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Lijiang’s accommodation splits between the three old towns and the New Town, and the choice mostly comes down to whether you want to sleep inside the heritage quarters or in a modern hotel with reliable heating. Rates are lowest in winter and spike during Golden Week and summer school holidays, as the best time to visit Lijiang guide explains. Start with the Lijiang travel guide for an overview before you book.
Where to Stay in Lijiang: Dayan Old Town
Dayan Old Town is the most convenient base, with guesthouses inside the car-free lanes and everything walkable. Rooms range from about 100 CNY for a basic guesthouse to several thousand for a courtyard boutique. Old-town buildings often lack central heating, so when the Lijiang weather by month guide shows nights below freezing, ask about heaters before you confirm.
Suggested Hotels in Dayan Old Town
Amandayan
Amandayan occupies restored Nakhi courtyard buildings on Lion Hill inside Dayan Old Town, with around 35 suites, a spa, and rooftop views over the old-town rooftops to the snow mountain. Best for luxury travelers who want to stay inside the heritage quarter. Check rates and availability
Lijiang Zen Garden Hotel
Lijiang Zen Garden Hotel is a courtyard guesthouse near Mufu Palace with a garden, sun terrace, restaurant, and 24-hour front desk, about 800 m from the Loyalty Arch. Best for couples who want a quiet, mid-priced stay inside the old town. Check rates and availability
Mama Naxi Guesthouse
Mama Naxi Guesthouse is a family-run hostel on Jixiang Road operated by a Naxi family for over 15 years, with dorm beds and private rooms plus a helpful English-speaking host. Best for solo travelers and backpackers on a budget. Check rates and availability
Where to Stay in Lijiang: Shuhe Old Town
Shuhe is the quieter old town, 8 km north of Dayan, with boutique hotels and guesthouses at slightly lower rates. It suits couples and anyone who wants calm evenings plus easy access to the mountain road and the things to do in Lijiang you would do from there, and the Lijiang neighborhoods guide covers the district in detail.
Suggested Hotels in Shuhe Old Town
Banyan Tree Lijiang
Banyan Tree Lijiang is a villa resort near Shuhe built in Naxi courtyard style, with private garden villas, an on-site spa, and views toward Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Best for couples and honeymooners. Check rates and availability
The Bivou Lijiang
The Bivou is a boutique hotel one minute from Shuhe Old Town that blends local and modern design, with a bar, garden, and mountain-view rooms. Best for couples and design-minded travelers. Check rates and availability
Lijiang Desti Youth Park Hostel
Lijiang Desti Youth Park Hostel offers dormitories inside one of the oldest Tibetan-style buildings in Shuhe Ancient Town, about 20 minutes from Dayan. Best for backpackers who want a quieter base than Dayan. Check rates and availability
Where to Stay in Lijiang: New Town and Lion Hill
The New Town holds the modern chain hotels with dependable heating and air conditioning, plus the railway station area for early trains. You trade old-town atmosphere for lower prices and easier taxi access, about a 15 to 20 minute ride from Dayan. If you come for the Lijiang events and festivals calendar, note that most festivals happen in the old towns a short ride away, and our Lijiang travel tips page covers airport and train transfers.
Suggested Hotels in New Town
InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort
InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort is a luxury resort in Nakhi courtyard architecture overlooking Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with a heated indoor pool and spa. Best for families and travelers who want full resort facilities. Check rates and availability
Fairfield by Marriott Lijiang Ancient Town
Fairfield by Marriott Lijiang Ancient Town offers modern family rooms with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and city views near the old town entrance. Best for families and business travelers who want predictable comfort. Check rates and availability
Panba Lakeside Lodge
Panba Lakeside Lodge, also known as the International Youth Hostel, is a five-minute walk from the old town with simple rooms and free WiFi. Best for budget travelers who want to be near Dayan without old-town prices. Check rates and availability
