Lijiang is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Lijiang?
You should plan to spend around $53 (¥389) per day on your vacation in Lijiang. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $29 (¥211) on meals
- $5.54 (¥40) on local transportation
- $31 (¥225) on hotels
A one week trip to Lijiang for two people costs, on average, $747 (¥5,446). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$373
¥2,723
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$747
¥5,446
-
One Month
Per person
$1,600
¥11,670
-
One Week
For a couple
$747
¥5,446
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,494
¥10,892
-
One Month
For a couple
$3,201
¥23,340
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Lijiang cost?
A one week trip to Lijiang usually costs around $373 (¥2,723) for one person and $747 (¥5,446) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Lijiang on average costs around $747 (¥5,446) for one person and $1,494 (¥10,892) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Lijiang will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Lijiang on average costs around $1,600 (¥11,670) for one person and $3,201 (¥23,340) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Lijiang expensive to visit?
Lijiang is a smaller place that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers, featuring different styles, expenditure habits, and budget ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
If you choose to make it so, Lijiang can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $22 (¥159) per day, mid-range travelers spend $53 (¥389) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $124 (¥905) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Lijiang.
Within Asia, Lijiang is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Luang Prabang, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Similan Islands.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Lijiang Expensive?
Lijiang, China
How much money do I need for a trip to Lijiang?
The average Lijiang trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Lijiang travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Lijiang cost?
Lijiang on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$6
(¥46)
|
$15
(¥112)
|
$36
(¥266)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$2
(¥16)
|
$6
(¥40)
|
$15
(¥107)
|
|
Food2
|
$12
(¥86)
|
$29
(¥211)
|
$68
(¥496)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$8
(¥62)
|
$19
(¥141)
|
$37
(¥270)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$2-5
(¥12-35)
|
$4-12
(¥28-85)
|
$9-28
(¥67-201)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Lijiang on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $22 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Lijiang has plenty of hostels available, like October Inn Hostel and Lijiang Desti Youth Park Hostel Shuhe Ancient Town. Here, you can enjoy low-cost dorm lodging and a vibrant social environment, though amenities might be minimal.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. It's common for visitors to Lijiang to seek out the major attractions, museums, and significant landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $53 per person, per day.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $124. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the destination, be prepared for premium pricing. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as 1 Day Tiger Teaping Gorge Private Tour from Lijiang or Shangri-La - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Lijiang
In Lijiang, hotel prices can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more amenities and luxury, but come at a higher price tag, especially during the peak season. Off-season prices average around $, but in peak season, they can average around $. Prices generally range from $ to $, and hostels remain the cheaper option. Booking early or traveling during the low season can save you money, and you might find special deals along the way.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Lijiang for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $31 (¥225). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $15 (¥112) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Lijiang? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
By avoiding the peak season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Lijiang
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $5.54 (¥40) per person, per day, on local transportation in Lijiang. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Lijiang is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$5.54
¥40
Lijiang Airport is located in the south of Lijiang city, 28 km (17 mi) away from downtown. There is an airport shuttle bus service in downtown Lijiang. Flights go to Kunming, Chengdu, Xishuangbanna, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Shenzhen, Xiamen via Chongqing and Guiyang.
By train, Lijiang Railway Station is currently the second largest train station in Yunnan after Kunming Railway Station. The station mainly operates trains to and from Kunming and Dali.
There are long distance bus services to Kunming (8 hrs), Dali (3 hrs), the Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-La, Lugu Lake, Panzhihua, Ninglang, and Huaping. A local bus system also services most areas of the city.
