Lijiang Travel Forum

I have never been in Yunnan Province before, then i have no idea at all about the place.From what I read there is an old town canals,rivers, streets and gardens and it was considered an UNESCO's list of Cultural Heritages.
We would be very pleased if someone can tell us where's the best place to stay since our main goal is to take photos (our hobbie) of this and other place that someone can recommend us.
What can we do at night and where?
Is there any detailed map of Lijian (streets, hotel location)
Thanks in advance for all the advices and tips.

Following my previous post where is better to stay Kunming or LiJiang?
Thanks

Kunming is quite a distance from Lijiang, I think it'd be at least 10+ hours away by bus. Therefore it's not possible to stay in Kunming at night and take photos in Lijiang in the daytime, if you were thinking of doing that. Take a look at a map in any China guidebook to convince yourself of the fact. Otherwise, what did you mean by asking if it's better to stay in Kunming or Lijiang?
I haven't seen any very detailed map of Lijiang anywhere, so I don't think you'll be successful in your quest.
There're tons of guesthouses and hostels all over the old city area where you can stay, including some quite upmarket hotels as well. I don't think there's a "best" place to stay, it sounds like you're looking for the one "perfect" place to stay, there're many good ones around and I think it's impossible to name one that's better than all the rest.

I would like to add that some people say Lijiang is too touristy. But I liked Lijiang, lots to see and do, and nice walks in the old town. I prefer Lijiang to Zhongdian and have not been to Kunming but different people like different things.

I had a bad time in Zhongdian the day before which may be part of the reason I liked Lijiang.

If you like photograply, you can consider going to Tiger Leaping Gorge. It is a 2 days trek and the view is fantastic. It was one of the highlight of my last trip. Plenty of accomodation along the trail.

well, if you like accormadation with some facilities, then guangfang hotel is recommended. however, it's not located in old town, you have to take taxi between this hotel and the town, usually it never costs you more than rmb 10 for taxi fare.
there are two parts of this hotel: villas and hotel. the former is abt 1km further but with bridges, ponds, and nice view. all rooms inside of the villas equipped with individual keycard, toilet; and you just share the living & dining room & desktop computer(internet) with strangers, share breakfast prepared by on-site maid with strangers as well if you do not rent the villa alone.
if you wish stay with convenience, then you may choose any of hotels, hostels in old town.
you may spend at least 1-2 days in old town for your photos and further trip such as tiger leaping gorge, liming, shangri-la... all depend on your days available.
how many days you wish to stay there then others may give you some further advices.

Hi, you mentioned that the tiger leaping gorge is a 2 day trek.. Will I be able to get a guide for the trek on the day itself? and what kind of accomodation are available along the way? is it a clean hotel? or should I bring tent to camp (during the night of the 2 day trek)?

thanks!

Thanks to neverstoptravel, you were very helpful in describing the hotel itslef./Very useful info,I'm sure

There're guesthouses every couple of hours along the Tiger Leaping Gorge route, no need to bring your own camping equipment. Most should be clean enough. I stayed at Naxi Family Guesthouse and that was splendid.
You definitely don't need a guide for the trail, there're many other travellers doing it as well.