As early as the South Song Dynasty (1127—1279AD), the Ancient City of Lijiang had already begun to take shape. 

From the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Lijiang was called "Dayan County", literally meaning "ink stone".  It was under the rule of the Mu family local commanders during the Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty. 

Since the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it has been the distribution center and a confluence for trade along the old tea-horse road. 

The Naxi women were well known for their hand-made embroidery before 1972 during the Great Cultural Revolution.

In 1996 Lijiang suffered severe damage from a horrific earthquake and many people died. 

In 1997 Lijiang was listed as one of the UNESCO Heritage Sites.

The bird's-eye-perspective of Lijiang Ancient City