Lijiang history

Lijiang, located in the picturesque Yunnan Province, is a city with a rich history spanning more than eight centuries. Its emergence and development are inextricably linked to its unique geographical location, the culture of the Naxi people, and the bustling trade along ancient caravan routes.

Foundation and First Mentions

It is believed that the city was founded during the period between the Song (960–1279) and Yuan (1279–1368) dynasties. In 1253, following the conquest of the Dali Kingdom, Mongol troops established a military settlement here. However, the history of settlements in this region goes back even further. The first permanent settlements of the Naxi people, such as Baisha and Shuhe, appeared here as early as the 7th century. Lijiang itself (historically named Dayan) quickly evolved into an important administrative and trading hub, especially after the local rulers of the Mu clan pledged allegiance to the Chinese Ming Dynasty in the 14th century.

Key Factors of Development

• Geographical Location: Lijiang is situated at the junction of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and the foothills of the Himalayas, making it a natural crossroads for various cultures and peoples.
• Trade: The city was a key point on the famous Ancient Tea Horse Road, where tea from China was exchanged for Tibetan horses. It was also located on the southern branch of the Silk Road, which contributed to its economic prosperity. The name of its old section, Dayan, translates as "a place where warehouses are concentrated," highlighting its significance in trade.
• Political Role: For 500 years, until the arrival of the Qing Dynasty, the city was governed by chieftains of the Naxi people bearing the surname Mu. Their residence served as the political heart of the region.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Early Lijiang was a melting pot of cultures, where Han and Tibetan traditions intertwined with the distinctive culture of the indigenous Naxi people. This people created the unique "Dongba" pictographic script, which is still in use today, and developed their own religion and musical traditions. The economy was based not only on transit trade but also on local crafts, such as the production of copper, silver, and leather goods. The unique system of canals and bridges, supplying the city with clean water from the mountains, became an integral part of its architectural appearance and continues to function effectively to this day.

Key Dates in the History of Lijiang

• Song and Yuan Dynasties Period (approx. 11th-13th centuries) — Foundation of the city of Dayan (future Lijiang) as an important trading post on the Ancient Tea Horse Road.
• 1253 — The troops of the Mongol Khan Kublai conquer the Dali Kingdom and establish a military and administrative administration in Lijiang.
• 1382 — The local Naxi ruler from the Mu clan pledges allegiance to the Chinese Ming Dynasty, beginning an era of their rule lasting nearly 500 years.
• Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) — The "Golden Age" of Lijiang under the governance of the Mu family, during which the city achieved prosperity and its rulers built their famous residence.
• 1723 — The Qing Dynasty Emperor abolishes the hereditary power of local chieftains, replacing it with direct imperial rule.
• World War II (1937–1945) — Lijiang becomes a vital transit point for supplying China from India via Burma following the blockade of eastern ports.
• 1986 — The Old Town of Dayan is included in China's national list of cultural and historical monuments, marking the first step towards its recognition.
• February 3, 1996 — A powerful earthquake causes significant damage to the modern districts of the city, but the ancient part of Lijiang largely withstood the tremors.
• December 4, 1997 — The Old Town of Lijiang (including the districts of Dayan, Baisha, and Shuhe) is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• 2002 — Lijiang receives the status of a prefecture-level city, marking a new stage in its administrative development.

Stages of Lijiang's Development

The history of Lijiang is a journey from a bustling trading post on ancient caravan trails to a world-renowned tourism centre. Key transformations in its economy, culture, and urban landscape reflect the shifting eras and priorities.

• Hub on the Ancient Tea Horse Road (13th–19th centuries). Lijiang's economic prosperity was founded on its strategic position on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, where Chinese tea was bartered for Tibetan horses. Its historical name Dayan, meaning "warehouses," highlighted its role as a major trade and logistics hub. This fostered not only economic growth but also cultural exchange between different peoples.
• Rule of the Mu Dynasty (1382–1723). The nearly 350-year rule of local chieftains from the Naxi people, bearing the surname Mu, became a "Golden Age" for Lijiang. During this period, the city's unique architectural appearance was formed, key buildings including the rulers' residence were constructed, and Naxi culture reached its peak.
• Transition to Direct Imperial Administration (1723). The inclusion of Lijiang into the general imperial administrative system of the Qing Dynasty marked the end of the era of hereditary chieftains. This step centralized power and integrated the region more deeply into the political and economic life of China, although it weakened the unique political autonomy of the Naxi people.
• The 1996 Earthquake. A powerful earthquake caused serious damage to modern structures, but the old town, thanks to traditional construction technologies, largely survived. This tragedy drew attention to the unique architecture and resilience of the ancient buildings, serving as a catalyst for large-scale heritage conservation efforts.
• Inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List (1997). The recognition of the Old Town of Lijiang (including the Dayan, Baisha, and Shuhe districts) as a World Heritage Site became a turning point. This status not only ensured the protection of the unique urban landscape and culture but also opened the city to international tourism.
• Tourism Boom (Late 1990s – Present). After receiving UNESCO status, Lijiang experienced explosive growth in the tourism industry. The city's economy completely reoriented from trade and agriculture to tourism, leading to rapid infrastructure development and the opening of numerous hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops within historic buildings.
• Development of Transport Infrastructure (21st Century). To service the growing flow of tourists, a modern airport was built, and high-speed railways were laid, connecting Lijiang with major Chinese cities such as Kunming. This significantly improved the region's accessibility and contributed to the further growth of its popularity.

