Sifang Street
Lijiang, China
The liveliest part of town, its square ringed with vibrant bars, shops, and restaurants.
Places in Sifang Street
- Sifang Street bar-restaurants Restaurants and bars lining the lively main square, blending Yunnan coffee culture with Western-style dining.
- Sifang Street bars A vibrant strip of bars with live music, the centre of Lijiang's old town nightlife.
- Canal-side bars, Old Town Bars set along the old town's canals, offering a quieter alternative to Sifang Street's energy.
Practical notes for Lijiang
- 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.
Other neighborhoods in Lijiang
- Old Town (Dayan) — The UNESCO-listed historic core of canals, wooden bridges, and Naxi courtyard architecture.
- Shuhe Old Town — A quieter, less commercial sister old town a short distance from Dayan, popular for a calmer stay.
Read the full Lijiang guide