Hi Shumshum,

I am bumping this hoping someone can help.

I haven't been to TLG in mid Dec so can't advise you.

For JDSM good walking shoes with a good grip will be fine. They keep the paths & stairs mostly free from snow but it might be a bit icy depending on the weather. Agree - you don't want to be buying another pair of shoes to cart around if you wont need them again.

Yes gloves, thermal wear, jackets will be cheap. Instead of shopping for these in the old town go into the new part of Lijiang where there are heaps of shops & everyday clothes are cheaper.