Old Town (Dayan)

Lijiang, China

The UNESCO-listed historic core of canals, wooden bridges, and Naxi courtyard architecture.

Places in Old Town (Dayan)

Naxi courtyard restaurants Restaurants serving Naxi specialities including yak hotpot and Lijiang baba, a traditional Naxi flatbread.
Naxi fried white cheese eateries Local eateries serving Naxi fried white cheese alongside yak milk tea and yoghurt.
Yunnan coffee cafes Cafes serving locally grown Yunnan coffee throughout the old town.
Canal-side bars, Old Town Bars set along the old town's canals, offering a quieter alternative to Sifang Street's energy.

Best time to visit: March to May and September to October offer mild weather and clear mountain views without the summer rains.
Getting around: The Old Town is entirely pedestrian and best explored on foot; a cable car or bus is needed to reach Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Language: Mandarin Chinese; Naxi is spoken locally. English is limited.
Timezone: CST (UTC+8)
Current trends: Lijiang's old town nightlife around Sifang Street continues to grow livelier and more youth-oriented, while a parallel wave of quieter Naxi cultural experiences (courtyard guesthouses, traditional concerts) caters to visitors seeking a calmer counterpoint.

Sifang Street — The liveliest part of town, its square ringed with vibrant bars, shops, and restaurants.
Shuhe Old Town — A quieter, less commercial sister old town a short distance from Dayan, popular for a calmer stay.