Lijiang celebrates 13th World Heritage Day

The Old Town of Lijiang held a series of cultural campaigns from Dec 1 to 4 to celebrate its 13th annual World Heritage Day and the 20th anniversary of its being listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO.

Dec 4 was designated as Lijiang's World Heritage Day in 2005 and has been observed as such in each of the last 13 years to enhance public awareness of the need to protect world heritage sites.

The Old Town of Lijiang hosts a cultural event to celebrate its 13th annual World Heritage Day on Dec 4. [Photo by Li Ning/Xinhua]

More than 100 university students, business people and local residents volunteered to serve at the event. They handed out brochures on preservation of the old town and its renovation, and on environmental protection and cultural relics' conservation.

Staff from Lijiang's old town administration set up a booth to answer enquiries about residence renovation, antiques protection and knowledge of heritage issues.

Staff from Lijiang's old town administration hand out brochures on the town's preservation [Photo by Li Ning/Xinhua]

Lectures were also given to publicize regulations and policies such as the protection law of the Old Town of Lijiang.

The Naxi People's Home, a famous local tavern, presented the traditions of the Naxi ethnic group including some tasty local delicacies. Ethnic dances and singing were staged to attract visitors.

"The Old Town of Lijiang has a rich culture and beautiful scenery," said a 63-year-old visitor from North China's Tianjin. "I really enjoyed the trip to Lijiang."

Lijiang will host a conference and photo exhibitions to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its world heritage listing from Dec 17 to 19.