music bars. night life. lijiang

I first travelled to Lijiang Old Town 5 years ago and have been going back 2 times a year ever since. Stay away from the main tourist streets,  you will find a wonderful quiet atmosphere in back streets and alleys. Try to meet some of the guest house owners and bar owners there are many interesting "transplants" who found a peaceful life in Lijiang with great stories. The best places to find good music are nowhere near the bar street. Bar street is a big loud drunk. Water Nymph is more sophistacted and Freshnam bar is a new western style bar with good western music and great atmosphere, right next to Mama Naxi Guesthouse. Stone the Crows is the best late night Irish bar.