Old Town of Lijiang, Yunnan: A Journey Through Time

Lijiang Old Town – UNESCO-listed Ancient Town of Naxi People

Lijiang Old Town in Yunnan Province, China, is a more than 800-year-old historical gem waiting to be explored. It is also named Dayan Old Town. In December 199, the Old Town of Lijiang, together with the Black Dragon Pool, Baisha Old Town and Shuhe Old Town were inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list.

Lijiang Ancient Town, from the general layout of the city to its architectural style combines the various elements of the Naxi, Han, Bai, Yi, Tibetan, and Han. The roads in the city are not strictly planned, and there are no strict city walls. With its cobblestone alleys, ancient wooden houses, and stunning Naxi ethnic minority culture, the beautiful Old Town of Lijiang is a must-see destination for any classic Yunnan tours.

Millions of tourists visit Lijiang Old Town each year, which has led to a commercialization of the area. Still, it’s well worth the trip. Read on to Lijiang Old Town facts, what to do, what to eat, and how to get to Lijiang Old Town.

Lijiang Old Town Facts

In Chinese:丽江古城 (lì jiāng gǔ chéng), 大研古城 (dà yán gǔ chéng)
Area: 27 km²(2.8 square miles)
Opening hours: It can be accessed all day. You can enter from any entrance.
Entrance fee: RMB50 per person
Time Needed: 1-2 days to fully walk aroundthe town and appreciate the famous landmarks.
Highlights: UNESCO-listed ancient city, traditional Naxi culture, ancient streets and architectures, stunning natural landscapessurrounding, and delicious local cuisine.
Suited to: Anyone, including history buffs, culture enthusiasts,nature lovers, families with kids, and couples.

Lijiang Old Town Yunnan — Lijiang Old Town

What to Do and See in Lijiang Old Town

Stroll through a Maze of Streets

The Old Town of Lijiang is like a huge maze connected by its narrow, winding cobblestone streets. One of the best ways to tour Lijiang Old Town during night or day time is simply wandering the streets, lanes and bridges to discover traditional wooden courtyards, Naxi heritages, and small boutique shops that are selling handicrafts, foods, and souvenirs. When walking around, don’t miss the famous Sifang Street, Mufu Mansion, Black Dragon Pool, Wangu Pavilion, etc. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time as you explore the rich history and culture of this ancient town.

Most Popular tours to Lijiang Old Town:

Experience the Unique Naxi Culture and Art

The Naxi people have called Lijiang Old Town home for centuries. The Naxi language is a member of the Yi branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family. The Naxi people are renowned for their distinctive poetry, painting, sculpture, music, and dancing.

As you explore the old town of Lijiang, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about Naxi people’s traditional dress, customs, ancient Naxi music, murals, and Dongba script – the last remaining hieroglyphic writing system in the world.

Admire Mu’s Residence (Mu Wood Mansion)

Mu’s Residence or Mufu Palace, the former home of Lijiang’s ruling family, is located at the foot of Lion Hill in Lijiang Old Town. Originally built in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368 AD), it was rebuilt in 1998 as the Ancient City Museum.

Mufu Palace is an architectural marvel that showcases the finest elements of Naxi and Han Chinese design. Listen to your local guide telling the history and stories that happened at this palace. Explore its ornate courtyards, halls, pavilions, and gardens, which offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Lijiang’s past kings.

View Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from the Black Dragon Pool

Located just outside Lijiang Old Town, the Black Dragon Pool is a picturesque park featuring a serene pond, ancient temples, and a stunning mountain backdrop. Be sure to bring your camera, as the pool offers the most breathtaking views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from Lijiang Old Town.

Ascend Wagu Tower

There is a mountain in the southwest corner of Dayan Ancient City of Lijiang, which looks like an evil sleeping lion guarding the ancient city, that is Lion Mountain. Wangu Tower is a five-star classical wooden structure built on the top of the Lion mountain, with a height of 32.8 meters and 16 24-meter-long wooden columns leading to the top. There are 12,600 Naxi style dragon heads on the upper floor, which has the largest number in the world.

Feast on Local Flavor of Lijiang

Looking for what to eat in Lijiang Old Town? Lijiang cuisine, influenced by Naxi and Tibetan cultures, boasts a variety of local flavors offered at the authentic neighborhood restaurants or a simple vendor’s stand.

Don’t miss the popular local foods like Lijiang baba (pan-fried barley bread), Chicken bean jelly, Er Kuai (rice-flour cake), Naxi hot pot, Preserved pork ribs, Naxi barbecue, etc.

Lijiang Black Dragon Pool Yunnan — Admire the Black Dragon Pool

Lijiang Weather and Best Time to Visit Lijiang Old Town

The climate of Lijiang Old Town is influenced by the South Asian plateau winds. Therefore it has distinct dry and wet seasons and little change in temperature for most months. Monthly minimum temperature in the annual average of 7.75 degrees Celsius, monthly maximum temperature in the annual average of 19.33 degrees Celsius, the highest temperature in 24 degrees Celsius.

Due to its special geographical location, it is in the sunshine zone throughout the year and snow-capped mountains are visible all year round.

The best time to visit Lijiang Old Town is the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months. During these months, Lijiang weather is mild and pleasant, and the scenery is really stunning.

However, if you don’t mind cold temperatures, the winter months (December to February) offer a peaceful atmosphere on Lijiang Old Town, with fewer tourists.

How to Get to Lijiang Old Town

By air: Lijiang Sanyi International Airport is the primary gateway to Lijiang Old Town. Fly to Lijiang from Kunming, Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Chongqing, or many other cities. From the airport, take a taxi or shuttle bus directly to Lijiang Old Town.

By train: Alternatively, you can take a normal / high sleep train to arrive Lijiang Railway Station, which connects the city to popular Chinese destinations such as Kunming, Dali, Chengdu, and Shangri-La. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or public bus to reach Lijiang Old Town.

By Bus: Lijiang is located at the intersection of Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet provinces. Roads are the most common way to get in and out of Lijiang. There are several bus and passenger stations in Lijiang, where you can take a taxi or public bus to the old town.

Famous Tourist Attractions Nearby Lijiang Old Town

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: About 20km away from Lijiang Old Town, the majestic Snow Mountain can be seen from the old town area. Enjoy breathtaking natural beauty and exciting cable car rides.

Tiger Leaping Gorge: One of the world’s deepest and most dramatic gorges, Tiger Leaping Gorge is a must-visit in Lijiang for adventure seekers. It usually takes 1 to 2 days to hike Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Shuhe Ancient Town: Another well-preserved ancient town near Dayan Old Town of Lijiang, Shuhe boasts a similar charm yet with less tourist crowds. It’s an excellent addition to your Lijiang tour itinerary.

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Lijiang Old Town Facts