Old Town of Lijiang

One of the most atmospheric old towns I've ever visited. The intricate water network is genius – you can hear it everywhere. I loved how the locals still live here, drying laundry and cooking in the courtyards. We joined a free walking tour and learned so much about the Naxi culture and the Dongba script. Only complaint: the maintenance fee to enter felt a bit steep for what it is. Still, a solid 5 stars from me.

Absolutely fell in love with this place. Staying overnight was the best decision – after 9pm the day-trippers leave and the old town becomes quiet and dreamy. We sat by a canal with some local beer and just watched the lanterns glow. The Naxi music performance in the square was a nice touch too. If you want authentic vibes, book a guesthouse inside the old town and wake up to the roosters.

I had high expectations, but left a bit disappointed. Yes, it’s pretty – the old wooden houses and the canals are charming. But the whole place feels like a themed shopping mall now. Loud music from bars, overpriced food, and constant hawking. I found it hard to really connect with the history when everything is trying to sell you something. Maybe come in the off-season very early in the morning, but I wouldn’t rush back.

Lijiang old town is beautiful, no doubt. The architecture and the water system are really impressive. But honestly, it’s become way too commercialized – every shop sells the same souvenirs and you can’t walk 10 meters without someone trying to sell you a tour. Still worth visiting, especially if you get off the main streets and explore the quieter side alleys. Also, be prepared for crowds even on weekdays.

This place is just magical. We spent two days wandering through the ancient cobblestone alleys, and every corner felt like a postcard. The canals running alongside the streets with the sound of water, the little bridges draped in flowers – it’s so peaceful in the early morning before the crowds. Definitely a highlight of our whole China trip. Don’t miss the view from the top of Lion Hill at sunset!

Highlight of my trip to Yunnan! The Old Town isn’t just pretty – it’s a food paradise. Had the most amazing crossing-the-bridge noodles at a small family-run spot near Wangu Tower, and the rose-flavored yak yogurt was a revelation. The local Naxi grilled fish with spicy sauce was out of this world. Even the street snacks like crispy eggplant and sugar-coated hawthorn are worth the visit. So much history and flavor packed into one place. Love it!

This place is a photographer’s dream! Every corner is like a postcard – the red lanterns, the old wooden doorways, the black-tiled roofs against the blue sky. I loved the contrast between the lively bars along Sifang Street and the quiet, hidden courtyards. The night scenery with all the lights reflecting on the water is unreal. Went for three days and still didn’t get enough. Five stars, hands down.

Absolutely magical! I woke up at 6 am and walked the empty alleys before the crowds came – that’s when the real Old Town shines. The morning mist hanging over the canals, the smell of freshly baked baba from a tiny bakery, and the sound of water trickling under wooden bridges… pure bliss. Spent hours just getting lost. Also tried hand-pulled coffee at a rooftop café with views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Can’t recommend enough!

Pretty good experience overall, though a bit too polished for my taste. The stone streets and canals are picturesque, and the Naxi architecture is stunning. But honestly, it’s hard to enjoy the tranquility when you’re constantly weaving through selfie sticks. The food we tried was decent but overpriced compared to other spots in Yunnan. Still worth a visit, just manage expectations.

Honestly, Lijiang Old Town felt more like a giant shopping mall than an ancient town. Too many souvenir shops blasting loud music and the crowds were overwhelming. I get that it's a tourist hotspot, but the charm is buried under all the commercialism. A few quieter alleys were nice, but overall it was a letdown given the hype.

This place is INSANE. I’m a solo backpacker and Lijiang Old Town hit every note – cheap hostels, friendly locals, and endless alleys to get lost in. I spent three nights bar-hopping and chatting with travelers from all over the world. The music scene is surprisingly good for such a small city. Yes, it’s touristy, but that’s what makes it lively. I even bought a handmade Naxi scarf for 30 yuan. If you’re young and love a good time, come here. Five stars.

Came here as part of a China tour. The Old Town is beautiful but feels a bit like a theme park – very polished and tourist-oriented. I enjoyed the Waterwheel and the Sifang Street square, but the crowds made it hard to actually absorb the history. The black goat cheese ice cream was surprisingly good, though! Worth a visit, but don't expect a quiet, meditative experience. Maybe 3.5 if I could – rounding up to 4 because the weather was perfect.

Absolute gem! Lijiang Old Town exceeded every expectation. Waking up at 6am to see the sunrise over the roofs with no tourists around was pure magic. The Naxi people are incredibly warm, and I joined a small cooking class where we made steam pot chicken. Every corner is a photo opportunity. I could have spent a whole month here. If you love culture, history, and real authenticity, this is your place. 5 stars without hesitation.

Honestly, this place is way too commercialized for my taste. Every other shop sells the same fake souvenirs and overpriced street food. The ancient architecture is still impressive, but you can barely enjoy it because vendors keep shouting at you. We paid 50 yuan for a plate of fried noodles that tasted like instant stuff. If you want a real ancient town experience, skip this and go to Shuhe instead. Sorry, just being honest.

I finally made it to Lijiang Old Town after years of dreaming about it. The cobblestone alleys and canals are just as picturesque as in the photos, but honestly, the crowds were overwhelming even in late October. I loved the peaceful side streets away from the main square, though. The little coffee shop near Wangu Tower served the best Yunnan beans. A solid 4 because the vibe is magical but the noise from the bars at night kills a bit of the charm.

The old town is charming but honestly overhyped. Entrance is free which is nice, but everything inside is marked up way too high — even water costs double. Street food was mediocre and the “authentic” souvenirs are mostly mass-produced. Wouldn’t go out of my way to visit again.

Absolutely fell in love with the pace of life in the Old Town. Found a tiny tea house run by a Naxi grandmother who served me pu’er and told me about the local festivals. No loud music, just birds and water flowing. If you want real culture, skip the main strip and get lost in the back lanes.

I spent three days here and still didn’t get enough. Every hidden courtyard has a story, and the Black Dragon Pool view of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is postcard-perfect. The local guides near the Waterwheel were super informative. Four stars only because it gets uncomfortably crowded by midday.

Beautiful old town, but the sheer number of souvenir shops and loud bars really killed the vibe for me. It felt more like a commercial theme park than a living heritage site. Some quiet corners still exist if you wander off the main paths, but overall it was just okay.

Strolling through the cobblestone alleys at dawn, with almost no tourists around, was pure magic. The intricate canals and wooden Naxi architecture felt like stepping back in time. Had a lovely breakfast overlooking Sifang Street. A must-see in China — just go early to avoid the crowds.