History of Lijiang City

The famous ancient city of Lijiang (丽江古城) boasts a history of 800 to 900 years. As early as the Southern Song Dynasty (南宋, 1127–1279 AD), the city began taking shape. During the Ming Dynasty (明朝, 1368–1644), it was called “Dayan County” (大研县), literally meaning “ink slab”—a name inspired by its location in the center of the Lijiang Basin (丽江坝), surrounded by lush green mountains and crisscrossed by rivers, resembling an ink stone.

Since the Qing Dynasty (清朝, 1644–1911), Lijiang served as a key trade hub along the Ancient Tea-Horse Road (茶马古道). In 1997, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (世界文化遗产).

Early History: The Cradle of Ancient Civilization

Lijiang is one of southwest China’s most significant regions for early human activity. As far back as 100,000 years ago, “Lijiang Man” (丽江人), a Homo sapiens group, lived here during the late Paleolithic Age (旧石器时代晚期).

Before the Song Dynasty: A Land of Shifting Dynasties

Warring States Period (战国时期, 475–221 BC)

  • Belonged to the Qin State (秦国).

Han Dynasty (汉朝, 206 BC–220 AD)

  • Part of Yue Commandery (越嶲郡).

Three Kingdoms Period (三国时期, 220–280 AD)

  • Governed under Yunnan Commandery (云南郡).

Southern Dynasties (南朝, 420–589 AD)

  • Known as Suidun County (遂久县).
  • During this time, the Naxi Ethnic Group (纳西族) migrated into Lijiang.

Tang Dynasty (唐朝, 618–907 AD)

  • Initially under Yaozhou (姚州), later controlled by the Tibetan Empire (吐蕃) and the Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏国).

Song and Yuan Dynasties: The Birth of “Lijiang”

Song Dynasty (宋朝, 960–1279 AD)

  • The city’s construction began.
  • Kublai Khan (忽必烈) conquered Dali (大理) and stationed troops here.
  • Later named “Lijiang Route” (丽江路), the origin of the name Lijiang (丽江).

Ming and Qing Dynasties: Flourishing Trade and Governance

Late Ming Dynasty (明朝晚期)

  • The Wu Family’s (木氏) palaces were renowned for their grandeur.

Qing Dynasty (清朝)

  • Establishment of Lijiang Prefecture (丽江府).
  • In 1723, the hereditary chieftain system in Yunnan was abolished.
  • Lijiang County (丽江县) was officially formed in 1770.

Modern and Contemporary Era

1961

  • Lijiang Naxi Autonomous County (丽江纳西族自治县) was established.

1997

  • Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城) was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List (世界遗产名录).