Top 10 ancient towns in China
- By Lin Liyao
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E-mail China.org.cn, November 12, 2010
Lijiang Ancient Town 麗江古城
Lijiang Ancient Town is located northwest of Yunnan Province and was added to the world cultural heritage list in 1997. This town is famous for its unique architectural style of blending different elements from several cultures. Moreover, Lijiang possesses an ancient water-supply system of a great complexity and ingenuity that still functions effectively today.
In the remote past, Lijiang Old Town was inhabited by the ethnic minority group. In 1253, Kublai Khan, the Mongol chief, marched with his troops here to conquer the State of Dali. As a result, in the next 500 years until the early days of the Qing Dynasty, the place was ruled by a hereditary succession of chieftains from the Mu clan of the Naxi people.
The town, surrounded by a mountain and a river running along, has no high walls. The town is crisscrossed by ancient streets and lanes paved with colored stones, and lined with residential houses of wood-stone-mud structure. Small streams run parallel with Sifang Street in the center of the town.
Travel Tips:
Admission: 80 yuan
Tel: +86-888-5123432
How to Get There: Cars are not allowed in Old Town, walking or cycling is a better choice.
