Lijiang & Shangri-La, China: Travel Facts & Tips

Discover Lijiang & Shangri-La, China — Old town + snow mountains.

•Lijiang's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized in 1997 for its well-preserved ancient architecture and vibrant Naxi culture.
•Shangri-La, formerly known as Zhongdian, was officially renamed in 2001 to evoke the mythical paradise described in James Hilton's 1933 novel 'Lost Horizon'.
•The region is home to the Yulong Snow Mountain, which rises to 5,596 meters (18,363 feet) and is considered one of the southernmost glaciers in the Northern Hemisphere.
•Lijiang boasts over 100 ancient water channels, some of which date back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279), showcasing an intricate urban water management system.
•The local Naxi people's Dongba culture includes a unique pictographic script, recognized as one of the few remaining hieroglyphic writing systems in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Old town + snow mountains.

The best time to visit is Apr–Oct. Budget travelers typically spend $40-80 per day.

Lijiang & Shangri-La, China is located at coordinates 26.8550, 100.2277 in China.