Cultural activities, what to experience in Lijiang

Hands-on Cultural Activities

Lijiang offers a variety of hands-on cultural activities, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in local traditions，you can participate in craft-making sessions like paper making, Naxi copper craft、Dongba Mural、Nakhi Embroidery etc. providing a deeper understanding of Lijiang's rich cultural heritage. Besides that, you also can Ride horse to experience the tea horse ancient road, enjoy a Lijiang impression show under the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, there are many activities waiting you to discover and explore

Dongba Papermaking Experience

• Type: Art & Cultural Immersion
• Tour Length: 1.5-2Hours

The Naxi traditional papermaking craft is quite unique. In Lijiang, you can experience the traditional Dongba papermaking technique. Dongba paper is a type of handmade paper made from the bark of the rao tree. It has characteristics such as being insect-resistant, rot-resistant, and water-resistant, and it can last for an exceptionally long time, preserving for 800 to 1,000 years. Visitors can actively participate in every step of the papermaking process, including harvesting, sorting, and soaking, You can bring home the Dongba paper you have made, let you deeply experience the charm of this traditional craft.

Lijiang Nakhi copper craft

• Type: Cultural Immersion/ Art & Architecture
• Tour Length: 2 hours

Lijiang copperware used to be a bulk goods sold to regions along the ancient Tea Horse Road or the Southern Silk Road. Residents here use variety of copperwares in their daily lives. Though you can find a few copperware stores in Lijiang, there aren’t many coppersmiths left today as this traditional craftsmanship has greatly been replaced by machines. In Basha Ancient Town, a 35 minute drive from Lijiang, Down the winding lanes,in one of the courtyard, we will visit a famous coppersmith here and learn to do modern Nakhi-style copperware from him.The craftsman whose family have been doing copper craft for six generations.He can do almost all kinds of copperwares, ranging from spoons to hot pots and vats. Admire the craftsman as he bangs on half done copperware and tells us about the history of Nakhi copper craft. Then, try your hand at making copper bookmark, plate or spoon.

Nakhi Embroidery Lijiang

• Type: Cultural Immersion/ Art & Architecture
• Tour Length: 1 hour

Basha ancient town in Lijiang is the centre of Nakhi embroidery. Nakhi women have been making handicrafts and intricate embroidery for generations. In Baisha Old Town, we will visit a local Nakhi embroidery institute and learn some basic stitches used in Nakhi embroidery. At the institute, see a gallery of embroidery works and a number of local women learning traditional Nakhi embroidery with the master. Talk to one of the teacher here and gain insights into this ancient tradition. Suitable for all age groups, under the guidance of friendly teacher, people with or without embroidery background are welcome to join the one hour class. You can choose to embroider on handkerchief, coil purse, coaster or pencil case. There are others experiences relating to Nakhi culture available in the institute. Classic Nakhi dance or the Dongba dance is a kind of religious dance being played in sacrifice events. Most of them show local’s fight against the evil forces. If you are interested to watch Dongba dance, listen to Nakhi traditional instruments performance, or experience Dongba prayer ceremony, feel free to check out more information from our trip advisers.

Writing Dongba pictographic scripts

• Type: Cultural Immersion/ Art & Architecture/ History
• Tour Length: 1 – 1.5 hours

Dongba pictographic scripts is the only living pictography.On the streets, you can see that many shop signs are written in both Chinese and Dongba script. If travelling to Lijiang is part of your plan and you are interested to know more about local culture, then join this Dongba pictography writing class. This is a great opportunity for you to explore the rich Nakhi minority culture and to learn their pictograph characters.Dongba refers to both the religion and the priests of Nakhi people in Yunnan. Dongba means “wise man” in Nakhi language. Originated in the early Tang dynasty, Dongba writing has a history of over 1,000 years. This exquisite writing, sometimes with vivid colours, reflects the well wishes and beliefs of Nakhi people while depicting their daily lives.

Outdoor Activities

Enjoy Lijiang Impression Show

• Type: Art & Cultural Immersion
• Tour Length: 1Hour

"Impression Lijiang" show is different from ordinary performances, this unique show is directed by Zhang Yimou, a renowned Chinese director who was the chief director of the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics,it is a large-scale outdoor show set against the stunning backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with the earth and mountain as the natural stage. The performance features over 500 ethnic minority performers, whose simple and authentic presentations create a unique artistic experience. This format reveals a mysterious and beautiful world to the audience, let them feel the harmonious coexistence of life and nature, experience the legendary history of the Ancient Tea Horse Road, and the unique charm of Naxi.

Horseback riding

• Type:Cultural Immersion/History/ Art & Architecture
• Tour Length: 1 day

The area around Lashihai is rich in history as part of the ancient Tea Horse Road, which was once a vital route for horse caravans.it was built thousand years ago, they were once some of the most important trade routes in Asia. The southwestern Tea and Silk Road, which became known as the Tea and Horse Road, gave access to the world beyond China’s borders, carrying tradesmen and travelers with foods from as far away as Rome. here horseback riding not only allows visitors to experience the lifestyle of ancient caravan traders but also offers breathtaking views of the highland lake. Follow their footsteps along this storied road on horseback, experience the life of horse caravan and enjoy horse caravan meal for lunch< Riding along the Tea Horse Road, you can traverse ancient forests and mountain ranges, immersing yourself in a blend of tradition and culture. Lashi Lake also offers boating activities, with options for kayaking or rowing in raft allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake and its surrounding landscapes.

Appreciate the 'living musical fossil' that is Naxi Ancient Music

• Type:Art & Cultural Immersion
• Tour Length: 1Hour

If you're a music enthusiast or a fan of ancient music, you can't miss the Bai Sha Xiyue in Lijiang, often referred to as a "living musical fossil." The Naxi people, who have a deep passion for song and dance, are known for their state-level intangible cultural heritage, the "Naxi Ancient Music." On the stage of the Bai Sha Xiyue in Yulong County, Naxi musicians perform ancient music daily, offering a unique and immersive experience into their rich musical traditions. As you appreciate it , you'll be transported to a bygone era, experiencing the soulful and evocative sounds that have been passed down through generations, showcasing the depth and beauty of Naxi culture.

Customize Your Unique Lijiang Tour

If you are interested in one of the Lijiang itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Lijiang Tour, please visit our Lijiang Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

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