Mu Family Mansion
» Lijiang, Yun Nan

木府 丽江古城文化之'大观园'

Mu Family Mansion is located in the Old city of Lijiang. The Lijiang Old City had been built under the lead of Mu ancestors of past generations. The building history of the Lijiang nationality was from the ancient residence in caves, trees and wood plate's houses with courtyard to its own residence model as "three houses with one screen hall facing the gate" and "quadrangle and quin-courtyard with lofts."

It was once destroyed

The centre of power for the influential Mu family, the mansion was destroyed in the 1870's but has been painstakingly rebuilt along the lines of the original, with an eclectic mix of Naxi, Bai and Tibetan architecture.

Naxi architecture and fine arts

The Mufu (Wood Mansion) is Lijiang's ancient ruler Mu's official residence and where he received his officials. Here Governor Mu of Ming dynasty built his mansion copying the style of the Forbidden City. The Mufu is Lijiang's largest group of buildings that reflects Naxi people's brilliant skills in architecture and fine arts.

What used to be

Mu's Mansion, recently rebuilt after the earthquake with the loans from World Bank. It was once the palace where the local chieftains of 22 generations spent their lives.

Reaching a climax during Ming dynasty

The complex of imperial buildings known as the "Mansion of the Mu Clan" provide a fascinating insight into the local culture and traditions of of Lijiang. When the clan chief moved his original residence here, the clan became the most powerful and prestigious in the region, reaching a climax during the collapse of the Ming Dynasty.

Gardens and houses

The gardens are particularly impressive with their azaleas and orchids, and this is a good place to retreat to if the crowds in the alleys outside become too wearying. The plain of the residence is characterized as the combination of central courtyard and inwards houses.

Trees and flowers here

There is also a wealth of rare trees and flowers here, many of which are exclusive to Lijiang and rival the imperial botanic gardens of ancient times. A trip to the Mansion takes between one and two hours.

When to visit

  • Opening Hours: 8:00a.m. - 7:00p.m
  • Recommended time for a visit: Two hours

Getting there

On foot

The Mansion buildings are conveniently located within the old town in the south. Vehicles are not allowed in the ancient town, so the best way to get there is to walk. From most locations in the town, the Mansion can be reached in 15 minutes.

Attractions around » Lijiang, Yun Nan

Natural Scene

Natural Scene

Historical Site

Historical Site

Cultural Site

Cultural Site

Nightlife

Nightlife

Shopping & Leisure

Shopping & Leisure

Historical Relic

Historical Relic

  Weather

  1. Does it rain a lot in Lijiang?
  2. When is the best time to go there?

  Shopping

  1. Do bargain

  Travel

  1. Cable car cautions

  Other Hints

  1. Beware of the religious hooligans
  2. Is it easy for me to make telephone calls there?
  3. Toilet Facilities
  4. Altitude sickness
  5. Avoid busy holidays
  6. OMG! I'm lost! What should I do?
  7. Useful Phone Numbers
  8. Emergency Numbers

  • Does it rain a lot in Lijiang?

    It rains a lot in July and August. That's important to know because heavy rains can trigger rock and mud slides, which can block roads. This can cause long travel delays or even cancelled plans (such as your trip to Tiger Leaping Gorge).


  • When is the best time to go there?

    April and October is two ideal months suitable to visit Lijiang. The temperature is pleasant and it doesn't rain as often.

    January and February are not superlative months either because of wintry temperatures.


  • Toilet Facilities

    A number of toilets with good facilities and service have been built in the Old Town. The charge is usually no more than CNY 0.5 per person.

  • Do bargain

    Souvenir prices tend to rise the closer you get to Sifang Square. And remember, always negotiate. You should be able to lower the initial price by 30%, sometimes more.


  • Cable car cautions

    Wear warm clothes. It's freezing where you'll be going (a lookout near the summit of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain). Winter parkas can be rented before you board the cable car gondolas. The same is true for oxygen bottles, for those who may need one.

    To avoid long, time-consuming lines waiting to board the gondolas, go early or late in the day. But before leaving Lijiang for the ride, find out if the high-elevation viewing platforms are expected to be shrouded in clouds when you'll be there. If so, you won't see much, including the stunning panoramic views of the mountains and valleys.


  • Beware of the religious hooligans

    Watch out the religious hooligans when you visit the Black Dragon Pool Park in Lijiang. It will be nighmare if you do. Specifically there was a so-called Dongba Culture Institution, you are right, the lexicon should think about giving a amendment to this word if they insist calling themselves an 'institution'.


  • Is it easy for me to make telephone calls there?

    A number of public IC card telephones have been installed in the Old Town, and some stores in the Old Town provide public telephones with which visitors can make direct domestic and international calls. Mobile phones can also be used freely within the area of the Old Town.


  • Toilet Facilities

    A number of toilets with good facilities and service have been built in the Old Town. The charge is usually no more than CNY 0.5 per person.

  • Altitude sickness

    Before your respiratory and circulatory systems adjust to a high elevation, your body suffers to some degree from oxygen deprivation. That's altitude sickness. Symptoms include dizziness, tiredness and headaches - and difficulty in catching your breath when, for example, walking up steps.

    The best defense is not to go suddenly from one altitude to a much higher one. Do your upward journeys in stages so your lungs can more readily adapt to thinner air.

    We recommend that you do not travel from a low-altitude city (such as Beijing or Xian) to Lijiang on the same day. Instead, spend at least one full day in Kunming to acclimate your body to its relatively thin air (spend the time visiting the nearby Stone Forest, a Hillman Wonders Bronze Medal winner). This will help prepare your body for the even thinner air in Lijiang. Stay there for at least a day or two before heading to Zhongdian or Deqin, where the air is even more rarified


  • Avoid busy holidays

    During some holidays, hot destinations are packed with tourists, bringing you inconvenience or even unpleasantness, and also unless you have firm hotel reservations, skip these ultra-popular Chinese holiday periods (or you may end up without a room):

    • Spring Festival (Lunar New Year celebration). Its start date varies from year to year, anywhere from mid-January to mid-February.
    • May Day - Occurs during the first two weeks in May.
    • National Day - Takes place in the first two weeks in October.


  • OMG! I'm lost! What should I do?

    Well, calm down first. It's easy to get lost in Lijiang Ancient Town because of its labyrinth of meandering passageways. But that's part of the enjoyment because you will discover picturesque alleys that you would not have seen otherwise.

    Before you leave your hotel, do write down the name of the hotel in both English and Chinese. Taxis can be easily found in the city so you can just grab a taxi and show your address. If you are at a far place where you cannot find a taxi, please call 110 and ask the police for help.


  • Useful Phone Numbers

    • Tourist Complaint: 5123432
    • Lijiang Airport Inquiry Telephone: 5173081
    • Scheduled Flights and Ticket Inquiries: 5161289 5161291 5173079

  • Emergency Numbers

    • Fire: 119
    • Ambulance: 120
    • Police: 110
    • Traffic: 122


As the centre of power for the influential Mu family, Mu Family Mansion has been painstakingly rebuilt along the lines of the original, with an eclectic mix of Naxi, Bai and Tibetan architecture. The gardens are particularly impressive with their azaleas and orchids. The plain of the residence is characterized as the combination of central courtyard and inwards houses.

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