Lijiang Overview

Boasts breath-taking wonderful sights, colorful nation cultures, and long history, Lijiang is a beautiful shining jewel on the Northwest Yunnan Plateau neighboring the southeast side of the Tibetan Plateau which is considered to be the "Roof of the World".

Lijiang has a long history, and the ancient city was a witness to Lijiang's history. Rested under the foot of Jake Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang ancient town started to take shape 800 years ago. Later it prospered as the most important hinge on the so-called tea- horse trading route, linking Yunnan province with Tibet and the midland China. The ancient town is among the best-preserved in China and has all the alluring attributes for modern we-wanna-all vacationers: big-city amenities in a picture-postcard setting, exotic and comfortable at the same time.

Lijiang is the cultural cradle of the "Matriarchy" of the Mosuo people (also called Naxi people).The people of Naxi, while developing their land of snow-clad mountains and turbulent rivers since ancient times have to their credit the "Dongba Culture" seen as one of the world wonders, a culture all-embracing while unique.

Lijiang has an intricate web of canals which built in ancient time and now still serves as a sophisticated water-supply system and carries water to every Naxi courtyard home. Many well preserved and tastefully polished traditional Naxi houses were turned into hotels, cafes and inns. Even folk custom museums are adapted into Naxi homey style.

Around Lijiang, there are a number of natural sceneries and cultural treasures of the minority peoples 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.

After a day's travel, you can relax yourself to have a comfortable night in the beautiful city. Lijiang nightlife offers enough varieties catering to most vacationers. Shops stay open as long as there are customers; you can go wining and dining even after midnight. My favorite thing to do is, again, the after dinner promenade, by the canals of course.