tansmets

I am considering Lijiang around Christmas after finding reasonably priced flights. I know it will be cold, but during the day seems to be ok. I've been wanting to see this area and prefer to beat the crowds and put up with the cold.

Anyway, we would have one night in Kunming with a 22 hour layover (perfect to see the stone forest ?) and then 3 full days in Lijiang, 4 nights. Is this too long? I would like to go to Tiger Leaping gorge possibly for one night. Not that interested in Dali since I don't want to travel around so much in 5 days. Any thoughts on other good day trips from Lijiang?

MmePerdu

I've spent considerably more time than 3 days in Lijiang and didn't find it too long at all. I loved the place but then I'm more of a hanging out rather than doing traveler. So really, one can never say how long too long will be for another. I was also there in December. Don't have any expectation of beating the crowds.

tansmets

Thanks for the advice. Crowds are a relative term in Mainland China...however I've found that if you just wander a bit off the main path, you can find peace and quiet all to yourself. Maybe not in Lijiang. is the weather in late December bearable - We'll stay somewhere with heating (well I would assume the Pullman or Banyan Tree are heated) and days of 15C or so seem ok to me provided I am wearing enough clothing.

MmePerdu

I don't remember being cold, my bed and room were heated. But my travelling companion trekked through Tiger Leaping Gorge and told me he was cold overnight, slept in his clothes at the guesthouse, so take something warm if you overnight.

You're absolutely right about getting off the beaten track in the town. Walk up out of the center into the residential areas and take the narrow alley into the market where you'll find almost no one but locals.

JPDeM

You'll be fine with heating at these hotels but not on the TLG trail.

tansmets

Thanks. I think we will just do Tiger Leaping Gorge as a day trip as the overnigh hike seems a bit strenous (over 10 miles a day). For my husband, who is asthmatic, it might be a bit much wih the altitude.

I am interested in Shangri La, but reviews are mixed. I had trouble finding returning flights from DIQ so in a rush I just booked my HKG to LIJ ticket, so we are in and out of Lijiang. Is it worth it to take the 4 hour bus or car to Shangri La, stay over night, and then return to Lijiang? I'm interested n the Monastary but aside from that, is it worth the trek or should I just stay in Ljiiang and surrounds? I arrive LIJ on a Saturday night, leave on a Wednesday morning.

Shanghainese

For the coldness, it is easy to rent heavy coats, and even oxygen bottles for going up the mountain, just ask the hosts where you are staying.

Hanuman

When we went, in October as well, during the days there was brilliant sunshine but at night the temperature hovered at around zero.

IMO you wouldn't feel the altitude in Lijiang but in Shangri-La (Zhongdian) you will. The drive to Shangri-La was relatively easy, with a driver and a comfortable van, and the views was very nice.

In Shangri-la itself the only worthwhile place to visit was the beautiful Tibetan temple and apart from that the rest of the town was a bit fake, especially the walking street. The best thing for us was the wonderful Banyan Tree Ringha and the fantastic Ringha Lodge. Huge old Tibetan farm house converted into a very luxurious home for us. Did have a lot of altitude problem but nothing major.

Some pictures from Lijiang, Shangri-La and the Banyan Tree resorts:

http://khun-pook.smugmug.com/Travel/...502137&k=pe9wo

Shangri-La: http://khun-pook.smugmug.com/Travel/...737020&k=gqN7c

Banyan Tree: http://khun-pook.smugmug.com/Travel/...714480&k=eaQbj

If you choose the Banyan Tree in Lijiang - don't get the pool villa. The supposedly heated pool in our villa was way too cold to swim or even take a dip. The regular villa with the jacuzzi will be much better IMO.

Hanuman

Password is "Fodors"

tansmets

Hanuman, thanks for the photos! Looks like a great trip. after some more research we are skipping Shangri La since in late December the scenery will be very brown and not as pretty. I am very interested in seeing the monastary but hope to take a trip to the Tibetan areas next summer. we decided to splurge a bit on the Banyan tree for 3 nights, will do the Crowne Plaza the first night in Lijiang. Unfortunately we are at the Banyan Tree over Xmas, so it's pricey. I booked the lowest level suite, so no private pool for us.