City Introduction
Lijiang, a breathtaking gem in northwest Yunnan Province, is a city where ancient history meets dramatic natural beauty. Founded in the late Song and early Yuan dynasties over 800 years ago (13th century), this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the historic heart of the Naxi people. Nestled at 2,400 metres altitude against the backdrop of the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang offers a gateway to some of China's most spectacular landscapes. Its proximity to the historic cities of Dali and the mystical highlands of Shangri-La makes it the perfect starting point for an unforgettable golf + eco-tourism journey.

Why Golf Here?
Lijiang offers a truly unique high-altitude golf experience found nowhere else in Asia. The region boasts Asia's ONLY snow mountain golf course, set at 3,100 metres with fairways that hold the Guinness World Record for being the longest in the world. The thin air at this elevation means the ball flies significantly further, adding an exhilarating dimension to your game. Courses are masterfully designed to integrate with the natural landscape—from rugged mountain terrain to serene lakesides. Beyond the sport, Lijiang serves as the ideal hub for exploring the ancient Tea Horse Road, discovering centuries-old Naxi culture, and venturing into the neighbouring UNESCO sites of Dali (1.5 hours by train) and the legendary Shangri-La (2-3 hours by road), creating the perfect golf + cultural exploration itinerary.

Best Season to Visit

The optimal time for golf in Lijiang is from March to May (spring blossoms) and September to November (clear autumn skies). 

These months offermild temperatures, low humidity, and the clearest views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Summer (June to August) is the rainy season with occasional showers, while winter (December to February) can be cold but often features stunning blue-sky days with snow-capped mountain vistas.

Must-Try Food

• Preserved Pork Rib Hotpot: A Lijiang specialty featuring flavourful pork ribs slow-cooked in a savoury broth with seasonal vegetables.

• Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles: Yunnan's most famous dish, served with rice noodles and fresh ingredients cooked tableside in hot broth.

• Baba: A traditional Naxi flatbread, available in both savoury and sweet versions—perfect as a snack between rounds.

• Yak Yogurt: A creamy, tangy local dairy product unique to the high plateau region.

• Wild Mushroom Hotpot: Showcasing Yunnan's incredible variety of fresh, wild-harvested mushrooms.

Must-See Attractions

• Lijiang Ancient Town (Dayan): A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997 with over 800 years of history. Wander its winding stone streets, canals, and traditional Naxi architecture.

• Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: The breathtaking mountain backdrop visible from the city, with cable car access to 4,680 metres for panoramic views.

• Shuhe Ancient Town & Baisha Village: Quieter, more authentic ancient towns that were early Naxi settlements, home to the famous Baisha Murals dating back to the Ming Dynasty.

• Mufu Palace: The former seat of the Mu family chieftains who ruled the region for over 470 years through the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties—often called the "Forbidden City of Lijiang".

• Black Dragon Pool: The iconic reflection pool offering the most photographed view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain mirrored in its waters.

• Tiger Leaping Gorge: One of the world's deepest and most spectacular river canyons, located between Lijiang and Shangri-La.

Intangible Cultural Heritage Experiences
Lijiang is home to 38 officially recognised intangible cultural heritage items that bring Naxi culture to life:

• Naxi Ancient Music (Dongjing Music): A living fossil of Chinese music, preserving Taoist ceremonial music and court tunes lost elsewhere for centuries.

• Dongba Culture & Pictographs: The world's ONLY living pictographic writing system—over 1,000 characters used to record Naxi rituals, myths, and history.

• Baisha Murals: 15th-16th century Buddhist paintings blending Han Chinese, Tibetan, and Naxi artistic styles across 55 surviving mural panels.

• Naxi Embroidery: Intricate traditional textile art featuring auspicious patterns passed down through generations.

• Three-Eyed Wells (Sanyanjing): An ancient water management system still in use today, demonstrating Naxi ecological wisdom.

Lijiang Golf Course Guide

Plan your Lijiang golf adventure—where 800-year-old heritage meets world-record fairways beneath the sacred peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with Dali and Shangri-La waiting just beyond the horizon!
Jade Dragon Snow  Mountain Golf Club