Nestled at the entrance of Yulong Pass, one of the six major passes in the Lijiang Basin, the Lijiang Guanyin Gorge Scenic Area (丽江观音峡景区) serves as a gateway to the ancient Tea Horse Road (the Dian-Zang Road) leading from Lijiang into Tibet, as well as a historical military fortress. With a total area spanning 1,800 acres and an elevation of 2,230 meters, Guanyin Gorge embodies a harmonious blend of natural and cultural landscapes, showcasing a rich tapestry of mountains, valleys, forests, and lakes alongside traditional Naxi villages, folk customs, and religious heritage. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the reverence for nature, light, and beauty that characterizes the Naxi culture.
Walking along the Tea Horse Ancient Street within the scenic area, visitors are treated to a glimpse of well-preserved shops and artisan workshops, offering an authentic encounter with ancient Naxi culture. These establishments include carpentry shops, leather workshops, metalwork studios, silversmiths, inns, and taverns, where one can witness demonstrations of traditional Naxi crafts such as copper, iron, and silverwork, as well as sample precious medicinal herbs from the ancient tea horse trade route on the Dian-Tibetan plateau. Additionally, visitors can explore ancient facilities like the tax bureau and post stations, seemingly transported back in time to a bygone era.
Moreover, the scenic area features the Dongba Cultural Square, shrouded in an aura of mystique. Tall totem poles adorned with various deities, spirits, and symbols of worship, alongside depictions of the eight treasures, animals, and celestial bodies, dominate the square. On the southern wall, visitors can find a wall inscribed with Dongba pictographs of the Naxi people juxtaposed with corresponding Chinese characters, providing deeper insights into Naxi Dongba culture.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 – 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | 240 RMB including admission, boat trip, toboggan car, glass bridge, and toboggan ride |
| Opening Hours | 7.30 – 18.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0888-5369688 |
Location and Transportation
Located within the territory of Qihe Town in Lijiang, Yunnan Province, the Guanyin Gorge Scenic Area is situated approximately 16 kilometers away from the ancient city area of Lijiang. To get there, you can take bus 26, 27, or 107 and get off at Guanyinxia Stop (观音峡站).
