Lijiang Hotels Guide for Independent Travel

I’m Alex Chen, a China-based backpacker who prefers independent travel and long-term low-budget trips. Over the past few years, I’ve traveled extensively across China, and cities like Lijiang stand out to me the most—places where attractions are compact, travel options are diverse, but choosing the right accommodation can be surprisingly tricky. This Lijiang Hotels Guide comes from my own repeated stays in Lijiang. I don’t chase luxury. Instead, I focus on practical details that matter to independent travelers, such as whether a location saves energy, whether prices make sense, and whether daily routes feel smooth. Whether this is your first time in Lijiang or you’re simply looking for a different place to stay, this guide aims to help you avoid common mistakes and travel with less hassle.

What are the best areas to stay in Lijiang?

Lijiang’s main attractions are relatively concentrated, and both public buses and taxis are easy to use. Most dining, sightseeing, and activities revolve around Lijiang Old Town (also known as Dayan Old Town). From there, travelers usually take public transportation or taxis to reach Yulong Snow Mountain, Shuhe Ancient Town, Baisha Ancient Town, Lugu Lake, and Tiger Leaping Gorge. Because of this layout, accommodation choices generally come down to staying either inside the Old Town or just outside it.

• Inside Lijiang Old Town, most guesthouses are renovated from original residential buildings, which gives them strong local character. However, sound insulation is usually limited, and guests must carry their luggage along stone-paved paths inside the Old Town, which can be inconvenient. If you travel light or want to experience staying within the Old Town itself, this can be a good option. In that case, it’s best to choose a guesthouse that offers free luggage transfer.
• Outside Lijiang Old Town, hotels near the North Gate or South Gate are usually the most practical choice. Public transportation to and from the airport and major attractions mainly operates around these two entrances, making travel much easier. In addition, both areas offer plenty of hotels and dining options, and the overall experience tends to be better than staying near other entrances.

Lijiang Hotels: Old Town Hotel Recommendations

Panoramic View of Snow Mountain in Shanye Rizhao Jinshan (Lijiang Ancient City Branch)

• Location: Inside Lijiang Old Town, near Shizishan Viewing Platform
• Price per night: 221 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
• Rating: Trip 9.8
• Special Amenities: Laundry room, family rooms, free luggage transfer, views of Rizhao Jinshan

The guesthouse sits high on Shizishan within Lijiang Old Town and offers excellent views. It takes only a few minutes to walk down to the core area of the Old Town, making it easy to explore Sifang Street and the Big Water Wheel for food and shopping. Thanks to its elevated position, guests can see both the Old Town rooftops and Yulong Snow Mountain. On clear mornings, you can enjoy Rizhao Jinshan directly from the property, which makes it one of the few places in the Old Town where the scenery comes to you.

The highlight here is simple—the view is worth the stay. Opening the curtains to see the snow mountain in the morning can be genuinely impressive. Rooms are clean, well-sized, and comfortable, with dry-and-wet separated bathrooms and pillow options of different firmness. Because it’s located on Shizishan, there are some stairs to walk, but the guesthouse contacts guests in advance and helps with luggage transfer, so the effort is manageable. The overall atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, and the staff and owner are friendly. For first-time visitors who want to see Rizhao Jinshan without stretching their budget, this guesthouse offers strong value.

Banshan Lishe Designer Inn with View and Garden (Lijiang Shizishan)

• Location: Inside Lijiang Old Town, near Sifang Street
• Price per night: 382 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
• Rating: Trip 9.8
• Special Amenities: Laundry room, family rooms, free luggage transfer

The guesthouse is located around the Shizishan area, within walking distance of Sifang Street, the Big Water Wheel, and Mu Mansion. It sits just outside the busiest parts of the Old Town, which makes sightseeing easy during the day while keeping nights relatively quiet. Nearby viewpoints overlook the Old Town rooftops, creating a great atmosphere for photos in daylight and city lights after dark. The layout is straightforward, so getting around doesn’t require detours.

This is a designer-style guesthouse with a strong sense of aesthetics. Ethnic elements blend smoothly with modern design, and rooms feel clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. Sound insulation performs well, which suits travelers who value good sleep. Family rooms are practical, bathrooms are thoughtfully designed, and the shared spaces and courtyard are ideal for slowing down. Service is attentive without being intrusive, covering everything from luggage transfer to itinerary suggestions. Breakfast quality is consistent and includes local flavors.

