Lijiang Old Town Museum
The Lijiang Old Town Museum documents the history of the UNESCO World Heritage Lijiang old town and the Naxi (纳西) culture.
Lijiang · history museum2026-10-18
Quick Answer
Is Lijiang Old Town Museum worth visiting?
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.
Quick facts
| Category | history |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Free with old town entry. |
| Hours | Open 24 hours (old town). Sites: 9:00-17:00. |
| Recommended duration | 1 hour. |
| Best time to visit | October-March. |
| How to get there | Walking in old town. |
| English signage | Partial |
Why visit
Context for the UNESCO-listed old town.
Collection highlights
- Naxi cultural history
- Tea Horse Road context
Tips
- Evening music performances in old town
Frequently asked questions
Is the old town free to enter?
The old town itself is free but some historic houses charge entry fees.
Is Lijiang Old Town Museum inside the UNESCO old town?
Yes — the Lijiang Old Town Museum (丽江古城博物馆) is inside the UNESCO World Heritage old town (大研古城). Entry to the old town is free; some historic houses charge ¥30-50. The museum documents the Naxi culture and the Tea Horse Road history. Allow 1 hour. Combine with a walk through the old town canals and the Mufu Palace nearby.
What is the difference between Lijiang Old Town Museum and Lijiang Naxi Museum?
Lijiang Old Town Museum (丽江古城博物馆) focuses on the UNESCO World Heritage old town itself — its urban layout, canals, and Ming-Qing architecture. Lijiang Naxi Museum (丽江纳西族自治县博物馆) focuses specifically on Naxi minority culture — Dongba script, ancient music, and the Tea Horse Road. Both are free and within the old town area. 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 Naxi Museum
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.