Lijiang Old Town

Spot Introduction

Lijiang Old Town, founded in the late Southern Song Dynasty, is one of the best-preserved ancient minority towns in China. It was inscribed on the World Cultural Heritage List in 1997. The town, built against the mountains, covers an area of 7.279 square kilometers with a core area of 1.6 square kilometers at an altitude of over 2400 meters. Centered around Sifang Street, the town is radially laid out, with streets and alleys winding their way through the mountains, forming a unique landscape of “three mountains as screens and one river connecting them.”

The architecture of the town combines the characteristics of multiple ethnic groups such as the Naxi, Han, Tibetan, and Bai, with typical layouts like “three courtyards and one screen wall” and “four courtyards and five skylights.” Most of the houses are built with a combination of wood and earth, featuring gray tiles and white walls, carved beams and painted rafters, and exquisite wood, stone, and brick carvings can be seen everywhere. The town has over 300 well-preserved Ming and Qing architectural complexes, among which Mu Palace, Lion Mountain, and Wan’gu Tower are the most representative.

The water system of the ancient town is remarkable. The Yuhe River splits into three branches at the Yulong Bridge north of the city and then divides into countless tributaries that run through the streets and alleys, creating a unique landscape of “running water in every household and weeping willows at every door.” There are 354 bridges in the ancient town, with the highest density in the country. Ancient bridges such as the Dashiqiao, Wanzi Bridge, and Ma’an Bridge are unique in their designs and exquisite craftsmanship.

As the birthplace of Naxi culture, the ancient town preserves a complete Dongba cultural system. Intangible cultural heritages such as Dongba pictographic characters, Naxi ancient music, and Dongba painting are inherited and developed here. The “Sanduo Festival” on the eighth day of the second lunar month is the most important traditional festival of the Naxi people, during which grand sacrificial activities and folklore performances are held in the ancient town.

In recent years, the Old Town of Lijiang has struck a balance between protection and development, establishing a comprehensive protection and management system. Motor vehicles are prohibited in the Old Town, traditional buildings have been repaired and preserved, and intangible cultural heritage has been inherited and developed. Today, the Old Town of Lijiang is not only a tourist destination but also a living museum for studying ethnic minority cultures, architectural art, and urban planning.

Must-Visit Attractions

1. Sifang Street

   • Center of the Old Town
   • Naxi Culture
   • Suggested Visiting Time: 120 minutes

2. Mu Fu

   • Tusi’s Palace
   • Historical Architecture
   • Suggested Visiting Time: 120 minutes

3. Lion Mountain

   • Overlooking the Old Town
   • Wan’gu Tower
   • Suggested Visiting Time: 90 minutes

4. Dayan Old Town

   • Naxi Houses
   • Exploring Water Alleys
   • Suggested Visiting Time: 180 minutes

Visiting Suggestions

1. Best Touring Route

   • Day 1: Sifang Street → Mu Fu
   • Day 2: Lion Mountain → Dayan Old Town
   • Take your time to fully experience the area.

2. Visiting Schedule

   • Morning: Stroll through the streets.
   • Evening: Enjoy the scenery.
   • Night: Immerse yourself in the atmosphere.

3. Practical Tips

   • Sunscreen is essential.
   • Wear comfortable shoes.
   • Carry enough cash.

Transportation Guide

• Airplane: Lijiang Sanyi Airport
• Train: Lijiang Station
• Bus: Special line to the Old Town
• Within the Old Town: Mainly on foot

Recommended Foods Nearby

1. Naxi Ham
2. Lijiang Baba (a local pancake)
3. Chicken Bean Jelly
4. Salmon

Special Reminders

1. Prevent altitude sickness.
2. Sunscreen is a must.
3. Respect local customs.
4. Protect the environment.
5. Stay safe.
6. Carry cash.
7. Ideal for photography.
8. Avoid peak seasons.