Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Lijiang is a historic city located in Yunnan Province, known for its well-preserved ancient town and rich cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1,200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 50 Mbps; fiber optic connections available in many areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CNY ≈ 0.15 USD (April 2025). Major banks include ICBC, Bank of China. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | China Mobile and China Unicom offer good coverage; registration with passport required. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Visa, MasterCard, and UnionPay are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hostels to hotels; popular platforms include Airbnb and Booking.com. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses are good choices for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Lijiang and Lijiang Jiuli Boutique Inn are affordable options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Old Town of Lijiang (Dayan Ancient Town) is ideal for tourists, offering proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Shuhe Ancient Town is recommended, providing a quieter atmosphere with coworking spaces available. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Lijiang Coworking Space provides reliable internet and a community feel. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The BlueSky Cafe is known for its good coffee and WiFi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for local expat meetups and digital nomad gatherings on social media platforms. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | There are regular get-togethers organized via WeChat groups and Facebook communities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Didi Chuxing is the most popular ride-hailing app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes and scooters can be rented in the Old Town, prices range from 20-50 CNY per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Lijiang does not have beaches; however, the nearest lakes, such as Lugu Lake, are a 2-hour drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | China Eastern Airlines offers flights to major regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air China provides international flights from Kunming Changshui International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected by the G214 highway, offering access to major regions in Yunnan. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Lijiang Railway Station connects to Kunming and other major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses are available, but no dedicated transit pass system is in place. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect Lijiang to nearby regions like Zhangjiajie and Dali. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Lijiang People's Hospital offers a range of healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Lijiang Yoga Studio provides daily classes for different skill levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers like Anytime Fitness and local gyms are available. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries in the Old Town offer coin-operated washing machines. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Meituan and Ele.me are popular food delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Naxi-style grilled fish and Yunnan rice noodles are must-try dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Lijiang has several vegetarian restaurants, including Vegetarian House. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Naxi Baker features unique local pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The local market in Dayan Ancient Town offers affordable food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | JD.com and Taobao are essential for online shopping in China. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Freshippo and other local grocery apps provide delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bar streets in the Old Town feature vibrant nightlife with live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Lijiang Beer Company offers locally brewed beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Yunnan Wine House is popular for its local and international wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food stalls around the Old Town serve delicious snacks like baozi (steamed buns). |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Western options like Lijiang Coffee and various Italian restaurants are common. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the Old Town are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Dongba Culture Museum showcases local Naxi culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Black Dragon Pool Park offers historical architecture alongside scenic beauty. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Wufeng Pavilion is a significant cultural and historical site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Lijiang Ancient Town Festival occurs annually in June. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local performances of traditional Naxi music can be found in the Old Town. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Morning Market offers local products and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various bars host live music and cultural performances, particularly in the Old Town. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art can be found throughout the Old Town, reflecting local culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking schools offer classes on making traditional Yunnan dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Lijiang Art Gallery features works from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The ancient architecture in the Old Town is a major attraction. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Naxi culture, with its unique language and matriarchal traditions, is prominent in Lijiang. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The scenic Lijiang River and surrounding mountains are perfect for hiking and exploration. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Lijiang is close to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain National Park. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Many trails around Lijiang are suitable for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The top of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain offers stunning panoramic views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Erhai Lake area is known for diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas at Jianchuan and in rural surroundings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | SF Express and China Post offer reliable delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops in the Old Town provide repair services for electronics. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Various parks have public table tennis tables available for use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Chinese lessons can be found at local language schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries in Lijiang offer quiet study spaces. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Lijiang Community Center organizes various cultural events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafes can be found throughout Lijiang. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gambling is not a common activity in Lijiang; not applicable. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥15,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥600,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥10,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥400,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥18,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥1,080,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥12,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥720,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥20,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥1,600,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥15,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥1,200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% corporate tax rate applies. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% withholding tax on dividends for foreign investors. |
| 🏦 Tax System | China's tax system is based on a worldwide income basis with options for different residency statuses. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for income over ¥960,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 13%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations apply to foreign-owned companies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Applicable based on property ownership. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% standard tax on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Foreigners working remotely may benefit from preferential tax treatment under certain conditions. |