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8 km away north of Lijiang county, Yunnan Province, China
The birthplace of the Mu's Tusi culture in Lijiang with rice murals and historical relics
Baisha Mural is located at Baisha Villages, 10km north of Lijiang. Although the traditional houses do not look impressive, this was the cradle of the Naxi culture and ancient capital of the Naxi Kingdom.
The valuable murals are protected inside Dabaoji Palace and the colored glaze temples. The originality and figures within the murals reflect the different religious cultures and artistic forms of Buddhism, Lamaism, Taoism and local Naxi Dongba religion's development into Naxi School. Each painting includes at least one hundred portraits, which are not only Buddha, but also ordinary people such as bureaucrats, farmers, citizens and even criminals. Dominated by black, silver, dark green, gold and red colours, the murals in the back hall, overlaid with centuries of brown soot, are doomladen and bizarre. The scenes and figures, some still vivid in detail, are largely taken from Tibetan Buddhist iconography and include the wheel of life, judges of the underworld, the damned, titans and gods, Buddhas and bodhisattvas. Many of the scenes and subjects are drawn from people's daily life showing fishing, riding horses, weaving, dancing and casting iron.
Baisha is 16 kilometers away from north of Lijiang city, Yunnan province, it is an ancient and beautiful town, is the original settlement of Naxi people in Lijiang dam, and also the birthplace of Lijiang Tusi Mu family, also the earliest Naxi political center. The famous "Lijiang Mural" is the product of the opening of Naxi society in Ming dynasty, it was painting from Ming to Qing dynasty, has lasted for over 300 years. Late Ming dynasty and the early Qing dynasty is the Lijiang mural boom period, more than five hundred years of history.
During the Ming dynasty, Lijiang Tusi Mu’s Family was in the heyday with political stability, economic prosperity, to show its rich, Mu’s Family built palaces, a batch of considerable scale buildings—existing Baisha colored glaze temple, Dabao palace and Dading pavilion were built during this period. The Ming dynasty murals stored in there is a very precious cultural relics, belong to national key cultural relics protection units. Dabao Palace has 558 existing murals, where stored the largest number of Lijiang Murals. Murals integrated of Han, Tibetan and Naxi culture and different religions in harmony as an organic whole, and Lijiang murals show the Tibetan Buddhism and Confucianism, Taoism and other life stories.
Liuli Hall (琉璃殿)
Liuli Hall was built in 1416 during the 14th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty by Mu Chu Tusi. It was dedicated to Bhaisajyaguru, the Medicine Buddha of the Eastern Pure World. The murals here are characterized by bold brushwork and simple coloring. Without complicated figures, the paintings convey meaning with just a few strokes, presenting an impression that is both solemn and rustic, sincere and peaceful.
Dabaoji Palace (大宝积宫)
Constructed in 1583 under the order of Mu Wang, the local Tusi, Dabaoji Palace derived its name from the Buddhist scripture Da Bao Ji Jing (The Maharatnakuta Sutra). The murals here demonstrate a fusion of painting techniques: the refined and ancient Chinese brush styles such as “silk-wrapping lines,” “rat-tail strokes,” and “bamboo-leaf lines,” combined with Tibetan painting’s smooth, elegant, and meticulous decorative touch. The compositions are lively and varied, harmonizing grace with solemnity, and displaying a powerful artistic appeal. Dabaoji Palace houses the largest number of murals, making it the core site for appreciating Baisha’s mural art.
Dajue Palace (大觉宫)
Built between 1567 and 1572 during the Longqing reign of the Ming Dynasty, Dajue Palace is noted for murals with little Tibetan influence, closely resembling the style and period of the Guanyintang murals. Executed with the precision of traditional Chinese painting, the figures are vivid and accurate in expression and form, reflecting the painters’ meticulous techniques and artistic mastery.
Dading Pavilion (大定阁)
Originally built during the Ming Dynasty by Mu Zeng as a study hall for disciples, Dading Pavilion later collapsed but was reconstructed in 1743 during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. The murals seen today were created after this reconstruction. They depict Avalokitesvara, Samantabhadra, Manjusri, and Mahasthamaprapta with tender expressions and profound charm. Surrounded by landscapes, flowers, and birds, the murals embody the elegance of Chinese painting and represent the Qing Dynasty’s refined use of brush and color.
Since the murals are located within Baisha Ancient Town, a visit here naturally extends to exploring the charming old settlement itself. Stroll along stone-paved streets lined with traditional Naxi courtyards, and you may encounter elderly locals in traditional attire, hand-dyeing workshops, and coppersmiths still practicing their trade. The atmosphere is infused with history and authenticity.
There are many handicraft shops, cafés, and street food stalls where you can buy unique souvenirs and sample local delicacies. Popular treats include Lijiang Baba (a type of flatbread), Naxi-style ham, preserved pork ribs hotpot, and hearty farm-style dishes.
Within the town, Yufeng Temple offers a tranquil setting for prayer and reflection, where visitors can experience the serenity of Buddhist culture.
Beyond Baisha, the scenery opens up to wide farmlands with the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as a backdrop—perfect for photography. If time allows, consider walking or cycling to Yuhu Village, famous for its stone-built Naxi houses and rustic charm. Another option is visiting the Dongba Kingdom, a cultural park that introduces visitors to the rituals, scripts, and customs of the Dongba religion.
End your journey by relaxing at a local teahouse, sipping tea while gazing at the snow-capped mountains, and immersing yourself in the slow and peaceful rhythm of this thousand-year-old town.
【Best Season to Travel】 from July to September is the best season to travel, during that time the scenery is beautiful. The spring of Lijiang especially the melting season in the early spring is quite cold; summer is the most heated season, and it is also the rainy season; autumn is the most beautiful season in Lijiang, moderate temperature, fresh air, colorful trees and flowers; winter is the season with the low temperature and snow, the lowest temperature can be minus 20 degree.
【How to Get to Baisha Murals】Baisha Mural is located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, inside Baisha Ancient Town. From Lijiang Old Town, you can take a taxi directly, or take Bus No. 6 and get off at Baisha Junction.
From $ 264
From $ 662
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