Dayan Old Town

Old Town · Yunnan · 大研古城

Dayan Old Town

Lijiang

Dayan Old Town · ChinaMazing

Discover

Core Sights

The essential sights — what they are, and when to go.

Mu Mansion

Sight 1

Mu Mansion

木府

Mu Mansion is an ancient palace complex located within Lijiang's Dayan Old Town. Once the official residence of the Mu Clan Chieftain of the Naxi people, it is often referred to as the "Forbidden City of Lijiang." The architecture blends Han, Bai, and Tibetan ethnic styles, featuring a grand layout with elegantly arranged courtyards. Visitors can explore the history of the Naxi people and the chieftain culture here, and climb to the Sanqing Hall for a panoramic view of the old town. The mansion also preserves exquisite murals and carvings, making it a must-visit destination to experience the rich cultural fusion of Lijiang.

Square Street

Sight 2

Square Street

四方街

Sifang Street. Sifang Street is the central square of Dayan Old Town and the most iconic landmark of Lijiang. Once a bustling market along the Ancient Tea Horse Road, it remains as lively as ever today. The square is flanked by shops selling local handicrafts, specialty snacks, and ethnic clothing. By day, elderly Naxi women perform traditional dances in the square; by night, the lights of bars and restaurants illuminate the area, creating a vibrant atmosphere. A maze of narrow lanes radiates from Sifang Street, leading to every corner of the old town—making it the perfect starting point for exploring Lijiang.

Big Waterwheel

Sight 3

Big Waterwheel

大水车

The Big Water Wheel is located at the entrance of Dayan Old Town and serves as an iconic landmark of Lijiang Ancient City. Two massive water wheels turn slowly, showcasing the wisdom of the Naxi ancestors in harnessing water power. This spot is also a key node of the ancient city's water system, where the clear waters of the Jade River are diverted, flowing through streets and alleys to nourish the entire old town. Visitors often pause here to take photos, making it an ideal starting point for experiencing the charm of the ancient city and Naxi culture. Take a moment to linger, watch the gentle flow of the water, and listen to the creaking of the water wheels as you embark on a leisurely journey through the ancient town.

Wanggu Tower on Lion Hill

Sight 4

Wanggu Tower on Lion Hill

狮子山万古楼

Lion Mountain and Wangu Tower. Perched on the western side of Lijiang's Dayan Old Town, Lion Mountain's Wangu Tower stands as an exceptional vantage point offering panoramic views of the ancient town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The tower is a five-story wooden structure featuring flying eaves and dougong brackets, blending Han, Tibetan, and Naxi architectural styles, with exquisite carvings and colorful paintings adorning every level. Ascending the tower, visitors are treated to sweeping views of layered blue-tiled ancient roofs and distant ink-wash mountains, where the old town and nature complement each other in delightful harmony. This site also serves as a window into Naxi history and culture and the rise and fall of the Mu family estate. It is best visited on clear days in the early morning or at dusk, when the light is soft and the vistas are especially expansive.

Five Phoenix Tower

Sight 5

Five Phoenix Tower

五凤楼

The Five Phoenix Tower. Located within the ancient town of Dayan in Lijiang, the Five Phoenix Tower is a classic example of Ming Dynasty wooden architecture and once served as the library of the Mu clan chieftains. With its layered pavilions and upturned eaves, the tower appears from different angles like five phoenixes spreading their wings to dance, hence the name "Five Phoenix." The construction masterfully blends Han, Tibetan, and Naxi architectural styles, featuring exquisite woodcarvings and colorful paintings that showcase the brilliance of Yunnan's multi-ethnic cultural fusion in ancient times. As an important part of the Mu Residence complex, the Five Phoenix Tower also offers a window into Naxi history and the chieftain system. From the tower, one can take in a panoramic view of the ancient town's dark-tiled rooftops — a sight that lingers in the memory and makes visitors reluctant to leave.

