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Dayan Ancient Town, also known as Yunnan Dayan Town, is located in Lijiang City, Yunnan Province in southwestern China. It is situated in the middle of Lijiang Basin and is known as one of the "four best-preserved ancient cities" along with Langzhong in Sichuan, Pingyao in Shanxi, and Shexian in Anhui, which are also listed in the second batch of national historical and cultural cities.
Dayan Ancient Town is a walled city, known for its smooth, clean bluestone pavements, hand-built, earthen structures, and ubiquitous bridges and flowing water. It also boasts a rich cultural atmosphere. Under the bright sunshine, elderly Naxi people stroll leisurely, their slow steps adorned with indigo-colored clothing steeped in history and their octagonal hats from the Red Army era.
Southwest monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
Ancient city maintenance fee 80 yuan
All day
Dayan Ancient City, also known as Lijiang Old Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its well-preserved ancient architecture, Naxi culture, and traditional urban planning. It has a history that dates back over 800 years and serves as the cultural heart of the Naxi ethnic group. The city is famous for its harmonious integration of nature, culture, and traditional architecture.
Dayan Ancient City is located in Lijiang, Yunnan Province. Lijiang City is well connected by bus, taxi, and flights. From Lijiang's airport or bus station, you can take a taxi or a local bus to reach the ancient city, which is a short drive away. The city itself is pedestrian-friendly and ideal for walking tours.
Dayan Ancient City is open year-round, and there are no set opening hours as it is a public area. The best time to visit is during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) months when the weather is mild. Avoid peak summer months (June-August) as it can get crowded with tourists.
The entrance fee to Dayan Ancient City is generally free for exploring the streets and public areas. However, specific attractions, such as the Black Dragon Pool and cultural performances, may require tickets, usually ranging from ¥30-¥60. Tickets can be bought on-site or online via travel agencies and official platforms.
For general visits to the ancient city, booking tickets in advance is not required. However, for popular attractions like the Black Dragon Pool or traditional Naxi performances, it is recommended to book tickets at least 1-2 days in advance during peak tourist seasons.
To fully explore Dayan Ancient City, including the main streets, markets, and key attractions, 1-2 days is recommended. If you plan to visit surrounding areas like the Black Dragon Pool or other cultural sites, you may need an additional half-day.
Guided tours are available in Dayan Ancient City, with many tour operators offering services in English and Mandarin. Audio guides are also available at some key attractions like the Black Dragon Pool and other historical sites.
Start your visit by exploring Sifang Street, which offers a taste of local life, architecture, and shopping. Then head to the Black Dragon Pool for scenic views, and take a break at a local cafe. Finish your day by walking up to the observation deck for panoramic views, and if possible, attend a Naxi music performance in the evening.
Night visits are possible, and the city looks beautiful under the lights, especially around Sifang Street. Some attractions like the Naxi music performances are held in the evenings. However, there are no large light shows like those in major cities.
Dayan Ancient City is quite popular and can get crowded, especially during weekends and peak tourist seasons. The least crowded times to visit are during weekdays in the off-peak months (November-March).
Dayan Ancient City has many public toilets, food stalls, cafes, and shops selling traditional handicrafts, tea, and snacks. Rest areas are scattered throughout the city, and many cafes provide a comfortable place to relax after exploring.
Dayan Ancient City is mostly pedestrianized, but some areas have cobblestone streets, making it a bit difficult for elderly or disabled visitors to navigate. It is advisable for those with mobility challenges to take it slow or seek assistance in certain areas.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments (e.g., WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely used and preferred in most areas of the city. Credit cards are less commonly accepted in small shops, so it's recommended to carry some cash.
There are many traditional Naxi restaurants and cafes in the ancient city offering local Yunnan cuisine, including rice noodles, yak meat dishes, and Tibetan food. Some cafes also serve coffee and Western-style meals.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in many of the restaurants in the ancient city, especially in the form of vegetable dishes, tofu, and rice-based meals. Halal food options are limited but can be found in some specialty restaurants.
There are various accommodation options near Dayan Ancient City, ranging from budget hostels to mid-range hotels and boutique guesthouses. For a more luxurious stay, you can find several high-end hotels in Lijiang City, a short distance from the ancient town.
There are numerous souvenir shops in Dayan Ancient City offering Naxi handicrafts, jade jewelry, traditional textiles, tea, and artwork. Local wine and wooden carvings are also popular souvenirs.
After visiting Dayan Ancient City, you can take a taxi, bus, or hire a private car to visit nearby attractions like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Lijiang’s transportation options, including buses and taxis, provide easy access to other parts of Yunnan Province.
