Lion Hill (狮子山, Shizi Shan), an integral part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Lijiang Ancient Town, derives its name from its resemblance to a sleeping lion when viewed from afar. Encircled by the ancient town buildings, it offers an ideal vantage point for panoramic views of Lijiang. Covering a total area of 15 hectares, Lion Hill Park is adorned with lush greenery and the melodious chirping of birds fills the air. More than 40 ancient cypress trees, with ages exceeding 800 years, adorn the hillside, contributing to a forest coverage rate of over 90%.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlight of Lion Hill
- Vlog about Lion Hill
- Other Attractions in Old Town of Lijiang
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | The park is free. The ticket for the Wangu Tower costs 35 RMB |
| Opening Hours | The Park: 9.00 – 22.00 Wangu Tower: 8.30 – 18.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0888-5106290 |
Location and Transportation
Located in the heart of Lijiang Ancient Town, Xinhua Street, Lion Hill is easily accessible by foot from the central area of Lijiang Ancient Town in Yunnan Province, China.
Highlight of Lion Hill
Perched atop Lion Hill is the magnificent Wangu Tower, a five-story, five-tiered wooden structure with distinctive architectural features. Standing at a height of 33 meters, with 16 main pillars reaching a soaring height of 22 meters, Wangu Tower is an iconic landmark of Lijiang City. It holds the distinction of being the first fully wooden structure with a single pillar supporting the entire structure without any connections. Ascending the tower offers breathtaking views in all directions: to the north, the majestic and enchanting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain; to the east, the flowing waters and arched bridges of Lijiang Ancient Town; to the west, the vibrant hues of Lijiang New Town; and to the south, the pastoral landscapes and Naxi villages.
At the southern end of the park lies the White Horse Dragon Pool Temple, established in the 19th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. Designated as a key cultural relic protection unit in Lijiang, the temple features the crystal-clear White Horse Dragon Pool, which is deeply intertwined with the daily lives of the people of the ancient town.
The northern end of the park is home to the Wenchang Palace and Shuangshi Garden. The Wenchang Palace, dating back 272 years to the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty (1725), served as an examination site for scholars and a venue for scholarly discussions and now houses a star-rated hotel and a restaurant with distinctive ethnic characteristics.
Shuangshi Garden boasts several notable attractions, including a large waterwheel symbolizing the lifeblood of the ancient town, which stands in the Jade Water River. Also, embedded on the mountain wall is a massive 9-meter-high and 55-meter-long relief sculpture titled “Splendid Era of Lijiang Ancient Town,” depicting the ancient civilization and rich history of the Naxi people, evoking boundless imagination.
