Club Med Lijiang Review

Welcome to our honest Club Med Lijiang review, and to be honest, the trip caught me off guard in the best way.

Before the trip, I’ll admit, I didn’t know much about Lijiang. It wasn’t really on my radar. And Club Med? It’s mostly known for either a beach escape or a ski destination. So when someone mentioned a Club Med nestled in the mountains of Yunnan, I was intrigued… and even, a little skeptical. No beach, no snow. Just clean air, mountain views, and something more subtle? I wasn’t sure what kind of trip this was supposed to be.

But the more I looked into it, the more curious I became. Could this be one of those rare places that just works, without fitting neatly into a category?

What I didn’t realize at the time is that Club Med Lijiang isn’t designed to impress you all at once. It builds slowly. There’s no big “wow” moment when you walk in. Instead, its charm creeps in quietly. A breath of cool, crisp air. A child’s laugh echoing across a grassy field. A yoga pose held still in front of a sunrise glowing against snow-dusted peaks. These are the moments that stay with you.

And after a few days? You find yourself thinking: Yeah, this makes sense.

Best Time to Visit Club Med Lijiang

The best seasons to visit Club Med Lijiang are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is comfortably cool and ideal for outdoor exploring. These periods offer a sweet spot, pleasant temperatures, fresh air, and clear skies that make sightseeing to places like Baisha Old Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain genuinely enjoyable.

If you’re hoping to catch the mountain draped in snow, winter (especially January to February) can be quite picturesque, but temperatures can dip significantly. While daytime hovers around 7°C to 17°C, nights can fall as low as -10°C. Unlike ski resorts such as Beidahu or Yabuli, Lijiang doesn’t offer snow sports, but you still get that frosted alpine view, minus the frostbite.

That said, March might just be the best time to go, right when the deep winter cold starts to fade, but the snow still blankets Jade Dragon Mountain, giving you both comfort and cinematic scenery. You get the visual drama of winter, but without needing thermal layers 24/7.

Flights to Lijiang

Let’s start from the very beginning of every oversea travels, flights.

Unlike Guilin where AirAsia offers direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, getting to Lijiang isn’t exactly direct as realised by many. There are a few solid routes depending on your preferences, so let’s discuss.

The first option is the Shanghai Airlines + China Eastern route, which takes you from Kuala Lumpur to Shanghai via Shanghai Airlines, and then onward to Lijiang on a China Eastern flight. However, this option often requires an overnight stay in Shanghai before your morning flight to Lijiang. For baggage, economy class includes one 23kg checked bag, and business class allows two bags at 32kg each.

Another alternative is Air China, which offers routes transiting through Beijing (PEK) or Chengdu (TFU). The Chengdu option might require an overnight stay too, but that’s great if you want to add a little Sichuan food adventure to your itinerary. On the way back, there are a few configurations with different departure times, but many still involve overnight transits depending on your connection timing.

China Southern Airlines is another option, flying via Shenzhen (SZX) or Guangzhou (CAN). These routes sometimes line up more conveniently, with minimal transit times. Though you may want to book this airline as early as possible, as many locals tend to grab up all the seats, leaving you with the Business seats. Their baggage policy is also standard: one 23kg bag in economy, and two 32kg bags in business.

For our trip to Club Med Lijiang, we took the first option where it was operated by Shanghai Airlines and China Eastern, which involved an overnight layover in Shanghai. We stayed at the Dazhong Airport Hotel, conveniently located within the terminal, perfect for a quick rest before catching our next flight. If you’re considering this route and want to know exactly what to expect, check out our full blog post dedicated to this flight experience!

Club Med Lijiang Airport Transfers

Once we landed at Lijiang Sanyi Airport, we were greeted by cool, noticeably clean mountain air. The airport itself is small but efficient, and we didn’t have any trouble collecting our bags.

Club Med Lijiang offers transfer services, which we used. Just note that the drivers may not speak much (or any) English, and signage might be minimal. A translation app and a screenshot of the resort’s name in Chinese can be a lifesaver. The drive to the resort takes around an hour, long enough to let the noise of the city fade away and the mountain calm take over.

Arriving at Club Med Lijiang

At first glance, the resort doesn’t seem particularly large, but that’s deceiving. As you start to explore, you realize just how spread out it is, almost like a little village tucked into the foothills.

Check-in starts from 3pm and is low-key. We were handed our digital wristband, directed towards our room, and that’s about it. It’s not unfriendly, just relaxed. And after a long day of travel, I appreciated not being fussed over.

