Lijiang Old Town is located in the Gucheng District of Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. It lies in the folds of the mountains in the hinterland of the Hengduan Mountains at the junction of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet, covering an area of 7.279 square kilometers. The streets in the old town are built along the mountains and waters and paved with red breccia, presenting a water town landscape of "clear springs flowing by every household and green willows hanging by every door." It has the oldest urban water supply system.
History and Culture
Lijiang Old Town was first built in the late Song Dynasty and early Yuan Dynasty and flourished in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Lijiang is located at the intersection of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet and has a long history. It was formed through the integration and development of multiple ethnic groups. Its traditional ethnic culture is based on and centered on the Dongba culture of the Naxi people, while also integrating the cultures of ethnic minorities such as the Han, Tibetan, and Bai, forming a cultural form in which multiple ethnic cultures coexist. It is also a place where multiple religions converge, including Han Chinese Buddhism, the Dongba religion of the Naxi people, and the Benzhu worship of the Bai people. In 1997, Lijiang Old Town was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Main Attractions
Mu Mansion
Mu Mansion is one of the core attractions of Lijiang Old Town. It was the palace of the Mu clan, the local chieftains of Lijiang. The architecture is magnificent and integrates the architectural styles of ethnic groups such as the Naxi, Bai, and Han. It is known as "there is the Forbidden City in the north and Mu Mansion in the south."
Sifang Street
Sifang Street is the central square of Lijiang Old Town and the core commercial area of the old town. It was once an important trading place on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Today it is still bustling with numerous shops, restaurants, and handicraft stalls.
Lion Hill
Lion Hill is located in the western part of Lijiang Old Town and is the highest point of the old town. From the hill, visitors can overlook the entire Lijiang Old Town and the distant Yulong Snow Mountain. The scenery is very beautiful.
Black Dragon Pool
Black Dragon Pool is an important water source for Lijiang Old Town. The 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 buildings and murals and retains a relatively original appearance.
Shuhe Ancient Town
Shuhe Ancient Town is an important part of Lijiang Old Town and was also a hub of the ancient Tea Horse Road. The buildings in the ancient town are simple and elegant, with streams flowing through the town.
Tour Routes：
One-day tour route: Waterwheel - Sifang Street - Mu Mansion - Lion Hill - Black Dragon Pool. You can enter from the old town's Waterwheel, then come to Sifang Street to experience the lively atmosphere of the old town. Next, visit Mu Mansion to learn about Lijiang's history and culture, then climb Lion Hill to overlook the panoramic view of the old 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, Waterwheel - Sifang Street - Mu Mansion - Lion Hill - Black Dragon Pool. On the first day, go first to Shuhe Ancient Town and Baisha Ancient Town to experience the simple and peaceful atmosphere of these two ancient towns; on the second day, follow the one-day tour route to visit the Dayan Old Town.
Travel Tips：
Learn about the history, culture, and customs of the old town in advance so that you can better appreciate and experience it.
There are many stone-paved roads in the old town, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
Lijiang is located on a plateau with strong ultraviolet rays. Pay attention to sun protection and bring sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, and so on.
If time permits, you can stay in the old town for a few more days and slowly experience its leisurely life.
Precautions：
Respect local customs and habits. Do not enter Naxi residences without permission, 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 old town. Be alert to fraud and do not easily trust strangers' sales pitches.
Lijiang is at a relatively high altitude. Prevent altitude sickness, undergo a physical examination in advance, pay attention to rest during the tour, drink more water, and avoid strenuous exercise.
Transportation：
By plane: Lijiang Sanyi International Airport is about 30 kilometers from Lijiang Old Town. You can take an airport shuttle bus, taxi, etc., to the old town.
By train: Lijiang Railway Station is about 10 kilometers from Lijiang Old Town. You can take a bus, taxi, etc., to the old town.
By bus: Lijiang has multiple bus passenger stations. Tourists can choose the appropriate station according to their itinerary to travel to the old town.
Local transportation: Motor vehicles are prohibited in Lijiang Old Town. Tourists can walk or take sightseeing carts to tour the old town.
Opening Hours：
Lijiang Old Town is open all day.
Tickets：
Lijiang Old Town is free to enter. If you need to visit some paid attractions, you also need to pay an old town maintenance fee of 50 yuan per person. One payment is valid for 7 days. Please keep the receipt.