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When Club Med arrived in the Lijiang plateau
Located at an altitude of nearly 2,400 meters above sea level in the heart of Yunnan Province, Club Med Lijiang is more than just a resort; it's a journey through the layers of time. From afar, the snow-capped Jade Dragon Mountain stands majestically as a serene backdrop, while nearby, the ancient town of Lijiang emerges with its yin-yang tiled roofs, moss-covered stone alleys, and babbling canals winding through the streets. Amidst this harmonious blend, Club Med Lijiang appears as a tranquil haven to savor both nature and culture.
Club Med Lijiang is located at the foot of the Jade Dragon Mountain range, near the ancient town of Lijiang - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lijiang is home to the Naxi people, who practice their own religion called Dongbaism, worshipping the Sanduo deity and considering the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as a divine embodiment. They typically build houses with wooden walls, earthen roofs, and layered blue tiled roofs, harmoniously blending Han and Tibetan architectural styles.
To harmonize with the local landscape and culture, Club Med is also built in the style of Naxi houses with large sloping roofs, using local pine wood and handcrafted decorative details. Within this space, the subtle and harmonious combination of lighting, minimalist interiors, and modern technology characteristic of Club Med creates a resort space that is both luxurious and deeply rooted in heritage.
The resort is built in the style of the indigenous Naxi people, combining traditional decorative motifs with modern amenities.
A place to admire the scenery of Lijiang through all four seasons.
Located on a plateau, Lijiang boasts a remarkably mild climate: gentle sunshine during the day and cool nights year-round – a characteristic of temperate highlands. Thanks to this, Club Med Lijiang offers guests a journey to experience all four seasons, each with its own distinct charm.
Spring in Lijiang (March-May) is a gentle transitional period, when the chill gradually fades, and patches of wild peach blossoms begin to bloom on the hillsides, painting the clear sky pink. The resort seems immersed in a meditative atmosphere: a thin mist settles on the ancient tiled roofs, birds chirp in the tranquil garden, a cup of hot tea on the veranda overlooking the serene Jade Dragon Mountain... everything invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and feel more.
Spring in Lijiang lasts from March to May, with the weather gradually warming and cherry blossoms blooming at the foot of the snow-capped mountains.
Summer in Lijiang (June-August) doesn't bring the stifling heat often found in crowded cities. Temperatures rarely exceed 26°C, and the air is dry and pleasant. This is when Club Med Lijiang is more vibrant with many outdoor activities for the whole family.
On the lush green grass, children freely run and play in the gentle sunshine. Adults leisurely begin their day with a yoga class under the trees, a light trekking trip along the forest edge, or cycling to explore the peaceful Naxi villages nearby. In the afternoon, after a day of outdoor activities, it's time to return to a relaxed rhythm: a relaxing spa treatment, a cocktail at the outdoor bar, watching the sun slowly set behind the Jade Dragon Mountain... everything is perfectly balanced to experience a complete summer without haste.
Summer in Lijiang (June-August) has lower temperatures than in crowded cities, with dry weather and lush greenery, making it ideal for outdoor activities and experiences.
Autumn in Lijiang (September - November) is a time of quiet yet brilliant transformation. The surrounding forests gradually don a shimmering golden-orange hue, the distant Jade Dragon Peak begins to reveal its first layer of snow, and the air is clear, dry, and cool. Amidst the gentle, dry weather of the plateau, the scenery becomes tender and poetic, attracting many tourists and photographers to enjoy and capture every moment.
The golden hues of autumn in Lijiang from September to November.
Winter in Lijiang (December – February) isn't as bitterly cold as one might imagine for the highlands. Snow might blanket the distant Jade Dragon Peak, but at Club Med Lijiang, the sun is gentle enough to retain a touch of warmth on each ancient stone slab. Visitors leisurely stroll along the cobblestone paths in the early morning sun, amidst houses veiled in a thin layer of mist; then return to the resort, nestled in a quiet corner reading by the fireplace, enjoying a glass of plum wine under the warm glow of the lamps, or simply sipping a hot cup of tea and relaxing in the warm water of the hot tub. Winter here isn't noisy, but a gentle tranquility, where one can slowly reflect on the past and prepare for a new beginning.
Winter in Lijiang (December-February) is snow-free, and the air is warmer and more pleasant compared to the freezing cold regions of China.
There are no distinct peak seasons, nor any seasons to "avoid," which is what makes Club Med Lijiang so special. No matter when you visit, you'll easily find something to enjoy: vibrant and exciting in summer, relaxing amidst the spring colors, admiring the autumn scenery, and tranquil in winter.
Discover the local culture within the resort.
At Club Med Lijiang, the daily schedule isn't rigid but unfolds in a very personal way, depending on the rhythm each person chooses. Some guests start their mornings with some stretching exercises in a mountain-view yoga class, while others quietly visit the spa, soaking in warm water before relaxing on the sun-drenched wooden veranda. The atmosphere here encourages a slow pace, as if every moment is worth savoring before it passes.
Cuisine is always an integral part of exploring a new place. In Lijiang, besides the familiar international dishes at the all-day buffet, diners have the opportunity to delve deeper into the culinary world of Yunnan, where eating habits and ingredients reflect how people live in harmony with the mountains and forests.
Naxi cuisine is reimagined with a fresh twist: grilled yak beef, steamed stream fish with mint leaves offering the refreshing taste of the forest, or a steaming hot mushroom hotpot with the delicate sweetness of local ingredients. Even seemingly rustic street food is presented in a light and simple way, preserving its original essence while still inviting further exploration.
The bar and outdoor dining area are open until late, perfect for those who like to end the day with a cocktail and a long conversation.
The restaurant serves a diverse menu featuring dishes from various cuisines around the world, as well as local Naxi cuisine.
Interspersed between moments of tranquility is a gentle pace of life deeply rooted in local culture. Some people dedicate their time to traditional crafts, while others seek out the 1,500 m² indoor water park – where children's laughter rings out by the water and adults leisurely soak in the year-round warm pools, gazing through large windows at the distant, mist-shrouded mountain range.
Others choose to take a tea ceremony class in Yunnan or paint traditional Naxi folk masks with guidance from local artisans, learning about each pattern and color associated with ancient legends and rituals.
Even if visitors don't want to participate in any activities, they can simply sit at the small stage in the center of the grounds each afternoon and listen to the Malgun—a traditional instrument dating back hundreds of years—played by Naxi musicians.
Discover local culture through arts activities organized within the grounds of Club Med Lijiang resort.
From Club Med Lijiang, guests can easily visit famous landmarks such as Lijiang Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage site – or the majestic Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the Jinsha Di River swirls between two towering mountain ranges. The vacation can therefore be extended into short trips, blending relaxation and adventure.
But more than just a resort, Club Med Lijiang is a gateway to multiple layers of culture and experience. There, one can feel the land not only with their eyes, but also with their sense of taste, smell, touch, and hearing. A subtle blend of highland nature, meticulous service, and well-preserved local culture ensures that each moment leaves a unique, gentle, and unforgettable impression.
