Old Town of Lijiang

Located in Lijiang City, Yunnan, China, Lijiang old town (including Dayan, Baisha and Shuhe) was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on December 4, 1997. The town has a history going back more than 800 years and was once a confluence for trade along the old tea horse road. It is famous for its orderly system of waterways and bridges. The old town of Lijiang differs from other ancient Chinese cities with well-preserves minority architecture, history and the culture of Naxi people (the traditional residents). Therefore visitors will enjoy the diverse minority culture and quiet lifestyle. The ancient town sets in a dramatic landscape that represents the harmonious fusion of different cultural traditions to produce an urban landscape of outstanding quality. The Old Town of Lijiang, possessing an ancient culture of Naxi people, remained the fantastic townscape of high quality and authenticity. Its architecture is noteworthy for the blending of elements from several cultures that have come together over many centuries. Nowadays there are many shops and restaurants in the old town, though it is touristy but still attractive to wander around.