Is Lijiang Expensive?

Is Lijiang expensive to visit?

Lijiang is known as both a well-liked and very budget-friendly destination. With a daily average travel cost of $42, it's generally not considered to be expensive at all. When compared to the rest of Asia, it is a reasonably affordable destination. It ranks in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its affordability. Its prices are comparable with places such as Tiger Leaping Gorge and Kanchanaburi.



The Naxi people in traditional attire, Lijiang, China

How expensive is Lijiang?

Travelers spend an average of $42 per day when visiting Lijiang (U.S. Dollars). This is according to our calculations which come from the expenses of previous visitors. While this is an average cost, prices can vary by travel style, the length of your trip, and other factors. You can stay fairly close to this average if you stay at moderately priced hotels, eat at affordable restaurants, and take public transportation when possible. See more travel costs for Lijiang here.

How expensive is a weekend trip (three days) to Lijiang?

Based on the travel expenses of others, a weekend trip to Lijiang costs around $125 on average, per person. This includes food, sightseeing, local transportation, accommodation, and nightlife. For two people, a weekend trip costs $250.

How expensive is a one week (7-day) trip to Lijiang?

Based on our calculations from previous travelers, a one week trip to Lijiang will cost around $292 per person. This amount includes sightseeing activities, hotels, restaurants, local transportation, and other travel expenses. For two people, a one week trip would cost $584.



Lijiang, China

Is it expensive to backpack in Lijiang?

With more than 4 hostels around town, Lijiang is a fairly popular backpacker destination. Hostels usually cost an average of $8 per night. There's a wide range in prices here, as the cheapest beds cost around $4. The most expensive dorm beds will cost more than $15 at times, too. (See hostel prices in Lijiang here.)

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Lijiang.

  • $4 for a dorm bed at October Inn Hostel

How expensive are sightseeing activities in Lijiang?

In Lijiang, the cost of activities and things to do can vary by the type of activity, its length, and the location. To provide an estimate of what to expect during your visit, below are several popular activities that are common in the area. On average, previous travelers have spent around $20 per day on sightseeing and entertainment, which is more than the country's average of $17.

    • Private Full Day Lijiang Naxi Culture Tour: $209
    • 1 Day Tiger Teaping Gorge Private Tour from Lijiang or Shangri-La: $170
    • Flexible Lijiang City Highlights Private Day Tour with Lunch: $208
    • 1-Day Private Tour to Lijiang Highlights: $297
    • Via Ferrata with Zipline Experience in Lijiang: $42
    • Private Tour: Jade Dragon Village and Baisha Village via Bicycle: $158
    • 1 Day Private Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Lijiang or Dali: $165
    • 1-Day Old Town Tour in Lijiang: $166

    Is food expensive in Lijiang?

    In Lijiang, the cost of food can vary by the type of restaurant and food options available. To save money, eat at less expensive restaurants, try street food, or cook your own meals when possible. On average, previous travelers have spent around $17 per day on food, which is less than the country's average of $23.

    • Lijiang Naxi Cuisine Cooking Class & Market Visit: $59

    Is transportation expensive in Lijiang?

    Exploring local transportation in Lijiang shows that the price can vary greatly by the type of transportation used. On average, previous travelers have spent $6 per person per day, which is less than the country's average of $16. If you want to save money, use public transit as it's much cheaper than taxis or private drivers.

    More for Lijiang

    If you're planning a trip to Lijiang, China, check out these other informative travel guides.



    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.



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