Timeline
17:47
Take bus no. 31 from the Zhongyi Market bus stop on Changshui Road on the southwest side of the old town. Get off at the final stop to reach Zhiyun Monastery. The monastery is free and open until 21:00, giving you plenty of time to explore before dark.
18:17
Walk around the monastery grounds. This spot has resisted commercialisation and sees relatively few tourists, offering a peaceful atmosphere as the light begins to fade.
18:47
Find a quiet corner within the monastery grounds to watch the sun set toward the WSW. The golden light starts about 18:13, building up to the sunset moment.
19:17
Check the route back to the old town for dinner and a drink after dark. The monastery closes at 21:00, so ensure you head out in time if you wish to stay until closing.
Local tip
Zhiyun Monastery is located near Lashihai Lake. While Lashihai Lake Wetland Park is nearby, it is a 63-minute walk away and better suited for daytime bird-watching. For this evening plan, stay close to the monastery for the sunset view.
Check before you go
- Zhiyun Monastery is open 08:00-21:00.
- Take bus no. 31 from the Zhongyi Market bus stop on Changshui Road on the southwest side of the old town. Get off at the final stop.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Lijiang (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).