Attractions in Lijiang

Overview

Lijiang is a prefecture-level city in the northwest of Yunnan Province, China. It is the main center of the Naxi people, though it is by no means a Naxi-only town: at least half a dozen other ethnic groups are represented. The Naxi population is under a million. They have their own language with its own hieroglyphic-style writing system, and their own religion, clothing, art, architecture, music and dance. There is also a Naxi orchestra: old men that play traditional Chinese music on antique instruments, unique in China.

Lijiang Old Town

The Old Town of Lijiang represents a fusion of indigenous Naxi architecture and culture with external influences. Lijiang has an ingenious ancient network of waterways that is supplied by the mountain springs. Via canals the houses in town are connected to this network. The cobbled streets, bridges and houses add to the picturesque picture of this ancient town. The Old Town of Lijiang was listed as the World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in the year 1997. Although the authenticity of Lijiang is maybe lost forever as many parts of the town are already changed, the ancient buildings become souvenir shops, boutique hotels, restaurants, clubs and bars with Naxi cultural show for tourists, the town still has some place to admire especially in the suburbs of the old town.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is 25km from Lijiang City. It is visible from Lijiang and snowcapped all year round. Its highest peak is Shanzidou at 5,596m. The view of the massif from the gardens at the Black Dragon Pool in Lijiang is noted as one of China's finest views. You can take a cable car to the top. 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.

Black Dragon Pool

Black Dragon Pool is about 1 km from Square Street of the Old Town. It is quite a big place with nice natural scenery together with traditional building styles. Don't forget to take pictures on the center bridge where the The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain can be a perfect background.

Baisha Village

It is a small village of Lijiang city. It is the original settlement of the Naxi people who came to the greater Lijiang Valley over a thousand years ago. Made up of at least 12 smaller villages, the main village is Sanyuan, which has one main stone street, called of course, Baisha Street. It has a typical Chinese "old-town" tourist setup, consisting of a stone paved street with a mixture of Chinese trinket sellers-shops and several quaint cafés to stop and relax. A great escape from Lijiang Old-town tourist trap, only 12 km north of town, you can rent a bike and get there in about 40 minutes. You can do many things here for free. Like hike the local mountains through the high alpine botanical garden and search for herbs on your way to the Jade Dragon Lake, the backside of Snow Jade Dragon Mountain. Visit some of the temples or traditional Naxi houses of the area before they are gone.

Lashi Lake (Lashihai)

Lashi Lake is 10 kilometers away from the Old Town of Lijiang. The grassy marshland and swamp provide a nice home for wetland animals and plants. In early winter, lots of wild birds come here from cold northern places. They rest in the grass and look for food in streams. The warm climate makes it possible for them to pass the long winter safely.