Things To Do
in Baisha

A famous Yunnan dish: hot broth poured over rice noodles and a plate of raw vegetables, meats and herbs to cook at the table. Widely available in Lijiang and satisfying after a cool mountain morning.

Must-Try!

A seasonal must-try—locally foraged mushrooms served stir-fried, in soups, or steamed. Try mushroom hotpot or simple stir-fries at small family restaurants.

Erkuai is a rice-cake specialty common in Yunnan, served pan-fried or as wraps; sample at markets and street stalls in and around Baisha.

Cured hams and preserved meats feature in local cooking and as flavorful ingredients in stir-fries and soups.

A smaller, local market where villagers sell fresh produce, mushrooms and snacks—good for encountering everyday local food and sampling simple street bites.

Close to Lijiang Old Town, this market has more variety: dumplings, pancakes, grilled skewers and stalls selling dried mushrooms and spices to take home.

Greet elders politely, avoid loud or disruptive behavior in village spaces, and ask before photographing people—especially during rituals or intimate moments.

It’s common to remove shoes before entering homes or some guesthouses—follow host cues and accept offered slippers if provided.

Don’t stick chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice—this resembles incense for the deceased. Avoid pointing chopsticks or using them to gesture.

Avoid sensitive political topics or comments about ethnic issues and territorial matters in public conversation. Respect local beliefs and cultural practices.

Tipping is not widely expected in most local restaurants or small guesthouses in Baisha; however, tipping is increasingly common in tourist areas and for guides or drivers—rounding up or a small cash tip is appreciated but not required.

China is heavily cashless: WeChat Pay and Alipay are the dominant methods for small vendors, markets and many shops, though tourists may have difficulty setting up mobile payment. Carry some RMB cash for rural purchases; major hotels, tour operators and larger restaurants commonly accept international credit cards, especially in Lijiang.

March–May brings mild temperatures, blossoming trees and good visibility for mountain views. Days warm up but nights can be chilly; packing layers is recommended.

June–August is warm but subject to the monsoon: expect frequent afternoon rain showers, higher humidity and occasional cloud cover obscuring mountain peaks. Carry a rain jacket and waterproof protection for gear.

September–November is often the best time: stable weather, clearer skies, mild daytime temperatures and cooler nights. Great for hiking and photography.

December–February can be cold, especially at night and at higher elevations; Jade Dragon Snow Mountain may have snow and frost. Daytime sun can be pleasant but bring warm layers for evenings.

Several trails and viewpoints on the mountain’s lower slopes; cable cars shorten access to higher scenic areas. Guided treks and nature walks are common—watch altitude and weather.

A dramatic canyon north of Lijiang offering multi-day or day-hike routes with spectacular river and cliff scenery; requires travel time and is best with good footwear and a guide for unfamiliar sections.

Gentler hikes and boardwalks around a coastal wetland area near Lijiang—excellent for birdwatching, sunrise/sunset photography and relaxed nature walks.

Local walking routes through rice fields, village lanes and small ridgelines—ideal for short hikes, cultural encounters and photographing rural life.

Vegetarian options are available (tofu dishes, mushrooms, vegetable stir-fries and noodle soups). Specify 'wǒ shì sùshí zhě' (I am vegetarian) and point to dishes or ingredients. Be aware that broths or sauces may contain meat stock, so reconfirm if strict vegetarian or vegan.

Vegan dining is possible but requires care: ask about dairy, egg and stock. In rural kitchens, clarify ingredients and consider choosing simple vegetable dishes or ordering from guesthouses that can accommodate requests.

Rice-based dishes like rice noodles and Erkuai are generally safe. However, many sauces include soy sauce (contains gluten). Ask staff about ingredients or choose plain broths and rice dishes.

Allergy awareness is lower than in some western countries—carry translations of your allergy in Mandarin and avoid cross-contamination by requesting separate preparation when possible.