Weather: August is warm and rainy. It is in the monsoon season and is one of the rainiest months of the year. There are only five or six hours of sunshine a day. It rains in about 25 days of the month, and there is about 176 mm of total rainfall in August. It rains more in the mountains than in the city. During inclement weather, you might want to stay dry in the city.
The average nightly low temperature is a pleasant 18 °C (64 °F), and the average daily high temperature is 29 °C (84 °F). So the temperature is comfortable. Since the city is at an elevation of 2,400 meters (7,900 feet), it feels warmer.
Clothing: During the day, light clothes such as shirts, trousers, shorts, and T-shirts are fine, but you might want a jacket at night. Bring rain gear. Take a coat and rain gear if you walk up in the mountains since the weather is very changeable there. The UV radiation is high, so cover up when it is sunny.
Altitude Sickness: Most people experience some degree of altitude sickness if they stay for a night or two, and many people want a little oxygen on the heights of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The price of oxygen canisters is as much as a third less in Lijiang compared with the price on the mountain. Precaution is necessary if you have a heart condition or high blood pressure.
Things to Do in Lijiang in August
See Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: This is a place to go for a refreshing change from the sweltering summer in eastern and southern China. The mountain is only half an hour from Lijiang, and you can go up to the snowy peaks on a scenic tram. From the tram, you have the option of climbing the stairway up to the observation point at 4,636 meters (15,210 feet). The highlight there is a small glacier. It is a place to see beautiful mountain scenery and snow. Be prepared for a hard climb.
Hike at Tiger Leaping Gorge
Hiking in Tiger Leaping GorgeTiger Leaping Gorge hiking: You can hike in this natural wonder that is one of the world's deepest gorges. It is about 18 kilometers long, and there and tall mountains towering 5,000 meters (17,000 to 18,000 feet) high on both sides of the roaring Yangtze River.
Be careful about hiking in August because it rains every day and the weather is changeable. As the saying goes, you can experience "all four seasons within the span of a single day!"
You'll walk by guest houses, of which some are much better than others. Let us guide you or help you arrange your hike. See the hiking tour below.
Explore the Lijiang Ancient Town
On rainy or stormy days, see the highlights in the Naxi areas of the city. Enjoy their hearty meat and dairy cuisine. The Naxi once controlled a main trade route, and they had an interesting culture. They have the only hieroglyphic writing system that is still in use in the world.
Visit the Black Dragon Pool: This pond is in Jade Spring Park. It is easy to walk to. It is only a kilometer north of Square Street in Dayan. The park is noted for the beautiful view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain over the pond. Tourists can climb up the hill in the picture to see the scenery all around.
Visit the Dongba Museum: The little Naxi museum is next to the Black Dragon Pool. It is free to visit. You can see the interesting exhibits and photos, shop for Naxi souvenirs and jewelry, and learn about the Naxi culture.
Touring Lijiang in August
Black Dragon Pool at Jade Spring ParkHigh Travel Month
August is a high travel month. Schools and universities are on vacation in August, and Lijiang is a popular destination when the eastern provinces swelter in the summer. Due to the heavy rainfall and high tourism in August, it might be better to go at another time of year. It is important to book your hotel room and plane/train tickets in advance. Let us help you by our experience.
Recommended Tour Packages
The 5-day Lijiang Tour and Tiger Leaping Gorge Hike: First acclimate for two days in Lijiang while you see the highlights such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the Baisha Murals. You can pick where to to go. Most people need to acclimate before they hike. Then enjoy a two day hike through the Tiger Leaping Gorge.