General Idea

Lijiang includes the heritage site of Lijiang Ancient Town as well as picturesque nearby surroundings. In 1998, Lijiang Ancient Town was inscribed into the World Heritage List by the World Heritage Commission of the UNESCO. The Commission called it 'an exceptional ancient town set in a dramatic landscape which represents the harmonious fusion of different cultural traditions to produce an urban landscape of outstanding quality.
 
Lijiang is the ideal destination for nature lovers and anyone interested in ancient people groups and their customs. Lijiang is located within the northwest part of Yunnan Province, in the southeastern part of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the northwestern part of Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau.

Chinese people also long for the lifestyle and the excellent environment in Lijiang and started pouring in. This started the new era of Lijiang.

Geography and Climate

Geography: Lijiang City is located in the northwestern portion of Yunnan and borders Sichuan. It is in a region where the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau converge.
 
Population: It has a population of 1.1376 million. (2005)
 
Lijiang Old TownAdministrative Division: The government of Lijiang City sits in Gucheng District. Lijiang City comprises one district and four counties.

Climate & Weather Briefing
Lijiang has three different climatic zones, ranging from subtropical in the southeast, to warm temperatures in the centre, and cold temperatures in the northwest. In addition, the characteristics of vertical climate in some highlands can also be seen in Lijiang. For example, Jade Dragon Mountain, with its higher altitude, has five different climatic zones, from warm temperate to alpine.
 
Lijiang has a clear annual distinction between the wet and dry seasons. The wet season spans May to October, with plenty of rainfall. From November to April belongs to the dry season. Additionally, because of its high average elevation, Lijiang has abundant sunshine all year round, favoured with fresh air and charming natural scenery.
 
The rainy season typically occurs between May and October with November to April being predominantly dry. If you travel to Lijiang at this time, remember bring an umbrella or raincoat. Regardless of the season, Lijiang still remains a favourable destination as the sunshine and fresh air enhances the beautiful surrounding landscape and scenery.
 
Spring: In April and May, daytime temperatures can range from 15 to 20°Celsius and warmer, and rain comes more frequently as Spring progresses. By early June rain may fall almost daily.
 
Summer in Lijiang, particularly June and July, is mild and comfortable, but the long season is usually very wet. Temperatures almost never get higher than 25°Celsius, and nights are cool and pleasant. From June through September rain normally falls every day. August in Lijiang may often see spectacular lightning storms, but the frequent rain may make August and September particularly chilly at times, and the usual cloud cover makes this time of year less than ideal for sightseeing.
 
Autumn: The rains are almost completely gone by mid-October, bringing bluer skies and slightly warmer weather. In October and November the temperatures are in the upper teens Celsius and the nights are crisp and chilly.
 
Winter: It is the southerly latitude that makes for a warmer Winter; despite the city’s high elevation. In addition, December to February is dry season, and nearly every day sees strong, warm sunshine. Daily high temperatures may reach 15° Celsius while night-time temperatures usually drop to just above freezing. Snow rarely falls in the city more than once a year, though the surrounding mountain areas may see occasional snowfall.
 
Climate Data Table for Lijiang

History

 Lijiang is and ancient city in China. In 1998, Lijiang Ancient Town was inscribed into the World Heritage List by the World Heritage Commission of the UNESCO.
 
Early History
Lijiang is one of the important areas of southwest China where ancient human was actively. As early as 100,000 year ago, Homo sapiens “Lijiang People” had been lived here at the late Paleolithic Age.
 
Before Song Dynasty
During the Warring States, Lijiang belonged to Qin.
In Han Dynasty, it belonged to Yuejun.
During the Three Kingdom, it belonged to Yunnan Jun.
During South Dynasty, it was Suidun County. And at this period, Naxi Ethnic Groups moved in Lijiang.
During Tang Dynasty, it used to belong to Yaozhou, than to Tibetan Empire, Nanzhao Kingdom.
 
Song and Yuan Dynasty
During Song Dynasty, the city began construction. Kublai Khan conquered Dali, stationed troops here. It was later named Lijiang Raod, which was also the origin of the name Lijiang.
 
Ming and Qing Dynasty
At the late Ming Dynasty, the palaces of the Wu Family were very magnificent and beautiful.
 
Qing, there set Lijiang Government. In 1723, the system of appointing national minority hereditary headmen in Yunnan was ended. And there set Lijiang County in 1770.
 
Modern and Contemporary
In 1961, the Lijiang Naxi Autonomous County was established.
In 1998, Lijiang Ancient Town was inscribed into the World Heritage List by the World Heritage Commission of the UNESCO.

Places of Interest

Lijiang Old Town

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Lugu Lake