Written by Veronica |
Often referred to as the “Forbidden City” and “Grand View Garden” of Lijiang Old Town, Mu Palace was the residence and government office of the Naxi Mu chieftains. It stands as a landmark in the ancient town, with an architectural structure lying between that of the imperial gardens and the gardens of Suzhou, integrating the styles of the Ming Dynasty Central Plains with the craftsmanship of the Bai and Naxi ethnic groups.
Also known as Mufu Palace or Mufu Wood Mansion, Mu Palace in Lijiang, Yunnan now covers 46 acres, with a central axis 369 meters long. Facing east while sitting on the west, it features jade-like streams flowing throughout and a grand layout adorned with numerous flowers and trees. Walking through the corridors there and seeing the antique buildings gives a sense of time travel as if you have stepped into ancient times.
Fast Facts of Mu Palace
- Location: 49 Guangyi Street, Dayan Town, Gucheng District, Lijiang City
- Opening hours:8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn
- Ticket: CNY 40 for adults; CNY 20 for students; children under 1.2 meters enter for free
- Suited to: History enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and people interested in Naxi culture
History of Mu Palace
Spanning the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties for 22 generations over 470 years, the Mu Palace reached its peak during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. However, it gradually declined after being destroyed by war. In the tenth year of the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty (1884), Mufu Palace underwent partial reconstruction. Later, it was destroyed in the major earthquake of February 1996 and was rebuilt by the government in 1998.
What to See and Do in Mu Palace
1. Explore the Marvelous Architecture
The Mufu Palace is embraced by the ancient town, with 15 buildings including Zhongyi Square, the Meeting Hall, the Wanjuan Pavilion, the Yuyin Pavilion, and more, totaling 162 rooms of various sizes. They greet visitors with exquisite wood carvings and colorful decorations. Visiting there on your trip to Lijiang in Yunnan, you’ll be amazed by its remarkable architectural design.
2. Discover the Exquisite Murals
Yuyin Pavilion of the Mu Palace mainly features reproductions of the existing original murals and documenting their historical imprints. The murals there integrate elements of Han Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Taoism, reflecting the Naxi people’s inclusive, eclectic, and open-minded approach to culture. Besides, there are a series of cultural and creative products themed on elements from the Lijiang murals, never miss them during your Yunnan Lijiang tours.
3. Visit the Mu Family Mansion
The Mu Family Mansion in Mu Palace is where the Mu clan lived. It is divided into courtyards for office work, reception, and living quarters. Each courtyard contains many rooms, and the accommodations vary according to the status and rank of the occupants. Each Mu’s residence is fully equipped with various living necessities and utensils. Discovering the courtyards during your travel to Lijiang in Yunnan, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Mu clan’s life in the past.
4. Wander Through the Garden
There is a garden in the Mu Palace, and it’s a good place to relax. Built in imitation of the Imperial Garden, it features distinctive houses, corridors, pavilions, and terraces. Besides, to reach the garden, you must cross a street bridge decorated with intricate floral carvings. From there, you can observe the daily lives of the people on the street below.
5. Climb High to Enjoy Panoramic Views
Constructed on the Lion Hill in the back garden of the Mufu Palace, Sanqing Hall is a three-story, eaves-tipped wooden structure that covers an area of 500 square meters. It is a Taoist temple that enshrines the three revered deities: Yuqing, Shangqing, and Taiqing. Climbing up high to Sanqing Hall, you’ll have a panoramic view of the Lijiang Old Town.
Best Time to Visit the Mu Palace
Mu Palace is open all year round, but the best time to visit there is in spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the surroundings are pleasant. If you don’t mind cold weather, the winter months are also a good time to embark on a Yunnan tour to Lijiang for being less crowded.
Getting to Mu Palace
To get to Mufu Palace in Lijiang, China, you need to get to Lijiang by flight or train first. Afterward, take a taxi to Lijiang Old Town. Once arrive, make your way to the Guanmenkou Gate and walk along Guangyi Street for 100 meters. Finally, you’ll be there.
Attractions Nearby Mu Palace
- Lijiang Old Town: Located adjacent to Mu Palace, Lijiang Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most well-preserved ancient towns in China.
- Yulong Snow Mountain: It is a range of snow-capped mountains renowned as the closest snow-capped mountain range to the equator in the Northern Hemisphere. From the main gate of Mufu in Lijiang, you’ll see the snow mountain.
- Shuhe Ancient Town: This is a small town with a history of over a thousand years with marvelous well-preserved architecture to explore.
- Baisha Village: Situated about 8 kilometers north of Mufu Palace, the village is known for its ancient murals and the Dabaoji Palace, which houses a collection of exquisite Buddhist artworks.
