Can I use Lijiang as a base?

Question

Hi,

I am planning travelling to Lijiang and I will only visit Lijiang and Shangri-La.

Can I use Lijiang as a base to visit both places or it is better to relocate to Shangri-la for better access?

I have a less mobile travel partner. She does not need a wheelchair but just walk slow and needs lots of rest stops. So we will not go to many places or those that needs to walk or climb a lot.

However Leaping Tiger Gorge and Jade Snow Mountain is a must. Can we travel to these 2 places from Lijiang? I mean are they near enough from Lijiang that I do not need to stay in Shangri-la?

Thanks.

Answer

Lijiang can be used as a base for visiting some nearby attractions, but given your travel partner’s mobility needs and the distances involved, careful planning is necessary.

Here’s a breakdown:

Shangri-La: Lijiang to Shangri-La is about 180–200 km (around 4–5 hours by car). It is possible to do a day trip, but it will be a long day with limited rest opportunities. Staying overnight in Shangri-La would be more comfortable for a less mobile traveler.
Leaping Tiger Gorge (Tiger Leaping Gorge): This is roughly 60–70 km from Lijiang. You can visit the lower gorge viewpoints without excessive walking, but the full hike is not recommended for someone who prefers slower pacing and frequent rests. A private car or tour van is ideal for comfort and flexibility.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: Located about 25 km from Lijiang, this is very accessible. You can take the cable car to reach higher altitudes, which minimizes walking. This makes it feasible to do comfortably from Lijiang.

Recommendations for your trip:

Use Lijiang as a base for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the lower sections of Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Consider staying 1 night in Shangri-La if you want to explore more of the area there without long, tiring day trips.
Hire private transport for all trips to accommodate slow pacing and frequent rest stops. This will greatly reduce stress and fatigue.
Plan your itinerary with shorter sightseeing periods and prioritize cable cars or shuttle services where available.

In summary, Lijiang is suitable as a base for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and parts of Tiger Leaping Gorge. For a more relaxed experience visiting Shangri-La, it is recommended to spend at least one night there instead of making it a long day trip.

Can I use Lijiang as a base?

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