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The ancient city of Lijiang is located at the foot of the snow-capped Yulong Mountains. Known as the "soul of Lijiang," the city forms a part of the cultural heritage of both China and the world as a whole. It has been included in the United Nations' World Cultural Heritage list.
The construction of the ancient city of Lijiang began early in the 13th century, under the auspices of the ancestors of the Mu family. In 1254, an early ancestor of the Mu family submitted to the authority of Kublai Khan, first emperor of the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), and was made the local governor. The unique and magnificent architecture of the ancient city as well as of the residence of the Mu family reflected the political and economic status of the Mu family.
The ancient city of Lijiang was a trading hub along the ancient southern “Silk Road,” and it was also a trading link between Yunnan and Tibet. In 1253, Kublai Khan stationed troops in Lijiang, bringing in cultural influences from the interior of China. Later, the Han culture, Tibetan Buddhism and Taoism spread to Lijiang. Early in the 20th century, Christianity was also introduced. All these influences mixed with the native Dongba culture of the Naxi People, producing a unique and fascinating aspect of folklore.
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