Things to do in Lijiang in January

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Overview

January is a good time to visit Lijiang. The weather is usually cold, humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 26—52°F (-3—11°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Lijiang during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, take a photography tour of the Lijiang countryside, visit the Dongba Cultural Museum, and more!

Lijiang has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Lijiang. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Lijiang in January. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout January, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Lijiang in January

Top experiences in January
Visit the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
January is a great time to visit the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, as the snow-covered peaks create a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities. You can take a cable car ride to the summit for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, or go hiking and explore the mountain's diverse flora and fauna. There are also cultural performances and traditional Naxi ceremonies that take place at the foot of the mountain, providing a unique insight into local customs and traditions.
Take a photography tour of the Lijiang countryside
January is a great time to explore the picturesque countryside surrounding Lijiang, as the snow-covered landscape creates stunning photo opportunities. You can join a guided photography tour to visit traditional Naxi villages, ancient temples, and scenic viewpoints, and capture the beauty of the winter scenery. The tour also provides a unique insight into local life and culture, as well as tips and techniques for capturing the best shots of the snow-covered landscape.
Visit the Dongba Cultural Museum
The Dongba Cultural Museum is a great place to learn about the unique traditions and customs of the Naxi people. The museum features a wide range of artifacts, including traditional costumes, musical instruments, and religious objects, as well as informative exhibits on Naxi history and culture. There are also demonstrations of traditional Naxi crafts and performances of ancient rituals, providing a fascinating insight into the local way of life.
Take a walk through the Lijiang Old Town
Lijiang Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is particularly beautiful in January when it's covered in a light dusting of snow. The ancient cobblestone streets and traditional Naxi architecture create a magical atmosphere, and there are plenty of charming cafes, shops, and restaurants to explore. Taking a leisurely stroll through the old town is a great way to soak up the unique atmosphere and learn about the local history and culture.
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Take a hot spring bath at the Baisha Hot Springs
January is a great time to relax and unwind in the natural hot springs of Baisha. The hot springs are surrounded by beautiful snow-covered scenery, creating a tranquil and rejuvenating atmosphere. You can soak in the warm mineral-rich waters and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties. It's a great way to escape the winter chill and experience a traditional Naxi wellness practice.
Take a day trip to the Tiger Leaping Gorge
January is a great time to visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge, as the snow-covered mountains create a stunning backdrop for hiking and outdoor activities. The gorge is one of the deepest in the world and offers breathtaking views of the rushing waters of the Jinsha River. You can take a guided hike along the high trail for panoramic views of the gorge, or explore the lower trail for a closer look at the river and the surrounding landscape.
Try traditional Naxi cuisine at a local restaurant
January is a great time to sample traditional Naxi cuisine, as many local restaurants offer seasonal dishes that are only available during the winter months. From hearty stews and hotpots to steamed buns and dumplings, there's a wide variety of delicious and warming dishes to try. You can also enjoy a cup of locally brewed tea or try some traditional Naxi snacks, such as roasted chestnuts or sweet rice cakes.
Visit the Black Dragon Pool Park
The Black Dragon Pool Park is a beautiful natural area that is particularly scenic in January when it's covered in a light layer of snow. The park features a picturesque lake, traditional pavilions, and lush gardens, as well as stunning views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It's a great place to take a leisurely stroll, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and take some memorable photos of the winter landscape.
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Holidays in Lijiang in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
  • Spring Festival Eve (January 28)
  • Chinese New Year (January 29)
  • Spring Festival Golden Week holiday (January 30February 3)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Lijiang in January

Temperatures on an average day in Lijiang in January

The average temperature in Lijiang in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 52°F (11°C) to a low of 26°F (-3°C). Some would describe it as cold, humid but cool.

For comparison, the hottest month in Lijiang, June, has days with highs of 76°F (25°C) and lows of 53°F (12°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 52°F (11°C) and lows of 26°F (-3°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Lijiang in January based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in January
52°F
highs
26°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold, humid but cool
Feels like
7%
Chance of rain
0.034 in
Amount
9.5 mph
Wind speed
71%
Humidity
10.6 hrs
Daylight length
8:08 AM
Sunrise
6:47 PM
Sunset
85%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 52°F (11°C) and a low of 26°F (-3°C), it generally feels cold, humid but cool. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Lijiang in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Lijiang has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Lijiang that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Lijiang for January.
Old Town of Lijiang
1. Old Town of Lijiang
4.5
(979)
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
800-year-old area of the city with cobblestone streets, streams, bridges & traditional Naxi houses.
Shuhe Ancient Town
2. Shuhe Ancient Town
4.4
(226)
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Scenic, historical village on an old tea route with artisans selling goods from textiles to silver.
丽江黑龙潭
3. 丽江黑龙潭
4.4
(559)
National park
Sights & Landmarks
Tranquil pond with historic temples & a marble bridge, plus views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Lugu Lake
4. Lugu Lake
4.6
(196)
Lake
Sights & Landmarks
Impression Lijiang Theatre
5. Impression Lijiang Theatre
4.3
(61)
Concerts & Shows
Theaters
木府别院
6. 木府别院
5.0
(1)
Hotel
Sights & Landmarks
Lashihai
7. Lashihai
4.3
(21)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Blue Moon Valley
8. Blue Moon Valley
4.7
(227)
Sights & Landmarks
Scenic Drives
Dramatic mountain scenery, 4 lakes & a bright blue river make this a well-known photography spot.
Baisha Mural Shoupiaoshi
9. Baisha Mural Shoupiaoshi
5.0
(2)
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Sites
Lijiang
10. Lijiang
Nature & Parks
Mountains
Lijiang, a city in the northwest part of China's Yunnan province, is home to the Naxi and several other ethnic minority groups. A commercial center in the 1300s, its old town encompasses cobblestone streets, canals and Central Market Square with shops and restaurants. Black Dragon Pool has famed views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain range, fronted by the Moon Embracing Pavilion.
Si Fang Jie
11. Si Fang Jie
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Lion Rock
12. Lion Rock
4.2
(5)
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
Dongba Culture Museum
13. Dongba Culture Museum
4.4
(17)
Art museum
Museums
Museum celebrating regional Naxi heritage with paintings, tools, costumes & traditional dwellings.
万古楼
14. 万古楼
4.4
(114)
Sights & Landmarks
Architectural Buildings
Landmark 5-story wooden pavilion with city views, built in traditional Chinese style in 1997.
Lijiang
15. Lijiang
Nature & Parks
Mountains
Lijiang, a city in the northwest part of China's Yunnan province, is home to the Naxi and several other ethnic minority groups. A commercial center in the 1300s, its old town encompasses cobblestone streets, canals and Central Market Square with shops and restaurants. Black Dragon Pool has famed views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain range, fronted by the Moon Embracing Pavilion.
Westbound line Inn Ancient Tea Route
16. Westbound line Inn Ancient Tea Route
4.1
(8)
Hotel

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Lijiang?

Get inspired for your trip to Lijiang with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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