Short answer
Lijiang has charged an old town maintenance fee in the past, and enforcement has varied. Check the current rule when you arrive; some attractions and guesthouses may collect it or include it in a bundle.
What it is
The old town maintenance fee is a local charge intended to fund conservation and infrastructure. It has been applied inconsistently over the years: sometimes checked at entrances, sometimes collected by hotels or tour operators, sometimes not enforced.
Do not assume it is included in your ticket or room rate. Ask your guesthouse whether it is collected, and keep the receipt if you pay. Rules can change, so check locally rather than relying on older blog posts.
Budgeting for it
If it applies, it is a modest one-off cost rather than a daily charge. It does not replace the Jade Dragon ticket or museum entries. The budget briefing includes a line for local fees.
Some travellers are never asked; others pay on arrival. Either way, it should not change your plans. The old town guide covers what is free and what is ticketed.
Related questions
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