travel tips of lijiang
when to go
High elevation, uneven land from south to north and complex mountains of this region gives Lijiang multifarious climates. It has three different climatic zones, ranging from subtropical in the southeast, to warm temperatures in the center, and cold temperatures in the northwest. In addition, the characteristics of vertical climate in some highlands can also be seen in Lijiang. For example, Jade Dragon Mountain with its higher altitude, has five different climatic zones, from warm temperate to alpine.
Lijiang has a clear annual distinction between the wet and dry seasons. The wet season spans May to October, with plenty of rainfall. From November to April belongs to the dry season. Additionally, because of its high average elevation, Lijiang has abundant sunshine all year round, favored with fresh air and charming natural scenery. Of course, don't forget to protect yourself from the strong radiation from the sun.
Without too much change from spring to winter, the weather of Lijiang allows visitors to get there at any time. However, considering the fairly wide variation in day-and-night temperature in spring and winter, summer and autumn are the most favorable seasons for coming here. Except for summer, when T-shirts and trousers are enough, it's advisable to take some warm clothes in the other three seasons.
festivals
Bangbang Festival (Stick Festival)Annually held by the Naxi Group on 15th January of the Chinese lunar calendar, this festival marks the end of the Spring Festival and the beginning of the agricultural production in a new year. Originally held in the local temples as an important religious fair, it was later moved into the Old Town. On that day, locals flock into the Square Street from far and near, selling or buying wooden and bamboo farm tools. In recent years, this festival has grown to be a large trading event, including farm tools, flowers and trees, commodities and toys for children. Now, not only the locals but also a large number of domestic and overseas travelers take part in the Bangbang Festival.
San Duo FestivalSan Duo is the patron saint of the Naxi Group, so each year the local Naxi people will get together to hold a worshipping celebration on 8th February of the Chinese lunar calendar. It is considered to be the most important annual event for the Naxi Group. As well as the big communal ceremony, each Naxi family will hold its own sacred ceremony. On that day, the locals also have some outside entertainment and picnics.
Zhuanshan Festival (Walk Around Mountain Festival)This is one of the very important festivals for those Mosuo people living along the charming Lugu Lake. On every 25th July of Chinese lunar calendar, the Mosuo people will wear their finest clothes, visiting the Lion Mountain beside Lugu Lake on foot or horseback. The Lion Mountain is said to be the embodiment of the Mosuo people's guardian goddess. People will burn joss sticks, hang up colorful prayer flags and offer tributes to their goddess on the mountain. They also hold a series of entertainments such as horse racing, wrestling and singing. At this time, young men and girls will look for their lovers, too.
Torch FestivalThis is a famous festival of those of the Yi Group living in Ninglang County of Lijiang. Originally held on every 24th June of Chinese lunar calendar, this festival was supposed to use fire to protect crops from the destructive insect by fire. Now, it is a bustling trading fair in this region, also involving entertainments. By night, the locals will take torches with them, and gather for singing and dancing around a bonfire.
fast facts
Area: 20, 6000 square kilometers (about 7,953 square miles)Position: to the southeast of Qing-Tibet Plateau and in the northwest of Yunnan ProvincePopulation: about 1,150,000Nationalities: Naxi, Mosuo, Yi, Tibetan, Pumi, Bai, Dai, Miao, Hui, Zhuang, Lisu and HanZip Code: 674100
Useful Phone Numbers:Tourist Complaint: 5123432Lijiang Airport Inquiry Telephone: 5173081Scheduled Flights and Ticket Inquiries: 5161289 5161291 5173079
Emergency Numbers:Fire: 119Ambulance: 120Police: 110Traffic: 122
Post Office: located at No.1, Minzhu Lu, Square Street, the Old Town, Lijiang
Communication: A number of public IC card telephones have been installed in the Old Town, and some stores in the Old Town provide public telephones. Visitors can make direct domestic and international calls. Also, mobile phones can be used freely within the area of the Old Town.
Toilet Facilities: A number of toilets with good facilities and service have been built in the Old Town. Usually, the charge is CNY0.5 per person.
