Lion Hill & Wangu Tower (Wangu Pavilion) / 狮子山 & 万古楼
Wangu Tower is a five-story, 33-meter-high wooden structure located at the peak of Lion Hill in Lijiang Old Town. It's the tallest and most iconic structure in Lijiang, featuring 16 wooden columns reaching 22 meters high and decorated with over 2,300 auspicious patterns and 9,999 dragon motifs. The tower offers 360-degree panoramic views of the entire Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and surrounding valleys.
Category
Religious, Historical
Why Visit
- The best panoramic viewpoint in Lijiang. Sunset views from the tower are among the most photogenic in Yunnan. The climb through Lion Hill Park passes beautiful gardens and traditional pavilions. The architectural details of the tower itself are remarkable.
Suggested Duration
1-1.5 hours
Best Visiting Time
Late afternoon (5:00-6:30 PM) for sunset photography. Clear days offer the best mountain views.
Suitable For
- All ages (climb is moderate), photographers, couples
Tips
- Ticket: CNY 28-50 (varies by source). The climb from Sifang Street takes about 30 minutes via stone steps. Wear comfortable shoes. The tower closes at 19:00, but the park may remain open later. Combine with a visit to Mu's Residence, which is nearby. The 333-step climb is manageable for most fitness levels.
Admission Type
Paid Ticket
Reservation Required
No
Price Estimates
CNY 28-50 per person
Opening Hours
08:30-19:00 (Wangu Tower closes at 19:00; park may stay open later)
Address (English & Chinese)
Xinhua Street, Gucheng District, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province (within Lijiang Old Town) 中国云南省丽江市古城区新华街狮子山
More in Lijiang / 丽江
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Black Dragon Pool Park (Jade Spring Park) / 黑龙潭公园 (玉泉公园)
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Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Snow Mountain) / 玉龙雪山
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Tinghua Valley - Lijiang Flowers Garden / 听花谷-丽江百花园
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Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Gorge) / 虎跳峡
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Yuhu Village (Jade Lake Village) / 玉湖村
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Sifang Street (Square Street) / 四方街
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Shuhe Ancient Town / 束河古镇
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Blue Moon Valley / 蓝月谷
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Baisha Murals (Dabaoji Palace) / 白沙壁画 (大宝积宫)
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Lijiang Romance Park (Lijiang Songcheng) / 丽江千古情景区
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Mu's Residence (Mu Fu Mansion) / 木府
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Impression Lijiang Show / 印象丽江
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Dongba Culture Museum / 东巴文化博物馆
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Lashi Lake Wetland Park / 拉市海湿地公园
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Lugu Lake / 泸沽湖
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First Bend of the Yangtze River / 长江第一湾
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Lijiang Old Town (Dayan Ancient Town) / 丽江古城 (大研古城)
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Zhongyi Market (Zhongyi Farmers Market) / 忠义市场
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