Ancient City Waterwheel

古城大水车

The iconic buildings and landmarks of Lijiang Ancient Town are places that tourists must visit to take photos.
The oldest agricultural irrigation tool in my country is a superb labor skill created by our ancestors and a precious historical and cultural heritage.
In the past, there were water wheels in ancient cities, represented by the ancient city’s large water wheels, which are still in use in some remote areas today.
The waterwheel in Lijiang Ancient Town is only used as a landmark and for viewing purposes.

Introduction

  • Attraction Location: "Lijiang Ancient Town, Yulong County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, China (云南省丽江市玉龙县丽江古城)"

  • History: The waterwheel was built in the Ming Dynasty and is a symbol of Lijiang Ancient Town. It played a crucial role in irrigation and local agriculture by channeling water to the town’s fields. The waterwheel also represents traditional Naxi engineering and water management techniques.
  • Architecture / Structure: The large wooden waterwheel, located at the junction of the Old Town’s canals, is made entirely of wood, reflecting the ingenuity of traditional Naxi craftsmanship. Surrounding the waterwheel are cobblestone streets, canals, and traditional Naxi-style houses.
  • Cultural Value: The waterwheel is a cultural landmark and an emblem of Lijiang. It represents harmony between humans and nature, traditional water engineering, and the lifestyle of the Naxi people. It is often featured in local festivals, photographs, and cultural performances.
  • Other Information: The area around the waterwheel is lively, with souvenir shops, tea houses, and cultural performances showcasing Naxi music and dance. It is one of the most photographed spots in Lijiang Ancient Town.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: "Open year-round, 24 hours (best visited during daylight for photography)"

  • Ticket Price: "No separate ticket for the waterwheel; included in Lijiang Ancient Town ticket if entering certain areas
    Ancient Town entry fee approx. 80 CNY per person"
  • Best Photo Spots: "Front view of the waterwheel with canal reflection
    Nighttime view with lantern lighting
    From nearby pedestrian bridge over the canal"
    Time reference: Early morning for soft light or evening for lantern-lit ambiance

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury: "Banyan Tree Lijiang (丽江悦榕庄)
    InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城洲际酒店)"
    Mid-range: "Lijiang Naxi Guesthouse (丽江纳西客栈)
    Lijiang River View Inn (丽江河景客栈)"
    Budget/Boutique: "Local homestays in Lijiang Ancient Town (古城民宿)
    Hostels like Lijiang International Youth Hostel (丽江国际青年旅舍)"

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes: "Naxi baba (纳西粑粑 – local flatbread)
    Yak meat hotpot (牦牛肉火锅)
    Crossing-the-bridge rice noodles (过桥米线)"
    Famous Spots: "Zhiweiguo Restaurant (知味阁)
    Lijiang Old Town Street food stalls (丽江古城小吃街)"

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • "Handmade Naxi textiles and embroidery (纳西族刺绣)
    Wood carvings and miniature waterwheels (木雕、小水车纪念品)
    Tibetan-style jewelry and prayer flags (藏式饰品、经幡)"

Transportation

  • "Fly to Lijiang Sanyi Airport (丽江三义机场)
    Taxi or local bus to Lijiang Ancient Town (approx. 30 min)
    Walk within Lijiang Ancient Town to reach the waterwheel (it’s in the central Old Town, pedestrian-friendly)
    Shuttle buses from city outskirts to Ancient Town entrances"

Nearby Attractions

  • "Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城) – 0 km, surrounding area, walking access
    Mu’s Mansion (木府) – 0.5 km, walk along cobblestone streets
    Black Dragon Pool (黑龙潭) – 1.8 km, walk or short taxi ride"

Tips for Visitors

  • "Visit early morning or evening for fewer crowds and better photos
    Bring comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets
    Respect local customs; avoid stepping into water channels
    Carry cash as small shops may not accept cards
    Summer months may be crowded, winter can be chilly; dress accordingly
    Enjoy local music and street performances near the waterwheel"

