Old Town of Lijiang(Dayan Ancient Town)

The Old Town of Lijiang, also known as Dayan Town, is one of the famous towns along the ancient Tea Horse Road. TV dramas like "One Meter of Sunshine" and "Mu Fu Feng Yun" were filmed here. The town features wooden houses with dark-tiled roofs, ancient stone-paved streets, and small bridges over flowing streams winding past homes. Standing on East Street, one can see the snow-capped peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on clear days, with the iconic view of the mountain and the old town framed together.

The ancient town is built along the mountain slopes, with streets and alleys following the waterways. Sifang Street, once a trading market on the ancient Tea Horse Road, remains the town's center today, with four main streets—Guangyi Street, Qiyi Street, Wuyi Street, and Xinhua Street—radiating outward and branching into a crisscrossing network of lanes. The Yu River splits into three at Yulong Bridge in the north, forming the East, Middle, and West Rivers, which further divide into nine tributaries and countless water alleys, creating a layout where main streets border rivers and small lanes adjoin canals. Mu Fu, the residence of the Mu chieftain praised by Xu Xiake as "palatial splendor rivaling that of kings," stands at the foot of Lion Mountain beside Guangyi Street. For a panoramic view of the town, climb to Wangulou on Lion Mountain, where layers of dark-tiled rooftops unfold below. The melodies of ancient Naxi music can be heard year-round in the town, while shops displaying Dongba script and handmade silver and copper crafts are scattered throughout the streets, offering glimpses of Naxi craftsmanship at every turn.

The large waterwheel at the entrance of the ancient town is an iconic photo spot. The town is filled with shops selling ethnic accessories, tea, silverware, and shawls. Local delicacies like cured pork ribs and chickpea jelly can be found in restaurants, alongside Western options like pizza. Tired visitors can take a break anywhere.