Dongba Valley

Dongba Valley is perched at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and about 15 kilometers southwards to the Lijiang Old Town. It is a rift valley cracked during the ancient orogenic movement period. With the total length of 9 kilometers, Dongba Valley is an uncanny workmanship by nature. It is also the only way to enter the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area.

What to see
Dongba Valley has turned over a mysterious page to the world. Apart form the steep cliffs and caves; it is like an insular paradise for the Naxi people. Various stalactites, dry vines, strange trees, rare birds and flying waterfalls add the Dongba Valley a lot of vitality. Being the home of Naxi people, it has strong ethnic content.

Jiangren Street
Upon entered the Dongba Valley, visitors will see a large plaza and a long and narrow street behind it. Girls and boys are dancing and singing in the plaza in order to welcome the each tourist’s coming. As the main street of Dongba Valley, Jiangren Street is an original trading land with numerous shops scattered. Jewelries, fur and medicines can be found at anywhere.

Linbo Bridge
Located at the end of the Jiangren Street, Linbo Bridge is a suspension bridge beneath where runs a beautiful lake. Standing on the bridge, you are lucky to appreciate the distant mist-covered water and flickering Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Dongba Culture

Dongba Text
Dongba text can be seen in many scenic spots in Lijiang. Used by Naxi people, it has been rated as the only living hieroglyph in the world. Dongba scripture, made from more than 1,400 dongba words has been remained. Religion of geomantic omen, lifestyle and culture of Naxi people can be found in the Dongba scripture. It has a profound collectible value that there are less than dozen countries reserves.

Dongba Lifestyle
Dongba culture is of long standing though it divers from Chinese culture. For Naxi people, the female is responsible to farm and do the housework while the male only needs to remain at home reading. Therefore, females own the predominate roles and men are engaged in culture and crafting, which forms the common fashion.