Old Town of Lijiang

Comment on this site

Email received : "I 1st went to Lijiang in 1992 fell in love with it and since 2001 have been going there on a regular basis (2 - 3 months a year). I thus have been able to observe the "evolution" for the worse of this once indeed charming town. During the day the center of the Old Town has become a giant supermarket (everybody selling the same thing) and during the night it changes into a giant bar and disco, techno music blarding away, people getting drunk, prostitution proliferating and yet, I was told, Lijiang received a medal from Unesco for its model and respectful upkeep of a World Heritage town! Is this a joke? What exactly is required of a World Heritage place? I am appalled! What happened" ?

Brief description

Source © UNESCO : http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/811

The Old Town of Lijiang, which is perfectly adapted to the uneven topography of this key commercial and strategic site, has retained a historic townscape of high quality and authenticity. Its architecture is noteworthy for the blending of elements from several cultures that have come together over many centuries. Lijiang also possesses an ancient water-supply system of great complexity and ingenuity that still functions effectively today.