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Iconic Places in Lijiang

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Updated Apr 10, 2026
By ChinaTravelVIP  
Lijiang boasts a history of over 800 years and is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes. It is also known as the "Venice of the East." We will introduce the iconic spots of Lijiang for tourists.
Lijiang is an ancient city located in the northwest of Yunnan Province. With a history of over 800 years, it is renowned for its magnificent landscapes and is also known as the "Venice of the East." The ancient city of Lijiang stands out from other Chinese cities in terms of architecture, history, and culture, as these elements are closely intertwined with the traditions of the Naxi people, who continue to preserve their ancestral customs. In 1997, UNESCO designated the old town of Lijiang as a World Heritage Site. Since then, the city has experienced a significant increase in tourism, attracting a large number of domestic and international visitors every year. If you're looking to find a fairy-tale-like country far from bustling metropolises, don't hesitate to come here. In this article, we will introduce the iconic attractions of Lijiang for tourists.

Montaña Nevada Dragón de Jade

It is a massive mountain range or a small chain of mountains in the Autonomous County of Yulong-Lijiang, Yunnan Province. Located about 15 kilometers north of Lijiang City, this mountain rises over 5,500 meters above sea level, distinguished by its steep slopes and enchanting beauty. The main peak, called Fanzi, stands at 5,596 meters above sea level. In the Naxi language, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is known as "Boshi Oulu," meaning silver rocks with white sand. The mountain is rich in natural tourism resources, and its landscapes can be roughly divided into snow-capped and glacial scenery, alpine meadow landscapes, virgin forest landscapes, snow-covered mountains, and aquatic landscapes. It is a sacred mountain in the hearts of the Naxi people and all ethnic groups in Lijiang. "Sanduo," the guardian deity of the Naxi people, is the embodiment of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain; indeed, Lijiang communities still celebrate the "Sanduo Festival" every year.

Baisha Village

Located north of the Ancient City of Lijiang, Baisha Village is the original settlement of the Naxi people and the first cultural and political center of Lijiang. The Baisha Murals, also known as the Lijiang Murals, are displayed in magnificent and ancient temples. With unique religious themes and superb painting skills, these murals are one of the most important forms of Lijiang's Dongba culture, attracting tourists eager to explore Lijiang in depth to visit and admire them. These murals have witnessed the superb artistry, extraordinary creativity, and rich imagination of the ancients; they are not only valuable treasures of Chinese painting history but also a transcendent cultural heritage that serves as a dedicated ambassador to promote Chinese culture worldwide.

Ancient City of Lijiang

With a history of over 800 years, the Ancient City of Lijiang, along with Pingyao, Shexian County, and Langzhong, is among the four best-preserved ancient cities in China. It features deep, narrow blue stone alleys, old wooden houses with carvings, magnificent natural landscapes, and the hardworking Naxi people. This is a peaceful city of recreation, showcasing traditional Chinese architectural styles, an ideal place to explore the disappearing Dongba script, and a cultural heritage site that commemorates the glorious past. The ancient city also offers an excellent evening music performance, presenting ancient music of the Naxi ethnic minority, a unique folk music style exclusive to the Naxi people in the Lijiang region.

Yufeng Temple

It is located on the southern slope of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, just 9 km from Lijiang. Surrounded by ancient forests, the entire temple showcases an architectural style and a fusion of Han Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Taoism, and the local Naxi Dongba culture. It also stands as a witness to the peaceful coexistence and syncretism of diverse cultures and religions, and continues to play a significant role in Naxi culture.

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