About Lijiang

Lijiang, a popular destination in Yunnan, is considered  a fairyland blessed with fresh air, clear streams, breathtaking snow mountains and an undisturbed landscape inhabited by a friendly group of people. It is great to enjoy a quiet and pleasant holiday in Lijiang Old Town which is graced by well preserved ancient buildings and the Naxi culture.

While the geographical position of Lijiang City is remote, it has the advantage of ensuring a pleasant year round climate and a wide variety of tourist resources in the 20,600 square kilometers area. The earliest recorded history of Lijiang can be traced back to the Warring States Period (476 BC-221 BC) but with the advent of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the local economy reached a peak with the development of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road which made a great contribution to both commercial and cultural communication between Tibet, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces.
At present, Lijiang City is an attractive tourist destination in Yunnan Province that exercises jurisdiction over four counties and an Old Town District. Lijiang is the main region inhabited by Naxi Group, one of China's 55 minority ethnic groups. In its long history, the local residents have established their splendid Dongba Culture which has absorbed aspects of the culture of Tibet and the Central Plains along the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River. The various souvenirs marked with these Dongba hieroglyphs are very popular with visitors from home and abroad.
Lijiang has the best preserved ancient town in China - the Old Town which has been listed in the World Cultural Heritages by UNESCO in 1997. The Old Town was once the center of Lijiang and continues to maintain the original flavor of the local lifestyle, the typical groups of buildings and the profound cultural heritage of the region. When wandering along Square Street or any other streets in the Old Town, you will be struck by the peaceful surroundings. From enjoying the sight of the setting sun from historic hotels to local farmsteads, there are many favorable things here for travelers. Naturally, there are a number of tour destinations to enhance your visit as well. Among them, the most famous is Mufu (Mu's Palace) which should not be missed during your trip.

Around Lijiang, there are a number of splendid natural beauty spots that will certainly astonish you. If you like to see superlative natural scenery, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain which provides a majestic backdrop to the Moon-Embracing Pavilion at Black Dragon Pond will fulfill your desire. For those seeking an exotic experience in Lijiang, a visit to the Mosuo People beside Lugu Lake is a must. They are called the last 'Kingdom of Women' on earth. If you would like to experience the local lifestyle, then come and participate in one or more of their various festivals that are held throughout the year.

Lijiang does not have a direct rail link and is reached by travelers by air or by coach. However, having got to Lijiang, visiting round and about is easy with the help of the city buses, taxis or for the more energetic by bicycle. However, please don't forget to save some time to walk in Lijiang. Along your way, you must visit some of the souvenir shops and taste some local dishes and snacks. At night, the famous bar street in the Old Town is really worth a visit. No matter where you go, you will find a harmonious combination of tradition and fashion in Lijiang City.

Lijiang city
Lijiang City is a prefecture-level city in Yunnan Province, China.  The world famous Old Town of Lijiang is located in Lijiang City. It is a UNESCO Heritage Site.Lijiang City comprises one district and four counties:  Gucheng District, Yongsheng County, Huaping County, Yulong Nakhi Autonomous County, Ninglang Yi Autonomous County.  The government of Lijiang City sits in Gucheng District.

Lijiang old town
Lijiang old town comprises three areas: Dayan, Baisha and Shuhe.  It was registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List in December 4, 1997.Usually, when people are talking about Lijiang old town, they mean Dayan Town  
 ...more detals of Lijiang old town

Dayan Town
Dayan Town has a history of over 800 years. It is one of the few places in China with well-preserved old style folk buildings.The town has a history going back more than 800 years and was once a confluence for trade along the old tea horse road. The Dayan town is famous for its orderly system of waterways and bridges.

Shuhe
Shuhe is a famous cobblers' town. It is not only a very important town in the Tea-horse Road that leads to Tibet.The cobblers here are as skillful as those in Italy. The leather products that they make are the best seller in Tea-horse Road. Because of trading activities along this road, the Naxi people gradually gave up the nomadic life and settled for farming and later started to do business.
...more detals of Shuhe

Lijiang Attractions - Lijiang Old Town

Lijiang-Old Town

The Old Town of Lijiang, a well-preserved old city of ethnic minorities with brilliant culture, is a central town of the Lijiang Autonomous County of the Naxi Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Province. Located on the plateau which is 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) above the sea level and embraced by the tree-covered Lion Mountain in the west, Elephant and Golden Row Mountains in the north, vast fertile fields in the southeast and crystal clear water running through, the old town looks like a big jade ink slab, therefore got the alias the Town of Big Ink Slab (Dayanzhen).

