Name in Chinese: 丽江 Lì Jiāng [li:dʒæŋ]
Location: Northwestern Yunnan, China, GMT+8
Population: 1.29 million as a prefecture, about 67,000 living in the city proper
Telephone Code: +86888
Keywords: the Most Picturesque Old Town in China, Mt. Jade-Dragon
Lijiang is a prefecture in Northwestern Yunnan Province. It is famed for its wild beauty and diverse cultures, is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. The prefecture lies in the southeast part of Qinghai-Tibet High Plateau. Its altitude ranges from 1,015 meters(3,330) to 5,596 meters(18,360 feet) above sea level. The Jade-Dragon Snow-capped Mountain is the highest point in the prefecture. The City of Lijiang boasts a long history of over 800 years. According to historical records, the city was founded during the Song Dynasty(960-1279). Lijiang is home to 12 native peoples. Among them, the top three ethnic groups in Lijiang which have a large population are the Han, the Na-khi and the Yi. Joseph Rock, the celebrated American explorer, geographer, linguist and botanist, traveled to Lijiang in the year of 1922. He wrote many academic essays on Southwestern China’s natural resources and traditional cultures. One of his works is entitled the Ancient Na-khi Kingdom of Southwest China. After Joseph Rock published his books, Lijiang became well-known among westerners.
Attractions:
Lijiang Ancient Town
Lijiang Ancient Town was founded in the late thirteenth century. It covers an area of 728 hectares(1,799 acres). As a national five-star scenic area, the old town is one of the must-see attractions in Yunnan Province. It combines the features of ethnic minorities’ architecture, such as the Naxi Group, Tibetan People, the Bai People and the Yi Nationality. The houses are built and decorated in the traditional way. Sometimes, the locals dance together to entertain themselves in the town square in the evening, wearing their own folk costumes. Mufu Palace can be traced back to the Yuan Dynasty(1271-1368). It used to be Chieftain Mu’s mansion. The Mu clan ruled their territory for over 400 years. The compound covers an area of 3 hectares(7.5 acres). It is quite a luxury mansion.
The Jade-Dragon Snow-Capped Mountain
The Jade-Dragon Snow-capped Mountain lies in the north of Lijiang Prefecture, 21 kilometers(13 miles) to the city. It is the southernmost mountain in the Northern Hemisphere which is capped by snow all year round. The principal range of the mountain runs south to north. The mountain consists of thirteen peaks which stand on the range. It looks like a white dragon lying on the ground. The summit is called Shanzidou Peak which is 5,596 meters(18,360 feet) above sea level. Its view is amazingly gorgeous and magnificent. Ganhaizi Wetland lies at the foot of the mountain. The wetland is at an elevation of 2,900 meters(9,514 feet) above sea level, is a lovely pasture giving stunning views of the snow-capped mountain. Yuhu Village is located in the southern foothills of the Jade-Dragon. It is a picturesque village where the Naxi people dwell. Joseph Rock spent many years living in the village. The former residence of Joseph Rock has been maintained by the locals.
The Black-Dragon Pool
The Black-Dragon Pool lies nearby Lijiang Ancient Town. It is a very beautiful park in Lijiang where people can go for a stroll. The Museum of Dongba Culture stands in the park. The museum was founded in 1984. It houses over 12,000 historical curiosities, showing the splendid and absolutely unique culture of the Naxi People.
Shuhe Ancient Town
Shuhe Ancient Town is situated 8 kilometers(5 miles) to the north of downtown Lijiang. It is the cradle of Naxi’s civilization. The town used to be a very important post-station on the Ancient Tea and Horse Path. The old buildings perfectly harmonize with their surroundings. It has been added to the list of the most attractive old town in Mainland China. The nearby Baisha Village is noted for its exquisite and vivid mural paintings. The murals can be dated back to the Ming Dynasty(1368-1644). The assemblage of the murals depicts the aspects of the Naxi People’s culture and folk customs.
The First Bend of Yangtze River
The Yangtze is the third longest river in the world. It rises in the southwestern foothills of Tanggula Mountain and runs over 6,300 kilometers(3,915 miles) in a generally easterly direction to the East China Sea. The river makes a V-shaped turn at the foot of Hailuo Mountain. The turn is well-known as the First Bend of Yangtze River. A viewing platform by the river gives a breathtaking view over the bend.
Climate
The big difference of elevation leads to various climate features in different parts of the prefecture, ranging from the cold climate in high mountains to the semi-tropical climate in valleys with a relatively lower elevation. The tropical latitude of Lijiang means that tourists need to bring some suncream and sunhats when they travel to Lijiang. The average temperature in Lijiang varies between 3℃(37.4°F) and 17℃(62.6°F) in spring, 13℃(55.4°F) and 24℃(75.2°F) in summer, 15℃(59°F) and 24℃(75.2°F) in autumn, 4℃(39.2°F) and 19℃(66.2°F) in winter. Both spring and autumn are the best time to travel to Lijiang. The spring comes in February and goes in April, while the autumn lasts from September to November.
How to Get to Lijiang
Lijiang Sanyi International Airport is located 29 kilometers(18 miles) to the south of downtown Lijiang. The tourists can fly to Lijiang from some major cities within Mainland China, such as Chengdu, Kunming, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Another option is to travel to Lijiang from Kunming by car or bullet train. The distance between Lijiang and Kunming is about 500 kilometers(311 miles). On the way to Lijiang, the tourists may pay a visit to Dali Old Town and Erhai Lake.
How to Avoid Altitude Sickness
Some attractions in Lijiang Prefecture are at an elevation of over 3,000 meters(9,843 feet) above sea level. The tourists might suffer from the Acute Mountain Sickness(AMS). Tips for you to prevent the AMS include keeping hydrated, avoiding a cold, acclimatizing to altitude gradually, avoiding rapid ascent and strenuous exercise, restraining from smoking and drinking alcohol.
Author: Tina Luo
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