Old Town of Lijiang


Lijiang covers an area of 14 sq. km, and has over 4,200 households. It is also known as Dayan Town,
meaning large inkstone, as it is laid out in the shape of a traditional Chinese inkstone. Lying in a broad,
fertile valley in the northwest of Yunnan Province, the old town of Lijiang has been a commercial, political
and cultural center of the Naxi people and other ethnic minorities for over eight centuries. This 800-year-old
habitation of the Naxi people is noteworthy for its harmony with nature, ingenious architecture and urban
facilities.

It was designated as a town around the beginning the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). From 1253 on, the Naxi
people of Lijiang developed a unique social system, customs and culture of their own under the rule of a
hereditary succession of chieftains of the Mu clan. In the 18th century, the Qing Dynasty rulers implemented a policy of cultural interaction, and the
Naxi people adopted the customs of the Tibetan and Han peoples. Despite several earthquakes that afflicted Lijiang, and because of renovation,
most of the old town retains its original structure.

With Sifang Street as the central thoroughfare, Lijiang has houses made of stone and wood, combining the architectural features of the Han, Bai
and Tibetan ethnic groups, as well as the Naxi.

Water, in fact, flows everywhere in Lijiang. Crystal-clear streams wind around all the houses and flow through the courtyards. Stone bridges span
the streams. Streets paved with colored stones, including Sifang (Square) Street, are thus kept free from dust and mud in all seasons. The source
of these streams is the Yuquan (Jade Spring) River, which meanders past the foot of Xiangshan (Elephant) Hill, north of Lijiang. In addition, there
is the Baimalong (White-Horse Dragon) Pool and wells sunk around the numerous springs. The local people have made ponds along the
courses of the springs. The upper ponds supply drinking water, the middle ponds are for washing vegetables, and the lower ponds are for
washing clothes. The spring water that overflows the banks is used for washing the streets.

All over the old town there are unique buildings inspired by and in harmony with Nature. Cultural relics,
both tangible and intangible, also abound. In the vicinity of Lijiang there are the Shuhe Folk Residence
and Baisha Folk Residence Complex, as well as cultural sites like the Five Phoenix Tower in the Fuguo
Temple, the Great Treasure Palace and the Glazed Hall.