Bicycle rentals and taxis are also popular.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Lijiang Sanyi International Airport Chauffeur Service,Lijiang Airport Transfer for $57 details
- Private Transfer from Lijiang/Shuhe hotel to Shangri-la(Diqing) hotel for $149 details
- Private Transfer from Lijiang hotel/airport(LJG) to Dali for $149 details
How much does it cost to go to Lijiang? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Lijiang will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Lijiang
Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Lijiang can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Lijiang is $29 (¥211) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$29
¥211
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Lijiang is around $29 (¥211) per person, with previous travelers spending from $12 to $68. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Lijiang are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $9
- Lunch: $4 to $12
- Dinner: $9 to $20
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
Local dishes consist of traditional cuisine of the Naxi people. Jidou Liangfen (a kind of jelly made from chick pea) is one of the favorite snacks of locals, as is Baba, a kind of fried potato cake that is eaten with seasoning. Others such as Bingfenliangxiao (a tasty and refreshing dessert) and butter tea are also popular with visitors. The Naxi people also have a banquet of 39 courses to entertain distinguished guests. A banquet such as this and other traditional fare can be found at Rongpo Restaurant, located in Xinhua Street in the Old Town. Square Street is also an ideal location for sampling the local snacks. Some popular restaurants include Hua Hua Shen Restaurant, Naxi Yinshi Wenhua Cheng (Naxi Food and Culture City) which also features dancing and singing, traditional Muslim food at Ha's Beef Restaurant in Old Town, and western cuisine at the Lijiang Guanfang Hotel or Mamafu's Restaurant.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Keep a water bottle handy instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also better for the environment.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Lijiang, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Lijiang Naxi Cuisine Cooking Class & Market Visit for $59 details
Typical food prices in Lijiang, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Lijiang
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Lijiang typically cost an average of $19 (¥141) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$19
¥141
Some of the most inspiring sights of Lijiang exist in the natural scenery of the surrounding area. The looming presence of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, for example, has long influenced Naxi legend and holy beliefs. Its 13 snow-covered peaks are a sanctuary for rare animals and wild plants as well as a famous scenic spot for visitors. Lashi Lake, on the southern slope of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, is another beautiful site of the region. Being a part of the Lijiang-Lashihai Plateau Wetland Nature Reserve, it is paradise for migrant birds. It is also the origin for the Ancient Tea and Horse Road, an important trading route that visitors can experience on horseback. The sweeping fields of the Spruce Plateau also sit at the base of the mountain. Surrounded by woodland, the meadow is quiet and beautiful and frequented by wildlife like yak, scalpers, and goats. The plateau is regarded by the Naxi people as an entrance to the heaven of the heart, a place where people can love and be together freely.
With all of the natural features surrounding Lijiang, there is much opportunity for outdoor activity. In addition to being a popular scenic spot, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is also a locus for mountaineering, skiing, exploration, and scientific research. Lashi Lake is also a great spot for sightseeing, spying birds and other wildlife by boating across its surface. With mountains, lakes, plateaus, and even parks throughout the city, Lijiang is an ancient site built in reverence for the surrounding nature.
On the cultural side of things for food, shopping, entertainment, and otherwise, any of Lijiang's towns and villages have much to offer. Old Town especially serves as a commercial center for visitors with plenty of options for sampling traditional cuisine, busy markets with local handicrafts, as well as architectural gems of the Naxi people. Their captivating culture is also known to display talents in poetry, calligraphy, painting, and music. There are many dancing and musical performance held throughout the city, one of the most popular being the Lijiang Impressions Show. Impression Lijiang is a magnificent outdoor singing and dancing performance demonstrating the tradition and lifestyle of the local ethnic people. With the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as the backdrop, the performance displays ethnic costumes and accessories along with singing, dancing, horse riding, and drumming. Held twice a day, the performance is a cultural experience not to be missed.
A nice way to explore destinations in Lijiang is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Full Day Lijiang Naxi Culture Tour for $209 details
- Flexible Lijiang City Highlights Private Day Tour with Lunch for $208 details
- 1-Day Dongba and Naxi Culture Tour in Lijiang for $240 details
Nightlife Budget in Lijiang
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $7.81 (¥57) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Lijiang per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$7.81
¥57
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
Travel cost data last updated: Mar 5, 2025
Traveling in Lijiang
The Naxi people in traditional attire, Lijiang, China
Lijiang is a city in Southwestern China with a history of rule under the Mu family during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It played a key role along the Ancient Southern Silk Road, which started from Burma, crossed Lijiang, Shangri-La County, Tibet, journeyed through Iran, the Fertile Crescent, and ultimately to the Mediterranean Sea. The area was once a center for trade, politics, culture, and education, which is still evident in the rich culture seen today. Lijiang has also been the home of centuries to the Naxi people who still inhabit the area.
Neighborhoods & Around
Lijiang Old Town is a well-preserved ancient city of thriving culture. Named a UNESCO Heritage Site in 1997, the town has become a famous tourist attraction for seeing ethnic culture and customs, charming architecture, and beautiful natural views. Dating back more than 800 years, built amongst strong mountains and flowing rivers, Lijiang Old Town was once the political, cultural, and educational center with a very important role in trading activities of the area. Remnants of this past are still evident in its diverse market of handicrafts, decorative gardens, and traditional houses. Square Street (or Sifangjie) marks the center of town with four main streets branching in outward directions. The roads are paved in local bluestones with many winding lanes throughout. With a livelihood that depends highly on water, there are also aqueducts through town that allow willow trees to flourish.
If you prefer a quieter cultural experience, Baisha Village is about 4.9 miles (8km) to the north of Lijiang Old Town at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Less commercialized than the Old Town, here you can experience the peaceful daily life of the Naxi people. Shuhe Ancient Town is also an important site of Lijiang as it is a well-preserved example of a town along the ancient tea route and one of the earliest settlements of the ancestors of Naxi people.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.