Lijiang Old Town · Soft Time Guide | Encounter the Highland Water Town

🎑 First Impressions of the Old Town Lijiang Old Town was founded at the end of the Song and the beginning of the Yuan dynasty, with a history of about 800 years. It has no regular street grid or imposing city walls but is built along the mountains and water, following the natural terrain. The meltwater from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain flows through the town, creating a poetic and picturesque scene of "water flowing in front of every door, and willow trees hanging behind every house." ——— ✨ Must-Visit Highlights 1. Stroll through the Highland Water Town, tracing small bridges and flowing water 🌉 The old town has more than 350 bridges of various shapes. Together with the rivers winding through the streets and the weeping willows, they form a serene scene of "small bridges, flowing water, and homes." You can walk along the large stone bridge near Sifang Street, once a hub for hemp cloth trade and now a favorite spot for tourists to take photos. 2. Explore the Mysteries of the Mu Mansion, Reading Half a History of Ethnic Groups 🏯 "One Tusi Mansion, half a history of ethnic groups." The Mu Mansion was the government office of the Mu Tusi of Lijiang, built during the Ming dynasty. Its architectural complex is grand and magnificent, with the council hall and the Wanjuan Tower arranged along the central axis. Take a guided tour to learn about the historical echoes of ethnic interactions, exchanges, and integration witnessed by this Tusi Mansion. 3. Experience Multiculturalism and the Charm of Intangible Cultural Heritage 🎵 · Dongba Culture: The Dongba pictographic script of the Naxi people is currently the "only living pictographic script" in the world. You can experience Dongba paper-making at the "Dongba Paper Workshop" in the old town or collect stamps with Dongba script seals. · Naxi Ancient Music: Known as a "living fossil of music," you have the chance to listen to these Tang and Song dynasty melodies that transcend time within the old town. · Datiao Dance: In the heart of the old town at Sifang Street, locals and tourists often hold hands and dance ethnic dances of the Tibetan, Bai, and Naxi peoples, creating a joyful and harmonious atmosphere. 4. Climb High for a Panoramic View of the Old Town 📸 To overlook the entire old town, you can climb the Lion Hill viewing platform or choose a guesthouse with a viewing deck (such as the popular Boxinyunshe Wenyuan or Moonlight Tribe Guesthouse). From there, you can see layers of blue-tiled roofs stretching to the foot of the snow mountain, especially enchanting at dawn and dusk. ——— 🗺️ Classic Itinerary 🎯 Three-Day Highlights Tour Date Morning Afternoon Evening Day 1 Arrive at the old town, check into a characteristic guesthouse Stroll Sifang Street, visit the large stone bridge, explore alleys Taste Naxi cuisine, enjoy the old town night view Day 2 Visit the Mu Mansion, learn about Tusi history Experience Dongba paper-making, visit the Three-Eyed Well Listen to Naxi ancient music or join the Datiao dance at Sifang Street Day 3 Climb Lion Hill for a panoramic view Head to Shuhe Ancient Town or Black Dragon Pool Park Shop for specialty souvenirs, relax on the guesthouse terrace ——— 🍜 Taste of Lijiang · Naxi Flavors: Try local delicacies like chickpea jelly, butter tea, caravan grilled fish, or cured pork rib hotpot. · Recommended Eateries: Netizens suggest 88 Snack Shop and Ama Yi Restaurant, worth a visit. ——— 💡 Practical Tips · Tickets: Entry to the old town is free, but attractions like the Mu Mansion may require separate tickets. · Transportation: The old town is pedestrian-only; wear comfortable shoes. Self-driving vehicles must park outside the old town parking lots. · Accommodation: There are many guesthouses in the old town; it is recommended to choose those with convenient locations and good reputations. Some guesthouses offer views of the old town or snow mountains. · Best Season: Suitable all year round, but spring and summer have more comfortable weather. · Sun Protection and Altitude Sickness: Lijiang is about 2400 meters above sea level with strong UV rays. Please take sun protection measures and avoid strenuous exercise. ——— ✨ In Lijiang Old Town, time seems to slow down. Stroll along the small bridges and flowing water, listen to music in ancient courtyards, and let the softness of this highland water city heal all your worries. 📮