The Old Town of Lijiang is located in Lijiang City in the northwest of Yunnan Province. Built in the late Song and early Yuan dynasties and flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it boasts a long history. Situated at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain, the old town consists of three areas: Dayan Old Town (including the Black Dragon Pool Scenic Area), the Baisha Residential Complex, and the Shuhe Residential Complex. Covering a total area of 7.28 square kilometers at an elevation of 2,416 meters, the main part of the Old Town of Lijiang is Dayan Old Town, named "Dayan" because its layout resembles a large jade inkstone.

Selected Attractions

Mufu Mansion

Mufu Mansion was originally the administrative residence of the Mu clan, hereditary Tusi rulers of Lijiang. Located on the eastern slope of Lion Hill in the old town, it covers 46 mu (about 7.57 acres). The complex contains 162 rooms of various sizes, with a central axis stretching 369 meters. From west to east, Sanqing Hall, Yuyin Tower, Guangbi Tower, Dharma Protector Hall, Wanjuan Tower, the Council Hall, and the Loyalty and Righteousness Archway are arranged in orderly sequence. Grand and magnificent in style, Mufu Mansion’s architecture draws inspiration from the Forbidden City and is known as "the Forbidden City in the North and Mufu Mansion in the South."

Wangu Tower

At the southwestern corner of Dayan Old Town stands a hill that resembles a crouching lion guarding the town, known as Lion Hill. Wangu Tower, a fully wooden viewing pavilion built atop Lion Hill, marks the highest point of the old town. From here, visitors can take in a panoramic view of the entire town.

Sifang Street

Sifang Street is located at the center of the Old Town of Lijiang, where roads extend in all directions and quiet alleys wind around it. It is said to have been built during the Ming Dynasty by the Mu clan Tusi in the shape of their official seal, and once served as an important hub along the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Sifang Street is the liveliest street in the old town, especially enchanting at night, with numerous bars and teahouses lining the riverbanks.