Go and do a hike in Tiger leaping Gorge - it's a 2 hr drive from Lijiang (get a taxi, not that expensive RMB200 ish each way, and much faster than bus). There are many "tours" to TLG but they just go a little way in and gawp at the river - the true spectacle of the gorge is much better appreciated from the hiking track so either take a car into the gorge and do a walk, or start the trek from qiatiaou (that's not spelled right) and just do a few hours hike into the gorge if you are not that fit, you will see some lovely views. Then taxi home down the nasty new road which is annoying but very convenient!
See here for some hiking info and a map www.tigerleapinggorge.com