Why Lijiang
Lijiang is a prefecture-level city located in northwestern Yunnan Province, China, bordering Sichuan Province. Situated where the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau meets the Yungui Plateau within the Hengduan Mountains region, the area features a dramatic landscape characterized by high peaks, deep river gorges, and highland basins. Elevations range from over 5,500 meters at the snow-covered peaks of Yulong Snow Mountain down to around 1,015 meters along low river valleys. The Jinsha River flows through the region, framed by major mountain ranges such as Laojun Mountain and Mianmian Mountain.
Human activity in Lijiang dates back to the late Paleolithic era, as evidenced by ancient cave paintings along the Jinsha River Valley and early stone tools. Over the centuries, the region came under the influence of various empires and kingdoms, including the Dian Kingdom, the Tibetan Empire, and the Nanzhao Kingdom. The Naxi people migrated to the area during the Northern and Southern Dynasties period. Baisha Old Town served as an early cultural and commercial hub for the Naxi along the Ancient Southern Silk Road, also known as the Ancient Tea and Horse Road. From the Yuan dynasty through the Qing dynasty, local Naxi leaders from the Mu family governed the region under an autonomous administrative system before direct central imperial authority was established.
As a multi-ethnic settlement that includes the Han population alongside 22 ethnic minorities, Lijiang is renowned for its cultural and natural attractions. It is the only prefecture-level city boasting three World Heritage Sites, most notably the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Lijiang, which is recognized for its historical architecture and complex ancient water-supply system. Additional prominent destinations include Tiger Leaping Gorge, Laojun Mountain, and the year-round snowcapped Yulong Snow Mountain. The region also features significant natural bodies of water, including Chenghai—a lake known for naturally growing spirulina—and the Lashihai highland wetland, an internationally important habitat for migratory birds.
Lijiang harbors rich biological diversity, with extensive forest cover and thousands of plant and animal species, including protected wildlife such as the Yunnan golden snub-nosed monkey, clouded leopard, and Himalayan yew. The city experiences a mild subtropical highland climate influenced by its low latitude and high elevation. Winters are sunny and dry, with cool average temperatures around 6.7 °C in January. Summers are warm and humid, with the majority of annual rainfall occurring between June and September. Sunshine is abundant throughout much of the year, particularly during the dry winter and spring months.
01 Weather
71°
54°
☔ 100%
68°
58°
☔ 100%
69°
54°
☔ 100%
67°
55°
☔ 100%
66°
58°
☔ 100%