Attending a Naxi concert is one of the more popular evening activities in Lijiang. The original Naxi Orchestra at the Naxi Guyue Hui (Naxi Music Academy) is led by esteemed Naxi ethnomusicologist Xuan Ke, who delivers witty introductions and explanations to the music and instruments in both English and Chinese but mainly Chinese. Nightly performances are held at the Naxi Concert Hall (Dong Dajie) from 8 to 9:30pm. Purchase tickets for ¥120 to ¥180 ahead of time; performances are frequently sold out. Directly across the street, the Dongba Gong offers a second option for Naxi song and dance performances at 8:30pm. Tickets are ¥160 or ¥120. Best of all is the song and dance show at Highland Gale, just above the waterwheel in the Old Town, near the parking lot, on the second floor. The nightly show starts at 9:30pm. The door is tiny and unprepossessing, and the weathered sign above the door hard to see. This is an all Tibetan show and you are only charged for what you eat or drink. Surely the best deal in town, and certainly the best Tibetan performance. Finally there is the Zhang Yimou branded extravaganza out at Jade Dragon Mountain. Show time is around noon (the time changes from time to time so check before you go). Take bus no. 7 which leaves from the junction of Fu Hui Lu and Minzu Lu. The ticket is pricey at ¥180 but the show is world class. It's a song and dance about the life on the Tea and Horse Caravan Trail that actually conveys the feel of those bygone days.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.