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When Club Med set foot on the Lijiang Plateau
Located at an altitude of nearly 2,400 m above sea level, in the heart of Yunnan province, Club Med Lijiang is not only a resort, but also a journey through the layers of time. From afar, the snow-capped Jade Dragon Range stands tall as a tranquil backdrop, while nearby, the ancient town of Lijiang appears with its yin-yang tiled roofs, moss-covered stone alleys and a murmuring canal winding through the streets. Amidst this harmony, Club Med Lijiang appears as a stop to slowly enjoy nature and culture.
Club Med Lijiang is located at the foot of the Jade Dragon Mountains, near the ancient town of Lijiang - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lijiang is home to the Naxi people, who have their own religion called Dongba religion, worshiping the god Sanduo (Three Deities) and considering the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as the incarnation of the gods. They often build houses with wood, earthen walls, and blue tiled roofs, a harmonious combination of Han and Tibetan styles.
In harmony with the landscape and culture of this place, Club Med is also built according to the architecture of the Naxi people's houses with large sloping roofs, using local pine wood and hand-crafted decorative details. In that space, the delicate and harmonious combination of lighting system, minimalist interior and modern technology typical of Club Med has created a resort space that is both luxurious and has a deep heritage.
The resort is built in the indigenous Naxi architecture combining traditional decorative motifs and modern amenities.
A place to admire the scenery of Lijiang through the four seasons
Located on a plateau, Lijiang has a rare temperate climate: mild sunshine during the day and chilly nights all year round - a characteristic of temperate plateaus. Thanks to that, Club Med Lijiang takes visitors on a journey to experience the four seasons, each season with its own distinct nuances.
Spring in Lijiang (March - May) is a mild transitional season, when the cold gradually fades, wild peach blossoms begin to bloom on the hillsides, painting the clear sky pink. The resort seems to be immersed in a meditative space: thin mist covers the ancient tiled roof, birds chirping in the quiet garden, a cup of hot tea on the porch facing the quiet Jade Dragon range... everything invites us to slow down, breathe deeply and feel more.
Spring in Lijiang starts from March to May, the weather gradually warms up, peach blossoms bloom at the foot of the snowy mountains.
Summer in Lijiang (June - August) does not bring the sweltering heat often found in crowded cities. Temperatures here rarely exceed 26°C, the air is dry and pleasant. This is the time when Club Med Lijiang is more bustling with many outdoor activities for the whole family.
On the lush green lawn, children can freely run and play in the gentle sunshine. Adults leisurely start the day with a yoga class under the shade of a tree, a light trekking trip along the forest or a bike ride to explore the peaceful Naxi villages nearby. In the afternoon, after a day of picnicking, it is time to return to the rhythm of rest: a relaxing spa treatment, a cocktail at the outdoor bar, sitting and watching the sun slowly set behind the Jade Dragon Mountain... everything is just right to feel a complete summer without rushing.
Summer in Lijiang (June - August) has a lower temperature than crowded cities, the weather is dry, the trees are green, suitable for outdoor activities and experiences.
Autumn in Lijiang (September - November) is a time of quiet yet brilliant transformation. The surrounding forests gradually put on a shimmering orange-yellow coat, the Jade Dragon peak in the distance begins to show its first layer of snow, and the atmosphere is clear, dry and cool. Amidst the mild, dry weather of the plateau, the scenery becomes gentle and poetic, attracting many tourists and photographers to enjoy and capture every moment.
Golden autumn colors from September to November in Lijiang
Winter in Lijiang (December - February) is not as cold as people imagine the highlands. Snow may cover the Jade Dragon peak in the distance, but at Club Med Lijiang, the sun is still gentle enough to keep a bit of warmth on each ancient stone slab. Visitors leisurely stroll on the stone-paved path in the early morning sun, among the roofs covered in a thin layer of frost; then return to the resort, curl up in a quiet corner reading a book by the fireplace, enjoying a glass of plum wine under the yellow light, or simply sipping a cup of hot tea, relaxing in the warm water of the jacuzzi. Winter here is not noisy but a gentle silence, where people can slowly think about the past and prepare for a new beginning.
Winter (December-February) in Lijiang has no snow, the air is warmer and more pleasant than in the cold regions of China.
There is no clear peak season, nor a “must-visit” season, which is what makes Club Med Lijiang so special. No matter when you come, you will easily find the same feeling: vibrant and exciting in summer, relaxing in spring, admiring the autumn scenery and quiet in winter.
Explore local culture in the resort
At Club Med Lijiang, the daily schedule is not set, but unfolds in its own unique way, depending on the rhythm that each person chooses. Some guests start the morning with a few stretches in a mountain-view yoga class, others quietly visit the spa, soak in the warm water, and then relax under the wooden porch bathed in the morning sun. The space here makes people want to walk slowly, as if each moment is worth fully experiencing before it passes.
Cuisine is always an indispensable part of the journey to discover a land. In Lijiang, besides the familiar international dishes at the all-day buffet, diners have the opportunity to step deeper into the world of Yunnan cuisine, where eating habits and ingredients reflect the way people live with the mountains and forests.
Naxi dishes are recreated in a new style: grilled Yak beef with fragrant fire, steamed stream fish with mint leaves with the cool green taste of the forest, or a steaming mushroom hotpot with the sweet taste of local ingredients. Even seemingly rustic street food is presented in a light way, just enough to retain the old spirit but still make people want to explore more.
The bar and outdoor dining area is open late into the evening, perfect for those who like to end the day with a cocktail and a long conversation.
The restaurant serves a variety of dishes from many cuisines around the world and local Naxi cuisine.
Interspersed between the quiet breaks is a gentle pace of life imbued with the local culture. Some people spend time participating in traditional handicraft activities, others head to the 1,500 m² indoor water park – where children’s laughter echoes by the water and adults leisurely soak in the year-round warm swimming pool, looking out the large glass windows at the misty mountains in the distance.
Others choose Yunnan tea-making classes or Naxi folk mask painting with instructions from local artisans, learning about each pattern and color associated with ancient legends and rituals.
Even if you don't want to participate in any activities, visitors can just sit at the small stage in the center of the campus every afternoon and listen to the sound of the Ma Er Gon - a traditional instrument that has existed for hundreds of years and is played by Naxi musicians.
Discover local culture through art activities held within the resort grounds of Club Med Lijiang
From Club Med Lijiang, guests can easily visit famous landmarks such as the ancient town of Lijiang – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or the majestic Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the Jinshadi River swirls between two towering mountain ranges. The holiday itinerary can therefore be extended into short exploration trips, interwoven with relaxation and adventure.
But more than just a resort, Club Med Lijiang is a gateway to many layers of culture and experience. There, one can experience this land not only with the eyes, but also with taste, smell, touch and hearing. A delicate blend of highland nature, meticulous service quality and indigenous cultural features preserved just enough, so that every passing moment carries its own unique mark, gentle yet unforgettable.
