Mu Mansion
木府
The residence of the Naxi Mu chieftains, laid out like the Forbidden City and built into the mountain. It is a key stop for understanding Lijiang's history.
The Mu Mansion sits on the eastern foot of Lion Hill in the southwest of Dayan Old Town. It was the administrative compound and residence of the Naxi Mu chieftains, who ruled Lijiang for nearly 500 years. Construction began in the Yuan dynasty. At its height in the Ming dynasty it was described as having palaces 'fit for a king'. The original buildings were destroyed at the end of the Qing dynasty, and the site was rebuilt on the original foundations after the 1998 earthquake. The complex faces east and climbs the mountain along a central axis. It includes the Zhongyi Stone Archway, the Council Hall, the Ten Thousand Volumes Pavilion, the Hall of Protection, the Guangbi Tower, the Yuyin Tower, and the Three Pure Ones Hall in the rear garden. The site illustrates the chieftain system, Naxi culture, and the visit of the travel writer Xu Xiake. Entry costs about 40 to 60 yuan, and a visit takes about 1.5 hours. It is a 5-minute walk from Sifang Street and can be combined with Wangu Pavilion on Lion Hill.
Opening hours
08:30–17:30
Nearby sights
- Sifang Square
- Wangu Pavilion (Lion Hill)
- Zhongyi Market
- Naxi Ancient Music Concert
- Old Town of Lijiang (Dayan)
- Lijiang Water Wheels
- Black Dragon Pool
- Lijiang Romance Park
Places to eat nearby
- Junziyou Wild Mushroom Hotpot & Specialty Courtyard Restaurant (Lijiang Old Town Store)
- Erge Rice Noodles (Lijiang Store)
- No. 88 Snack Shop
- Apoqing Cured Rib Hotpot (Old Town Flagship Store)
- Xiaoxike Yunnan Specialty Restaurant (Naxi Courtyard Store)
- Fuxian Xiaoguofan Yunnan Folk Flavor Restaurant (Shuhe Ancient Town Store)