Lijiang Anlu Private Soup Hotel

• Location: Inside Lijiang Old Town, near Sifang Street
• Price per night: 478 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
• Rating: Trip 9.8
• Special Amenities: Gym, laundry room, family rooms, free luggage transfer

The property sits high on Shizishan and overlooks the entire Lijiang Old Town. It takes only a few minutes to walk down to Sifang Street, making shopping and dining very convenient. Although the location is elevated, paths are clear and easy to follow. During the day, you can see layers of Old Town rooftops, while at night the illuminated city creates an especially impressive view.

The standout feature here is the view. Both public spaces and rooms offer panoramic Old Town scenery that looks great day and night. The atmosphere stays quiet and relaxed, and shared areas are well suited for sitting and unwinding. Rooms are clean, comfortable, and practical. Service is well organized, with staff assisting with luggage transfer before and after check-in, so staying here doesn’t feel tiring despite the higher elevation.

LiJiang Fog Gallery Mountain Riverside · Old Town Panorama Hotel

• Location: Inside Lijiang Old Town, near Snow Mountain Academy
• Price per night: 568 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
• Rating: Trip 9.8
• Special Amenities: Laundry room, family rooms

The hotel is located on a quieter side of the Old Town and can be reached within a few minutes on foot after entering the area. It sits near Snow Mountain Academy and the South Gate of Mu Mansion. A small stream runs alongside the property, creating open views from the garden and balconies toward Old Town rooftops and the Wangu Pavilion direction. While lively streets are not far away, returning to the hotel clearly feels calmer, which works well for travelers who want a balance between sightseeing and rest.

The overall space feels comfortable and open, with well-maintained gardens and photogenic public areas. Rooms follow a modern, minimalist style with complete facilities and careful upkeep, which makes staying here feel reliable. Balcony rooms stand out for their views, especially during early morning and evening light changes, and work well for relaxing or photography. Service is thoughtful without being intrusive, and staff actively introduce Old Town walking routes and activity areas at check-in. The hotel is also family-friendly.

Lijiang Hotels: Hotels Outside Lijiang Old Town

Nell Hefengting · Yichuan Fengyue | View Snow Mountain Ancient City Panorama Hotel

• Location: Near the North Gate of Lijiang Old Town
• Price per night: 318 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
• Rating: Trip 9.8
• Special Amenities: Laundry room, family rooms, views of Rizhao Jinshan

The hotel is located around the North Gate of the Old Town, which makes getting in and out very easy. It takes about two minutes on foot to enter the historic area, and walking toward the Big Water Wheel and Sifang Street feels smooth. This side stays relatively quiet, yet lively streets are right downstairs when you want them. From the rooftop or some rooms, you can overlook the entire Old Town roofline, and on clear days, both morning and evening views are especially attractive.

This is a place where it’s easy to relax. Cleanliness feels reassuring, amenities are thoughtfully prepared, and staying here comes with few worries. Rooms get good natural light, bedding is comfortable, and smart devices are practical rather than flashy. The rooftop terrace and viewing areas add real value, whether you’re watching the Old Town during the day or waiting for sunset. Afternoon tea is well presented and memorable when paired with the view.

Lijiang Fine Art · Ancient Town Panorama Art Resort Hotel (Old Town Waterwheel Store of Lijiang)

• Location: Near the North Gate of Lijiang Old Town
• Price per night: 322 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
• Rating: Trip 9.5
• Special Amenities: Gym, laundry room, family rooms, views of Rizhao Jinshan

The hotel sits just outside the North Gate of the Old Town. It takes about three to five minutes to walk to the Big Water Wheel and the main entrance, which keeps moving in and out effortless. Taxis can stop right at the door, so there’s no need to drag luggage over stone paths. Restaurants and cafés are packed nearby, which makes finding food easy after sightseeing. Rooftop and in-room views are open and wide, overlooking the Dayan Old Town rooftops. On clear days, Yulong Snow Mountain appears in the distance, and there’s a chance to see Rizhao Jinshan in the early morning.

Rooms combine Naxi cultural elements with modern art. Facilities feel new, smart features are well integrated, and both humidifiers and air conditioning are available, which adds comfort. Bedding is clean, sound insulation works well, and bathrooms separate wet and dry areas. Details are handled carefully. Breakfast comes in buffet style with a wide range of light, balanced options.

