Lijiang Ancient Town

Ancient Town, Lijiang

（丽江古城 lì jiāng gǔ chéng）

The Lijiang Ancient Town (also known as Dayan Ancient Town) has been a commercial, political and cultural center of the Naxi people and other ethnic groups for over eight centuries.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site approved in 1997, Lijiang,with its Naxi people, still preserve much of their native Dongba culture and deep spiritual connection to nature.

Designated as a town around the beginning of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), the old town is said to be the only old city built without a city wall in China. From 1253 on, the Naxi people of Lijiang developed a unique social system, customs and culture of their own under the rule of a hereditary succession of chieftains of the Mu clan.

Lijiang may spoil you with its beauty. Snow-capped mountain vistas, ancient architecture and streets, canals and waterways, and the Naxi people and their distinct culture combine to make Lijiang leave a lasting cultural value to humankind. The aged wooden buildings decked with hanging red lanterns and local musicians playing their centuries-old Naxi instruments in the time-worn streets, display a lifestyle and culture that seem lost in time.

Scenic Spot Level: AAAAA

Opening Hours: all day around

Ticket Price: 80 yuan ($11.53) as maintenance cost for the old town (8:30 am-19:00 pm)

Address: Gucheng district, Lijiang, Yunnan province

Note:
Please respect local folk customs.