Gucheng District Overview
1. Basic Information
● Chinese Name: 古城区
● Area: 1255.4 square kilometer
● Population: 152300(2010)
● Zip code: 674100
● Dialing code: (+86) 0888
● Altitude: 1219m-3200m
2. Location
Located in the transition zone from Hengduan mountain to Yunnan-Guizhou plateau of northwest Yunnan province, Gucheng District is under the jurisdiction of Lijiang city.
3. Administrative Division
Gucheng District has jurisdiction over 7 subdistricts, 2 towns, 2 townships, in total 59 villages(neigborhoods) and 572 groups of villagers.
7 Subdistricts: Dayan Subdistrict(大研), Xian Subdistrict(西安), Xianghe Subdistrict(祥和), Shuhe Subdistrict(束河), Jinshan Subdistrict(金山), Kainan Subdistrict(开南), Wenhua Subdistrict(文化)
2 Towns: Qihe Town(七河镇), Jinan Town(金安镇)
2 Townships: Dadong Township(大东乡), Jinjiang Bai Ethnic Township(金江白族乡)
4. Climate
Gucheng District enjoys a plateau monsoon climate of low latitude, with an average annual temperature of 12.6 degrees centigrade and an average annual rainfall of 950 mm. It is pleasant with abundant rainfalls and cool summer, non-cold winter. The three-dimensional climate is obvious here, cold in the alpine mountains at above 3200 meters high and mild in the basin at the height of 2400 meters. While in the hilly area of below 1800 meters, it is hot in the summer and warm in the winter with strong solar radiation. The annual sunshine of basin is 2,500-2,700 hours, which amount is the No.1 of the whole Yunnan province.
5. People
There are 37 ethnic groups living in Gucheng District including Naxi, Han, Bai, Tibetan, Yi, Pumi, etc, among which the Naxi people accounts for 59.54% of the total population.
6. Best Time to Visit
Gucheng District is suitable for sightseeing all year round.
7. Features
● Abundant Natural and Historical Sites: Gucheng District boasts a multitude of attractions such as Lijiang Ancient City, Shuhe Ancient Town, Black Dragon Pool, etc.
● Profound Folk Culture: There are profound folk culture such as Naxi Dongba Culture, Naxi ancient Music.
8. Things to Do
Lijiang is the place where many tourists pine for. Two famous Dayan ancient town and Shuhe ancient town stand in the Gucheng District. Besides, Black Dragon Pool and Dongba Culture Museum inside are also worth visiting. If you are tired of these crowed place, set off to explore the traditional villages hiding in the tranquil countryside.
9. History
In the Warring States Period, Gucheng District belonged to the rimland of Qin State, and the land of Dian State on the establishment of Dian by Chuzhuangqiao. From the 6th year of Yuanding of Western Han to the Eastern Han, it was under jurisdiction of Suijiu County. The 3rd of Jianxing of Shu Han Kingdom, under the jurisdiction of Yunnan prefecture.
10. Tourism
Gucheng District has been honored as "one of the ten most desirable small cities in China", "one of the 100 most desirable small cities on the earth", "China's excellent tourist city", "national civilized scenic area", "Europe's favorite tourist city", etc.