Recommended itineraries

  • "D1: Arrival at Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城)
    Explore Waterwheel (大水车)
    Stroll cobblestone streets, visit local shops, evening cultural performance, overnight in Ancient Town guesthouse"
  • "D1: Mu’s Mansion (木府) – Morning
    Waterwheel (大水车) – Afternoon
    Evening: Explore Old Town streets for shopping and street food
    Transportation: Walking throughout Ancient Town"
  • "D1: Black Dragon Pool (黑龙潭) – Morning
    D2: Waterwheel (大水车) and Ancient Town (丽江古城) – Full day
    D3: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) – Day trip, 25 km from town, taxi or tour vehicle"

User Reviews

By jian |

The waterwheel, also known as Kongming Cart, is the oldest agricultural irrigation tool in my country. It is a superb labor skill created by our ancestors in the process of conquering the world and a precious historical and cultural heritage. It is said that the prototype was created by Hua Lan during the reign of Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty. After being improved by Kongming during the Three Kingdoms period, it was promoted and used in Shu Kingdom and widely used in agricultural irrigation during the Sui and Tang Dynasties. However, the waterwheel in Lijiang Ancient Town is only used as a landmark building and for viewing purposes.

By 說時依舊 |

Today is the third day since I arrived in Lijiang. I live next to the bus station outside the South Gate. I have been busy waiting for tickets to Yulong Snow Mountain these two days, but I have not been to the ancient city. I went to Qingxi Reservoir this afternoon and got off at the East Gate of the ancient city in the evening. When I entered the ancient city, the big waterwheel was at the entrance of the ancient city. I didn't expect that the big waterwheel is one of the iconic landscapes of Lijiang. This wooden waterwheel was built in the Ming Dynasty. It has a diameter of about 18 meters and is driven by the water of Yuhe River. It was once an important part of the irrigation system of the ancient city. The big waterwheel uses the traditional Naxi craftsmanship and is made of high-quality fir wood. The structure is exquisite and durable. Next to the waterwheel stands a "World Cultural Heritage" stone tablet and a screen wall with Jiang Zemin's inscription. As the starting point of the ancient city's water system, the big waterwheel has witnessed the historical changes of Lijiang for more than 800 years.

By Metasequoia |

The waterwheel, also known as Kongming Cart, is the oldest agricultural irrigation tool in my country. It is a superb labor skill created by our ancestors in the process of conquering the world and a precious historical and cultural heritage. It is said that the prototype was created by Hua Lan during the reign of Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty. After being improved by Kongming during the Three Kingdoms period, it was promoted and used in Shu Kingdom and widely used in agricultural irrigation during the Sui and Tang Dynasties. However, the waterwheel in Lijiang Ancient Town is only used as a landmark building and for viewing purposes.

By Martian User |

I spent a night in Lijiang Ancient Town, the capital of romance. There was no romance or curiosity, but I felt the hormonal atmosphere under the night sky of the ancient capital of literature and art. It was too rushed this time, so next time I will bring my boyfriend along to have a romance together!

By Playing around |

The classic water wheel was a gathering place for many tour groups when I went there for the first time. It was crowded with people. The second time I went there it was quite deserted due to the epidemic.

By hyacinth! |

There is no water in the big waterwheel, so it is not turning.

By Long-faced Zhang Shaoxia |

A landmark building in Lijiang Old Town, closest to the west gate of the old town

By Zhang Hang |

Check-in holy place, there are so many people that I can't take a photo for half a day

By Lufei |

The landmark of Lijiang Ancient Town, a must-visit place when visiting the ancient town, not far from the north gate.

By Nature |

The landmark buildings in Lijiang Ancient Town are quite distinctive.

By NBA |

The Big Waterwheel is the iconic building of Lijiang Ancient Town. It has become the landmark of Lijiang Ancient Town and a place that tourists who come to Lijiang must visit to take photos.

By Big Bad Wolf |

The iconic scenery at the entrance of Lijiang Ancient Town

By Lijiang Aladdin Tourism |

The Big Waterwheel is one of the "landmark buildings of Lijiang Ancient Town". Together with Lion Rock, bluestone roads, green tiles and gray walls, small bridges and flowing water, wishing bells, and crowds of tourists, it forms a beautiful picture of the ancient town. It is a place where tourists must take photos when traveling to Lijiang.

By Xu Xiang's perspective |

This is a must-see spot before entering the gate of the ancient city.

