Liuku is in Northwestern Yunnan.
Liuku is not a tourist destination. It is a transport hub that is necessary to pass through to head north up the Nujiang valley. This city, however, is very clean and pleasant. It is a relaxing place to stop over for a few days.
Busses run between Liuku and Gongshan, Kunming and Xiaguan. Busses also run north to Bingzhongluo, but the road is still a no-through road, so after seeing Bingzhongluo you must back track to Liuku. The bus station is a little out of the center of town (around 10-15 yuan in a taxi), but tickets can be bought prior to departure in a small shop behind the Mingzheng hotel.
Taxi's and walk, the city is not too large.
A pathway runs up the hill from the foot bridge and along the top, you can get a great view of the city. This path is easy to find as it is illuminated with neon lights at night. The riverside is quite busy at night, take a walk to see the locals dancing or to have a drink at one of the many bars.
There are a lot of Wedding dress shops around town.
Bars, restaurants and karaoke bars are dotted along the river front.
No hostels, many business hotels are cheap enough and decent. Mingzheng hotel is the best in town, but expensive.
Busses run from Liuku to Bingzhongluo twice a day (07:20 and midday). The bus ride will be nine hours, along bumpy roads and cliff faces. Busses will often be small and cramped. The scenery, however, is beautiful. Bingzhongluo is a must see for nature lovers and hikers.