Lying in a wide, fertile valley dominated by the towering, snow-capped peaks of the Yulong (Jade Dragon) Snow Mountain Range, Lijiang was founded as Dayan, a largely Naxi (one of the Chinese minorities) settlement first built during the Southern Song Dynasty nearly eight centuries ago. Its architecture is noteworthy for the blending of elements from several cultures that have evolved over many centuries. Lijiang also possesses an ancient water-supply system which still functions effectively today. In 1986, China's State Council designated Lijiang as an important historical and cultural national treasure. In 1997, UNESCO listed Lijiang as one of the world's major cultural heritages.

There is a wealth of natural beauty here. The imposing Yulong Snow Mountain is one of the largest glacier mountains in China with a total of thirteen peaks. Due to the obstruction of mountain range at the first bend of the Yangtze River, the river makes a detour, forming a mammoth V shape. Following the river downstream, you'll arrive at Tiger Leaping Gorge, which has long been deemed one of the most magnificent gorges in the world, exerting a great magnetic force. Traveling northward from the Tiger Leaping Gorge for a short 2-hour bus ride, you will enter Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, location of the famous Shangri-la.

Lijiang sits at the crossroads of the old ancient Tea-Horse Paths which connects Tibet, Yunnan, Sichuan and South Asia. It is situated in the Three-parallel-Rivers Region listed by UNESCO as one of the world’s nature heritages in 2003. The mysterious and attractive landscape has made the region a paradise for those who seek a spiritual home, the lost horizon - Shangri-la: the heaven of human and nature co-existence.

Lijiang is a laid-back town with nice, safe, convenient, and low cost living environment. There are many restaurants, pubs and cafes in the Ancient towns serving both eastern and western food. Sitting in a café by the river of the ancient town and having a cup of coffee, enjoying the sunshine and sound of water is one of the most joyful things.