MU RESIDENCE

A must-see in Lijiang! Mu's Mansion is a major testimony to Lijiang's political and cultural past. Originally built in the late ^14th century during the Ming dynasty, this vast residence was the seat of the Mu clan, a powerful Naxi family appointed by the emperor to administer the region. True local lords, the Mu ruled Lijiang for five centuries. The complex, largely destroyed during the Qing dynasty and later by earthquakes, was rebuilt in the early 1990s in the style of Beijing's imperial palaces. Spanning eight hectares, the residence is organized around courtyards, audience halls, gardens, temples and pavilions, in a skilful blend of Han and Naxi architectural styles. Climbing the stairs to the top of the estate affords a magnificent view of the rooftops of the old town and, on a clear day, the snow-capped Jade Dragon Mountains. A true reflection of the power of the Mu, this residence was at once an administrative center, a symbol of allegiance to the emperor, and a ritual and residential space. It's a place of rare beauty, a perfection that becomes increasingly apparent as you move through the complex. Each pavilion offers explanations in English, and every element, from the most imposing to the tiniest, is adorned in vivid hues - blue, red, green - with remarkable finesse and refinement. A feast for the eyes!