Live Your Best Lives
The Dongba Culture Museum, featuring Dongba culture, occupies a 7-acre site and is a comprehensive museum of ethnic customs encompassing history, nature, and art. The museum's main building is a replica of the ancient Naxi courtyard-style building, taking advantage of the topography and natural environment to create a cluster of courtyards as the main building belt.
The architecture of the Lijiang Naxi Dongba Cultural Museum is laid out according to the development of Naxi dwellings. Utilizing the Yuquan water source and the natural landscape of the western foot of Xiangshan Mountain, it has developed from the north traditional dwellings of different stages, including cave dwellings, nest dwellings, semi-cave dwellings, tent dwellings, stilt dwellings, and wooden houses, three courtyards and one screen wall, four platforms and five courtyards. Folk cultural relics reflecting the productivity level of the Naxi people in different periods are exhibited.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to play for 1-2 hours
30 yuan
Monday to Sunday 8:00-18:00
The Dongba Culture Museum in Lijiang is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the Naxi people, particularly their Dongba script and religious traditions. The Naxi people have a unique blend of Tibetan Buddhism, shamanistic practices, and animism. The museum highlights their customs, folklore, and contributions to the region's history.
The Dongba Culture Museum is located in Lijiang, Yunnan Province, China. It can be reached by taxi or private vehicle. Lijiang also has local buses that can take you close to the museum. The city’s old town is within walking distance for those staying nearby.
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during weekdays in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. Avoid weekends and holidays if you prefer a more peaceful experience.
The entrance fee to the Dongba Culture Museum is typically around 60-80 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the museum or through various travel platforms that offer package deals or guided tours.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance for individual visitors. However, during peak seasons (such as Chinese holidays), it is advisable to check ticket availability online or with local tour providers a few days in advance.
To fully explore the museum, including all exhibits and the outdoor area, allow about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you're attending workshops or performances, plan for additional time.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and some tours may offer English-speaking guides during peak tourist seasons. Audio guides may also be available, but availability in English should be confirmed on-site.
The best photography spots are inside the museum’s main exhibit halls, where the colorful displays of Naxi artifacts, costumes, and traditional objects are well-lit. The outdoor stone carvings also offer great photo opportunities against the backdrop of Lijiang’s beautiful landscapes.
Start with the exhibition of Dongba script and its history, then proceed to the Naxi traditional artifacts and costumes area. Next, explore the religious and spiritual displays, including the stone carvings outside. Finish by visiting the interactive exhibits or live performances if available.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available at the Dongba Culture Museum. Special tours may be available during the day, depending on the season and visitor demand.
The museum can get crowded, especially during the summer months and Chinese holidays. The least crowded times are during weekdays in the morning, before the afternoon rush, or in the late afternoon closer to closing time.
The museum has basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas. There are small souvenir shops inside where you can purchase cultural items and books related to the Naxi people. No full-scale restaurants are available, but there are eateries nearby in Lijiang Old Town.
The museum is accessible to elderly visitors and children, though some areas may involve stairs. It is advisable to check accessibility options with the museum staff, especially for visitors with mobility issues, as some parts may have limited accessibility.
Cash is accepted, but cards and mobile payment methods (such as WeChat Pay or Alipay) are more commonly used in Lijiang. It's advisable to carry both cash and your mobile payment options just in case.
There are no large restaurants inside the museum. However, in Lijiang Old Town, you’ll find a variety of restaurants offering local Naxi cuisine, Tibetan dishes, and Western food. Many cafes also provide a great atmosphere for relaxing after your visit.
Vegetarian options are widely available in Lijiang, and vegan food can also be found in many restaurants. Halal food options may be limited but can be found in specific restaurants catering to Muslim visitors.
There are many hotels and guesthouses near the museum in Lijiang Old Town. Options range from budget hostels to mid-range hotels and boutique accommodations. Some hotels may offer Naxi-style decor for an immersive cultural experience.
The museum has a small gift shop selling Naxi cultural items such as Dongba script souvenirs, handmade jewelry, ethnic textiles, and books about the Naxi people. In Lijiang Old Town, there are many more shops offering similar items along with local handicrafts.