Sunpack · Sunshine Jinshan | Yilong Anyun · Holiday View Hotel

• Location: Near the South Gate of Lijiang Old Town
• Price per night: 228 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
• Rating: Trip 9.6
• Special Amenities: Gym, laundry room, family rooms, views of Rizhao Jinshan

The hotel is located outside the South Gate of the Old Town. Walking to the gate takes about 7–10 minutes. The location is easy to find, taxis can stop directly at the entrance, and entering the Old Town feels less tiring. Daily amenities nearby are well developed, with Zhongyi Market next door for fruit and snacks, plus plenty of dining options. The shared space on the fifth floor offers a strong view, and on clear days, Yulong Snow Mountain comes into sight. Early mornings sometimes bring Rizhao Jinshan.

The property feels relatively new. Rooms are clean, odor-free, and bedding comfort meets expectations. In-room projection systems provide a solid viewing experience, although lighting leans softer. Elevators are available, which helps when traveling with luggage. The gym and laundry room are both practical for longer stays.

DuoFu Resort (Lijiang Ancient City South Gate)

• Location: Near the South Gate of Lijiang Old Town
• Price per night: 382 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials、Agoda Deals
• Rating: Trip 9.4 / Agoda 9.3
• Special Amenities: Gym

The hotel sits right along the main road by the South Gate of Lijiang Old Town. Its location stands out, with the gate entrance just about ten meters away, making walking in and out effortless. Restaurants and snack options are abundant nearby, and daily needs are easy to cover. Although the lobby is compact, the interior courtyard, small bridges, flowing water, and Naxi-style architecture create a strong sense of atmosphere that photographs very well.

Rooms stay clean and tidy, and the overall experience feels stable and reliable. The hotel has only two floors and no elevator, but staff proactively help with luggage, which minimizes inconvenience. Breakfast is buffet-style. The selection isn’t excessive, but it comfortably meets basic needs.

Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town by IHG

• Location: Near the South Gate of Lijiang Old Town
• Price per night: 1,264 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials、Agoda Deals
• Rating: Trip 9.7 / Agoda 9.6
• Special Amenities: Laundry room, villa-style rooms

The hotel sits directly at the South Gate of Lijiang Old Town, and ride-hailing cars can reach the entrance without issue. Entering and exiting the Old Town feels effortless, and walking to Zhongyi Market, Mu Mansion, and Sifang Street stays within a reasonable distance. The layout follows a garden-style villa design, with separate buildings spread across the property. Privacy stays high, and walking through the grounds feels calm, which contrasts clearly with the busy Old Town nearby. Design details blend Tea Horse Road history with Naxi cultural elements, from saddle-shaped front desk seating to courtyard pathways.

Guest rooms generally feel spacious, and many include private courtyards. The environment stays quiet, with a relaxed atmosphere that suits families or travelers looking to unwind. Cleanliness is well maintained, facilities are complete, and finishing details feel refined. Butler-style service supports the stay from pre-arrival communication to luggage assistance and in-stay requests, with timely responses throughout.

InterContinental Hotels Lijiang Ancient Town Resort by IHG

• Location: Near the South Gate of Lijiang Old Town
• Price per night: 1,387 CNY
• Check Rates:Trip.com Specials、Agoda Deals
• Rating: Trip 9.6 / Agoda 9.5
• Special Amenities: Indoor pool, gym, views of Rizhao Jinshan

The hotel is located around the South Gate area of Lijiang Old Town and offers a dedicated walkway that leads directly into Dayan Old Town. This setup keeps access convenient while avoiding the hassle of pulling luggage over stone roads. The property covers a large area and provides electric shuttle service between guest rooms and shared spaces, keeping movement efficient. The lobby and several public areas offer open views, and under suitable conditions, Yulong Snow Mountain and Rizhao Jinshan can be seen directly, which stands out as a key highlight.

Guest rooms feel spacious overall, and twin-bed sizes work well for families or groups. Heating performs reliably, and interiors follow a Naxi-inspired style combined with resort-level comfort. An indoor pool and gym support a slower, more relaxed travel pace. Breakfast stands out within this category, offering a wide selection with clear local character.

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