Lijiang Old Town
Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is China’s best-preserved Naxi ethnic ancient city. Founded in the Song Dynasty (13th century), it thrived as a Tea Horse Road hub, blending Naxi, Han, and Tibetan cultures. Famed for its cobblestone streets, canals, and Dongba script, it offers a living museum of ancient China.
Historical Overview
Established in 1253 under the Yuan Dynasty, the town grew as a trade center for salt, tea, and horses. The Mu clan ruled here for 470 years, building the iconic Mu’s Residence. In 1997, UNESCO recognized its "unique fusion of ethnic styles." Key events include the 1996 earthquake’s destruction and subsequent restoration, preserving its Ming-Qing architecture.
Structural Layout
1. The town follows a free-form layout with:sifang street: Central plaza with a waterwheel, markets, and cafes.
2. Canals: 354 stone bridges cross the "Venice of the East" water system.
3. Naxi Houses: Traditional courtyard homes with carved wooden beams and slate roofs.
4. Key Zones: Dayan Old Town (core area), Shuhe Ancient Town (satellite village), and Black Dragon Pool Park.
（Part of the building exterior）
Major Attractions
Mu’s Residence: 14th-century palace with 99% original Ming-era structures.
Black Dragon Pool: Mirror-like lake reflecting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Wangu Tower: Pagoda offering 360° views of the town and mountains.
Naxi Ancient Music Hall: Daily performances of "Baisha Xiyue" (UNESCO-listed music).
Wenchang Palace: 17th-century Confucian temple with murals.
Square Street Market: Nightly crafts, snacks, and Naxi instruments.
Baisha Murals: 14th-century Buddhist/Taoist frescoes in Daju Village.
（Heilongtan Park）
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (3–4 hours):
Sifang Street → Mu’s Residence → Wenchang Palace → Black Dragon Pool.
Highlights: Core architecture, history, and mountain views.
- Cultural Route (5–6 hours):
Baisha Village → Daju Murals → Shuhe Ancient Town → Naxi Music Hall.
Highlights: Traditional crafts, rural Naxi life, and music.
- Immersive Route (Full Day):
Combine both routes, adding a Jade Dragon Snow Mountain shuttle (¥140 round-trip).
Ticket Purchase
Lijiang Ancient Town: Free entry (individual attractions charge fees).
Mu’s Residence: ¥40 (adults), ¥20 (students/seniors).
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: ¥100 (entrance) + cable car ¥140.
Combined Pass (3 Days): ¥100 (covers 20+ sites).
（Jade Dragon Snow Mountain）
Transportation
To Lijiang:
Air: Fly to Sanyi Airport (LJG), then shuttle bus (¥25, 45 mins) to Old Town.
Train: High-speed rail from Kunming/Dali (3–2.5 hours).
Local:
Bus: Route #11 from Lijiang Station to Sifang Street (¥1, 30 mins).
Taxi: ¥15–20 from Old Town to Mu’s Residence.
Bike Rental: ¥10–20/hour near hotels.
Best Time & Tips
Avoid Crowds: Visit Nov–Mar (off-season) or weekdays.
Best Seasons: Spring (Mar–May) for blossoms; autumn (Sep–Oct) for festivals.
Wear: Comfy shoes (cobblestones!), raincoat (May–Sep rains).
Respect: Naxi traditions; don’t touch Dongba murals.
Eco-Tip: Use reusable bags (plastic banned).
Try: Jidou Liangfen (chickpea jelly) and Naxi Pizza (rosemary-scented bread).
Related attractions
Recommened Itinerary
Dali and Lijiang Old Town Tour
If you would like to ask more questions about attractions or have a personalized itinerary, please contact us
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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
FAQ
Q & A
Asked by Walker Smith from USA | October 23,2025 14:35
The weather of Lijiang
I heard the weather in Lijiang is unpredictable. What kind of clothes should I pack before going there? Do I need to bring sunscreen?
Asked by Joan Carl from UK | October 21,2025 17:57
Lijiang Three-Day Tour
We only have three days in Lijiang, and we don't want to rush through the sights. Could you recommend a classic itinerary that includes both natural scenery and cultural experiences?
