Lijiang Water Wheels
大水车
A pair of large water wheels at the north entrance of Lijiang Old Town, the most iconic landmark and photo spot of the old town.
The Big Water Wheels stand in Yuhe Square at the north gate of Lijiang Old Town. A pair of wooden water wheels turn slowly, powered by the flow of the Yuhe River. A stone wall beside them is inscribed with the words 'Lijiang Old Town, World Cultural Heritage', and this is the first photo stop for visitors entering the old town. From here, a walkway along the Yu River leads into the old town, and to the north you can reach Heilongtan Park. The wheels also look good after dark when the lights come on, but there are more people then, so it is better to come in the morning to take photos. Free admission. Watch your belongings.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Naxi Ancient Music Concert
- Sifang Square
- Wangu Pavilion (Lion Hill)
- Mu Mansion
- Black Dragon Pool
- Zhongyi Market
- Old Town of Lijiang (Dayan)
- Lijiang Romance Park
Places to eat nearby
- Apoqing Cured Rib Hotpot (Old Town Flagship Store)
- No. 88 Snack Shop
- Erge Rice Noodles (Lijiang Store)
- Xiaoxike Yunnan Specialty Restaurant (Naxi Courtyard Store)
- Junziyou Wild Mushroom Hotpot & Specialty Courtyard Restaurant (Lijiang Old Town Store)
- Fuxian Xiaoguofan Yunnan Folk Flavor Restaurant (Shuhe Ancient Town Store)