The Old Town which occupies an area of three point eight square kilometers (912 acres) was firstly built in the late Song Dynasty and the early Yuan Dynasty and has a history of more than 800 years. Since Kubla Khan who is the first emperor of the Yuan Dynasty set his reign here, Lijiang was on a fast developmental way and became the political, cultural, and educational center in this area, playing a very important role in the trading activities among Yunnan, China hinterland, Tibet, India and many other Asian countries. Till now, when walking on the streets of the Old Town, one can feel the prosperity and flourish of the town from the shops with fancy and superb collections of handicrafts.

The Lijiang Old Town is built along the lie of mountains and the flow of rivers, providing a very precious sample of the research on the old-time architecture. The unique geographical location, historical background and multiracial inhabitants make the town the most special one:
The Old Town is the only old city built without a city wall and there is an interesting story telling the reason. Lijiang had been under the reign of the hereditary Mu family for more than 500 years. If the Chinese character 'Mu' (represents the governor of Lijiang) is put into a frame (represents the city wall), you have the character 'Kun' which means 'siege' or 'predicament'. This would mean that the governing Mu family and their descendants would always be trapped like a rat in a hole. Because of this symbolism, Old Town Lijiang was never given a city wall.

As a result of the combination of the multinational culture and the progress of Naxi ethnic minority, the buildings in the town incorporate the best parts of the architectural traits of Han, Bai, and Tibet into a unique Naxi style. The layout of the town is free-style and flexible, the houses are close and diverse, and the lanes are narrow and meandering. Naxi people pay much attention to the decoration, the commodious and applied houses are mostly timber and tile structure compound with agarden, each has engraved vivid figures of people and animals on doors and windows, beautiful flowers and trees in the garden.Living in such a beautiful and comfortable environment is a real pleasant thing.


The old Town of Lijiang is a city depends on water for existence and water is just like its blood. Black Dragon Pool (Heilongtan) is the main water source of the town and subdivides into many streams which can reach every family and every street in the town. Due to the reticular aqueducts, willow trees grow everywhere and there are almost 350 varied and inimitable bridges in the little town, some of which were built in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The usage of the water created by the local people is very scientific. They build three mouths every well from the upriver to the downriver. The water in the first mouth is for edibility, the second one is for cleaning of the vegetables and fruits, and the last one is used to wash the clothes. The water not only meets the need of the dweller, but also gives the town a beauty of gentle. The town reputed as the 'Oriental Venice' and 'Suzhou in Highland', but it is much, much more than this. Once you have visited Old Town Lijiang, it will capture your heart for the rest of your life.



The center of the Old Town is the Square Street (Sifangjie). Four main streets radiate from Square Street and extend to the four different directions. Countless lanes extending in all directions form a network and connect every corner of the town. Streets in the Old Town are paved by the local bluestones which are neither muddy in the rainy season nor dusty in the dry season. The massive and fine-grained stones add a sense of antiquity and mystery to the Old Town. The sluice at the center of town is opened late in the night and the resulting current of water flushes and washes all the streets to keep the town clean. This practical use of water is part of the daily life of the residents in Old Town.

On December 3rd, 1997, the Old Town of Lijiang was put in the list of the World's Relics by the World Cultural Heritage Commission of the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization). The charming Old Town is now a famous tourist attraction for its traditional ethnic culture and customs, inimitable buildings and the wonderful natural views.

White Water River

25 kilometers (approx. 16 miles) in the north of Lijiang, about 5 kilometers (approx. 3 miles) north of the Dry Sea (Ganhai), lies the White Water River, a river formed by runoff from the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Surrounded by mountains, the river runs towards the east.

White Water River

The first impression that the river leaves visitors with is the color of white. The water is extremely clean as it is filtrated and purified by gravel and stones when running, and hasn't been polluted at all. The riverbed can be seen clearly through the pellucid water. The riverbed is formed by pieces of grayish-white sedimentary rocks. Thus the river looks white, and from this it gained its name. The water in the river is so cold that even in summer, people can not bear the piercing cold when they are barefoot in it. The river water is a favorite iced drink in the summer. It is also a love river, for the maidens of the Naxi Minority use the frigid water to test the love of their pursuers. Standing beside the river, you will view the grand and charming spectacle of the snow mountain as you are drinking of the water.
4 kilometers (approx. 2 miles) away from the river, there is Black Water River. In just the same way the White Water River gained its name, the Black Water River is named because of its black riverbed. It joins with the White Water River when running to the low reaches. In the book named Dongba Jing, black and white compose the world, thus the congruity of black and white indicating the harmony in the world. Therefore, the joining of the two rivers is endowed with a special meaning of harmony and unity. For tourists, it is a symbol of being no obstacles to a safe journey.

