Lijiang Old TownPhoto Tour

Lijiang Old Town Photo Tour

The Old Town of Lijiang is a world famous tourist destination. It is a well preserved ancient city filled with ethnic minorities, culture, and art. The Lijiang Old Town was originally founded in the late Song (960-1279) and Early Yuan (1279-1368) Dynasties. The Lijiang Old Town occupies an area of over 8 square kilometers. It is backed by the tree covered Lion Mountain in the west, Elephant and Golden Row Mountains in the north, and fertile fields in the Southeast. The architectural styles of the buildings in the Lijiang Old Town are of great interest to visitors.  They incorporate architectural traits of the Naxi, Bai, Tibet, and Han ethnic minority groups. The houses are placed close together along narrow lanes. The two storey houses are constructed of earth, tile, and timber and are created around an open courtyard much like Beijing’s quadrangle. The Old Town depends on water for its existence. The main water source for the town is the Black Dragon Pool. It splits into many canals which can be reached by every street in the town.  The town features almost 350 bridges and willow trees grow everywhere due to the abundance of water. Old Town is a place that will not only capture your imagination, but your heart. It is a magical place that time seems to have forgotten filled with an amazing culture, and warm people. It is a jewel in the crown of China that has remained unchanged for centuries.

Waterwheels at the entrance to Lijiang Old Town

Lijiang Old Town’s canals are the lifeblood of the town

The entrance to Lijiang Old Town at night

Time seems to have stood still in Lijiang Old Town

An ancient bridge crossed canal

The many ancient stone bridges make the town extremely photogenic

One of the many shops selling traditional ethnic minority handicrafts

The shopping streets are always vibrant

Lijiang Old Town in winter is especially picturesque

Corn drying in the sun in Lijiang Old Town

Lijiang Old town is particularly beautiful at night

One of Lijiang Old Town’s many restaurants

Lijiang Old Town's grey tiled roofs

Looking down into a traditional home's courtyard

At night Lijiang Old Town is lit by traditional lanterns

A Tibetan Minority girl greets visitors to a restaurant