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Situated in the Northwest plateau in Yunnan, Lijiang (the Beautiful River) got its name from its position at the middle reaches of the beautiful Jinsha River. The population in Lijiang is made up of the Naxi, Bai, Lisu, Pumi, Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Hui, Han and other ethnic groups. The Ancient town of Lijiang was built in the middle of a flatland at the foot of the Yulong Snow Mountain. It got its name "Dayan Zheng" (the Town of Big Ink Slab) because the town is surrounded by tree-covered mountains on all sides with crystal clear water running in the middle of it. It has the appearance of a big jade ink slab.
Since the town was built in the late Song dynasty and the early Yuan dynasty, Lijiang has been the political, cultural, and educational center in this area. It was once an important trading center for business between Yunnan and Tibet, China and India. Now the town is a Historical and Cultural Heritage in China and a member of the World Cultural Heritages. The roads in the old town radiate from Sifang Street (Square Street) to form a network connecting every corner of the city. Small squares are scattered along appropriate sections of the main streets. Houses were built on the mountain slopes tier upon tier. "The city depends on water for existence and water comes along with the city" has become one of the main features of the old town. Culture is the soul of Lijiang ancient town. Dongba culture, the ancient culture of the ethnic Naxi, is an integral part of Naxi culture. It mainly consists of scriptures, paintings, music, dances, ritual implements and religious services. Attractions in Lijiang, Yunnan:Â  Â 
 
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