Lijiang is one of Chinas most unique cities - culturally, ethnically, and architecturally. The citys Old Town, or "Dayan Old Town," is precious. Cobblestone streets, wooden homes and cafes practically spill out into narrow canals which wind past water wheels and under weeping willows. Lijiang presents a quaint, picturesque urban area - an increasingly rare sight in China.

The Naxi Kingdom makes its capital here in Lijiang. The ethnic minority number slightly less than 300,000, yet their small numbers belie their impact on Chinese history and legend. Until recently, groups within their culture were matriarchal - women ran the show; inheritances passed down from mother to eldest daughter; businesses were run by - if not owned and controlled by - women.

The Naxi written word is the only pictographic system still in regular use today, though used almost exclusively by a diminishing number of priests as they relate legends during ceremonial meetings.

More familiar to all Naxis - but no less unique - is their music. Many of Chinas distinctive, indigenous musical forms vanished over the centuries as new sounds and styles were adopted and adapted. But the Naxis isolation preserved a musical style virtually unchanged, earning it the nickname "fossil music." Wind and percussive instruments predominate; the voices can be likened to melodious chants; the lyrics relate stories of the past. 

Tourist Attractions:

Lijiang Ancient Town: The ancient city of Lijiang is found 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 a famous ancient historical and cultural city of a national caliber.

Jade 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 altitudes of the mountain part, a combination of multifarious climates and temperatures is conspicuous and is conspicuous and is attributed to the mountains modern oceanic glacial period.

Recommended Tour: China Minority Discovery Tour