If you happen to arrive early, you can check in before 3pm, but there is an early arrival fee. The good news? That includes lunch on arrival. And if you’re a Club Med Silver, Gold, or Platinum member, that early check-in fee is waived entirely.

Resort Layout

The main block is the heart of the resort, housing the lobby, Baisha Restaurant (main restaurant), Dayan Bar, theater, boutique, Square (the specialty hotpot restaurant), and wine cellar.

A short walk away is another block that includes the Kids Club, indoor water park, indoor sports center, yoga studio, and gym. This area tends to buzz with families during the day and has a lot of energy.

For adults looking to relax, the spa and Zen Pool are perfectly placed quite literally side by side, creating a peaceful, adults-only sanctuary.

Then there are the room blocks, scattered thoughtfully across the resort grounds. These give the whole place a laid-back village feel rather than a high-rise hotel complex. It invites you to slow down, wander, and just breathe.

What’s Included at Club Med Lijiang

This is where Club Med Lijiang quietly excels. The all-inclusive concept here isn’t just a promise, it’s genuinely delivered. Once you arrive, everything is set up so you can stop worrying about what costs extra and just start enjoying yourself. Meals, activities, drinks, kids’ programs, it’s all taken care of.

Your stay includes:

• Comfortable accommodation (some with the prestigious view of the Jade Dragon Mountain)
• Gourmet meals and snacks (with a specialty hotpot restaurant to balance out the cool weather)
• Unlimited drinks including coffee, local tea, fresh juice, soda, or cocktail for the evening
• Kids Clubs for ages 4 to 17, with age-appropriate programs ranging from creative workshops to sports and games
• A wide range of activities, from archery, wall climbing and yoga to tennis, aerial trapeze, indoor sports and the adventure-filled Amaze zone
• Nightly entertainment, from casual karaoke night to themed parties and stage shows
• Wi-Fi throughout the resort, whether you’re lounging by the bar or relaxing in your room

Of course, a few things fall outside the package, which includes spa treatments, premium wines or champagnes, guided excursions, and babysitting for children under 4 are charged separately. But the key point is this: you could spend several days here without opening your wallet once, and you’d still feel like you got more than what you paid for.

It’s the kind of setup that lets you fully unplug with no mental spreadsheets, no deciding whether an extra activity is “worth it.” Just wake up, pick what you feel like doing, and let the resort handle the rest.

Club Med Lijiang Rooms

We stayed in the Family Deluxe Room and were genuinely impressed by how spacious it was. It wasn’t the kind of luxury that screams five-star opulence, but everything about it felt well thought-out and intentional. The layout was smart, with plenty of built-in storage and thoughtful touches that made it super comfortable for a family stay.

One of the standout features was that the room came with two bedrooms, designed in a way that felt similar to an interconnecting room. This setup gave everyone their own space to relax, which made a big difference after a full day of activities. It also came with two full bathrooms, both with bathtubs, , so no one had to wait around in the morning, always a win when you’re traveling with others.

While there wasn’t a separate living room, the space still felt airy and relaxed, and the generous balcony was perfect for enjoying the crisp mountain air and scenic views.

One unexpected but delightful touch was the complimentary fruit platter that greeted us in the room. We’ve been to several Club Med resorts before, but this was the first time we’ve received one, it felt like a special welcome. Interestingly, we noticed the same gesture at Club Med Urban Oasis Taicang (a resort we visited after Lijiang), so it might be a nice little perk unique to the China-based Club Meds.

The mini fridge was stocked with drinks and yes, it replenished daily! Perfect for winding down after a day out exploring.

Housekeeping was also consistently excellent and unobtrusive. We hardly ever saw the staff, but the room was always clean, refreshed, and ready for us by the time we returned. No fuss, no frills, just quietly efficient and well taken care of.

Club Med Lijiang Restaurants and Bars

So here’s the deal with food. It’s all included, but don’t expect Michelin-starred cuisine. That said, it’s better than you’d think.

Most of our meals during our stay happened at Baisha Restaurant, the resort’s main buffet-style dining venue. As with most Club Med resorts, the layout was well-organized, with a pleasant number of indoor seating. If you manage to grab a table by the window or terrace, you’ll be rewarded with views of the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a stunning backdrop for any meal.

