Here are the must-visit shopping districts in Lijiang, blending cultural heritage with local market vibes:
🏮 1. Ancient Town Core
Sifang Street (四方街)
The 800-year-old heart of Lijiang Old Town, paved with五彩石 (five-color stones). Hunt for Naxi silverware (e.g., Baishuifang), Dongba paper crafts, and tie-dye textiles. Dawn brings Naxi folk dances; nights glow with red lanterns. Bargain embroidered shawls down to ¥80-120 ($11-17)12.Xianwen Lane (油纸伞街 "Oil-Paper Umbrella Alley")
A tunnel of hanging painted umbrels—ideal for daytime photos. Shops sell ethnic costumes and indie文创 (cultural creatives).Zhenxing Lane (灯笼街 "Lantern Alley")
Lit by hundreds of东巴文字 (Dongba script) lanterns at dusk. Browse leather goods and artisan jewelry with雪山 (Snow Mountain) views.
2. Local Markets
Zhongyi Market (忠义市场)
Day/Night dual-mode:Day (7:00-18:00): Wild mushrooms (鸡油菌 ¥25/$3.5/bag), dried yak cheese.
Night (18:00+): Street food galore—grilled Erkuai (¥5/0.7),moltenBaojiangtofu(¥8/0.7),moltenBaojiangtofu(¥8/1.1).
Jinjia Market (金甲市场)
Locals' wholesale haven. Grab blueberries (¥30/4.2/largebox)orvacuum−packedyakjerky(¥80/4.2/largebox)orvacuum−packedyakjerky(¥80/11/jin).
3. Cultural Towns
Shuhe Old Town (束河古镇)
Tea Horse Museum area. Buy Pu'er tea (¥100+/$14+cake) and螺旋藻 (spirulina) supplements. Free tastings available.Baisha Old Town (白沙古镇)
Naxi heritage hub. Try rose cakes (¥5/0.7)atwood−firedbakeries,orjoin壁画(fresco)paintingworkshops(¥50/0.7)atwood−firedbakeries,orjoin壁画(fresco)paintingworkshops(¥50/7/hr).
⚠️ Smart Tips
Avoid scams: For silver, demand "Snow Silver S999" stamps—stick to Baishuifang in Sifang Street.
Price hacks: Halve initial quotes for shawls in tourist zones; Zhongyi Market prices are fixed but lower.
Transport: Reach Qixing Street via buses #3/8/9/104. Combines modern malls (H&M, Zara) with local eats.