The Old Town of Lijiang is located in Lijiang City in the northwest of Yunnan Province. Built in the late Song and early Yuan dynasties and flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it boasts a long history. Situated at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain, the old town consists of three areas: Dayan Old Town (including the Black Dragon Pool Scenic Area), the Baisha Residential Complex, and the Shuhe Residential Complex. Covering a total area of 7.28 square kilometers at an elevation of 2,416 meters, the main part of the Old Town of Lijiang is Dayan Old Town, named "Dayan" because its layout resembles a large jade inkstone.

Selected Attractions

Mufu Mansion

Mufu Mansion was originally the administrative residence of the Mu clan, hereditary Tusi rulers of Lijiang. Located on the eastern slope of Lion Hill in the old town, it covers 46 mu (about 7.57 acres). The complex contains 162 rooms of various sizes, with a central axis stretching 369 meters. From west to east, Sanqing Hall, Yuyin Tower, Guangbi Tower, Dharma Protector Hall, Wanjuan Tower, the Council Hall, and the Loyalty and Righteousness Archway are arranged in orderly sequence. Grand and magnificent in style, Mufu Mansion’s architecture draws inspiration from the Forbidden City and is known as "the Forbidden City in the North and Mufu Mansion in the South."

Wangu Tower

At the southwestern corner of Dayan Old Town stands a hill that resembles a crouching lion guarding the town, known as Lion Hill. Wangu Tower, a fully wooden viewing pavilion built atop Lion Hill, marks the highest point of the old town. From here, visitors can take in a panoramic view of the entire town.

Sifang Street

Sifang Street is located at the center of the Old Town of Lijiang, where roads extend in all directions and quiet alleys wind around it. It is said to have been built during the Ming Dynasty by the Mu clan Tusi in the shape of their official seal, and once served as an important hub along the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Sifang Street is the liveliest street in the old town, especially enchanting at night, with numerous bars and teahouses lining the riverbanks.

Nearby Attractions

Lijiang Romance Park

The scenic area can be described as a "living ancient town of the Tea Horse Street." Inside the area, themed zones such as Tea Horse Ancient Street, Nacuo Sea, Snow Mountain Beach, and ethnic villages offer a different view at every step, showcasing thousands of years of Lijiang culture and historical charm. The grand song and dance performance "The Romantic Show of Lijiang" along with spectacular shows such as "Mufu Zhao Xu," "Guozhuang Carnival," "Ethnic Flash Mob," and "Horse Caravan Parade," are staged in rotation.

"The Romantic Show of Lijiang" has two regular performances each day at 16:30 and 19:30, with additional shows added according to actual demand.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is located in the northwest of Lijiang City and is rich in cultural and natural landscapes. The scenic area offers a wide range of attractions, including Glacier Park, the lowest-latitude glacier park in Asia; the Geological Museumof Glacier; Yunshanping, known as the "Third Kingdom of the Naxi People"; Yak Meadow, known as a "natural pasture"; Blue Moon Valley, famed as a "sapphire"; and "Impression Lijiang," a large-scale original outdoor live performance.

Travel Tips

Prevent altitude sickness: Take rhodiola rosea, a traditional Chinese medicine, one week in advance. It is recommended to buy oxygen canisters at supermarkets or pharmacies in Lijiang Old Town, as prices are relatively higher inside the scenic area. After going up the mountain, move slowly, avoid strenuous exercise, and carry foods such as chocolate that can quickly replenish energy.

Keep warm: There is a huge temperature difference between the mountain and the area below. Be sure to wear a down jacket or hardshell jacket, or rent one in the scenic area.

Sun protection: UV rays are extremely strong in high-altitude areas, so pack sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and other sun protection items.