丽江 (Lijiang)

The city has a history of at least 800 years and may date as far back as the Song Dynasty. It guards the division of the Jade River into three streams, among which canals and waterways were cut to flow along the old town streets. A book by an American commissioner brought the town some fame in the 19th century and foreign tourists began to return soon after China liberalized its visa policy in the 1980s.

Local people began restaurants and cafes and then came to domestic and international attention following a 1996 earthquake. Amid the destruction, China's people were drawn to the lifestyle and excellent environment around Lijiang and began pouring in.

Our Favorites

• Lijiang Ancient City (丽江古城)
• Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山)
• Mu's Mansion (木府)
• Lashi Lake (拉市海）
• Blue Moon Valley (蓝月谷)
• Shuhe Ancient town (束河古镇)
• Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡)
• Lugu Lake (泸沽湖)
• First Bend of Yangtze River (长江第一湾)