Lijiang 3-Day Classic Old Town Tour
Lijiang Ancient Towns: Dayan + Shuhe + Snow Mountain Panorama
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Arrive in Lijiang, explore the ancient town, visit Big Water Wheel and Sifang Street, feel the old town charm.
Lijiang Ancient Town
Lijiang Ancient Town is located in Gucheng District, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province. It is one of China's historical and cultural cities and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The ancient town blends various historical architectural styles and boasts a complex and ancient water supply system. It is a multi-ethnic settlement, home to 22 ethnic minorities in addition to the Han Chinese. It was once an important post station on the Ancient Tea Horse Road and a political, commercial, and cultural center for the Naxi and other ethnic groups, carrying a rich history and unique ethnic customs.
Lijiang Ancient Town - Ancient Town Grand Waterwheel
An iconic attraction of Lijiang Ancient Town, located at the entrance of the ancient town. Two huge waterwheels slowly turn, making it an excellent spot for tourists to take photos and symbolizing the history and culture of Lijiang Ancient Town.
Sifang Street
Sifang Street is the core and iconic attraction of Lijiang Old Town, located in the center of the old town, and is the liveliest market and activity center within the old town. It is a must-visit place for tourists to experience Naxi ethnic customs and feel the pulse of old town life. The street is paved with colorful stones, surrounded by quaint Naxi residences, with numerous shops selling various ethnic specialty goods, handicrafts, and local snacks. When night falls, bonfires are lit on Sifang Street, and people gather around the bonfires to sing and dance, creating a lively atmosphere. It is the center of commerce and cultural exchange in Lijiang Old Town, and also an important hub on the Ancient Tea Horse Road.
2
Morning in tranquil Shuhe Ancient Town, experience Tea Horse Road legacy. Afternoon visit Black Dragon Pool Park, distant view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflection.
Shuhe Ancient Town
Shuhe Ancient Town, located in Gucheng District, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, is an important part of the Lijiang Old Town, a World Cultural Heritage site, and a well-preserved important market town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. The ancient town is built by mountains and rivers, with residential buildings scattered in an orderly fashion, preserving the traditional architectural style and living customs of the Naxi people. Its environment is ancient and tranquil, making it an excellent place to experience Lijiang's slow pace of life and feel the culture of the Ancient Tea Horse Road.
Black Dragon Pool
The Black Dragon Pool is located at the foot of Elephant Hill in Lijiang, and is a famous garden in the northern part of Lijiang Old Town. The park was first built in 1737 during the Qing Dynasty, and is famous for its crystal-clear pool water that reflects the magnificent scenery of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Within the park, there are several ancient buildings and attractions such as Deyue Tower, Longshen Temple, Wufeng Tower, and the Stele Forest, as well as the Dongba Culture Research Institute and Dongba Culture Museum, making it an important place to learn about Naxi history and culture. The Black Dragon Pool was designated as one of Lijiang City's first batch of cultural protection units in 1999, upgraded to a national key cultural protection unit in 2006, and rated as a National 4A-level tourist attraction in 2009.
3
Visit Lijiang Ancient Town Museum – Mu’s Residence, learn about Naxi chieftain history. Then climb Lion Hill Wangu Tower for full old town panorama.
Lijiang Ancient City Museum - Mu's Residence
Mu's Residence is the core part of Lijiang Ancient City, formerly the mansion of the hereditary Mu family chieftains of Lijiang. It is a complex of buildings constructed in the style of Beijing's Forbidden City, blending architectural art styles from the Central Plains and the Naxi people, showcasing the glorious history of the Mu family and the essence of Naxi culture. Inside Mu's Residence, the Lijiang Ancient City Museum is located, serving as an important venue for understanding Naxi history, culture, religion, and architectural art, and also a significant landmark attraction of Lijiang Ancient City.
Lijiang Old Town - Wangu Tower
Wangu Tower is located on Lion Mountain in Lijiang Old Town. It is a landmark building of Lijiang Old Town and an excellent viewing platform to overlook the panoramic view of Lijiang Old Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Wangu Tower is a magnificent all-wood structure with bracket arches, flying eaves, and upturned corners. Its name signifies 'eternal glory and brilliance through all ages.' Inside the tower, there are 2300 auspicious patterns, representing Lijiang's 23 ethnic groups, and patterns of 9999 dragons. With one more dragon in the caisson ceiling, there are a total of 10,000 dragons, symbolizing the eternal preservation of Lijiang culture.
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