Lijiang-A Pearl on the Jinsha River

Lijiang Prefecture is located in northwestern Yunnan Province, in the eastern part of the longitudinal valley of the Hengduan Mountains. To its west is the Yunling Mountains, and to its east is the Lesser Liangshan Mountains. Under its jurisdiction are four counties, and the prefectural seat is at Dayan Town in Lijiang County.

Rivers in the prefecture belong to the Jinsha River system. The Jinsha River zigzags in the prefecture, and the first bend of the Yangtze River is located in its northeastern part. Other famous scenic areas include Yulong Snow Mountain, Dayan Ancient City, and Lugu Lake. The Naxi ethnic minorities in Lijiang have a long history and splendid culture. Their tradition, architecture, clothing and living habits are unique. The pictographic scripts and Dongjing Music of Dongba are special.