1. Book your flight tickets online yourself; there’s no need to go through a travel agency.

2. June and July are ideal times to go—neither too hot nor too cold—but it might coincide with school holidays, meaning more crowds. May is a better option.
3. For first-time visitors, we recommend staying in the Dayan Ancient Town because...……
1. Book your flight tickets online yourself; there’s no need to go through a travel agency.
2. June and July are ideal times to go—neither too hot nor too cold—but it might coincide with school holidays, meaning more crowds. May is a better option.
3. For first-time visitors, we recommend staying in the Dayan Ancient Town because the commercial area is well-developed and lively. For repeat visitors, we recommend Shuhe, which is quieter and has better facilities.
4. Whether in Shuhe or Dayan, we suggest staying in a guesthouse. During peak season, prices range from 100–300 RMB, and in off-season, 60–100 RMB. I think these prices are quite reasonable. Of course, there are also more upscale options, but personally, I find them less appealing.
5. When the weather is colder, every guesthouse has an electric blanket, but most do not have air conditioning. The temperature in Lijiang is moderate, so AC is generally unnecessary.
6. We recommend staying on the second floor of a guesthouse, preferably with a window that gets sunlight. Since most buildings are wooden structures, the first floor tends to be noisier.
7. Wooden buildings have poor soundproofing. Couples should be cautious, and singles need even more patience.
8. Most front desk staff are local girls—simple, honest, tanned, and very protective of guests.

9. The lobby usually has tea sets and Pu’er tea, whether raw or ripe. Everyone can sit down, drink tea, and chat for free—it’s comfortable and relaxing.
10. Food in the Dayan Ancient Town is relatively expensive. We suggest going to the new town for meals. Recommended dishes include Yangyu Chicken (potato chicken) and cured pork rib hotpot. Ask the guesthouse owner for detailed recommendations—they usually have good advice.
11. Oh, and airport pick-up one way is 50 RMB, but they’ll often ask for 80–100 RMB. It’s best to share a ride with others as they usually use vans. The drive from the airport to the ancient town takes about an hour, and the scenery along the way is beautiful.
12. There are lots of outsiders here, and most shops are run by non-locals who are hospitable and easy to get along with. Don’t be shy—there aren’t that many bad people.
13. As for bars, famous ones like Qianli Zou Danji (Ride Alone for Thousands of Miles), Yi Mi Yangguang (A Meter of Sunshine), and Yinghua Wuwu (Sakura House) stop selling soft drinks after 6 PM—you can’t buy non-alcoholic drinks. Non-drinkers might feel a bit lost. Beer is generally expensive there, and a local brand called Feng Hua Xue Yue (Wind, Flower, Snow, Moon) costs over 300 RMB per dozen. But if you can get a discount through the guesthouse owner or locals, it’s only around 100 RMB.
14. Many single women visit Lijiang to heal, thinking they’ll meet charming guys from all over. Not really. The person most likely to invite you back to their guesthouse is probably a local man. Local men are very open-minded due to the environment, and ethnic minority men can be quite bold—but they’ve also been around. So, ladies, be cautious.
15. There are plenty of odd characters in the bars. When single girls go, someone might ask to share a table—be cautious. Don’t drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes offered by strangers. In short, don’t take unwarranted advantages.
16. Single guys should also be cautious. Don’t assume every single girl is up for chatting—she might be a working girl.
17. If you’re tipsy, it’s best to head back to the guesthouse. Guesthouses close at 12 AM, but you can call the phone number posted to request wake-up or door-opening service. However, it might be a bit disturbing to neighbors.
18. The night sky is beautiful with lots of stars.

19. Try not to buy anything—Tibetan silver is fake, yak meat is fake, and those colorful clothes—where else would you wear them except in Lijiang? Girls can buy small accessories, and anything under 50 RMB is pretty decent.
20. Every guesthouse has Wi-Fi and usually a few computers. If you’re someone who can’t disconnect or suffers from information anxiety, don’t worry.
21. Every guesthouse has dogs, and you can take them for walks. Most of them are super cuddly.
22. Other than bars, most shops close early at night, which is very comforting for people who prefer quiet.
23. If your time is tight, don’t bother trying to go to places like Tiger Leaping Gorge or Shangri-La. The long travel times eat up most of your trip—it’s better to just relax, soak up the sun, and chill in Dayan or Shuhe.
24. You can find great photo spots anywhere.
25. Remember to bring sun protection, even in winter. Bring sunglasses—not to look cool, but because the sun is really strong.
28. Plum juice is a must-try. It's sold at street-side shops—just 5 yuan for a large cup. There’s also some delicious fried potato sold by aunties along the street.
29. When horseback riding, watch the back pockets of your jeans. I’ve had multiple friends lose their wallets after a bumpy ride.
30. There’s a fish restaurant in Xincheng that serves fish dishes—I forgot the name, but locals all know it, and taxi drivers can find it. Be sure to order the sashimi; it’s really good. I just remembered, it might be called Longji Grouper. It’s worth a try if you get the chance.
Rest well—you’ll want to come back a second time.

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