By Home of Xiaoyu, Xiaohui and Xiaotiao |

The north gate of Dayan Ancient City is crowded with people and the surrounding night view is particularly spectacular

By Ming Sun and Moon |

The Big Waterwheel is a landmark attraction at the entrance of Lijiang Ancient Town.

By 🐈 |

We didn't deliberately look for this attraction, we just wandered around the ancient city and walked along a street to the end. Unexpectedly, there was a surprise! This is also a must-see attraction in the ancient city.

By Autumn Leaves |

There are many tourists taking photos at the waterwheel. If you come to the ancient city but don’t visit the waterwheel, you will feel like something is missing. In fact, there is nothing much here.

By Fairy tale baby |

Lijiang is more formal, clean, orderly and less rip-off than it was ten years ago.

By Dust |

Lijiang Ancient Town is too commercialized and lacks the flavor of an ancient town.

By Li travels all over the world |

The Big Waterwheel in Lijiang Ancient Town is the iconic building of Lijiang Ancient Town. It has become the landmark of Lijiang Ancient Town and a place where tourists to Lijiang must go to take photos.

By Breeder |

In the ancient city of Lijiang, you can just stroll there at night, a landmark check-in spot for internet celebrities

By Want to travel around the world |

The water wheel is not actually a tourist attraction, but it is a landmark of Lijiang.

Not to mention that the inscription on the wall comes from a great figure in our country. The fact that this place is located at the entrance of the ancient city and has more people checking in every day than any other place in the ancient city is enough to show its high status and great significance.

When the water truck goes out, you will reach the new urban area of ​​Lijiang. A little further away is the tourist bus stop. That's why the number of tourists here is so terrifying. It must be a place with easy access.

By Martian User |

The landmark building at the north gate of Dayan Ancient City has a strong commercial flavor

By Shark tracks |

When visiting Dayan Ancient Town, the Big Waterwheel is the most representative place. It is an iconic building standing at the most prosperous entrance of the ancient town. You must come here when you come to Lijiang.

By Oza |

The special spots on the streets of Lijiang Ancient Town are nice to stroll around and have a look.

By Boats on the Songhua River |

The waterwheel is the landmark of Lijiang Ancient Town. As time goes by, only the waterwheel is still turning slowly year after year and day after day. Next to the waterwheel, countless people write their good wishes on the hanging signs, which are hung in Lijiang and forever in their hearts.

By Shwdy |

The symbol of Lijiang Ancient Town, you can see it as soon as you enter the gate of the ancient town. Because there are two water wheels closely attached to each other, some people say it is a mother-and-child water wheel, and some people say it is a lover water wheel.

By Big Hae Walking |

It often appears on the cover of magazines introducing Lijiang scenery. When I went there for the first time, I was very surprised and took many photos. But when I went to Lijiang again later, I didn’t feel much about the water wheel.

By Pink_Pt |

As soon as I entered the ancient city, I saw the familiar waterwheel and a row of Dongba camel bells. What I never expected was that the price of a wishing wind chime was 35 yuan in 2012, and it was still 35 yuan six years later. Could it be that the boss realized that the price he asked was too high six years ago and he was embarrassed to raise the price now? There was a performance next to the waterwheel on time, without any deception or money-making tricks. It was a truly free performance, and there was a bonfire at night.

By Qiao Lihua |

The big waterwheel is the iconic building of Lijiang Ancient Town. The first thing you see when you enter the ancient town is the big waterwheel. Tourists rush to take photos as souvenirs, leaving a memory in every place they visit.

By Gege V |

A must-visit place, the waterwheel is the iconic building of Lijiang Ancient Town

By Steven_King |

The location is at the edge of Lijiang Ancient Town. The small waterwheel turns but the big waterwheel does not. . . .

By yuping |

The big waterwheel at the south gate of the ancient city is the most iconic attraction in the ancient city. But it was pitch black at night and it was raining. There was a shed made of wishing cards next to the windmill. I don't know how many people came here, left their thoughts, and placed many beautiful hopes for the future.

By Salad saucessssssnow |

Check in at the Big Waterwheel Scenic Spot

Entering and exiting from the north gate of the ancient city, I was able to take photos of the daytime and night scenes of the waterwheel.

By A.🎊💫stripycloud🌟🎉 |

I heard that Lijiang is a city of romance, so I came here specifically to see if I could have a romantic encounter.

