Lijiang was first built at the end of the southern Song Dynasty, giving it a history of over 800 years. With an area of about 4km sq (1.5mi sq), the ancient city was comprised of Dayan Ancient Town, the Baisha quarter, and the Shuhe quarter. It centers on Sifang Street with the five main roads radiating out from there. The streets are lined with row after row of shops nested inside tile-roofed buildings. A network of channels also runs through the city, part of the traditional water system that allowed residents with easy access to the water supply. Although perhaps a little overdone, cultural exhibitions are performed daily in the city square. You can watch from within the square or from the balcony of one of the many cafes while enjoying a Naxi Baba cake. The crowds that pass through the city may seem slightly overwhelming, but if you get up early to explore the city, you will truly see Lijiang’s Ancient City at its most charming. In 1997, Lijiang was placed in UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage List.