Easy Travel Guide to Lijiang

Author: Chen Lin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: Lijiang is located in the northwest of Yunnan Province and is a place inhabited by the Naxi ethnic group. Lijiang Dayan Ancient Town, also known as the old city of Lijiang, is situated at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the north of Lijiang City. It was first built during the southern campaign of Kublai Khan, the Yuan Dynasty ruler, over 800 years ago. Due to its surrounded by mountains and rivers, with clear waters flowing in the city, it resembles a large green inkstone, hence the name "Dayan." With its enchanting natural beauty, magnificent landscapes, and long history, the ancient town is filled with a strong sense of ethnic cultural heritage. On December 4, 1997, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee's 21st session approved the inclusion of Lijiang Ancient Town on the World Heritage List. Lijiang has ancient streets paved with stone slabs, and the streets in the town center are lined with flowing water. Some of the vanished water channels suddenly reappear after passing through walls and houses, only to emerge again under the corners of walls elsewhere. By the sides of the streets and water channels, willow trees sway gently over the water. The densely packed shops and residential houses, along with tree branches and flower stems occasionally extending from the rooftops, cast dappled and swaying shadows over the ancient town. The traditional residential buildings in Dayan Town are mostly-structured tiled houses with the layout of "three rooms and one open wall." The foundations are built with stones, the middle sections with adobe or bricks, and the upper sections with wooden boards. The eaves extend outward, with a "wind-and-fire board" installed at each end of the beams to protect the water outlets. Some families also attach a leaf-shaped wooden piece to the corner of the "wind-and-fire board," carved with auspicious patterns or simply carved into the shape of a fish, known as "hanging fish," to wish for "abundance and good fortune." The main houses are often multi-story buildings, with three rooms on each floor, and the doors and windows are intricately carved with flowers, fish patterns, and delicate, exquisite designs.