Lijiang old town is a world famous tourist destination. It has a history of almost a thousand years and as a well preserved ancient city filled with ethnic minorities, culture, and art. It was originally founded in the late Song (960-1279) and Early Yuan (1279-1368) Dynasties. Lijiang old town occupies an area of over 8 square kilometers. It is backed by the tree covered Lion Mountain in the west, Elephant and Golden Row Mountains in the north, and fertile fields in the Southeast. The unique geographical location, history, and ethnic minority residents make Lijiang's Old Town a most special one. The Old Town of Lijiang was put in the list of the World's Relics by the World Cultural Heritage Commission of UNESCO. In this a long and magnificent line, the ancient city of Lijiang is the only one classified as "world heritage", fully demonstrated the accumulation Cha Ma ancient city of exceptional historical and cultural value.
Since after the Olympics of 2008, this area is over flooded with tourists. Its architecture is noteworthy for the blending of elements from several cultures that have come together over many centuries. The Old Town is built along the lie of mountains and the flow of rivers, providing a very precious sample of the research on the old-time architecture. The unique geographical location, historical background and multiracial inhabitants make it one of the most special touristic spot for Chinese as well as Foreign tourists.
