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Lijiang Old Town

Introducing Lijiang Old Town
Lijiang Old Town, a well-preserved old city of minorities with brilliant culture, is a central town of the Lijiang. Located on the plateau 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) above the sea level, Lijiang Old Town looks like a big ink slab, therefore is named as the Town of Big Ink Slab (Dayanzhen). Lijiang Old Town which covers an area of 4 square kilometers was firstly built in the late Song Dynasty and the early Yuan Dynasty and has a history of more than 800 years. Since Kublai Khan set his reign here, Lijiang was on a fast developmental way and became the political, economic and cultural center in this area, playing a very important role in trades between Yunnan, China hinterland, Tibet, India and many other Asian countries.

Lijiang Old Town Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Li Jiang Gu Cheng 丽江古城
• Best Time to Visit: All year around
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 1 day
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, Bars, Art
• Opening Hours: All day
• Entrance Fee: CNY 50 for maintenance fee
• Address: Gucheng District, Lijiang, Yunnan

What to expect at Lijiang Old Town

Lijiang Old Town is the only old city built without walls. The reason goes that, Lijiang had been under the reign of the hereditary Mu family for more than 500 years; and if the Chinese character "Mu" (tree or wood) is put into a frame (walls), you have the character Kun which means siege or predicament in Chinese. This would mean that the governing Mu family and their descendants would always be trapped or in trouble.

As a result of the combination of the multinational culture and the progress of Naxi minority, the buildings in the Lijiang Old Town incorporate the best parts of the architectural traits of Han, Bai, and Tibet into a unique Naxi style. The layout of the town is free-style and flexible, the houses are close and diverse, and the lanes are narrow and crisscrossing. Most of Naxi houses are wood-tile structure compound with a garden. Naxi people pay much attention to the decoration too, most of their houses are engraved with vivid figures of people and animals on doors and windows.

The Black Dragon Pool (Heilongtan) is the major water source of the Lijiang Old Town and subdivides into many streams that can reach most of the families and streets in the Lijiang Old Town. Due to the reticular aqueducts, willow trees grow everywhere and there are almost 350 varied and inimitable bridges in the little town, some of which were built in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The usage of the water created by the local people is very scientific, they build three mouths for every well from the upriver to the downriver; the water in the first mouth is for edibility, the second is for cleaning food, and the last one is for laundry. The water not only meets the need of the dwellers, but also gives the town a beauty; thus, the Lijiang Old Town is reputed as the Oriental Venice and Suzhou in Highland.

How to get to Lijiang Old Town
• Take local bus 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 26, 27, 30, 31, 32, 107 or 209 and get off at Zhongyi Shichang Station.
• Lijiang Old Town is approximately 540km away from Kunming and 170km from Dali. Bullet trains from Kunming and common trains from Dali are available to Lijiang.
• Take a bus from Tourist Bus Station near the South Gate of Dali Ancient Town, Dali North Bus Station or Dali Express Bus Station to Lijiang Bus Station in Lijiang Old Town.
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Lijiang, Kunming & Dali to Lijiang Old Town.

Additional travel advice on Lijiang Old Town
• Keep the entrance ticket (receipt of maintenance fee) along with you for ticket-checking at some attractions in the old town.
• Please take care of your belongings in the old town.
• Please wear sunscreen, hat and sunglasses to prevent sunburns.
• For the safety, it is not suggested to take a tricycle or other transportation without an operating license in the old town.

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  1. Tour Highlights
    • Explore the small paths and canals that weave through the UNSCO World Heritage Site of Lijiang Old Town
    • Admire Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with peaceful meadows giving way to snow-covered paths and glaciers
    • Step into Naxi people's life at Baisha Village, famed for delicate Baisha Murals
    • Visit Black Dragon Pool to get an obligatory photo of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
    • Experienced English speaking tour guide
    • Overland round-trip transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments

    About This Tour
    • Departure: Daily departing from Lijiang
    • Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
    • Guide Languages: Chinese & English.
    • Pick-up Time: Between 07:00 and 10:00, choose a departure time most suitable for you.
    • Pick-up & Drop-off Place: Your accommodation in Lijiang
    • Advice on Meals: Lunch is not included in this tour, please have a big breakfast and pack snacks just in case you get a bit peckish during sightseeing. If you want to try authentic local food for lunch, please feel free to inform your guide who is always ready to help.

    Tour Itinerary at a Glance
    • Pick up from your accommodation in Lijiang
    • Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
    • Lunch on your own
    • Baisha Village
    • Black Dragon Pool
    • Stroll along Lijiang Old Town
    • Transfer back to your accommodation in Lijiang

    Tailor This Tour to Meet Your Needs and Requirements
    • If you want to modify this itinerary, please feel free to contact GoGrandChina by WhatsApp (+86-18309280878), Wechat (+86-18309280878) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), we will create a tailor-made tour package for you.

    Tour Prices (US$ Per Person)

    1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people 9 people 10 +
    $438 $248 $188 $148 $138 $128 $118 $108 $98 $88


    Price Remark
    • Prices are not valid during China's Official Holidays (such as National Day & Chinese New Year Festival etc.).

    Price Inclusions
    • Professional English language speaking private tour guide
    • Air-conditioned vehicle with private experienced driver
    • All admission tickets to sightseeing places
    • All government taxes

    Price Exclusions
    • Hotel accommodation.
    • Your personal expenses.
    • Meals are excluded allowing you flexibility on menu.
    • Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
    • Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service.

    Additional Info
    • Please be prepared with warm clothing (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain can be very cold due to high elevation),
    • Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is 4,506 meters (14,783 feet) above sea level, be aware of High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).
    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
    • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
    • The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather.
    • The itinerary is flexible; changes can be made upon written request from travelers.
    • IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in being denied access or admittance to sites and attractions during sightseeing. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.

    Cancellation Policy
    • You may cancel the booking and receive a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the date of your tour.
    • Cancellation within 24 hours or after the tour begins is non-refundable.
    • Cancellation request will be confirmed in 2-5 business days, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.

    Why Travelers Have to Choose GoGrandChina Private Tours?
    • Choose your most suitable departure time, whether you are an early bird or you prefer sleeping in.
    • GoGrandChina private tours are more flexible, allowing you to adjust everything on your trip to your wishes.
    • GoGrandChina tour guides will be at your service to make sure you get the most from each destination. They are there for you and are responsible for making your journey special – and your needs always come first.
    • GoGrandChina offers comfortable and luxury vehicles with a private & experienced driver who’s always by your side and ready to take you to your next destination.
    • No shopping stops & factory visits, no chance of getting ripped off.
    • No hidden costs, rest assured that there are no nasty surprises.

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