China is a rich, diverse country with many wonders to see. While many tourists focus on the spectacular locations such as the Forbidden City in Beijing or the Great Wall, there are many places that remain relatively undiscovered. One of the most interesting is Lijiang, a city located in Yunnan Province which has remained mostly untouched for centuries.
Muck like the Shexian Ancient city, Pingyao Ancient City, and Langzhorn Ancient City, Lijiang because of its remote location in southwest China near the border with Myanmar and its height at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level. For those who have medical issues at that altitude, then Lijiang will not be for you. However, for those who can make the trip, it is a rich, beautiful city that offers many wonders.
History
The city itself began during the Yuan Dynasty around 1276 AD. However, there is strong evidence of human activity that stretches back almost 100,000 years. The cave paintings located in the Jinsha River Valley, along with tools made of stone, bronze, and iron indicate that the area was settled for a very long time.
The city itself was the center of life for the Naxi people, along with several other ethnic groups that live in the region. The Baisha Old Town was a vital part of the fabled Silk Road that stretched through the southern part of China into Burma or Myanmar, Tibet, Iran, and to the Mediterranean Sea.
Today, most of the outside world may know Lijiang from the terrible earthquake the struck the region back in 1996. However, the damage has been repaired and many parts of the city, including the ancient section, are still in their original condition.
When to Visit Lijiang
While anytime of the year will provide you with many places to see, the best times are in the spring and early autumn when the beauty of the area really comes to life. This is especially true for the many natural wonders in the area and to visit with the people that live in this unique part of the world.
You will need to be prepared for the variable weather conditions that strike the area. This means bringing a jacket and even a coat because of the elevation. However, for most of the spring and autumn the weather is pleasant and enjoyable which will help make your visit even better.
What to See
A better question may be what incredible sights you will not see given how many there are located in and around the city. Still, with so much to take in, there are good places for you to start your quest.
Ancient City: Also called Dayan Ancient City, this remarkable sight is one of only two ancient cities in China that are not surrounded by a wall. Listed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List, you can see how the city of Lijiang began to form nearly 900 years ago. Because of the unique setting and color of the ancient city made it look like a large ink stone, the Chinese used their name for it, Dayan.
The streets run alongside small rivers and there are over 300 bridges that allow access to all parts of the ancient city. With all the water running through the town, it is offset by the incredible mountain backdrop. There are many fountains in the area as well, but the heart of the ancient city is Square Street which has bluestones used for pavement. You can find plenty of things to see and do in the Ancient City.
Baisha Mural: Located in the Baisha Village which is not that far from Lijiang, this ancient town offers a daily reminder of what life was like in the region for hundreds of years. This was the home town of the fabled Mu family, who later moved to the Ancient City. The murals themselves date from the Ming Dynasty and represent the works of artists who came from many miles away. There are 558 murals in total and they represent a powerful piece of history in this region.
Lugu Lake: Called “Mother Lake” by the locals, this remarkable lake is surrounded by tall hills and majestic mountains which makes for a stunning visit. The water is crystal clear, and the clean air help make this a special experience. There are different ways to get out on the lake, but one of the most popular is using a chamfer boat that the locals use for fishing. You can also hike around the lake or take a larger local boat to see this area at sunset which is simply stunning.
Naxi Ancient Music Concert: This unique style of music is becoming rare. This is why Lijiang is one of the places remaining where you can feel the culture of the Naxi people through their musical roots. In fact, this form of music may be the oldest in the world, dating back several thousand years. However, it has been heavily influenced by Daoist and Confucian culture which means that it underwent a significant change around 500 years ago.
Still, when vising the city, you must take in one of the many concerts that take place over the year. There is no better way to experience the culture of the Naxi people than by their music.
Tiger Leaping Gorge: One of the deepest and most majestic gorges in all of China, this incredible sight is located just to the northwest of the city. As the name suggest, this isn’t exactly the safest place to visit. Not only because of the occasional tigers found in the region, but also because of the weather conditions make the waters rough. You can hike along the gorge or travel by car. Either way, it can be a thrilling experience to see this incredible sight.
There are many different natural and man-made attractions in Lijiang which makes visiting this remarkable place a must when traveling to this part of China. The beauty of the ancient city surrounded by mountains, rivers, and the incredible sky will fill your memories for a lifetime.