Black Dragon Pool

Sight 6

Black Dragon Pool

黑龙潭

The Black Dragon Pool is located at the northern end of Dayan Ancient Town in Lijiang, serving as the centerpiece of Jade Spring Park. The pool water is so clear that the bottom is visible, reflecting the distant Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on its surface—a picturesque scene where mountains and water complement each other. The park is shaded by ancient trees, with pavilions and towers scattered in elegant arrangement, most notably the five-arch stone bridge and the Moon-Embracing Tower built during the Qing Dynasty. It is also an excellent spot for photographing the snow mountain's reflection, especially enchanting at dawn or dusk. The Black Dragon Pool is not only a natural wonder but also an important heritage site of the Naxi people's Dongba culture, where visitors can experience the unique local folk customs.

Eat

Local Eats

The local dishes worth crossing town for.

Lijiang Baba Lijiang Baba
Eat 1

Lijiang Baba

丽江粑粑

Lijiang baba is a traditional staple of the Naxi people and one of the most down-to-earth snacks along the streets of Dayan Old Town. Made from flour, lard, sesame, and other simple ingredients, it comes in both sweet and savory varieties. Baked over charcoal, it develops a golden, crispy crust while staying soft and flaky inside. Its most notable feature is its long shelf life—it once served as the go-to travel ration for horse caravans on long journeys across the plateau. Today, these baba are freshly baked on the spot, filling the air with an irresistible aroma. Each bite offers a satisfyingly crisp, fragrant crunch, and pairing it with butter tea or Pu'er tea brings out the full highland flavor. Whether enjoyed as breakfast or an afternoon snack, it's a perfect way to experience the food culture of Lijiang.

Chickpea Jelly
Eat 2

Chickpea Jelly

鸡豆凉粉

Chickpea Jelly (Jidou Liangfen). Chickpea jelly is a traditional snack in Dayan Ancient Town, Lijiang, made from the locally sourced chickpea (a variety of chickpea). The chickpeas are ground into a pulp, boiled, and then cooled into a jelly, which is cut into strips and mixed with chili oil, crushed peanuts, scallions, and vinegar. It has a smooth, slightly chewy texture and a tangy, spicy flavor that whets the appetite. Chickpeas are rich in plant protein and dietary fiber, making this a low-fat, healthy option. You can find it at street stalls or restaurants throughout the ancient town, typically enjoyed as a cold dish or snack. What sets it apart is the use of local ingredients and Naxi-style seasoning, giving it a rustic flavor that reflects Lijiang's culinary culture. Visitors are recommended to try it while strolling through the ancient town to experience the authentic taste of western Yunnan.

Naxi Grilled Fish
Eat 3

Naxi Grilled Fish

纳西烤鱼

Naxi Grilled Fish. Naxi grilled fish is a highly representative traditional dish in Dayan Old Town, Lijiang. It uses local freshwater fish, slow-grilled over charcoal fire, resulting in a crispy, golden skin and tender, juicy flesh. During grilling, the fish is infused with distinctive Naxi spices and chili, offering a spicy and numbing flavor with a unique herbal fragrance, creating rich layers of taste. This dish is not only the essence of the Naxi people's daily diet but also embodies the food culture of the old town, which thrives along the waterways. In the small eateries of Dayan Old Town, you can often see grilled fish sizzling over charcoal, with an enticing aroma wafting through the air—making it a must-try for anyone seeking to experience local flavors.

Smoked Rib Hot Pot
Eat 4

Smoked Rib Hot Pot

腊排骨火锅

Cured Pork Rib Hot Pot. This traditional dish of the Naxi people in Dayan Old Town features pork ribs from highland free-range pigs, preserved through salting, air-drying, and smoking to create a rich, savory broth. Served with seasonal vegetables such as tomatoes, chive roots, and potatoes, it warms the stomach and wards off the chill—ideal for the region's sharp temperature swings between day and night. The ribs are firm and chewy with a distinctive smoky flavor, while the broth is deep, mellow, and subtly sweet. It's a must-try for anyone looking to experience the local food culture.