Arriving in Lijiang

From LJG: No metro; airport shuttle buses run to the old town (Gucheng) area in about 40 minutes (¥15–20). Taxis cost ¥80–100 to the old town. Didi operates in Lijiang. The old town is largely pedestrianised so luggage transfer to your guesthouse may require a short walk from the nearest vehicle drop point. Most guesthouses provide detailed walking directions.

China Mobile and Unicom SIMs are available at LJG arrivals; purchase here as options are limited in the old town. WiFi is available in most old town guesthouses and cafes. Mobile signal is strong in town but weakens significantly at higher altitude in the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain scenic area. Standard VPN requirements apply.

Alipay and WeChat Pay are used throughout Lijiang including at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain ticket offices and old town restaurants. Some traditional Naxi vendors in the market prefer cash. Foreign card linking via Alipay International is functional.

ATMs at Bank of China and ICBC branches near the old town entrance accept foreign cards. Cash is important at the traditional morning market and for smaller vendors in the old town. Keep ¥500–600 as a reserve for scenic area fees and market stalls.

Lijiang is UTC+8. At 2,400m elevation, some mild altitude effects — light fatigue, minor headache — are normal for the first day and may overlap with jet lag. A gentle morning walk through the old town canals before 08:00 is a good first-day strategy for early risers.

Lijiang has a well-developed independent traveller infrastructure; old town guesthouses typically have English-speaking staff or English-proficient owners. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain scenic area has English-language maps and basic signage. In emergencies, Lijiang People's Hospital can treat altitude sickness; hotel staff are the best first contact for medical navigation. Keep the hospital address in Chinese on your phone.