Breakfasts were satisfying, offering a strong mix of both Western and Chinese options. You’ll find everything from scrambled eggs, bacon, and croissants to freshly made dumplings, stir-fried noodles, and congee. There’s even a noodle soup station where you can customize your bowl with various toppings. It’s worth noting, though, that anything meant to be hot, including soups and congees, tended to lose temperature quickly. Whether it was due to the high altitude or the cool mountain breeze, we often found that by the time we sat down, the food was warm at best. A bit of a letdown, especially in chilly weather where you’d expect a steaming hot bowl of soup, something that’s usually a given in China’s colder regions.

Lunch and dinner were where Baisha really shined in terms of variety and attention to detail. The menu rotated daily, and each meal felt thoughtfully curated based on the current guest demographic. When we first checked in, it happened to be Golden Week in China, so the resort was bustling with Chinese guests. Naturally, the buffet leaned heavily into Chinese cuisine, offering regional favourites like stir-fried dishes, stews, and a wide array of local vegetables and sauces.

However, what truly impressed us was how quickly the restaurant adapted. As the local guests checked out and a new group of Thai guests arrived, the menu transformed almost overnight. The area that was packed with Chinese dishes the night before suddenly featured Thai classics, from pad kra pao (stir-fried basil chicken) to green curry, papaya salad, and other familiar Southeast Asian flavours. It’s a small detail, but it spoke volumes about the effort the culinary team puts in to cater to their guests, rather than sticking to a fixed, repetitive menu.

The seafood spread at dinner was also a consistent highlight, prawns, mussels, and sometimes scallops made regular appearances. There were live cooking stations as well, serving grilled meats, wok stir-fries, and fresh pasta cooked to your liking.

Occasionally, the buffet featured local Yunnanese dishes. While it’s a great way to introduce guests to regional specialties, the flavours might be a bit strong or unfamiliar like fermented tofu, pickled vegetables, and spicy hotpots, for example. If that’s not your thing, you’ll be happy to know there’s always a reliable Western corner serving pizzas, pastas, and grilled items, ideal for those looking for something familiar.

One thoughtful touch that deserves a shoutout, if you’re feeling under the weather, you won’t go hungry. There are yogurts, fresh fruits, and even a health food machine available throughout the day. The machine dispenses a warm, porridge-like drinkable meal (almost like a savoury-sweet oatmeal) that’s surprisingly comforting and packed with nutrients. I was unfortunately sick for most of our stay, and this machine became my go-to for something gentle yet nourishing , an unexpected but much-appreciated feature.

The dessert station rounded off each meal nicely, offering a mix of Asian-style light sweets along with cakes, pastries, and an ice cream bar that kids and adults both enjoyed.

Service at Baisha was generally warm and attentive, even though not all staff spoke fluent English. The chefs at the live stations were always helpful and ready with a smile, which added a nice personal touch to the dining experience.

There’s also a hotpot restaurant called Square. You need to reserve it, and it doesn’t run every night, so ask early. When it’s not doing hotpot, it turns into this casual noodle bar in the afternoons, and it’s actually a great spot for a quiet snack.

As for drinks, Dayan Bar is indoors and near the theater, nice for a quick cocktail or soda. But Blue Moon Bar is a showstopper. It’s outside, so you get the mountain air, sometimes music playing in the background, and if you time it right, a view of the peaks glowing in the evening light.

Club Med Lijiang Activities & Entertainment

Here’s where it got interesting, as the variety of activities here just keeps you busy, and some may even pull you to return again and again.

In the indoor sports centre, you can go for wall climbing, play badminton, basketball, or even table tennis. If you’re up for some casual games, air hockey and pool tables are available as well, most importantly, they’re free to use! The outdoor activities are as exciting as you get to have a view of the Jade Dragon Mountain while scoring points, can you imagine? With sports from archery, to trapeze, the outdoor breeze doesn’t even make you sweat. The gym was clean and usually quiet. There’s yoga, too, in a glassy little studio where the surroundings are quiet, perfect for a calm session.

And for kids? There’s an indoor water park where kids practically live there. Featuring 3 water slides and a dedicated area for kids to play, the indoor water park is a heaven for kids. Sometimes, the resort will also conduct a pool party there!

For adults that just want to enjoy swimming without the noise of children, Zen Pool is the perfect place for you. It is located right beside the Spa, and literally on the other side of the resort, where you won’t be bothered by children screaming and splashing. But do note that the Zen Pool is not open everyday.

Amaze and Commercial Area

Now this is where Club Med Lijiang really stands out in my opinion. It’s not widely known and you have to personally visit in order to be aware of this, brochures may not show and even the website does not advertise this.

