Ancient City of Lijiang

Lijiang is not only the touristic hot spot in Yunnan, it is a gateway to Tibet and starting point for many fantastic trekking opportunities in the area. With a bit below 50%, the Han Chinese are the main part of the population, whereas the other 50% are split into around 15 different ethnic groups. Lijiang was the capital city of the Naxi kingdom in the 13th century until it got conquered by Kublai Khan. Still, the Naxi are apart from the Han Chinese the majority among the minorities in Lijiang.

The Naxi live in a matrialineal society and are the only ethnic group worldwide using pictograph writing. The Naxi language is nearly extinct, however through the huge boast of tourism in the recent years, writing and culture get revived again. The writing is preserved by the Dongba (or wise men), who are the shamans of the Naxi. Famous scientist and explorer Joseph Rock was the first to examine and document the ethnicities and also fauna and flora in the area.

In 1996 an earthquake cost many lives in Lijiang. Around one third of the houses collapsed, however it was mostly the modern concrete buildings that took heavy damage and less the traditional wooden houses of the Naxi. Therefore the old town was rebuilt in the traditional way and declared to a pedestrian zone. With the cozy wooden houses, the narrow alleyways and the small water canals, Lijiang spreads a unique charme. Countless shops with local handcraft products, restaurants and bars invite for strolling and relaxing.

Do you have a question? Use our online support system! Simply click on the "live chat" icon, fill in the required fields and choose an available operator.