The best time to visit here is from June to July and September to November. In the summer you can enjoy wild rhododendron flowers; while in the latter period, the beauty of autumn will add great pleasure to your visit. You can enjoy the scenery along the bank either by foot or by riding a horse.

When the ancient ice at the top of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain melts and flows down the slopes, it forms waterfalls at the cliffs and brooks at the fords, finally joining as the White Water River at the foot of the snow mountain. The pebbles in the riverbed are all white marbles and limestone that have been rinsed and scoured by the water. As the limpid and clear river flows above them, it looks undefiled and sparkling. That is where the "White Water River" gets its name.

Five kilometers (three miles) away from the Dry Sea, White Water River is a scenic spot in Lijiang, Yunnan Province. By taking a ropeway, which starts from Spruce Plateau (Yunshan Plateau), down the mountain, you can have a bird's-eye view of the deep and serene river valley, with the river as a jade girdle around the flourishing vegetation. To reach the White Water River and have a closer look, several options are available. You can ride a horse or yak, or just take a walk from the Dry Sea (Ganhai). The natural views along the way will help you feel relaxed and rid you of fatigue from the trip. Upon reaching the White Water River, you can taste its pure, unpolluted water, allowing the cool sensation to wash away tension and inspire thoughts of the river's pristine source.

Jade Spring Park (Heilongtan Park)

Heading north along Square Street of Lijiang Old Town, you reach Heilongtan Pool (Black Dragon Pool) at the foot of the Elephant Hill. The pool is also called Jade Spring Park, reflecting its endless bubbling clear spring waters.

Jade Spring Park

The Heilongtan pool is enormous, with an area of 40 hectares (over 430,000 sqft), and it provides a haven for bird and water-life, with spectacular plants. Surrounding the pool, within the park's landscape, are ancient monuments such as the Longshen Temple, the Deyue Pavilion, the Suocui Bridge and the Hanyue Stage.

The arrival at the park is along a colored cobbled lane to reach a white marble bridge over emerald water: the Suocui Bridge. To your north, weather permitting, you might see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with its white snow, the source of the Jade Spring and its famous white clouds. The Deyue Pavilion rests at the center of the lake, on the same axis as the Hanyue Stage. At the gate, there is a pair of couplets inscribed by the famous Chinese writer Guo Moruo.

Peaceful Black Dragon Pool

The Longshen Temple is the impressive centre-piece of the park. It consists of a gate-house with two wings and a great hall. 'Longshen' means Dragon God in Chinese, the God of Rain in Chinese mythology. The temple was built during Emperor Qianlong's reign in 1737, and was conferred the 'Longshen' accolade by the Emperors of the Qing Dynasty (1644 to 1911); this title reflected the high esteem of the Heilongtan Pool.
Every March, when the weather is delightful, the local community gathers at the Dragon God Temple to pray and seek blessing. The emerald spring waters are famous for their curative powers, whether for stomach troubles or to enhance your complexion.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Located between 10004'-10016'east longitude and 2703'-2740' north latitude, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Mountain) is the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Consisting of 13 peaks, among which Shanzidou is the highest one with an altitude of 5,600 meters (18,360 feet), Jade Dragon Snow Mountain stretches a length of 35 kilometers (22 miles) and a width of 20 kilometers (13 miles). Looking from Lijiang Old Town in the south which is 15 kilometers (nine miles) away, the snow-covered and fog-enlaced mountain resembles a jade dragon lying in the clouds, hence, the name Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Glacier Par

According to the research of geologists, for about 400 million years the area around Jade Dragon Snow Mountain was the ocean and it was during the last 600 thousand years that the different landscapes had come into being because of the uprising of the lithosphere. Archaic legend about this mysterious and beautiful snow mountain goes like this: Once upon a time, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain were twins. They had lived on panning in Golden Sand River until one day an evil fiend usurped the river. The brothers were very brave and had a fierce fight with the fiend, Haba died in the fight and Jade Dragon drove off the fiend after wearing out 13 swords. For guarding the people and preventing the return of the fiend, Jade Dragon held the 13 swords in hands day and night. As time passed, the brothers had turned into the two snow mountains, and the 13 swords had become the 13 peaks. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a holy mountain for the local Naxi people not only because of the legend, but also because long time ago, it was a place for young lovers to sacrifice their young lives in honor of true love and to escape from the arranged marriages and feudal ethics.


Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a sanctuary for rare animals and wild plants. In fact, one fourth of all plant species in China can be found here and 20 primeval forest communities shelter a big family of 400 types of trees and 30 kinds of animals which are protected by the state. These species live in different temperature levels and create different kinds of views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The 13 peaks, which have the altitudes of at least 4,000 meters, are covered by snow all year round; the mountain is called the "Natural Glacier Museum" for it has all types of glacier. Move down from the mountaintop and you can see rivers and pools, which are formed by the thawed snow water running along the valley and through the forests. The plants and the animals are different according to the altitude, so are the views. Every sight brings you a surprise and every step takes you to a new scene.  Each of the meadows on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain has its own special character due to their different landscape and height. For instance, Yunshanping (Spruce Plateau) is grassland with gigantic spruces whilst Ganhaizi (Dry Sea) used to be a highland lake as its name tells, the meadow was formed after the water had dried up.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain now is a famous scenic spot for sightseeing, mountaineering, skiing, exploration, scientific research and taking holiday. Besides, widespread legends and myths of the Naxi ethnic minority and the unclimbed Shanzidou are all important attractive spots for those who come to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain -Lijiang

Weather

The raining season in Lijiang from is from late May to early September, roads might be block by mountain slide and falling rocks. 

Lijiang Climate

Weather in Spring
In April and May daytime temperatures can range from 15 to 20 degrees centigrade and warmer (60 to 70F), and rain comes more frequently as spring progresses. By early June rain may fall almost daily.


Weather in Summer
Summers in Lijiang, particularly June and July, are mild and comfortable, but the long season is usually very wet. Temperatures almost never get higher than 25 degrees centigrade (78F), and nights are cool and pleasant. From June through September rain normally falls every day. August in Lijiang may often see spectacular lightning storms, but the frequent rain may make August and September particularly chilly at times, and the usual cloud cover makes this time of year less than ideal for sightseeing.


Weather in Autumn
The rains are almost completely gone by mid-October, bringing bluer skies and slightly warmer weather. In October and November the temperatures are in the upper teens centigrade (60F and warmer) and the nights are crisp and chilly.


Weather in Winter
It's Lijiang's southerly latitude that makes for warmer winters, despite the city's high elevation. In addition, December to February is dry season, and nearly every day sees strong, warm sunshine. Daily high temperatures may reach up to 15 degrees centigrade (60F), while nighttime temperatures are usually go down to just above freezing. Snow rarely falls in the city more than one time a year, though the surrounding mountain areas may see occasional snowfall.

The best time to visit Lijiang
The best traveling time for our trekking tour is from October to April.

 

Lijiang weather record

Month	Avg. High	Avg. Low	Avg. Precip
January	15.0° C	2.0° C	1.27 cm
February	17.0° C	3.0° C	1.27 cm
March	20.0° C	6.0° C	1.52 cm
April	24.0° C	9.0° C	2.79 cm
May	25.0° C	14.0° C	9.14 cm
June	24.0° C	16.0° C	17.27 cm
July	24.0° C	17.0° C	20.57 cm
August	24.0° C	16.0° C	20.57 cm
September	23.0° C	14.0° C	12.19 cm
October	20.0° C	12.0° C	8.89 cm
November	17.0° C	7.0° C	4.06 cm
December	15.0° C	3.0° C	1.27 cm

Lijiang Culture & History

The Lijiang has a long history; it is the only autonomous county of Naxi nation in China.In the Old Stone Time, the Lijiang People lived here.In the Warring States Period, Lijiang belonged to Shu canton of Qin country. In 1267, it was set up as Road, and it was called government office of Lijiang road. And the name Lijiang began to be used from then on. In Ming dynasty, it was changed into a Fu and it governed Tong'an canton.The ancient city Lijiang was first built in Southern Song. In the last time of Ming and the early time of Qing, it had got a certain scale. And in Ming, Qing and the Republic of China, it became much larger.In the middle of the long history, people from Naxi nation created the famous Dongba Culture. 1000 years ago, the ancient people of Naxi nation created a kind of script. In Dongba script, there are more than 1300 characters. People wrote 20 thousand Dongba scriptures by using Dongba script ant they concluded literature, history, philosophy and science. There are a lot of people both in China and abroad are studying Dongba culture now.Lijiang has many historical relics. Lijiang Ancient city is the most complete ancient city in China. Black dragon Pool, Wufeng Building and Lijiang mural painting are also famous too.In Naxi nation, there are many traditional festivals, such as Sandu Festival, Torch Festival and Stick Festival on the 15th day of the first month of the lunar year, etc.The copper lock of Lijiang is famous. And the copper chafing dish, the copper kettle and the copper basin are also well known.There is much traditional food in Lijiang. The most delicious one is called Lijiang round cake.

Lijiang Map

 

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