There’s this section called the Amaze, kind of like a small adventure park. Horse riding, ATVs, kayaking… it’s all there. Some stuff you book through the activity desk, others are part of daily schedules. At night, you can stargaze. They even have telescopes set up on certain afternoons, which sounds touristy, but turned out to be a highlight as you get to learn the way to handle and use the telescope.

Right next door, there’s a commercial area, which mainly promotes the rich culture of Yunnan. It has part museum, part hands-on workshop zone, you can try tea-making, sculpture, even for those that love creepy crawlies, there’s a store where teaches you to identify and record down species of insects found, which… I passed on. The most important part, many of these experiences are included in the Amazing Family program, though certain activities still require additional charges.

Excursions

One of the best parts about staying at Club Med Lijiang is how close you are to some of Lijiang’s most iconic spots. Just 5 minutes away by car is Baisha Old Town, a charming little village rich in history and local culture.

A quick Didi ride (something similar to Grab or Uber) costs only around CNY10. We wandered through its quiet alleys, sipped on yak milk tea, tried delicious yak skewers, and even browsed shops selling handmade perfumes and essential oils. With the Jade Dragon Mountain towering above the tiled rooftops, the whole town has an almost magical vibe.

For something more epic, we also took a private day tour about 45 minutes away that covered Jade Dragon Mountain, Blue Moon Valley, and the famous Impression of Lijiang show. The mountain views were absolutely breathtaking, the air crisp and refreshing.

Blue Moon Valley truly lives up to the hype with its stunning turquoise waters, and the open-air show, set against the mountain backdrop, was nothing short of unforgettable.

Kids Club: Thoughtfully Designed for Every Age Group

Parents – take a deep breath. You’re finally on holiday, and at Club Med Lijiang, that actually means you get to relax too. Their childcare programme is one of the best in the game, offering safe, structured, and seriously fun experiences for kids of all ages, from babies to teens.

Here’s how it’s broken down:

• Baby Club Med (4–23 months) – Not Available
  
• Petit Club Med (2–3 years) – Additional cost
  A playful mix of indoor and outdoor activities. From painting and crafts to nature walks and games. All suited to toddler-sized attention spans. Meals and naps are part of the routine, and the carers do a great job of creating a familiar, comforting rhythm.
  
• Mini Club Med (4–10 years) – Included
  This one’s a hit with most primary school kids. Activities are super varied: treasure hunts, creative workshops, beginner sports, dancing, and even mini shows where they get to be the stars. The energy is high, the environment is safe, and the staff somehow manage to keep it all running like clockwork.
  
• Club Med Teens Club / Chill Pass (11–17 years) – Included
  No forced fun here. Teens are given a bit more freedom with options to join in (or not), from sports tournaments to DJ lessons, pool games, and hangout zones that feel cool, not cringe. It’s all supervised, but with just enough independence to keep them happy.

Each age group has its own dedicated space, and the G.Os are genuinely fantastic with kids. They’re energetic, warm, and you can tell they love what they do, which makes handing over your child feel surprisingly easy.

Even better, the Kids Club runs for most of the day, with scheduled activities in both the morning and afternoon. You can even opt in for evening care on certain nights, so you can enjoy a quiet dinner or a sunset cocktail while the kids wind down with their own evening program.

A Note for Parents with Infants

Club Med Lijiang does make an effort to welcome families with young children, and there are several helpful amenities available for those traveling with a baby. The resort provides essentials like a bathtub, bottle warmer, changing table, extra baby bed, and even a stroller (on demand) to make your stay more comfortable.

However, it’s worth noting that, unlike some other Club Med resorts, there is no dedicated baby corner here. That means there isn’t a specific area in the restaurant equipped with baby-friendly food options like oatmeal, milk, or purees, nor are there appliances like blenders or microwaves readily available for parents to prep meals for little ones.

While it’s still possible to manage with what’s on hand, families with infants who have specific feeding routines or dietary needs may need to come prepared. Hopefully, this is something that will be added in the future, as it would make a great resort even more accommodating for its youngest guests.

Why It Works So Well

Honestly, one of the biggest wins here is the balance. Your kids get independence and entertainment tailored just for them, and you get time (actual uninterrupted time), to relax, explore, or just do nothing at all.

And because everyone’s happy, the family holiday ends up being more enjoyable for everyone.

Whether you’re travelling with a baby, an energetic preschooler, or a moody teenager, Club Med Lijiang has childcare sorted, so you can stop worrying and start unwinding.

