Lijiang


Lijiang is one of the most interesting cities in Yunnan. Located at 2400 m above sea level, it has about 1,200,000 inhabitants, mostly increased in the last 30 years.

In 1996 it was little more than a 13th century village and had about 10,000 inhabitants, when a magnitude 7 earthquake practically razed everything to the ground. In record time the village was rebuilt and about a year later it became part of the UNESCO heritage.

Since then the development of the city has been rapid, mainly focused on Chinese mass tourism.

Despite the massive commercialization of the historic center, traces of the typical rural life of the city can be found within the morning markets that supply the numerous restaurants of the city.

Traditional Chinese pagoda with curved roofs peeking through autumn foliage against a forested hillside.
Traditional Chinese temple with ornate curved roofs and stone balustrades on a cloudy day in mountains.
Traditional Japanese temple perched on hillside overlooking modern cityscape with mountains in background.
Tourists explore traditional Chinese street lined with red lanterns and wooden buildings in ancient town of Lijiang.
Traditional Chinese architecture with wooden buildings and curved roofs at dusk in Lijiang Ancient Town.
Person carrying large sack of goods on their back walking past red wooden doors.
Traditional Chinese architecture with tiled roofs and courtyard in Lijiang Ancient Town during evening light.
Traditional Chinese alleyway with red lanterns and wooden buildings in Lijiang ancient town at sunset.
Two workers wearing red gloves clean and prepare fresh fish at a market counter with a turquoise basin.
Traditional Korean pagoda buildings viewed through temple doorway at Gyeongbokgung Palace courtyard in Seoul.
Traditional Chinese pagoda temple with sweeping rooflines stands against cloudy sky surrounded by autumn foliage.
Aerial view of traditional Lijiang old town with tiled roofs under dramatic cloudy sky in Yunnan, China.
Aerial view of traditional Japanese architecture with pagoda roofs overlooking Kyoto's historic cityscape and mountains.
A warm portrait of someone wearing a tan jacket, red sweater and hat while sitting in a dimly lit restaurant booth.
Elderly person of Naxi people, wearing a gray jacket and cap sitting indoors in warm lighting.
Traditional Chinese pagoda temple with red accents and multiple tiers rises against autumn trees in a peaceful garden setting.
A blurred silhouette backlit in moody dramatic lighting against a dark purple and orange background.
Traditional Chinese pagoda with ornate curved roofs and red lanterns stands in a peaceful garden setting.
Two people in red traditional dress sit on a wall overlooking traditional Korean temple rooftops and cityscape.
Traditional Chinese architecture with tiered roofs overlooks Lijiang Old Town as autumn foliage turns yellow in Yunnan.
Ancient Chinese pagoda rooftops with traditional architecture in Lijiang Old Town against mountain backdrop during autumn.
A meat vendor sells fresh cuts at a market stall with orange plastic bags visible in the foreground.
Cook wearing warm winter jacket prepares food at rustic outdoor kitchen with metal pans and wooden counter space.
People gathered around a table playing cards in dimly lit room.
Dark indoor market with silhouettes and light streaming through a covered roof structure.
A person from a Naxi ethnic group wearing a colorful striped hat and traditional garments is smiling warmly.
Traditional Hmong clothing with ornate silver headdress and necklaces worn with a red sweater against rustic background.
A person wearing a baseball cap and work jacket sits at a counter in a dimly lit space while holding a beverage.
Person in gray jacket smiling while carrying a large bottle next to rustic wooden doors.
People wearing traditional folk costumes browse inside a colorful retail shop with clothing displays.
A motorcyclist in a leather jacket smiles while sitting on their bike at night on a city street.
A dimly lit restaurant interior at night with silhouettes of diners and a glowing illuminated sign in the window.
A group stands together outside a traditional Chinese building with red lanterns and couplets decorating the entrance.
Vendor at a nighttime market stall smiles while displaying fresh vegetables and produce with colorful lighting.
Interior view of a local meat and produce market with vendors at stalls selling fresh goods under covered marketplace.
Crowded glowing night street lined with traditional Japanese shops and lanterns in a historic district of Kyoto.
A black and white street scene in Japan showing silhouettes of people walking through traditional covered walkways.
Craftsperson working by warm lamplight in traditional workshop while focusing on detailed handmade project.
Aerial nighttime view of illuminated ancient rooftops and winding streets in a traditional Asian town with hills in background.
Traditional Japanese temple architecture illuminated at dusk with red lanterns hanging in the foreground.
Traditional wooden buildings illuminated at night in Lijiang Ancient Town with dark blue sky and mountains in background.
A cozy night scene outside a traditional Chinese building with lanterns and people gathered near the entrance.
People resting on colorful carts and benches along a street in an Asian neighborhood during sunset.
Three women wearing traditional clothing and fur hats explore a winter street market in Asia with Chinese signage visible.
A dimly lit Japanese restaurant interior with glowing lanterns and decorative elements creating a warm, atmospheric ambiance.
People sitting at a dark rustic bar with glowing warm lights and stone archways in the background.