Also known as Dayan Town, Lijiang was built in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). It is localed in Lijiangba, Yunnan Province. It is the center of the Dongba Culture of the Naxi ethnic group and a meeting place of the Han, Tibetan, Bai and other ethnic group's cultures.

It is rich in sites of historical and cultural interest. The Yuquan River splits into three at the city gate, and the clear water flows past every house. Many stone bridges and stone memorial arches built during the Ming and Qing dynasties still survive. Most residential houses are built into an odl-style compound with rooms on three sides and a screen wall facing the gate.

The unique Dongba Culture and superd murals in Lijiang are know worldwide.