Club Med Lijiang Meetings & Events

This part surprised me. There’s a whole section with meeting rooms and a ballroom. Morning meetings, afternoon archery, or even some team sports like basketball or soccer. Not a bad way to work, honestly. The layout made it feel like people could dip in and out of “corporate mode” without killing the vacation vibe.

If you’re looking to plan a corporate retreat, team incentive, or group getaway, let Travelution Holidays take care of everything at Club Med Lijiang, where culture, nature, and comfort come together for an unforgettable experience.

From flights, to team building sessions, let us make it effortless, so you and your team can focus on bonding, not logistics.

Club Med Lijiang Check-Out Procedure

As your holiday winds down, here are a few practical things to keep in mind to make your check-out smooth and stress-free.

Check-Out Time

The check-out time is 10am. You’re welcome to stay and enjoy the resort facilities after that, but if you’d like to keep your room a little longer, late check-out is available. It’s subject to availability, so it’s best to make the request at reception at least a day before your departure.

Transfers & Departure Time

If you’ve booked a Club Med transfer, your exact departure time will be displayed on the TV screen near the reception the evening before you leave. Make sure to check it early so you don’t miss your ride. Transfers are timed carefully to match flight schedules. If you’re not too sure, you can always approach the friendly GOs at the reception.

Luggage Pickup

Planning to use the luggage assistance service? Just leave your bags outside your room at least one hour before your scheduled departure, and give reception a quick call to confirm pickup.

Don’t forget to label your bags clearly, and head to the lobby at least 15 minutes before your departure time so you can identify them before they’re loaded onto the transport.

Good News: Lunch Is Included!

Even though check-out is at 10am, you’ll still get to enjoy one last meal. Lunch on your departure day is included, so there’s no need to rush off hungry. Take your time, enjoy one last taste of Yunnan cuisine or a comforting bowl of noodles, and soak in the breathtaking views of the mountains before you go.

Handy Tips for Your Stay

Here are a few things I wish someone had told me before my first visit. Just the kind of practical bits that can make your stay smoother and more enjoyable:

• Bring layers. The weather flips fast, especially early morning and after sunset. Don’t assume just because the sun is out, it’ll stay warm.
• Have a translator app ready. English isn’t widely spoken, you might get by with basic phrases or using hand signals, but if you expect fluent conversations everywhere, you might get frustrated.
• Book early. Especially around Chinese public holidays or school breaks. Prices spike fast, and rooms go quickly as the Chinese love to have a short getaway with their family during holidays.
• Reserve dinner at The Square Restaurant early. This specialty hotpot restaurant fills up fast, and once it’s booked, that’s it. The restaurant is not open daily, so make sure to check with reception before deciding to skip the night at the specialty restaurant in hopes to get a reservation on the next.
• Keep a small day bag handy for check-out day. Pack your essentials – passport, sunglasses, swimwear, phone charger, maybe a dry change of clothes, so you can still lounge by the pool or hit the bar even after you’ve checked out of your room. It’s a great way to squeeze every last drop out of your holiday.
• Wear comfy footwear. The resort is spacious, and you’ll likely be walking a lot between your room, the pool, activities, as well as the Amaze area. Flip-flops or sandals with a bit of support are your best bet.
• Download the WeChat app. Unlike the other Club Med resorts where you can find the daily schedules, activity sign-ups, spa booking, and useful resort info, in the Club Med app, China Club Med resorts uses WeChat to deal with these information.

Final Thoughts: Club Med Lijiang Review

It’s not a beach resort, and certainly not a winter ski trip. But honestly, that’s kind of the point.

Club Med Lijiang is for people who want space, air, and quiet. Families will love it, for sure, there’s enough to do that kids don’t get bored, and grandparents won’t feel left out either.

But I think couples or friend groups who just want an easy, all-inclusive break in nature will enjoy it just as much along with the private tours to the iconic landmarks nearby.

Booking Your Club Med Lijiang Getaway

If you’re ready to turn this into your next holiday, book with Travelution Holidays. We’ve been there ourselves, walked the grounds, tried the food, and scoped out the kids club, so we’re not just selling it, we’ve lived it.

Whether you want private day tour, an extra night or two in other provinces of Yunnan like Dali or Shangri-La, or even tips on which room to choose, we’re here to help. We’ll sort out the details so you can focus on enjoying your trip. Get in touch for the latest promos, room recommendations, or just to chat about what to expect. We’re always happy to share our honest take.