High elevation, uneven land from south to north and complex mountains of this region gives Lijiang multifarious climates. It has three different climatic zones, ranging from subtropical in the southeast, to warm temperatures in the center, and cold temperatures in the northwest. In addition, the characteristics of vertical climate in some highlands can also be seen in Lijiang. For example, Jade Dragon Mountain with its higher altitude, has five different climatic zones, from warm temperate to alpine.
Lijiang has a clear annual distinction between the wet and dry seasons. The wet season spans May to October, with plenty of rainfall. From November to April belongs to the dry season. Additionally, because of its high average elevation, Lijiang has abundant sunshine all year round, favored with fresh air and charming natural scenery. Of course, don't forget to protect yourself from the strong radiation from the sun.
Without too much change from spring to winter, the weather of Lijiang allows visitors to get there at any time. However, considering the fairly wide variation in day-and-night temperature in spring and winter, summer and autumn are the most favorable seasons for coming here. Except for summer, when T-shirts and trousers are enough, it's advisable to take some warm clothes in the other three seasons.
festivals
Bangbang Festival (Stick Festival)Annually held by the Naxi Group on 15th January of the Chinese lunar calendar, this festival marks the end of the Spring Festival and the beginning of the agricultural production in a new year. Originally held in the local temples as an important religious fair, it was later moved into the Old Town. On that day, locals flock into the Square Street from far and near, selling or buying wooden and bamboo farm tools. In recent years, this festival has grown to be a large trading event, including farm tools, flowers and trees, commodities and toys for children. Now, not only the locals but also a large number of domestic and overseas travelers take part in the Bangbang Festival.
San Duo FestivalSan Duo is the patron saint of the Naxi Group, so each year the local Naxi people will get together to hold a worshipping celebration on 8th February of the Chinese lunar calendar. It is considered to be the most important annual event for the Naxi Group. As well as the big communal ceremony, each Naxi family will hold its own sacred ceremony. On that day, the locals also have some outside entertainment and picnics.
Zhuanshan Festival (Walk Around Mountain Festival)This is one of the very important festivals for those Mosuo people living along the charming Lugu Lake. On every 25th July of Chinese lunar calendar, the Mosuo people will wear their finest clothes, visiting the Lion Mountain beside Lugu Lake on foot or horseback. The Lion Mountain is said to be the embodiment of the Mosuo people's guardian goddess. People will burn joss sticks, hang up colorful prayer flags and offer tributes to their goddess on the mountain. They also hold a series of entertainments such as horse racing, wrestling and singing. At this time, young men and girls will look for their lovers, too.
Torch FestivalThis is a famous festival of those of the Yi Group living in Ninglang County of Lijiang. Originally held on every 24th June of Chinese lunar calendar, this festival was supposed to use fire to protect crops from the destructive insect by fire. Now, it is a bustling trading fair in this region, also involving entertainments. By night, the locals will take torches with them, and gather for singing and dancing around a bonfire.
fast facts
Area: 20, 6000 square kilometers (about 7,953 square miles)Position: to the southeast of Qing-Tibet Plateau and in the northwest of Yunnan ProvincePopulation: about 1,150,000Nationalities: Naxi, Mosuo, Yi, Tibetan, Pumi, Bai, Dai, Miao, Hui, Zhuang, Lisu and HanZip Code: 674100
Useful Phone Numbers:Tourist Complaint: 5123432Lijiang Airport Inquiry Telephone: 5173081Scheduled Flights and Ticket Inquiries: 5161289 5161291 5173079
Emergency Numbers:Fire: 119Ambulance: 120Police: 110Traffic: 122
Post Office: located at No.1, Minzhu Lu, Square Street, the Old Town, Lijiang
Communication: A number of public IC card telephones have been installed in the Old Town, and some stores in the Old Town provide public telephones. Visitors can make direct domestic and international calls. Also, mobile phones can be used freely within the area of the Old Town.
Toilet Facilities: A number of toilets with good facilities and service have been built in the Old Town. Usually, the charge is CNY0.5 per person.
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