Lijiang Ancient Town is located in the Gucheng District of Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. Situated in the folds of the mountains within the hinterland of the Hengduan Mountains at the junction of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet provinces, it covers an area of 7.279 square kilometers. The streets in the ancient town are built alongside mountains and water, paved with red breccia, presenting a water township landscape of "clear springs flowing through every household and green willows hanging by every door," and featuring the oldest urban water supply system.
History and Culture
Lijiang Ancient Town was first built in the late Song and early Yuan dynasties and flourished in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Located at the intersection of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet, Lijiang has a long history, formed by the integration and gathering development of multiple ethnic groups. Its traditional ethnic culture takes the Dongba culture of the Naxi ethnic group as its origin and main body, integrating the cultures of Han, Tibetan, Bai, and other ethnic minorities, forming a cultural pattern of coexisting multiple ethnic cultures. It is also a gathering place for multiple religions, including Han Buddhism, the Dongba religion of the Naxi ethnic group, and the Benzhu belief of the Bai ethnic group. In 1997, Lijiang Ancient Town was listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
Main Attractions
Mufu Mansion
Mufu Mansion is one of the core attractions of Lijiang Ancient Town and was the palace of the Mu Clan chieftains in Lijiang. With grand architecture that integrates the architectural styles of the Naxi, Bai, and Han ethnic groups, it enjoys the reputation of "Forbidden City in the North, Mufu Mansion in the South."
Sifang Street (Square Street)
Sifang Street is the central square of Lijiang Ancient Town and its core commercial area. Once an important trading post on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road, it remains bustling today, with numerous shops, restaurants, and handicraft stalls.
Lion Mountain
Lion Mountain is located in the west of Lijiang Ancient Town and is the commanding height of the ancient town. From the mountain, visitors can overlook the entire Lijiang Ancient Town and the distant Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, enjoying 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 ethnic group in Lijiang, with many ancient Naxi buildings and murals, preserving much of the original landscape.
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 streams flowing through it.
Food
Cured Pork Rib Hot Pot
One of the characteristic foods of Lijiang, local cured pork ribs are used. After pickling and air-drying, they are cooked in a hot pot with various vegetables and seasonings, offering a delicious taste and fragrant aroma.
Naxi-style Roasted Pork
A traditional Naxi cuisine, pork is cut into small pieces, marinated with salt, Sichuan pepper, and other seasonings, then fried in oil until golden brown, with a crispy texture and non-greasy fat.
Bursting Tofu
A characteristic snack in Lijiang, the tofu has a crispy outer skin and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth filling, usually served with a special sauce for a unique taste.
Lijiang Baba (Pastry)
A traditional pasta in Lijiang, available in sweet and savory flavors. The sweet filling is red bean paste, and the savory filling is ham, etc. The pastry has a crispy outer layer and a soft, glutinous inner filling, making it a popular breakfast food among Lijiang residents.
Rice Noodles
Lijiang has a variety of rice noodles, such as cross-bridge rice noodles, local chicken rice noodles, and beef rice noodles. The noodles are smooth and slippery, and the soup is fresh and delicious, making them a favorite food among tourists.
Tickets
Lijiang Ancient Town is free to enter, but an old town maintenance fee of 50 yuan per person is required for visiting some paid attractions. One payment is valid for 7 days, so please keep the receipt.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "丽江古城游" to get the latest updates, make online reservations, and pay the old town maintenance fee online.
Opening Hours
Lijiang Ancient Town is open 24 hours a day.
Tour Routes
One-day tour route: Water Wheel - Sifang Street - Mufu Mansion - Lion Mountain - Black Dragon Pool. Enter the ancient town from the Water Wheel, then go to Sifang Street to experience the lively atmosphere. Next, visit Mufu Mansion to learn about Lijiang's history and culture, climb Lion Mountain to overlook the ancient town, and finally go to Black Dragon Pool to enjoy the natural scenery.
Two-day tour route: Day 1, Shuhe Ancient Town - Baisha Ancient Town; Day 2, Water Wheel - Sifang Street - Mufu Mansion - Lion Mountain - Black Dragon Pool. Spend the first day in Shuhe and Baisha Ancient Towns to experience their tranquility and simplicity, then follow the one-day tour route to explore Dayan Ancient Town on the second day.
Transportation
- Airplane: Lijiang Sanyi International Airport is about 30 kilometers away from Lijiang Ancient Town. You can take an airport bus or taxi to the ancient town.
- Train: Lijiang Railway Station is about 10 kilometers away from Lijiang Ancient Town. You can take a bus or taxi to the ancient town.
- Bus: Lijiang has multiple bus terminals, and visitors can choose a suitable terminal to take a bus to the ancient town according to their itinerary.
- Intra-city transportation: Motor vehicles are prohibited in Lijiang Ancient Town. Visitors can walk or take an electric cart to tour the ancient town.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Mufu Mansion: With magnificent architecture and deep cultural heritage, it allows for an in-depth understanding of Naxi history and culture.
- Sifang Street: The core of the ancient town, bustling and lively, where you can experience the commercial atmosphere and folk customs of the ancient town.
- Lion Mountain: The commanding height of the ancient town, offering a panoramic view of the ancient town and the beautiful scenery of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Tour Tips
- Learn about the history, culture, and customs of the ancient town in advance to better appreciate and experience it.
- As there are many stone-paved roads in the ancient town, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
- Lijiang is located on a plateau with strong UV rays. Take sun protection measures and bring sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, etc.
- If time permits, stay in the ancient town for a few more days to slowly experience its leisurely life.
Notes
- Respect local customs and habits. Do not enter Naxi residences arbitrarily or take photos without permission.
- Pay attention to environmental protection, do not litter, and do not damage public facilities.
- There are many tourists in the ancient town. Be cautious of fraud and do not easily believe in promotions by strangers.
- Lijiang has a high altitude. Prevent altitude sickness by having a physical examination in advance, taking breaks during tours, drinking more water, and avoiding strenuous exercise.