Lijiang
Lijiang is located in the mountains which run south of the Qinghai-Tibet highland, bordering Sichuan in the east and adjoining Tibet in the north. This makes it a must-see post on the Tea-horse Road, which passed through the town and stretched far north all the way to Tibet. Lijiang hence was renowned as "the throat of the Tea-horse Road".
Lijiang's role on the road is evidenced by the tiny town of Dayan, where traditionally caravans passing through would station here as a supplement before continuing their long and weary road ahead. The pleasant local weather conditions, and the colorful Naxi folklife and culture were the main lures to the Tibetan merchants who often chose to stay at this little town for refreshment and relaxation in anticipation of the journey ahead. The townspeople catered to the large demand for lodging brought about by these passing traders, and as a result many hotels were built, kicking off the area's tourist industry. These merchant-oriented hotels still exist today at the Xinyi Street at Dayan Town, near Niujiaxiang, and at the Jishanxiang Alleys in the old town.
Special Feature
Lijiang is culturally distinctive with its inspiring Naxi tradition and culture, as well as the mysteries of the Dongba religion which combines sorcery, medicine and philosophy, with the intricate ancient Naxi pictographic script.
Sights
Lijiang Ancient Town
The ancient city of Lijiang was founded in Dayan Town, a largely Naxi settlement first built during the Southern Song Dynasty some eight centuries ago. In December 1986, the State Council designated the place as an ancient historical and cultural city of national caliber.
Dragon Snow Mountain
15 kilometers north of Lijiang County Town, this magnificent snow-capped mountain sprawls 35 kilometers from north to south. Owing to the different elevations of the mountain massif, the combination of different climates and temperature gradients is conspicuous and can be attributed to the mountain's oceanic glacial period.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
The Tiger Leaping Gorge begins at Qiaotou village, Zhongdian County and ends at Daju village, Lijing. The gorge is 18 kilometers long at the upper reaches of the Jinsha River (the Golden Sand River). It is divided into three segments, the upper, middle and lower gorge. The most famous scenic areas of the upper gorge are at the mouth of the gorge and at the Tiger Leaping Pebble.
Transportation
Air: Lijiang Airport is 28 kilometers away from the town, about a 30 minute drive. There are around 5 to 6 flights between Lijiang and Kunming, capital of Yunnan province. Lijiang-Kunming: 40 minutes.
Highway: Lijiang is located at the junction of Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet, which makes it an important highway transportation hub in the region. Buses from Kunming, Dali and Shangri-la all run to Lijiang at minutes' intervals.
Accommodation
Lijiang is an internationally famous tourist destination and the town has built hundreds of hotels and hostels to meet the increasing demand of tourists.
Accommodations range from the luxurious 5 star Guanfang Hotel to family guesthouses attached to personal flats.
China Highlights hotel center;
Food & Eating
Travelers to Lijiang often find themselves spoiled by Lijiang's dining culture. At night, restaurants on the riverbanks are completely lit up by colored lanterns, which combined with their reflections on the river, creating an inspiring scene. The food choices are intriguing in terms of both taste and price. Those who have sampled Lijiang food may find it difficult to enjoy eating anywhere else.
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