Lijiang's Architectural Appearance: A Fusion of Cultures and Eras

The architecture of Lijiang is a unique phenomenon, shaped by the influence of Naxi culture and harmoniously integrated into the mountain landscape. Unlike many Chinese cities with their strict rectangular layout, Lijiang developed more organically. Its urban structure lacks city walls, which, according to legend, is linked to the surname of the local rulers, Mu (木): if this character is placed inside a frame (symbolizing a wall), it forms the word "困" — meaning "difficulty" or "trap." Instead of walls, the city was protected by mountains, and its heart became a complex and still functioning system of canals and bridges.

Traditional Naxi Architecture (Ming and Qing Dynasties)

The foundation of the historic built environment consists of traditional Naxi houses, which incorporated elements of Han, Bai, and Tibetan architecture. These structures, erected mainly during the Ming and Qing eras, possess several characteristic features:

• Materials: Buildings are constructed primarily of wood, stone, and adobe bricks, making them seismically resistant, as demonstrated by the 1996 earthquake.
• Structure: Most houses are two-story with an inner courtyard. Popular layouts include "Sanfang Yizhaobi" (the main building and two wings form a U-shape, with the fourth side closed by a screen wall) and "Sihe Wutianjing" (four structures surrounding a central courtyard).
• Decor: Facades and interiors are adorned with intricate wood carving on doors, windows, and beams. Roofs are covered with grey tiles and feature characteristic curved eaves.

Iconic Structures and Districts

Lijiang's architectural appearance is defined not so much by individual monumental buildings as by cohesive ensembles and engineering solutions.

• Old Town Dayan: Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, this district represents a labyrinth of streets paved with red stone, over 350 bridges, and houses standing directly by the water. Its centre is Sifang Square, a former trading hub on the Ancient Tea Horse Road.
• Mu Residence: This palace complex, built during the Ming Dynasty, is a vivid example of the fusion of traditional Han palace architecture and local styles. It is often called the "Miniature Forbidden City" due to its similar layout and luxurious decoration.
• Water Supply System: A complex network of canals, fed by the waters of the Yulong (Jade Dragon) mountain river, permeates the entire old town. It served not only for domestic needs and fire prevention but also became a key element of urban aesthetics, creating a unique harmony between architecture and nature.

Modern Development (20th-21st Centuries)

In the 20th century, Lijiang began to divide into two parts: the historic core and the new city. Following the 1996 earthquake, which destroyed many modern buildings but spared ancient structures, the value of traditional architecture was re-evaluated. Large-scale restoration of the Old Town began, transforming it into a major tourism hub. Today, Lijiang's architectural landscape presents a contrast between carefully preserved heritage and modern districts built to meet the needs of a growing city and the tourism industry.

Distinguished Figures in the History of Lijiang

The history of Lijiang is rich with the names of rulers, scholars, and travellers who left a significant mark on its destiny. These individuals contributed to the city's prosperity, the preservation of its unique culture, and its discovery by the wider world.

• Mu De (Reign: ? – 1390) — Founder of the ruling dynasty.

  The first ruler of the Naxi people from the Mu clan, who in 1382 pledged allegiance to the Chinese Ming Dynasty. This strategic move marked the beginning of a nearly 500-year era of autonomous rule for his family, ensuring stability and conditions for prosperity in the region.

• Mu Gong (Reign: 1526–1553) — Ruler and patron of the arts.

  His reign is considered one of the periods of Lijiang's "Golden Age." Mu Gong was a patron of arts and literature, promoted the development of local culture, and significantly expanded the palace complex — the residence of the Mu rulers.

• Xu Xiake (1587–1641) — Famous traveller and geographer.

  An outstanding Chinese explorer of the Ming era who visited Lijiang in 1639. His detailed travel diaries became an invaluable historical source describing the life, customs, and geography of the region, and brought fame to Lijiang throughout the country.

• Mu Zeng (Reign: 1597–1623) — Enlightened ruler.

  Went down in history thanks to the hospitality shown to the traveller Xu Xiake. This meeting became a symbol of cultural exchange and Lijiang's openness to the outside world during the period of its greatest flourishing.

• Joseph Rock (1884–1962) — Austrian-American explorer and scholar.

  Lived in a village near Lijiang for 27 years, dedicating himself to the study of the Naxi people. His articles in National Geographic magazine and scholarly works introduced the Western world for the first time to the unique culture, shamanic rituals, and Dongba pictographic script, as well as the incredible nature of the region.

• Peter Goullart (1901–1975) — Russian writer and engineer.

  An emigrant from Russia who lived in Lijiang for several years in the 1940s. His autobiographical book "Forgotten Kingdom" is a unique eyewitness account of the life of the city and its inhabitants on the eve of global changes in Chinese history.