Best Food and Restaurants in Lijiang: Quick Answer for Singapore Travellers
The best food and restaurants in Lijiang – Ancient Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain cluster around Lijiang Old Town (Dayan), Shuhe Ancient Town and the mountain base, where you can try Naxi cuisine, wild mushroom hotpot, Yunnan rice noodles, grilled yak meat and local snacks like Lijiang baba, chickpea jelly and grilled erkuai.
For most Singapore travellers, the easiest way to eat well and safely is to focus on reputable, well‑reviewed spots in Lijiang Old Town and Shuhe, then plan a simple, pre-booked lunch option when heading up to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
This article is a focused cluster guide under Homejourney’s main Lijiang resource: Homejourney's Ultimate Lijiang Travel Guide: Old Town & Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Homejourney's Ultimate Lijiang Travel Guide: Old Town & Jade Dragon Snow Mountai... . Here, we zoom into Best Food and Restaurants in Lijiang: Ancient Town and Jade Dragon Mountain, with practical, safety-first tips for Singapore visitors and future investors.
Why Food in Lijiang Matters for Singapore Travellers & Investors
Lijiang, China is in northwest Yunnan, famous for its cool climate, Naxi culture, UNESCO-listed Lijiang Old Town and dramatic views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
If you’re flying in from Singapore, food is one of the easiest ways to understand local culture before you start comparing lifestyle and property options across Asian cities, including Singapore via Homejourney.
The Old Town is compact – think of it as a hilly, car‑free mix of Tiong Bahru’s café culture and Chinatown’s conserved shophouses – but with 2,400m altitude and cobblestone alleys instead of MRT exits.
For many Homejourney users, Lijiang is either:
- A holiday stop before returning to Singapore
- A base for exploring western China
- An early comparison point when thinking about second homes and lifestyle investments in Asia
Must‑Try Local Dishes in Lijiang Old Town & Shuhe
Before we get into specific restaurants, it helps to know what to look for on the menu. Around Lijiang Old Town, Shuhe and the roads towards Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, you will commonly see:
- Naxi grilled pork ribs or cured pork ribs hotpot – a signature of Naxi cuisine, often recommended at places like "Dianxi Wangzi" in Old Town.[3]
- Wild mushroom hotpot – especially in cooler months; Singapore travellers often compare this to a richer, earthier version of mala steamboat, but without the heavy numbness.[4]
- Steam pot chicken – herbal chicken steamed in a clay pot using mountain spring water; Snack Shop No.88 is a popular, simple choice.[3]
- Lijiang baba – a flat, chewy Naxi pancake that can be sweet or savoury; often sold near Sifang Street and at casual eateries.[4][9]
- Chickpea jelly and grilled erkuai – classic Yunnan snacks that appear frequently at Zhongyi Market and food streets.[3][9]
- Yak meat and snow mountain fish – usually grilled or in hotpot near Shuhe and on the way towards Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.[1]
From a Singapore perspective, portions are larger and flavours more robust than typical hawker food. Spice levels vary: Naxi food is generally milder than Sichuan, but many restaurants also serve Hunan or Sichuan dishes, which can be very spicy.[1][4]
Best Areas to Eat: Lijiang Old Town, Shuhe & Near Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
1. Lijiang Old Town (Dayan) – Central & Most Convenient
If you are staying near the main Lijiang Old Town entrances, most good food is within a 10–15 minute walk – comparable to walking from Clarke Quay MRT to the far end of Boat Quay, but steeper and at altitude.
Based on local guides and Singapore travellers’ trip reports, some reliable eating zones include:
- Qiyi Street & Sifang Street – dense with snack stalls and small Naxi eateries offering Lijiang baba, grilled yak skewers and rice noodles.[9]
- Zhongyi Market – more local, with chickpea jelly, grilled erkuai and rice sausages.[3]
- Yinyu Alley (Yinyu Xiang) – home to popular wild mushroom hotpot spots such as Mu Wang Yan Yu and Afeng Hotpot mentioned by Singapore bloggers.[4]
Insider tip from a Singapore traveller: one family of 5 adults and 7 kids reported paying around RMB 1,140 (≈ S$210) for a big wild mushroom hotpot meal at Mu Wang Yan Yu on Yinyu Alley, which they considered good value for the quality and portion.[4]
2. Shuhe Ancient Town – Quieter, Boutique & Café Vibes
About 20–25 minutes’ drive from Lijiang Old Town, Shuhe Ancient Town is like a calmer, more boutique version of Dayan. Think of it as the Joo Chiat of Lijiang: more homestays, slower pace, stylish cafés.
Food‑wise, look out for:
- Cafés like Stone Horse Retreat Café (Yunqi Café) with rooftop viewpoints and lighter meals.[1]
- Naxi & Yunnan hotpot restaurants serving yak meat, mushroom hotpot and Lijiang baba.[1]
- Gagagaga Rice Noodles in Kangpu Lane, known for local-style rice noodles at around RMB 50 per person, open 11:00–24:00.[1]
For Singaporeans used to late dinners or supper, Shuhe’s eateries staying open till midnight are especially convenient compared to some quieter corners of Lijiang Old Town where kitchens wind down earlier.
3. Around Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – Simple, Scenic Meals
Once you head towards Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, focus on simple, reliable options rather than hunting for “the best restaurant”. Many visitors either:
- Eat a solid breakfast in town (e.g. congee plus Lijiang baba)
- Bring snacks from Lijiang Old Town bakeries or convenience stores
- Have lunch at tourist-friendly restaurants or canteens near the cable car base
Food here is more functional than memorable; prices are higher than in town, similar to eating at attractions like the zoo or Sentosa in Singapore. For families or older travellers, prioritise warm soup noodles or simple rice dishes to stay comfortable in the cold.
Specific Restaurant & Café Suggestions (With Context)
Because individual outlets change quickly, Homejourney recommends using the following as categories and verifying recent reviews before you go. This reflects our safety‑first approach: always double‑check opening hours, hygiene and payment options.
Naxi & Yunnan Cuisine in Lijiang Old Town
- “Dianxi Wangzi” (Lijiang Old Town)
Frequently recommended for Naxi cuisine with dishes like cured pork ribs hotpot.[3] Expect around RMB 70–120 per person depending on what you order. Good for first‑timers wanting a structured, sit‑down meal. - Snack Shop No.88
Well‑known for steam pot chicken and chickpea jelly.[3] More casual and budget-friendly, suitable for lunch or a light dinner. - Mu Wang Yan Yu – Wild Mushroom Hotpot (Yinyu Alley)[4]
Loved by Singapore families for its wild mushroom hotpot with rich broth and fresh ingredients. The reported spend of RMB 1,140 for 12 people works out to under S$20 per person, similar to a mid-range steamboat meal in Singapore but with far more mushrooms.[4] - Afeng Hotpot (Lijiang Old Town branch)[4]
Another hotpot option in the Yinyu Alley area, popular for group dinners and warming up on cold nights.
Snacks & Casual Eats
- Zhongyi Market
References
