The Incredible Old Town of Lijiang, China's Best-Known Old Town | Yunnan, China

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★★ Why is Lijiang famous? ★★
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Lijiang, also known as Likiang, is a prefecture-level city in the northwest of Yunnan Province, China.

Lijiang is famous for its UNESCO Heritage Site, the Old Town of Lijiang, which contains a mixture of different historical architecture styles and a complex, ancient water-supply system.


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★★ When was the old town of Lijiang built? ★★
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Lijiang Old Town was first built in the late Song Dynasty and early Yuan Dynasty, with a history of more than 800 years. From the beginning to the reign of Yongzheng in Qing Dynasty, Lijiang Old Town was under the rule of Mu Family, local commanders during that time in Lijiang.

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★★ Old Town of Lijiang ★★
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The Old Town of Lijiang, which is perfectly adapted to the uneven topography of this key commercial and strategic site, has retained a historic 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.

Lijiang also possesses an ancient water-supply system of great complexity and ingenuity that still functions effectively today.

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★★ Old Town of Lijiang — A Walk Through the History ★★
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Lijiang Old Town, also known as Dayan Old Town, was a former trading town and a stop for traders carrying goods on the Ancient Tea and Horse Road. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

The architecture of Lijiang Old Town is noteworthy for the blending of elements from several cultures — Naxi, Bai, Yi, Tibetan, and Han. The town also possesses an ancient water supply system of great complexity and ingenuity.

Now, Lijiang Old Town has been commercialized and millions of tourists visit every year, but, though different, its character is now even more appealing — it's a travelers' magnet.

Area: 7.3 square kilometers (2.8 square miles)

Popular activities: photographing/admiring ancient architecture; relaxing in the laid-back, old-town atmosphere
Suited to: anyone, especially the people who are interested in history and minority culture

Time needed: 1 day
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Highlights You Should Not Miss
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Lijiang Old Town is characterized by ancient cobbled streets, stone bridges, and water-wheel-driven canals decorated with flowers. Shops, cafés, bars, restaurants, snack stalls, hotels, and hostels can be found everywhere.

In addition, there are many ancient and solemn buildings, beautiful parks, museums, and more to explore.

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The Mufu (Mu Clan's Mansion)
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The Mufu was the residence of the Naxi people's Mu clan who were in charge of Lijiang during the Yuan (1279–1368), Ming (1368–1644), and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties.

In its heyday, the Mufu covered an area of more than 6 hectares (16 acres or 12 football pitches) and had nearly 100 buildings. It was the heart of Lijiang Old Town for 800 years. Based on the architectural style of the China's Han majority, ruling in the Ming Dynasty, it integrates the local styles of Naxi and Bai.
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Sifang Street (Square Street)
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Sifang Street is located in the center of Lijiang Old Town and is one of its busiest places. You will find all kinds of Lijiang specialty food there. It is also an important site for the locals to celebrate festivals, when a stage in set on the north side of the street for locals to sing and dance on.

Other popular streets include Wuyi Street and Qiyi Street, where there are most restaurants and bars.
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The Big Waterwheels
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The big waterwheels are a landmark of Lijiang Old Town. As you enter the old town, you will see them. The river flowing through the old town keeps them rotating. Bar Street is next to them, which is busy at night.

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The Best Times for a Visit
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The best times to visit Lijiang are from late March to May and mid-October to November for comfortable temperatures and mostly clear skies.

In winter, which is also mostly clear, the low nightly temperatures are just a little above freezing, so bring enough warm clothes.

Bring rain gear for the summer rainy season between June and September. The cobblestones are slippery when wet, so please be careful when walking on them.

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0:00 Intro
2:22 Walking In the Mufu Palace
15:15 Walking In Old Town Of Lijiang(Day time)
28:48 Night walk in Old Town Of Lijiang
1:38:28 Special Moments
1:46:46 Keep night walking
2:02:08 Special Moments of Mufu Palace
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