Qinglonghe River in Shuhe Old Town, Lijiang
Introduction
Qinglonghe River, located in Shuhe Old Town (束河古镇) within the ancient district of Lijiang (丽江), is a tributary of the Yangong River (漾弓江) and serves as its upstream source. The river begins at Wénmíng Village (文明村) in Shuhe Street and extends to Changshui Road (长水路), covering a length of 17.56 kilometers.
Chinese Name: 青龙河
Geographical Location: Yunnan Province (云南省), Lijiang City (丽江)
Opening Hours: Open all day
Admission Fee: Free admission
Famous Attractions:
- Shuhe Ancient Town (束河古镇)
- Qinglong Bridge (青龙桥)
Main Attractions
Architectural Complex of Shuhe
The residential complex in Shuhe is located about 4 kilometers northwest of Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城). This area features a small market and a unique architectural cluster of traditional homes, characterized by a layout similar to that of the Sifang Street (四方街) in Lijiang Ancient Town.
Qinglong Bridge (青龙桥)
The Qinglonghe River runs through the center of the residential area, and the Qinglong Bridge, built during the Ming Dynasty (明代) (1368-1644), spans the river. This bridge is recognized as the largest stone arch bridge within Lijiang (丽江).
Honors Received
- In 2021, Qinglonghe River was recognized as a “Beautiful River and Lake at the Lijiang City Level.”
- In 2023, it was designated as a “Beautiful River and Lake at the Yunnan Provincial Level for the Year 2022.”
How to Get There
To reach Qinglonghe River in Shuhe Old Town, you can take a taxi or a local bus from Lijiang City (丽江). The journey takes approximately 20 minutes. If you are staying in Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城), you can also walk or ride a bike to Shuhe, which is about a 30-minute ride, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
Travel Tips
- Exploration: Take time to explore Shuhe Ancient Town, as it is less crowded than Lijiang Ancient Town and offers a more authentic experience.
- Photography: Bring a camera to capture the picturesque views of Qinglonghe River and the surrounding landscapes.
- Local Cuisine: Try local delicacies at the small eateries in Shuhe, where you can find unique Naxi (纳西族) dishes.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) for mild weather and beautiful scenery.
- Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local traditions and practices, especially in this culturally rich area.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: The area has many walkable paths, so comfortable shoes will enhance your exploration experience.
