Lijiang Ancient Town is located in the Old Town District of Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. It sits in the hinterland of the Hengduan Mountains at the junction of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet, within the folds of mountains, covering an area of 7.279 square kilometers. The streets in the ancient town are built along the mountains and rivers, paved with red breccia, presenting a water town landscape where "every household has clear springs flowing and willows hanging down". It also boasts the oldest urban water supply system in the region.
Historical Culture
Lijiang Ancient Town was founded in the late Song and early Yuan dynasties and flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Situated at the intersection of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet, Lijiang has a long history and has developed through the integration and gathering of multiple ethnic groups. Its traditional ethnic culture takes the Dongba culture of the Naxi people as its origin and core, integrating the cultures of the Han, Tibetan, Bai, and other ethnic minorities, forming a cultural pattern where multiple ethnic cultures coexist. This place is also a gathering place for multiple religions, including Han Buddhism, the Dongba religion of the Naxi people, and the Benzhu belief of the Bai people. In 1997, Lijiang Ancient Town was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a cultural heritage site.
Major Attractions
Mufu Mansion
Mufu Mansion is one of the core attractions of Lijiang Ancient Town. It was the palace of the Mu chieftains of Lijiang in ancient times. With a magnificent architectural style, it integrates the architectural characteristics of the Naxi, Bai, and Han ethnic groups, and enjoys the reputation that "there is the Forbidden City in the north, and Mufu Mansion in the south".
Sifang Street
Sifang Street is the central square and core commercial area of Lijiang Ancient Town. It was once an important trading post on the Ancient Tea Horse Road and remains bustling today, with numerous shops, restaurants, and handcraft stalls.
Lion Mountain
Lion Mountain is located in the west of Lijiang Ancient Town and is the highest point of the town. From the mountain, you can overlook the entire Lijiang Ancient Town and the distant Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with extremely beautiful scenery.
Black Dragon Pool
Black Dragon Pool is an important water source for Lijiang Ancient Town. The pool water is crystal clear, and the surrounding scenery is beautiful, with many ancient buildings and garden landscapes.
Baisha Ancient Town
Baisha Ancient Town is one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi people in Lijiang. It has many ancient Naxi-style buildings and murals, preserving a large number of original features.
Shuhe Ancient Town
Shuhe Ancient Town is an important part of Lijiang Ancient Town and a hub of the ancient Tea Horse Road. The architectural style in the town is simple and elegant, with a stream running through it.
Tour Routes
One-Day Tour Route
Waterwheel → Sifang Street → Mufu Mansion → Lion Mountain → Black Dragon Pool. You can enter the ancient town from the Waterwheel, then go to Sifang Street to experience the lively atmosphere of the town. Next, visit Mufu Mansion to learn about Lijiang's historical culture, climb Lion Mountain to enjoy a panoramic view of the ancient town, and finally go to Black Dragon Pool to appreciate the natural scenery.
Two-Day Tour Route
- Day 1: Shuhe Ancient Town → Baisha Ancient Town. On the first day, visit Shuhe Ancient Town and Baisha Ancient Town to experience the simplicity and tranquility of these two towns.
- Day 2: Waterwheel → Sifang Street → Mufu Mansion → Lion Mountain → Black Dragon Pool. On the second day, follow the one-day tour route to visit Dayan Ancient Town (the main part of Lijiang Ancient Town).
Travel Tips
- Learn about the historical culture and customs of the ancient town in advance to better appreciate and experience it.
- There are many stone-paved roads in the ancient town, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
- Lijiang is located on a plateau with strong ultraviolet radiation. Pay attention to sun protection by bringing sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, etc.
- If you have enough time, you can stay in the ancient town for a few more days to slowly experience the leisurely life here.
Notes
- Respect local customs and habits. Do not enter Naxi people's houses at will, and do not take photos without permission.
- Pay attention to environmental protection. Do not litter or damage public facilities.
- There are many tourists in the ancient town, so be alert to fraud and do not easily trust promotions from strangers.
- Lijiang is at a relatively high altitude, so take precautions against altitude sickness. Have a physical examination in advance, take rest during the tour, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous exercise.
Transportation
- By Air: Lijiang Sanyi International Airport is about 30 kilometers away from Lijiang Ancient Town. You can take an airport bus, taxi, or other means of transportation to the ancient town.
- By Train: Lijiang Railway Station is about 10 kilometers away from Lijiang Ancient Town. You can take a bus, taxi, or other means of transportation to the ancient town.
- By Bus: Lijiang has multiple bus stations. Tourists can choose the appropriate station to take a bus to the ancient town according to their itinerary.
- Intra-city Transportation: Motor vehicles are prohibited in Lijiang Ancient Town. Tourists can walk or take an electric car to tour the ancient town.
Opening Hours
Lijiang Ancient Town is open 24 hours a day.
Tickets
Lijiang Ancient Town is open to the public for free. If you need to visit some paid attractions, you also need to pay a maintenance fee of 50 yuan per person for the ancient town, which is valid for 7 days once paid. Please keep the receipt properly.
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic spot "丽江古城游" to get the latest updates, make online reservations, and pay the ancient town maintenance fee online.