Lijiang

ChinaCN

Prefecture-level city in Yunnan, People's Republic of China

Lijiang, formerly romanized as Likiang, is a prefecture-level city in the northwest of Yunnan Province, China. It has an area of 21,219 square kilometres (8,193 sq mi) and had a population of 1,253,878 at the 2020 census whom 288,787 lived in the built-up area (metro) made of Gucheng District. By the end of 2024, the registered population of the city was 1,243,700. Lijiang is famous for its UNESCO Heritage Site, the Old Town of Lijiang, which contains a mixture of different historical architecture styles and a complex, ancient water-supply system. It borders Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture and Panzhihua City in Sichuan Province to the east and it has one municipality and four counties.

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Population
1,253,878
Coordinates
26.869, 100.221
Timezone
Asia/Shanghai
Elevation
2400 m

Overview of Lijiang

Lijiang sits in China and reads as a major metropolis. With 1,253,878 residents, it is easy to gauge its scale. The altitude here is around 2,400 m. Which shapes the pace of a visit. Visitors mostly come here for nature, sports and adventure. The northern hemisphere setting is worth noting when you pick dates.

Things to do in Lijiang

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Nature in Lijiang

(16)

Looking for nature? Lijiang has Countryside, Forest, Gardens, Geological Formations and Lakes. The category holds 16 entries in our dataset. This reflects only what is documented for Lijiang.

CountrysideForestGardensGeological FormationsLakesMountainsNational ParksNatural PlacesNatureNature ReservesParksRiversScenic RoadsValleysVolcanoesWildlife
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Sports in Lijiang

(12)

Sports in Lijiang covers Biking, Golf, Hiking, Hiking Trails and Horse Trails. The category holds 12 entries in our dataset. This reflects only what is documented for Lijiang.

BikingGolfHikingHiking TrailsHorse TrailsRunningSkiingSlopesSnow TubingSnowboardTrail RunningWalking Trails
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Adventure in Lijiang

(6)

The adventure shortlist for Lijiang: Abseiling, Adventure, Adventure Parks, Boat Rides and Off Road Trails. It is a direct read of Lijiang's activity profile. That is 6 tagged options in total, so there is room to pick and choose.

AbseilingAdventureAdventure ParksBoat RidesOff Road TrailsTreasure Hunts
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Culture in Lijiang

(6)

Lijiang's culture entries include Ancient Ruins, Cathedrals, Fountains, Historical Sites and Monuments. Everything listed here comes from what Lijiang is actually tagged with. There are 6 tagged experiences in this group.

Ancient RuinsCathedralsFountainsHistorical SitesMonumentsReligious Sites
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Water Sports in Lijiang

(6)

On the water sports side, Lijiang offers Canoeing, Kayaking, Rafting, Sailboats and Water Skiing. All of it is drawn from Lijiang's recorded activities. There are 6 tagged experiences in this group.

CanoeingKayakingRaftingSailboatsWater SkiingWater Sports
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Nightlife in Lijiang

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Lijiang records Clubs, Disco and Pubs under nightlife. It is a direct read of Lijiang's activity profile. A short list, but an easy way to shape a day.

ClubsDiscoPubs
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Wellness in Lijiang

(2)

Our data lists Spa and Wellness as wellness options here. Plan them together and you have a full day. This reflects only what is documented for Lijiang.

SpaWellness
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Family in Lijiang

(1)

The family shortlist for Lijiang: Playgrounds. It is a direct read of Lijiang's activity profile. Small in number, simple to combine into one outing.

Playgrounds
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Shopping in Lijiang

(1)

On the shopping side, Lijiang offers Food. It is a direct read of Lijiang's activity profile. Small in number, simple to combine into one outing.

Food

More to do in Lijiang

(1)

For other activities, expect Fishing. Each one is worth building half a day around. Nothing here is guesswork — it reflects the recorded activity data for Lijiang.

Fishing

Best time to visit Lijiang

Year-round, the indoor and evening side of Lijiang still delivers. For anything on snow, December to February is the season. Outdoor exploring is easiest in April to June and September to October. For anything on or in the water, aim for June to September.

Getting there & around

Expect national and often international links into Lijiang, plus transport inside the city. Lijiang runs on Asia/Shanghai time.

Similar destinations

Places near Lijiang that share the same kinds of activities.

Frequently asked questions

What is Lijiang known for?
In China, Lijiang stands out for nature, sports and adventure. That mix defines the typical visit to this 1,253,878-strong destination.
What can you do in Lijiang?
Options in Lijiang run to Countryside, Forest, Gardens, Geological Formations and Lakes — a practical starting point for an itinerary.
When is the best time to visit Lijiang?
Year-round, the indoor and evening side of Lijiang still delivers. For anything on snow, December to February is the season. Outdoor exploring is easiest in April to June and September to October. For anything on or in the water, aim for June to September.
Where is Lijiang located?
You will find Lijiang in China. Neighbouring destinations are listed on the matching region and country pages.

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