Old Town of Lijiang
China ·
Description
Lijiang is water, stone and wood in Naxi harmony. Crystal canals cross 800-year-old cobblestone streets, while gray tile roofs reflect in lotus ponds. Jade Dragon Mountain watches with eternal snows. At night, Naxi elders write in the world's only living pictographic language.
Why It's a World Heritage Site
Lijiang preserves Naxi culture with its architecture, canal system and unique Dongba pictographic writing. The town shows exceptional fusion of Han, Tibetan and Bai cultures.
UNESCO Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
For preserving Naxi culture with traditional architecture, canals and the only living pictographic language.
It was inscribed in 1997 under criteria (ii), (iv) and (v).
Naxi pictographic system of 1,400 symbols; the only one in active use worldwide.
Yes, especially the main square; side alleys are quieter.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lugu Lake, Tiger Leaping Gorge.