Lijiang, the district's government seat, is an old city in beautiful surroundings in northwest Yunnan. It is situated on a plateau at an elevation of 2,600m and is impressive because of its scenery and lush vegetation.

The people of Naxi, while developing their land of snow-clad mountains and turbulent rivers since ancient times, have to their credit the "Dong Ba Culture" seen as one of the world wonders, a culture all-embracing while unique.

Lijiang Town is officially called "Dayan Town"-- "Dayan" literally means a "great inkstab", a graphic description of the town's location on a piece of rich flatland fed by a river and surrounded by green mountains. There is no other town in China like Dayan which incorporates the folkways of so many people and the architectural styles of both north and south China. Some say that Lijiang is not unique just because it is unique in too many ways-- how true this is.


The First Bend of the Yangtze River
About 70 kilometers (44miles) from Lijiang city, on the north side of the highway leading from Dali to Lijiang, locates the ancient town named Stone Drum Town. It is here, the Yangtze River to make a sudden V-shaped bend and flow to the northeast. This extraordinary turn, nearly180-degrees, creates beautiful and marvelous views that startle the imagination. This bend is called the First Bend of the Yangtze River. It has been of strategic importance since ancient times. Many famous historical events happened here.

White Water River
White Water River is a scenic spot in Lijiang, Yunnan Province. By taking a ropeway, which starts from Spruce Plateau (Yunshan Plateau), down the mountain, you can have a bird's-eye view of the deep and serene river valley, with the river as a jade girdle around the flourishing vegetation. White Water River is a placid and propitious river. It touches the heart with its gentle flow, and you will be captivated by its fascination and beauty.

Naxi Ancient Music
Naxi (also spelt Nakhi and Nahi) Ancient Music is a traditional Naxi Ethnic Group classical music. The mixture of holy tune of Daoist, Confucians ceremonies and the literary lyric and topics from poets in Chinese Tang and Song dynasty comes as the feature and uniqueness of this music. This music used to consist three parts but now only two parts left: "Baisha Fine Music" (Baisha Xiyue), and "Dongjing Music" (Dongjing Yinyue). The Naxi Ancient Music is regarded as the "living fossil of Chinese music."

Yak Plateau
With an area of 16.6 square kilometers, the Yak Plateau is located at the middle of Jade Dragon Snow Mountains. The beautiful natural scenery there is an important part of the mountain. Looking around the snow mountain, you would feel your soul is distilled with those white clouds high above the blue sky. You will not only see many yaks on the plateau, but also horses and donkeys.

Shuhe Villadge
Shuhe Villadge, 4km northwest from Lijiang City. It is an ancient trade post for tea caravans between China and the Red Sea, is set to regain its past prosperity with the launch of a new protection program. this village is the former city center of LiJiang and has a history of more than 1000 years.

Spruce Plateau
Covering an area of one square kilometer (240 acres), Spruce Plateau is a highland meadow situated in the mountainside of Shanzidou Peak (Fan Peak), the main peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. With an altitude of 3100m, the meadow is surrounded by a forest of gigantic and straight spruces and firs, forming an enchanting scene in this mountain. Yaks, scalpers, goats and Lijiang horses are herding in this meadow, adding much vitality here.

Mu Fu
The Mufu (Wood Mansion) is Lijiang's ancient ruler Mu's official residence and where he received his officials. Here Governor Mu of Ming dynasty built his mansion copying the style of the Forbidden City. The Mufu is Lijiang's largest group of buildings that reflects Naxi people's brilliant skills in architecture and fine arts.

Luoshui Village
Luoshui village is a collection of wooden Mosuo homes and guesthouses painted in Mosuo style and built right on the Lugu lakeshore. For 2,000 years, the Mosuos have maintained a society in which women uphold the integrity and assume leadership roles in the community. There are also many interesting spots for amusement and relaxation, such as the Mosuo Garden, the Goddess Garden, the Ethnic custom Garden, and the Ethnic Culture Garden.

Lashi Lake
At an elevation of 2500 meters, Lashi Lake (Lashihai) is the largest highland lake in Lijiang County, and an important habitat for over 57 species of migratory birds, the highest waterbird species diversity of any lake in Northwest Yunnan.

Lugu Lake
Lugu Lake is 5.2 kilometers wide from east to west with a total area of 50 sqkm. With an average depth of 40 meters, the lake is the second deepest lake in Yunnan.The lake has three islands in the middle, which are known as the "Fabled Abode of Immortals". The water in this lake is green and lucid and the environment around is well preserved.