By Pathfinder |

The waterwheel is a landmark building in Lijiang Ancient Town and a must-see for tourists to take photos.

By Running sweet potato |

The waterwheel is located at the north gate of Lijiang Ancient Town. You can see it when you arrive at the north gate. It is a landmark building. People who come here will ask if it is close to the waterwheel. They will pass by here when they travel.

By Millet |

A must-visit place in Lijiang, a landmark building~

By 25℃ |

I just discovered that many ancient towns have waterwheels.

By Little Doctor |

There were the most tourists taking photos here, so I took one. My wife didn’t know how to take photos, and she took the one that made me look ugly.

By China-TravelNote users |

The landmark of Dayan Ancient Town. Anyone who comes to Dayan Ancient Town must check in here.

By %Mingrui_ |

When you come to Lijiang, you must check in here. The scenery is especially beautiful at night.

By swallow |

2016-8-23

Located at the north gate of the ancient city, the inn we booked was just a few minutes' walk away. We signed up for a one-day tour of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain the next day. The tour guide told us to gather at the big waterwheel. The tourists at the big waterwheel in the morning were probably all there for the one-day tour.

By MILO |

It’s my second time seeing the waterwheel. It’s still as beautiful as ever. This time I took a photo of the night view! To be honest, the waterwheel’s symbolic meaning is more than the waterwheel itself. It’s an iconic building standing at the most prosperous entrance of the ancient city!

By Left Left |

Lijiang Ancient Town, as one of the four ancient towns in China, has its own unique charm. Generally speaking, water is the soul of an ancient town. Among the four ancient towns, only Lijiang has water flowing through the town, which adds a touch of agility to the place.

Although there is a lot of water in Lijiang Ancient Town, it is still somewhat different from the ancient towns in the south of the Yangtze River. The Naxi dwellings and unique plateau weather here still bring some flavor of their own.

So when we came to Lijiang, no matter what, we had to wear a set of local ethnic costumes and take a group of photos as souvenirs.

Lijiang is not too cold all year round. Even if you go there in winter, you can wear light clothes in the sun, which is very comfortable.

The big waterwheel in Lijiang is the most representative place. People who come here usually take photos and group photos here.

In Lijiang Old Town, besides several busy main streets, there are more small streets like this with few people. The walls on both sides are painted with the culture of the local Naxi people and local characters. It is quite interesting. Standing at a high place, you can see the scenery of Lijiang Old Town.

Lijiang really comes alive after nightfall. People come out, and the bar street becomes lively, with noise and quiet guitar sounds. Tourists come and go on Sifang Street, and the shops that are still open are brightly lit.

By Susan |

The waterwheel is located at the north gate of Dayan Ancient Town in Lijiang. It is an ancient local landmark and suitable for taking photos, but there is nothing special about it.

By KC Black Mamba |

It is a landmark building. I went there at night and there were so many people taking photos. I finally squeezed into a place to take photos!!!

By Momo☀️ |

An iconic building, a must-sign-in location haha.

By Huang Daxia |

The iconic item of the ancient city: the waterwheel, is neither majestic nor spectacular, and is also dilapidated... What's the use of it?

By Watching the clouds roll in and out |

Entering the ancient city of Lijiang, start from the classic water wheel. This photo was taken during the day.

Walking in the ancient city, time suddenly slowed down. Water gives the ancient city aura, and the ancient city gives the river infinite vitality. Writer Li Yushan said: "Follow the water of the ancient city, you hold the hand of Lijiang Ancient City"...

The water in the ancient city is divided into three parts at the waterwheel screen wall, forming the Central River, the West River, and the East River, which are then divided into countless tributaries, flowing through the streets and alleys throughout the city. The Central River is the oldest natural water system, with flowing water and fragrant flowers, and ancient houses with jade waters that are interdependent and correspond to each other, which has the aesthetic charm of a plateau water town. The West River was excavated in the Yuan Dynasty, bringing together the beautiful scenery of the ancient city such as "flowing water in every house, weeping willows in every house", "small bridges and flowing water", "Oriental Venice" and water "flowing through walls and courtyards". The East River is an artificial river built in the Qing Dynasty. It flows through walls and courtyards, with many twists and turns, and is known as the "alley next to the canal".

