<p>Under the ongoing negotiation of ‘mobility’ and ‘localization’, tourism migrants seek to construct new identities through their active engagement with a specific place. The focus of this study is on guesthouse owners in Lijiang Old Town. It utilizes qualitative research methods, such as participant observation and semi-structured interviews, to investigate the daily practices and identity construction of tourism lifestyle entrepreneurs (TLEs). The place practices of guesthouse owners encompass elements of experiential slow living, economical work activities, and emotional social interactions, which are essential for these individuals as they strive to establish new identities. Through their micro-level practices, guesthouse owners seek to cultivate their ideal selves, authentic selves, and a collective identity as ‘new Lijiang migrant’. The theoretical implications of this study contribute to the understanding of identity construction and behavioral choices among micro-level actors in their everyday practices. Additionally, it provides practical insights for tourism migrants in destinations who aim to integrate actively into their local communities.</p>