Lijiang Naxi Museum
The Lijiang Naxi Museum (丽江纳西族自治县博物馆) documents the Naxi (纳西) minority culture of Yunnan. The Naxi have their own Dongba (东巴文) script — the only living hieroglyphic writing system in the world. Lijiang was also a key stop on the ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古道) connecting Yunnan with Tibet.
Lijiang · history museum2026-10-18
Quick Answer
Is Lijiang Naxi Museum worth visiting?
Museum of Naxi minority culture at the UNESCO-listed Lijiang old town — the only living hieroglyphic writing (Dongba) and ancient "Tea Horse Road" trade. Free; details verified in 2026.
Quick facts
| Category | history |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Free. Passport required. |
| Hours | 9:00-17:00. Closed Mondays. |
| Recommended duration | 1-1.5 hours. |
| Best time to visit | October through March. Lijiang is at 2,400m elevation. |
| How to get there | Bus route 2 or 8 to Lijiang Old Town (大研古城) stop. |
| English signage | Partial |
Why visit
The Dongba script is the only living hieroglyphic writing system — it predates Chinese characters in some character forms. The museum provides essential context for the UNESCO-listed Lijiang old town.
Collection highlights
- Dongba script manuscripts — living hieroglyphic writing system
- Naxi ancient music instruments
- Tea Horse Road objects
- Traditional Naxi costume with the "披星戴月" sun-and-moon back piece
Tips
- Combine with the Lijiang Old Town UNESCO site
- Evening Naxi ancient music performances available
Frequently asked questions
What is Dongba script?
Dongba (东巴文) is the only living hieroglyphic writing system in the world, used by Naxi priests for religious manuscripts. It has over 1,400 characters.
How does this museum connect to Lijiang UNESCO old town?
Lijiang Naxi Museum is at the edge of the UNESCO-listed Lijiang old town (大研古城). The UNESCO designation covers the living old town where the Naxi people still reside. After visiting the museum (1-1.5 hours), walk into the old town — the Dongba script, Naxi music, and traditional courtyard architecture described in the museum are all visible in the surrounding streets.
What is the difference between Lijiang Naxi Museum and Lijiang Old Town Museum?
Lijiang Naxi Museum (丽江纳西族自治县博物馆) focuses on Naxi minority culture — Dongba script, ancient music, Tea Horse Road trade, and traditional costumes. Lijiang Old Town Museum (丽江古城博物馆) focuses on the UNESCO World Heritage old town's urban history and architecture. Both are free and within or near the old town. Visit the Naxi Museum first for cultural context, then walk the old town.
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Other things to do in Lijiang
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong)
A 5,596 m glaciated peak above Lijiang with a cable car to 4,506 m; 100-180 yuan by season — go at opening time to beat the clouds on this half-day trip.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xue Shan)
The 5,596m sacred mountain above Lijiang — glacier viewing, alpine meadows, and the 4,680m highland glacier park accessible by cable car. ¥100+ park entry. Half-day trip.
Lijiang Ancient Town (Dayan)
A UNESCO World Heritage site and home of the Naxi people — a living museum of canals, footbridges, courtyards and ancient Naxi music; the old-town maintenance fee is CNY 80.
Lugu Lake
An alpine lake on the Yunnan-Sichuan border and home of the Mosuo people, whose matrilineal 'walking marriage' traditions survive. Entry CNY 70 from the Yunnan side; allow 2-3 days.
Meili Snow Mountain (Kawagebo Peak)
Foremost of the eight sacred Tibetan mountains — main peak Kawagebo, at 6,740 m, is Yunnan's highest. Feilai Temple viewpoint CNY 40, Mingyong Glacier CNY 78; best October-May, allow 2-4 days.
Dukezong Ancient Town (Shangri-La Old Town)
A Tea Horse Road town founded in 676 — 1,300-plus years old, with China's largest Tibetan dwellings. Free entry (CNY 40 maintenance fee); Guishan Park's 21 m prayer wheel is the world's largest.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
One of the world's deepest gorges, where the Jinsha River tears between the Jade Dragon and Haba snow mountains. Entry CNY 45; allow 1-2 days to hike it properly.
Yubeng Village
Remote Tibetan village at 3,200m in the Meili Snow Mountain range. Only accessible by foot or 4WD. Sacred Kawagebo (6,740m) views. ¥60. 2-day minimum.
Museums in Lijiang
Lijiang Naxi Autonomous County Museum
Museum of Naxi minority culture at the edge of the UNESCO-listed Lijiang Old Town, documenting the Dongba script and the traditional Naxi music; details verified in 2026.
Lijiang Old Town Museum
The museum inside the UNESCO World Heritage Lijiang old town — documenting the Naxi civilization and the Dongba script. Free with old town entry; about 1 hour.