History of Yulong County in Lijiang

Ancient History

Warring States Period

During the Warring States period, the area of (玉龙纳西族自治县) Yulong Naxi Autonomous County was part of the borderlands of the Qin state. When (楚庄蹻) King Zhuang of Chu established the (滇国) Dian Kingdom, this region belonged to Dian.

Western Han to Eastern Han Dynasties

It was part of (益州越嶲郡) Yizhou Yuexi Commandery, specifically (遂久县) Suijiu County.

Shu Han Period

During the Shu Han period, the area was transferred to (云南郡) Yunnan Commandery.

Eastern Jin to Northern and Southern Dynasties

It was under (宁州云南郡西姑复县) Ningzhou Yunnan Commandery, Xigu County.

Tang Dynasty

Both (吐蕃) Tibet and (南诏) Nanzhao set up (铁桥城) Tieqiao City (now (塔城乡) Ta’er Town) as the administrative center of (神川都督府) Shenchuan Dudu’s government.

Song Dynasty and the Dali Kingdom

In the early Song period, it was under the jurisdiction of (剑川节度) Jianchuan Military District, later changing to (成纪镇善巨郡) Chengji Town, Shanju Prefecture.

Southern Song Dynasty

In 1253, (忽必烈) Kublai Khan invaded the Dali Kingdom and established (茶罕章管民官) the administration of Chahanzhang to govern the region.

Yuan Dynasty

In the 8th year of the (至元) Zhi Yuan reign (1271), it was renamed (茶罕章宣慰司) Chahanzhang Xuanwei Office. In the 13th year of the reign (1276), the (丽江路军民总管府) Lijiang Military and Civilian General Administration Office was established, and the name “Lijiang” began to be used.

Ming Dynasty

In the 15th year of (洪武) Hongwu reign (1382), the Ming Dynasty established (丽江府) Lijiang Prefecture.

Qing Dynasty

In the 17th year of (顺治) Shunzhi reign (1660), (丽江府) Lijiang Prefecture was maintained. In the 1st year of (雍正) Yongzheng reign (1723), the land was returned to central administration, ending the rule of the (木氏土司) Mu Clan. In the 35th year of (乾隆) Qianlong reign (1770), (丽江县) Lijiang County was established.

Modern History

Republic of China Period

In 1913, (丽江府) Lijiang Prefecture was abolished, and (丽江县) Lijiang County was placed under (腾越道) Tengyue Dao. In 1929, (腾越道) Tengyue Dao was abolished and directly administered by Yunnan Province.

1949

On July 1, it became part of the (滇西北人民行政专员公署丽江政务委员会) Northwest Yunnan People’s Administrative Commissioner’s Office, Lijiang Affairs Committee.

1950

It became part of (丽江专区) Lijiang Special Region, Lijiang County.

1961

On April 10, (丽江纳西族自治县) Lijiang Naxi Autonomous County was established, under (丽江专区) Lijiang Special Region (renamed Lijiang District in 1971).

2002

On December 26, the State Council approved the establishment of (玉龙纳西族自治县) Yulong Naxi Autonomous County.

2003

On April 1, (丽江纳西族自治县) Lijiang Naxi Autonomous County was officially abolished and divided into (古城区) Gucheng District and (玉龙纳西族自治县) Yulong Naxi Autonomous County.

Historical and Cultural Significance

(玉龙纳西族自治县) Yulong Naxi Autonomous County is one of the main settlements of the Naxi ethnic group, with a rich cultural heritage, including (东巴文化) Dongba culture, (白沙壁画) Baisha murals, and (纳西古乐) Naxi ancient music. These cultural forms not only showcase the history and traditions of the Naxi people but also attract a large number of visitors to experience them.

The history of (玉龙纳西族自治县) Yulong Naxi Autonomous County is a history of ethnic integration, cultural exchange, and development. From the ancient (滇国) Dian Kingdom to the modern autonomous county, this land has witnessed countless historical changes and cultural inheritances.