he town in Yunnan province has a history going back more than 800 years and was once a centre for trade along the old tea horse road. The old town of Lijiang differs from other ancient Chinese cities in architecture, history and the culture due to the in uence of its traditional residents the Nakhi people.
Walk around, watch people, shop, drink and eat. There is a bon re at around 7PM at Si Fang Jie, the central plaza. Many local folks dance there, entertain themselves. Tourists are welcomed to join in.
Lijiang was first known by westerns through a book, Lost Horizon, written by an American commissioner who traveled in and out of Yunnan Province in late 19th century. Shangrila was also mentioned in that book and became famous.
Water Towns in China
China's water towns, often referred as Venice of the East, are famous for their ancient buildings, bridges, canals, and ways of life that have not changed in centuries. They are idyllic destinations to unwind from the hustle and bustle of China's cities and can offer visitors glimpses into China's ancient past.
