Old Town of Lijiang hosts autumn events from 21 September
Published on 09/27/2026 at 11:07 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Old Town of Lijiang begins its autumn cultural programme in Lijiang, China, on 21 September 2026, with chrysanthemum displays, exhibitions and performances across its historic lanes. The programme continues until 30 October 2026 and includes the Autumn Chrysanthemum Fair and a calligraphy and photography exhibition.
Old Town of Lijiang sets out its autumn cultural programme
The programme announced by the Lijiang City media centre places activities at Sifang Street, Yuh? River Square, Wenchang Palace viewing platform and other cultural courtyards. The autumn programme dates run from 21 September to 30 October 2026.
At Sifang Street, the Mid-Autumn community event takes place from 23 to 25 September, including traditional mooncake making and tasting. On 24 September, a public concert linked to the Naxi ancient music and Baisha fine music album Limei Xianyun is scheduled from 2pm to 3.30pm. A classical concert at Hengtai Gong is listed for 26 September from 8pm to 9pm.
Water, flowers and music connect the old town programme
The programme reaches a distinctive point on 29 September. A traditional water-cleansing event is scheduled at Sifang Street from 9am to 9.45am, followed by the Old Town Night finale of the 2026 Lijiang Folk-Song Music Season at Yuh? River Square at 8pm.
National Day activities then spread through the old town from 1 to 7 October. Yuh? River Square hosts group dancing from 1 to 6 October, while Yinyu Lane Folk Song Square presents music from 1 to 6 October. Sifang Street has intangible cultural heritage song, dance and music performances from 1 to 7 October, with bonfire dancing scheduled each evening in the same period. These locations place the autumn programme directly within the lanes, squares and courtyards that define the visitor experience.
Old Town of Lijiang remains a setting for living traditions
The programme reflects the old town's network of cultural venues rather than treating the historic area as a single stage. China Daily describes 30 cultural courtyards across the old town, covering crafts, folk customs, music and former residences.
One courtyard described by the newspaper retains the layout of a traditional Naxi residence, with three buildings around a central courtyard and a decorative screen wall. The same report says that Naxi music performances began publicly in the 1980s and continue at a newly opened Naxi ancient music museum. The autumn schedule therefore links seasonal activity with venues already used for music, dance and cultural interpretation.
October performances add viewpoints and neighbourhood venues
Visitors can find Leba dance performances at the Wenchang Palace viewing platform on 2, 5 and 7 October from 2pm to 3pm. Naxi ancient music is scheduled at Maicaochang on 5 October from 2.30pm to 4pm, while a staged presentation of Naxi daily life is listed at Guangyi Sanyanjing on 7 October from 2.30pm to 4pm.
The wider programme also includes Naxi ancient music teaching performances at Black Dragon Pool Park on 2 and 5 October, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Nearby Shuhe Old Town has bonfire dancing at Sifang Tingyin Square during the National Day period, while Baisha Old Town lists Baisha fine music and ethnic dancing.
Visiting Old Town of Lijiang: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The main autumn cultural programme runs from 21 September to 30 October 2026, with the water-cleansing event at Sifang Street on 29 September 2026.
- National Day performances take place at several named squares and courtyards from 1 to 7 October 2026; the schedule does not announce a closure of the historic lanes.
- The programme is distributed across Sifang Street, Yuh? River Square, Wenchang Palace viewing platform, Maicaochang and Guangyi Sanyanjing in Lijiang.
- The old town includes narrow lanes, traditional courtyards and stone-paved streets; the listed activities involve moving between separate venues.
- Chinese is the official language and the currency is the renminbi.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
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Frequently asked questions about Old Town of Lijiang
When does the autumn cultural programme take place at Old Town of Lijiang?
The programme runs from 21 September to 30 October 2026, with additional performances scheduled from 1 to 7 October 2026.
What is happening at Old Town of Lijiang on 29 September 2026?
A water-cleansing event is scheduled at Sifang Street from 9am to 9.45am, followed by the Old Town Night finale of the 2026 Lijiang Folk-Song Music Season at 8pm.
Where is Old Town of Lijiang and how do you get there?
Old Town of Lijiang is in Lijiang, China. The programme identifies Sifang Street, Yuh? River Square and other venues within the historic area, but does not specify a Western European transport route.
