Lijiang Ancient Town Shopping
Since the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Lijiang Old Town is an important part of the famous the Ancient Tea Horse Road just as the Silk Road which was prosperous in southwestern China. This road runs through Sichuan and Yunnan provinces and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Thousands of ages has resulted in the disappearance of the road. While Lijiang Old Town is an exception which was a vital commercial distributing center. The town maintains its original commercial pattern centering around the Square Street even nowadays. In recent years, with its tourist industrial development, Quick Guide offers various kinds of souvenirs to its visitors. Of particular interest are the exotic handcrafts of the Naxi Group.
Things to buy in Lijiang Old Town
Handcrafts of the Naxi Group
Local crafts are colorful and unique. Naxi bracelets and necklaces carved with ancient Dongba hieroglyphs seem popular with visitors. Individually designed T-shirts can be created as locals have the capacity to paint on the Dongba hieroglyphics required. Knitted shawls of the Naxi Group have been popular with female visitors for quite some time. All of these things can be easily found in Lijiang Old Town at a reasonable price.
Bunong Jixiang Bells
Bunong Bells draw their inspiration from the bells of the horse caravans that once traveled the Tea-horse Ancient Road. Local handcrafts show the romantic horse caravan culture from years ago. The Jixiang Bell, known as the lucky bell, was a sacrificial utensil of the Naxi Group. The Naxi Mural is praised as the gem of Naxi culture reflecting the kind and intelligent aspect of Naxi people. A piece of Naxi mural, with its elaborate pictures and use of pastel colors provides a wonderful decoration to family and friends.
Wine
Two kinds of mild wine produced in Lijiang are favored by visitors. U Wine's history can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Sulima Wine is specially brewed by Mosuo people who live in Ninglang Yi Autonomous County, northeast of Lijiang City. It is important to check your country's Customs restrictions prior to purchase if you intend taking these wines out of the country.
Where to buy around Lijiang Old Town
Square Street
The most famous shopping center in Lijiang is Square Street, the most bustling area of the city. It provides another interesting experience to your trip. A large number of souvenir stores are located there, selling various kinds of decorations and handicrafts.
Bu Nong Ling (Bunong Bell)
The best place to buy the exotic Bunong Bell. Belles sold here are completed designed and made by the shopkeeper.
Location: East of the big stone bridge of Lijiang Old Town.
Dongba Ji Xiang Ling (Dongba Lucky Bell)
Location: No.1, Xinyuan Alley, Guangyi Street, Square Street, the Old Town
Li Yin (Li's Silver)
A formal shop sells many kinds of hand-crafted silver ornaments.
Location: No.43, Guanyuan Alley, Guangyi Street, Square Street, the Old Town
Sun Wood-carvings
Location: Mishi Alley, Xinyi Street, Square Street, the Old Town
