Global Treasures - LIJIANG - Yunnan - China

Lijiang

Known as the Venice of the Far East, Lijiang is an historic old Chinese town in the northwest province of Yunnan. It was the centre of the Naxi, a Tibetan-Tobirmanic nation that had an impressive and unique culture.

Dayan, Lijiangs old town, contains an intriguing variety of canals and waterways. It developed at the beginning of the 12th century, during the Late Song epoch.

The picturesque centre of the old town of Dayan is an architectural jewel. Numerous streams and three rivers flow through the historic part of the town and there are several beautiful stone bridges that date back to the time of both the Ming and Qing dynasties.

For over 470 wonderful years of the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties each of the Naxi rulers came from the Mu family and for more than 22 generations life in and around Lijiang was led by this family until in 1723 the Qing Dynasty appointed a new government, thus the Mu era came to an end.

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.