Lijiang

Fly from Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) to Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG), enjoying aerial views of Yunnan's diverse landscape.

Upon arrival, take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel in Lijiang.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your accommodation, the Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town, conveniently located within the historic area.

Drop off your luggage and freshen up before exploring the town.

Lijiang Old Town Exploration

Begin your exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Lijiang Old Town, wandering through its narrow cobblestone streets, ancient canals, and traditional Naxi architecture.

Visit local shops and admire the intricate wooden buildings.

Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking a lot. The Old Town is particularly beautiful in the late afternoon. Entrance is free, but there might be a maintenance fee to enter certain areas or if you stay overnight.

Dinner & Sifang Street

Enjoy traditional Yunnan cuisine for dinner, followed by a stroll through Sifang Street, the vibrant heart of the Old Town, known for its lively atmosphere and folk performances in the evening.

Try local specialties like 'Lijiang baba' (a type of pancake) or 'Naxi grilled fish'.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Day Trip

Embark on a full-day excursion to the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Take a cable car up to the glacier park for breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks and surrounding valleys. Explore Blue Moon Valley below, with its stunning turquoise lakes.

The altitude is high (up to 4,680 meters), so take it easy and consider bringing oxygen. Wear warm layers and good walking shoes. You can hire a private car or join a local tour for convenience.

Impression Lijiang Show

Optional: Witness the spectacular 'Impression Lijiang' outdoor cultural show, directed by Zhang Yimou, set against the backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It showcases the traditions and lives of the local ethnic groups.

This show is held outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather. It's an excellent way to experience Naxi culture and is often combined with a visit to the mountain.

Old Town Dinner

Return to Lijiang Old Town for a relaxing dinner at one of its many charming restaurants.

Black Dragon Pool Park

Visit Black Dragon Pool Park, offering picturesque views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflecting in its clear waters.

It's a tranquil spot with traditional pavilions and bridges.

The park is a short walk from the northern edge of Lijiang Old Town. A classic photo spot. Entrance may be included if you paid the Old Town preservation fee.

Lijiang Xintuo Ecotourism

Join Lijiang Xintuo Ecotourism for an insightful visit to quiet villages away from the crowded areas.

This community-owned company helps you connect deeply with Yunnan's nature and local culture, offering a unique perspective on rural life.

This experience offers a genuine insight into local traditions. Pre-booking is recommended as it's a specialized tour.

Evening Stroll & Local Dinner

Enjoy a final evening stroll through Lijiang Old Town, taking in the illuminated ancient streets and canals.

Savor a farewell dinner at a local eatery, perhaps trying a hotpot.

Hiking with Lijiang Guides

Embark on a private tailor-made hiking tour with Lijiang Guides, exploring non-touristy areas of Yunnan province. Discover stunning landscapes and local villages off the beaten path.

This tour can be customized to your fitness level and interests. It's a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty and local life away from the crowds.

Visit Sanyanjing

Explore Sanyanjing, a quaint and historical area within the Old Town.

Discover its unique charm, traditional courtyards, and local artisan shops.

A good spot for unique souvenirs and quieter photography opportunities.

Naxi Ancient Music Performance

Attend a performance of Naxi Ancient Music, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

This traditional music provides a deep insight into the Naxi culture and history.

Book tickets in advance, especially during peak season. It's a truly unique cultural experience.

Morning Old Town Stroll & Souvenirs

Enjoy a final morning stroll through Lijiang Old Town, soaking in the last moments of its ancient charm.

This is a perfect time for some last-minute souvenir shopping, exploring shops like Jinfuyuan or Brother and Sister Yuan for local crafts and specialties.

Look for Naxi embroidery, local silver jewelry, and Pu'er tea.

Hotel Check-out

Check out from Hotel Indigo and arrange for transfer to Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG).

Transfer to Airport

Travel from Lijiang Old Town to Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG) for your outbound journey.

Departure Flight to Hanoi

Depart from Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (LJG) back towards Hanoi, likely with a layover in a major hub like Kunming (KMG) or Guangzhou (CAN).