Lijiang is one of the best-placed bases in Yunnan for reaching the dramatic high country of the northwest. Two of the most rewarding destinations — Tiger Leaping Gorge and Shangri-La — are within a half-day's travel, and most travellers use Lijiang as a staging point rather than a destination in isolation.
Tiger Leaping Gorge (about 90 minutes north by bus) is one of the deepest gorges in the world, and the high trail along its north rim is consistently rated among the finest multi-day walks in China. The classic route takes two days with an overnight at a guesthouse mid-trail. It is possible as a day trip to the gorge entrance, but doing the trek requires at least one night.
Shangri-La is 4–5 hours north by bus. Most travellers spend a night or two there rather than doing it as a day trip, but the journey itself — past high Tibetan grasslands and dramatic mountain scenery — is worthwhile. Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, is the main sight.
Shaxi, a beautifully preserved market town on the ancient Tea Horse Road, is about 3 hours south. Its Friday market is genuine rather than staged, and the old caravan square (Sideng Square) is a UNESCO-listed monument. Shaxi sees a fraction of the tourist traffic that passes through Lijiang.
