Old Town of Lijiang: A Timeless Jewel of History, Culture, and Scenic Beauty

Old Town of Lijiang

is a historic town with a history of over 800 to 900 years, resembling a sparkling jewel embedded along the ancient Tea Horse Road. When I step into Lijiang Ancient Town, it's as if I have traveled through a tunnel of time, entering a world full of poetry and romance.

Within the ancient town, wooden buildings with blue tiles are scattered in an orderly manner, ancient stone alleys wind and curve, and small bridges with running water gently flow. Walking here, one can feel a sense of tranquility and leisure. Standing on East Street in the ancient town, I lift my head and gaze at the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance—its breathtaking scenery brings a sense of calm and joy. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain seems like a sacred goddess, guarding this ancient land.

As one of the two ancient towns in China that successfully applied for World Cultural Heritage status as an entire town, Lijiang Ancient Town’s residential buildings have distinct characteristics and styles. The town’s architecture integrates cultural elements from multiple ethnic groups, showcasing unique charm. Here, one can see traditional wooden house structures, exquisite carvings, and courtyards full of life. These homes are not only masterpieces of architectural art but also witnesses to historical culture.

Lijiang Ancient Town began to take shape during the Southern Song Dynasty, and during the Ming Dynasty, it was called "Dayanxiang." Located at the center of the Lijiang Basin, surrounded by green mountains and with winding waters through lush fields, it resembles a piece of jade inkstone, which is how it got its name. This beautiful name adds a touch of mystery to the ancient town.

Lijiang Ancient Town has also been a filming location for many TV dramas and movies, such as One Meter of Sunshine and The Wood Mansion Storm. The airing of these works introduced Lijiang to a larger audience and brought more tourists to the town.

In terms of transportation, Lijiang Ancient Town is very accessible. You can take bus routes 4 or 18 to the Zhongyi Market stop, and walk about 1 km to reach the town. Alternatively, take bus routes 2 or 13 to the Ancient Town Parking Lot station, or take bus 7 to the Department Store stop, where you can walk through the North Gate. In the city center, you can take bus routes 2, 3, or 12 to the Nanmen Street stop and enter from the South Gate.

As for ticketing, Lijiang Ancient Town is free to enter. However, the Black Dragon Pool Park and the Baisha Murals require a maintenance fee of 50 yuan, which is usually collected by inns or hotels, but you can also buy tickets at the entrance of the ancient town or at various scenic spots. When visiting attractions like the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area, the Wood Mansion, or the Black Dragon Pool Park, you will generally be required to show the ancient town maintenance fee receipt.

Lijiang Ancient Town is open all day, and no matter when you visit, you can experience its charm. During the day, the town is lively, with tourists weaving through ancient stone streets and alleys, admiring the beauty of the old buildings. At night, the town is lit up, and the sound of melodious singing from the bars fills the air, creating a captivating atmosphere.

Lijiang Ancient Town, a treasure where history and beauty intertwine, is waiting for you to visit. Let’s step into Lijiang Ancient Town and experience its unique charm together!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the characteristic buildings in Lijiang Ancient Town?

The characteristic buildings of Lijiang Ancient Town mainly include traditional wooden houses with blue tiles. These homes integrate cultural elements from multiple ethnic groups, with intricate architecture, exquisite carvings, and courtyards full of life. The town began to take shape during the Southern Song Dynasty and was called "Dayanxiang" during the Ming Dynasty. The architecture is unique and stands as one of the most distinctive types of residential architecture in China.

What famous filming locations can be found in Lijiang Ancient Town?

Lijiang Ancient Town has been used as a filming location for many TV dramas and movies, such as One Meter of Sunshine and The Wood Mansion Storm. The town's ancient streets, stone alleys, small bridges, and wooden houses with blue tiles add a unique flavor to these productions.

How do I get to Lijiang Ancient Town?

To reach Lijiang Ancient Town, you can take bus routes 4 or 18 to Zhongyi Market and walk about 1 km. Alternatively, take bus routes 2 or 13 to the Ancient Town Parking Lot station, or take bus 7 to the Department Store stop and enter through the North Gate. From the city center, take bus routes 2, 3, or 12 to Nanmen Street and enter through the South Gate.

Does Lijiang Ancient Town charge an entrance fee?

Lijiang Ancient Town is free to enter. However, there is a maintenance fee of 50 yuan for the Black Dragon Pool Park and the Baisha Murals, which can be paid through inns, hotels, or purchased at the entrance of the ancient town and various scenic spots. When visiting attractions such as the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area, the Wood Mansion, or the Black Dragon Pool Park, you will generally need to present the receipt for the ancient town maintenance fee.