Lijiang is the capital city of Lijiang Prefecture. The old part of Lijiang, called Dayan, is a well-preserved traditional town, with the snow peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain looming to its north. With its cobbled lanes winding along the steams that run through the town, and its western quarter climbing up a small hill, it differs from the classic squared grid common in other towns in Yunnan.
Dayan’s irregular layout makes it easier to explore and to observe the life of people. Naxi women use the streams to wash clothes and rinse vegetables, and farmers carry their produce through the streets. In their leisure hours people play cards at tables under the neighbourhood willow tree.
The city was founded in the wake of Kublai Khan’s campaign against the Kingdom of Dali. The Naxi had helped the Mongol army cross the Jinshajiang River, and when the Khan arrived in Lijiang he set up his camp around what is now the Old Stone Bridge, in the northern quarter of town.
The Naxi at that time were living in the northern part of the plain, and when the Khan leaved, moved to the vacanted camp and build the city of Dayan.
Lijiang’s inhabitants are Naxi, but they are not the only ethnic minority taking part in the life of town. The Bai are regular visitors, as some kilometers east there are several Bai villages. Tibetans from Zhongdian and the Nosu Yi from the mountains to the north are also often seen in the streets of Lijiang.
