China Travel Guide - Lijiang

Author: Editorial Committee of "China Travel Guide"
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2001-05-01
Features: Lijiang is a uniquely charming tourist destination, where the rich ethnic customs and profound cultural heritage form a vibrant and colorful regional culture. Lijiang, with its mystical allure of "one snow-capped mountain for one city and one river for one lake," calls to the hearts of those seeking a return to simplicity and authenticity in their travels. Countless people have become captivated and lost in its mystery. In the northwest of Yunnan Province, China, lies a magical and beautiful place—Lijiang. Named after the Jinsha River, Lijiang is located at the southern edge of the Hengduan Mountains, in the middle course of the Jinsha River, where the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau meets the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. It spans from 99°23′ east longitude to 101°31′ east longitude and from 25°59′ north latitude to 27°56′ north latitude. The east-west width is 212.5 kilometers, the north-south length is 213.5 kilometers, and the total area of the region is 20,600 square kilometers. Lijiang has a topography that slopes from southeast to northwest, with complex and diverse landforms. The Jinsha River flows through the entire region, where towering peaks and winding rivers are scattered across the landscape. The area features a mix of mountainous terrain, flatlands, and other diverse landforms, with an elevation difference of up to 4,581 meters. The vertical variation in climate and plant distribution is evident, ranging from subtropical to alpine climates. It exhibits a typical "vertical climate" characteristic, with an average annual temperature of 12.6–19.9°C and an average annual precipitation of 910–1,040 millimeters. Winters are mild, and summers are cool. Lijiang includes four counties: Lijiang Naxi Autonomous County, Yongsheng, Huaping, and Ninglang Yi Autonomous County. To the northwest, it borders Lamping County of Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Zhongdian County of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, and Weixi Lisu Autonomous County in Yunnan Province. To the southeast, it adjoins Jianchuan County, Heqing County, Binchuan County of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, and Dayao County of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture. To the northeast, it is adjacent to Muli County, Yanyuan County, and Yanbian County of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province. The total population of the region is 1.09 million. There are currently 22 ethnic groups, including Han, Naxi, Lisu, Bai, Pumi, Dai, Miao, and Tibetan, among others. The minority population reaches 620,000, accounting for 57% of the total population.