I loved the quaintness and pedestrian streets. It was very relaxing to roam around even though much of the old city is new and that many of the items in the shops can be found all over China. I loved the old market at the south end of the old city--very lively!

Maybe a little too crowded, bu who would like to miss it while visiting this part of China? Beautiful, well preserved, full of traditions. You need to purchase some kind of "admission ticket" which is valid for one week and entitles you to enter all the "cultural and natural" spots in Lijiang and its surroundings like Black Dragon Pond or... More

My wife is Chinese so a lot easier for me as my Mandarin is limited. Many old Guesthouses to chose from with courtyards. Expect to pay between $30-$50per night for a good double room with western toilet-ask to check room before you take it. Outside there are the modern Chinese tourists on a quick visit rushing from shop to shop,... More

The old town has unashamedly been set up for Chinese tourists. There are endless shops selling the same trinkets over and over. The food in the restaurants is expensive and not brilliant. It took us several days to find areas which were not so crowded and not so touristy.

We travelled to Lijiang on our south China tour as a couple. Pro: Lijiang old town offers many courtyard hotels / hostels, cozy cafes and romantic restaurants, a gigantic maze of little alleyways with open water channels and a vibrant nightlife with live music and a great beer selection. All buildings are kept in the original state and architecture so... More

The biggest of the old towns it was fun just wandering around the shops we finished up enjoying several cups of tea at a tea shop which capped off our day very well. We were there during the day but our guide said it really livens up at night!

Lovely ancient old town, however, its overly crowded. Hopped over to ShuHe Village for a couple of nights, and prefer our stay there, cos it's more peaceful there. Lijiang Old Town is quite a big and beautiful place, however, it's overly touristy. Every shop sells similar stuffs, the same music played over and over again.

Lijiang Old Town is good for a half-day. The town's 'bones' are beautiful and interesting to see: great old buildings, canals, flowering trees. But it is over-crowded with tourist shops and trinket stands. However, it contains one superb not-to-be-missed attraction: the Mu Mansion, a gorgeous. multi-pavilioned traditional Chinese compound, beautifully restored and maintained, which makes a trip to Old Town... More

I have travelled in China for three years now and I can only describe Lijiang as EPIC! Tens of thousands of mainland tourists swarm into the city to snack, talk and take pictures of each other. If you dislike crowds...STAY AWAY. If you have a "roll with it" approach to life and a love of seeing people from other cultures... More