Things To Do
in Dayan

A savory or sweet flatbread common in Lijiang—crispy outside and chewy inside; sold at street stalls and small family eateries.

Must-Try!

A Yunnan classic of hot rich broth served with separate raw ingredients you add yourself; widely available in noodle shops across Dayan.

A variety of wild and cultivated mushrooms in a fragrant broth—excellent in mushroom-rich Yunnan, available in local restaurants and specialty houses.

Grilled or stewed meats common in menus around Lijiang, often served with local spices; try at family-run eateries or mountain restaurants.

Street stalls near the central square offering snacks like grilled skewers, baba, sweets, fruit and quick noodle bowls; ideal for sampling small bites at modest prices.

Morning markets around Lijiang and nearby villages sell fresh mushrooms, herbs, cured meats and pickles—good for buying picnic ingredients or admiring local produce.

Show polite deference to elders and local customs; greet with a nod or simple Mandarin greeting. In smaller villages, conservative dress and modest behavior are appreciated.

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially members of ethnic minorities; some may view photography as intrusive or expect a small fee.

Remove hats, speak quietly, avoid stepping on thresholds and follow signs; do not touch religious objects without permission.

Bargaining is common in markets and small stalls—do so politely. Fixed-price shops and restaurants are not appropriate for haggling.

Mild temperatures, awakening greenery and blooming flowers make spring pleasant for walking and photography; bring layers as mornings can be cool.

Warm but often wet—this is the rainy season with afternoon showers and thunderstorms; cloud cover can obscure mountain views but makes the countryside lush.

Clear skies, crisp air and excellent visibility of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain—one of the best seasons for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Cool to cold nights and chilly days in town; higher elevations may have snow—lower crowds and clear skies but dress warmly and be prepared for temperature swings.

One of China’s deepest river canyons with scenic trails ranging from short viewpoint walks to strenuous multi-day treks—accessible as a day trip or part of longer hikes.

Lower-elevation trails and alpine meadows around the mountain are suitable for guided hikes; higher routes require acclimatization and often a guide.

Gentler village and farmland walks connecting Shuhe, Baisha and surrounding terraces—good for half-day hikes and cultural exploration.

Short hikes and viewpoints near the river offer dramatic canyon and river-bend photography, often combined with Tiger Leaping Gorge trips.

The Naxi (or Nakhi) people are the primary ethnic group associated with Dayan’s cultural heritage; their language, music, Dongba script and traditions are visible in the town.

Han settlers form a significant portion of the population, contributing to the town’s commerce, restaurants and services.

Nearby regions host other ethnic groups—Bai, Yi and Tibetan communities—whose cultural elements appear in festivals, handicrafts and cuisine.

Dayan receives many domestic tourists from across China and international visitors seeking culture and mountain access, which shapes the local economy and services.

Yunnan is vegetable- and mushroom-rich, so vegetarians can find many dishes, but restaurants may use meat-based broths—ask (in Mandarin or with a translation) for no meat or broth-free options.

Vegan options exist but are less common—stick to vegetable dishes, cold plates, mushrooms and vegetable stir-fries, and confirm no animal products in sauces (egg or fish sauce).

Rice-based dishes and many soups are gluten-free, but wheat-based flatbreads and soy sauce are common—ask about ingredients and avoid fried batter items if unsure.

Language barriers can complicate allergy communication—bring translations for key allergens and prefer reputable restaurants for serious dietary needs.