Lijiang, China
One of China’s Last “Living” Ancient Towns
Rooftops of Lijiang's Ancient Town.
In the heart of Northern Yunnan province in southwest China, near the borders of Burma and Tibet, is one of the last surviving ancient towns in China. The Old Town of Lijiang is prominent along the Ancient Tea and Horse Caravan Road, also known as the “Silk Road” of Southwest China, that connects Tibet to Yunnan and Sichuan. Lijiang Ancient Town has survived intact for more than 1,000 years with over 4,000 native families living within its Core and Protected Areas. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Lijiang’s Naxi people still preserve much of their native Dongba culture and deep linkage to nature. Snow-capped mountain vistas, ancient architecture and streetscapes, canals and waterways, and the people and their distinct culture give Lijiang its universal value to mankind. Its architectural style blends the traditions of the Naxi people – the town’s main ethnic group – with those of the Tibetan, Bai and Han peoples.
