إنجليزي
فرنسي
إسباني
روسية
عربي
إيطاليا
Old Town of Lijiang (Dayan Ancient Town, UNESCO Site)
The Old Town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, is a masterpiece of Naxi urban planning and architecture, built without a single straight road, following the natural flow of rivers and mountains. Located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the town features cobblestone streets, wooden buildings with upturned eaves, and a network of canals and bridges, earning it the nickname “Oriental Venice.” Historically, it was a crucial hub on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, where merchants from Tibet, Sichuan, and Yunnan gathered, leading to a blend of Naxi, Tibetan, and Han cultures. The Naxi people’s Dongba culture, one of the few surviving pictographic writing systems in the world, is preserved here—visitors can see Dongba hieroglyphs on ancient scrolls, watch Dongba rituals, and
Black Dragon Pool (Heilongtan)
A classic Chinese garden located at the foot of Elephant Mountain in the northern part of Lijiang Ancient City, Black Dragon Pool is famous for its clear water, ancient bridges, and traditional pavilions, with the reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain visible in the pool on clear days, creating a stunning picture. The pool was built in the Qing Dynasty, and the main buildings include the Deyue Pavilion, the Wufeng Building, and the Dragon God Temple. The Wufeng Building, a five-story wooden pavilion with upturned eaves, is a masterpiece of Naxi architecture, and its reflection in the water is one of the most iconic scenes in Lijiang. Historically, Black Dragon Pool was a place where the Naxi people worshipped the dragon god, praying for rain and a good harvest. It was also a retreat for scholars and officials, who would write poems and paint here while admiring the mountain and water scenery. Today, it is a peaceful garden where visitors can relax, enjoy the beautiful views, and learn about the Naxi people’s water worship traditions and architectural art.
listen to traditional Naxi music performed on ancient instruments. The Sifang Street, the heart of the old town, is a square where locals once held markets and festivals, and today it is still bustling with activity. The Old Town of Lijiang is a living cultural heritage, where the Naxi people’s traditions are passed down through daily life, festivals, and crafts.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Snow Mountain)
As the southernmost snow-capped mountain range in the Northern Hemisphere, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain stretches 35 kilometers, with its highest peak Shanzidou reaching 5,596 meters, covered in snow all year round. The mountain is a sacred symbol for the Naxi people, who believe it is the home of the mountain god and a protector of their homeland. In Naxi mythology, the mountain is also associated with love stories, adding to its romantic aura. The scenic area offers various ways to experience its beauty: taking the cable car to the 4,680-meter-high glacier park, hiking along the Blue Moon Valley, or visiting the Baisha Village at the foot of the mountain to see Naxi murals. The mountain is not only a natural wonder but also a cultural site—every year, the Naxi people hold a grand ceremony to worship the mountain god, praying for good weather and a bountiful harvest. It is also a popular destination for mountaineers, photographers, and nature lovers, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, alpine meadows, and clear lakes.
Blue Moon Valley
Located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley is a group of alpine lakes formed by melted snow water, known for its crystal-clear blue water that resembles a blue moon, especially on clear nights. The valley consists of four interconnected lakes: Yuye Lake, Jingtan Lake, Lanyue Lake, and Tingtao Lake, each with its own unique color and scenery. The water’s vibrant blue color comes from the reflection of the sky and the mineral content in the water. Historically, the valley was part of the Naxi people’s pastoral land, and they have a deep reverence for the water, considering it a gift from the mountain god. The valley is also home to some ancient Naxi villages, where visitors can experience the local people’s way of life. Today, it is a popular scenic spot in Lijiang, with wooden plank roads winding along the lakes, allowing visitors to get close to the water and enjoy the stunning natural beauty. The combination of the blue lakes, white snow-capped peaks, and green forests creates a fairy-tale-like landscape that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor.
Shuhe Ancient Town
One of the earliest settlements of the Naxi people, Shuhe Ancient Town has a history of over 1,000 years, predating the Old Town of Lijiang. It is located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, about 4 kilometers from Lijiang Ancient City, and was once a crucial supply station on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, where merchants would rest and replenish their goods. The town retains its original Naxi architectural style, with stone streets, wooden buildings, and a central square where the ancient market was held. The Shuhe Water Mill, a traditional water-powered mill, is a symbol of the town, showing the Naxi people’s ingenuity in using natural resources. The town is also known for its traditional crafts, such as leather making, wood carving, and silverware making, and many workshops are open to visitors. Unlike the more touristy Lijiang Ancient City, Shuhe remains relatively quiet, allowing visitors to experience the authentic Naxi way of life, taste local snacks, and enjoy the peaceful rural scenery at the foot of the snow-capped mountain.
Baisha Ancient Town & Baisha Murals
Baisha Ancient Town, the former capital of the Naxi Kingdom, is the oldest town in Lijiang, with a history of over 1,200 years. It is located at the northern foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, about 10 kilometers from Lijiang Ancient City. The town is famous for the Baisha Murals, a group of ancient Buddhist paintings created between the 14th and 17th centuries, which are a rare blend of Han, Tibetan, Naxi, and even Indian art styles. The murals are painted on the walls of the Baisha Dajue Temple and other ancient temples, depicting Buddhist stories, historical events, and daily life scenes, with bright colors and exquisite details, reflecting the cultural integration that occurred on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. The town itself retains a simple and quiet atmosphere, with narrow stone streets, traditional Naxi houses, and locals going about their daily lives. Visitors can walk around the town, admire the ancient murals, visit the Naxi Folk Museum, and experience the traditional Naxi culture that has been preserved here for centuries.
Black Dragon Pool (Heilongtan)
A classic Chinese garden located at the foot of Elephant Mountain in the northern part of Lijiang Ancient City, Black Dragon Pool is famous for its clear water, ancient bridges, and traditional pavilions, with the reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain visible in the pool on clear days, creating a stunning picture. The pool was built in the Qing Dynasty, and the main buildings include the Deyue Pavilion, the Wufeng Building, and the Dragon God Temple. The Wufeng Building, a five-story wooden pavilion with upturned eaves, is a masterpiece of Naxi architecture, and its reflection in the water is one of the most iconic scenes in Lijiang. Historically, Black Dragon Pool was a place where the Naxi people worshipped the dragon god, praying for rain and a good harvest. It was also a retreat for scholars and officials, who would write poems and paint here while admiring the mountain and water scenery. Today, it is a peaceful garden where visitors can relax, enjoy the beautiful views, and learn about the Naxi people’s water worship traditions and architectural art.
Lugu Lake
Straddling the border between Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, Lugu Lake is a high-altitude freshwater lake surrounded by mountains, with crystal-clear water that reflects the blue sky and white clouds, earning it the nickname “Pearl of the Plateau.” The lake is famous for the Mosuo people, a matriarchal ethnic group who live around the lake and still retain their traditional way of life, including the “walking marriage” custom. The Mosuo people worship the lake as a sacred mother lake, and many of their festivals and rituals are related to it. The lake is dotted with several small islands, including the Goddess Island and the Liwubi Island, each with its own historical and cultural sites. Visitors can take a wooden boat tour on the lake, visit the Mosuo villages, learn about their unique culture and customs, taste local specialties, and enjoy the beautiful sunset over the lake. Lugu Lake is not only a natural attraction but also a cultural window into one of China’s most unique ethnic groups, offering a rare glimpse into a matriarchal society that has survived for centuries.
