What to do in Lijiang, China, the scenic city visited by Anne Curtis, Bea Alonzo, and Bretman Rock
You might have spotted Anne Curtis, Bea Alonzo, and Bretman Rock living their best lives together on a trip to Lijiang, China.
The getaway coincides with a special collaboration between Anne's blk Cosmetics and Bea's BASH, with Lijiang serving as the stunning backdrop for their campaign. Apart from Bretman, who modeled for blk, they were also joined by Gabbi Garcia, Kylie Verzosa, Camille Co, Rei Germar, and BJ Pascual.
Located in China’s Yunnan province, Lijiang is known for its charming ancient town, snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and rich Naxi culture. With its scenic escapes and historic spots, it's a perfect travel destination for both adventure seekers and those simply looking for a slower, more picturesque trip.
If you're wondering what makes Lijiang worth the trip—and how you can get there from the Philippines—here's a guide to the scenic spots, best time to go, and travel tips you need to know.
Flying to Lijiang, China
There are currently no direct flights from Manila to Lijiang Sanyi International Airport. Travelers will need to make at least one stop before reaching the Yunnan destination. Current connecting options include Xiamen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Hong Kong, among others depending on the airline and schedule.
Some of the airlines acommodating flights from Manila to China include China Southern, XiamenAir, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, and Philippine Airlines.
According to FlightConnections, the travel time ranges from five hours to eight hours.
Keep in mind that Philippine passport holders generally need a Chinese visa to visit Lijiang for tourism, which you can apply for through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center. You will need your passport, visa application form and confirmation page, and a recent ID photo, along with other documents that may be requested depending on your application.
Best time to go
Unlike the Philippines, China has four seasons, so it's best to be prepared for the weather and temperature if you're planning to travel during autumn or winter.
If you want to avoid the cold, it's recommended to go between March to May for spring and June to August for summer. According to travel agency Travel China Guide, spring in Lijiang is sunny while summer is "very unstable" thanks to abundant rainfall.
Autumn takes place between September to November. While the season is still "clear and mild," it can also be "cool with intermittent rains." Meanwhile, winter in Lijiang is "dry, windy, and a little cold."
It noted that May to October is considered the peak season, with accommodation rates typically increasing and many hotels and inns reaching full capacity. Because of this, it is crucial for you to reserve rooms in advance.
On the other hand, November to April is the time when there are fewer tourists due to the cold and rainfall. Thus, accommodations are cheaper.
For dates to avoid, the agency said, "We strongly recommend that overseas tourists avoid visiting Lijiang during Chinese public holidays, particularly during the Chinese New Year and the National Day holiday. During these two seven-day holidays, accommodation costs usually double or even triple."
"Other public holidays thatt should be avoided include the Qingming Festival, May Day, and the Dragon Boat Festival," they added.
Places to visit
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is one of the most popular destinations in Lijiang. The towering mountain range is known for its snow-covered peaks, glaciers, alpine meadows, and dramatic scenery. Visitors can take a cable car up the mountain for views of its high-altitude landscapes.
Blue Moon Valley
Another nature destination that is a must for your itinerary is the Blue Moon Valley. Located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the river is known for its striking turquoise-blue waters surrounded by mountains and greenery. The valley is made up of several pools and waterfalls, with four large lakes in total: Yuye Lake, Jingtan Lake, Lanyue Lake, and Tingtao Lake.
Lijiang Old Town
For a change of scenery, head to the Old Town of Lijiang. The historic area dates back more than 1,000 years and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
According to UNESCO, the place has "retained a historic townscape of high quality and authenticity," with its architecture combining elements from different cultures. You can admire stone-paved lanes, traditional wooden buildings, canals, bridges, and cultural influences from Nakhi people.
Shuhe Ancient Town
The Shuhe Ancient Town is another alternative you can explore, offering the same relaxed atmosphere as the Old Town of Lijiang as you wander through old streets, browse shops, and take in the traditional architecture.
Yufeng Temple
The Yufeng Temple is another place that can be a highlight of your Lijiang trip. Nestled beneath Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the historic Buddhist temple was built during the Qing Dynasty and is best known for its peaceful grounds and centuries-old camellia trees.
If you're visiting during spring, the temple can be particularly beautiful when its camellias are in bloom.
Other important tips
Planning a trip to Lijiang, China? Remember to dress modestly and respect local guidelines when visiting Yufeng Temple and other religious or cultural sites.
If you see a “No Photography” sign, respect the restriction. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has specifically warned travelers against photographing sensitive locations, military facilities, or people in restricted areas.
China is also heavily reliant on mobile payments, so travelers should prepare their payment apps, like Alipay and WeChat Pay, before arriving.
To get around, Redditors highly suggest using DiDi, their ride-hailing app, or book a private car. For more cheaper options, you can use public transportation such as bus and train.