By Time is singing |

The Big Waterwheel is the most convenient entrance to the ancient city and also the north gate. The Big Waterwheel is the symbol of the entrance to the ancient city. If you take pictures on the stone bridge over there on a sunny day, you can see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance.

By ✾Jieyou Palace |

Very beautiful scenery, you can see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, there is only one reservoir, the water is very clean

By Dark blue to light blue |

The place where most people come to Lijiang to gather is a large waterwheel that is quite obvious and iconic.

By Martian User |

Located at the north gate of the ancient city, it is the starting point of the ancient city bar street (noisy bar). One end of the bar street is connected to Sifang Street and the other end leads to the big waterwheel. It is the most prosperous place in the ancient city at night.

By There is no such thing |

The waterwheel in Lijiang Ancient Town is the iconic building of Lijiang Ancient Town and has become the landmark of Lijiang Ancient Town.

By Wind Coke |

In fact, the waterwheel is not very big, but the Lijiang Old Town area is very clean and the public facilities are also good. In other words, the city of Lijiang gives people a feeling of cleanliness and comfort.

By …Sunny… |

It's right at the entrance of Lijiang Old Town. I went there on New Year's Day. There wasn't much water there, it was just average. The wishing place next to it was pretty nice. Since you're here you might as well take a look around.

By Liang Shao |

It's a big waterwheel at the entrance of Lijiang Ancient Town. What do you want me to comment on? As shown in the picture: See for yourself

By The Colonel's Goldfish |

The landmark building at the north gate of Lijiang Ancient Town, with a bar street nearby. It is a gathering place for tourists of various tour groups.

By Chek Lap Kok |

Even in the off-season, there are still too many people rushing to take pictures, and they are too aggressive. I don’t like it.

By Blossoming |

The only way to enter the ancient city is to pass through here. There is an inscription

By Lai Lai |

The big waterwheel is at the north gate of Dayan Ancient Town. It is worth a visit if you arrive in the ancient town. It only takes a few minutes to pass by and play. However, there were too many people when we went there, so it was difficult to take pictures. If you go there early in the morning, there will be very few people in the entire ancient town, and you can take pictures from any angle.

By Tucao hole |

The whole Lijiang Ancient Town gives people a very good feeling. This big waterwheel is also the symbol of Lijiang Ancient Town.

By babyblue |

The waterwheel is quite far from the inn where I stayed. We didn't walk through the ancient city, but drove around the city to see it before going to Songcheng to watch the performance. It is indeed quite big, that's it...

There are many shops around the square next to the waterwheel, all selling small gadgets of the same national standard. Some of the small handicrafts and postcards are still acceptable, but there is really no need to buy those messy and low-quality jewelry.

By Eric believes in action |

In the ancient city, you can definitely get back to the big waterwheel by following the river. Besides Sifang Street, this is the place to meet up with friends.

By volcano |

There is nothing special about the big waterwheel, but behind it is a commercial street which is quite prosperous and you can go shopping there.

By Good words about life |

When I came to Lijiang Ancient Town, I posted a circle of friends. My friend recommended me to visit the windmill. Actually, it's not bad. There are many people taking photos here, so if you come to the ancient town, don't miss it.

By Highbury Flutter |

The waterwheel is a landmark building in Lijiang Ancient Town.

Almost all tour groups will gather here. Some groups will not even go into the ancient city, but just take pictures here, as if visiting the waterwheel is equivalent to visiting the Lijiang Ancient City.

There is also a World Cultural Heritage sign next to the waterwheel, which has become a must-visit place for tourists to take photos and commemorate the occasion.

So there is always a constant stream of people here.

By Aimee |

In the ancient town, you can find it while walking around, take photos and check in

By seven |

It’s a must-visit place, a symbol of Lijiang.

By ying莹L |

It is considered a landmark of the ancient city. People usually take a photo here.

By Moonlit Shallow Creek |

It feels like the facade of Lijiang Ancient Town. Basically, tourists who come here will take pictures here.

By Advocate simple and free life |

Lijiang Ancient Town is really nice, but it has too much commercial atmosphere!

By Winter velvet flowers |

It's right next to the ancient city, a good place to take photos.


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