Lijiang Mu's Residence | Visit the filming location of the TV series "Legend of Mu's Residence"
Because of the TV series "Legend of Mu's Residence", we had to visit Mu's Residence during our trip to Lijiang.
After walking through the streets and alleys of the ancient city, we arrived at the outer area of Mu's Residence. To enter Mu's Residence, you need to pass through three gates: "Guanmenkou", "Tianyu Liufang", and "Zhongyi" stone archway. It is said that the words "Zhongyi" were bestowed by the emperor during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. Opposite the archway is a wall with the words "Gongshi Zhi Li, Niyu Wangzhe" written by Xu Xiake.
Passing through the "Zhongyi" stone archway, you will reach the main entrance of Mu's Residence. From here, you officially enter Mu's Residence. Remember, there are free guided tours in Mu's Residence, which last about 1 hour. Follow closely and listen carefully to gain a general understanding of the history and culture of Mu's Residence.
Mu's Residence is the old Tusi government office in Lijiang, with a history of 22 generations and over 470 years spanning the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. It is now also the Lijiang Ancient City Museum. The entire Mu's Residence faces west to east, covering an area of 46 acres. It was built in the style of the Forbidden City, with a central axis of 369 meters long. Along the central axis, there are 15 buildings with 162 rooms, featuring both Central Plains and Naxi and Bai architectural styles.
⭐Main highlights:
✩Council Hall: Entering the main entrance and bypassing the screen wall, the first magnificent hall that appears is the Council Hall, where the Mu Tusi held political meetings and received the people's homage. Under the eaves hang three plaques with the words "Sincerely Serve the Country", bestowed by Ming emperors Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Di, and Zhu Houcong. Behind it is the Dharma Hall (Rear Council Hall), where the Tusi discussed family matters.
✩Wanjuan Building: The Mu Tusi admired Han culture, "knowing poetry and books, valuing etiquette and righteousness", and had a rich collection of classics, history, philosophy, and literature, gathering the essence of 2,000 years of cultural heritage.
✩Overpass Building: It is an aerial corridor and pedestrian bridge built by the Tusi to give way to the people, connecting the front and back courtyards.
✩Yuyin Building: It is a homophonic pun for "Imperial Sound", where imperial edicts were received. This building is a classic of the entire Mu's Residence's classical architecture, resembling five phoenixes about to fly, with flying eaves symbolizing the Naxi people's respect and reverence for women. Inside the hall, there are reproductions of Baisha murals.
✩Sanqing Hall: It is a Taoist temple, enshrining the three deities of Yuqing, Shangqing, and Taiqing. It is the last building on the central axis of Mu's Residence and the tallest building, offering a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery of Lijiang Ancient City.
✩Mu's Residence Courtyard: It is where the Mu family lived. The layout features small bridges, flowing water, and winding corridors, typical of Jiangnan garden landscapes. The courtyard is a three-courtyard style, with the Tusi couple, young masters and mistresses, and servants' rooms still in their original state.
⭐Important: A little-known tour route: There is a shortcut from Mu's Residence to Lion Hill - from Sanqing Hall, follow the stone steps all the way up to reach the highest peak of Lijiang Ancient City - Lion Hill Scenic Area. Of course, you need to buy an additional ticket.
⭐Address: No. 49, Guanyuan Lane, Guangyi Street, Dayan Subdistrict Office, Lijiang Ancient City
⭐Ticket: CNY 40/person, CNY 20 for seniors and students.
⭐Opening hours: 9:00-17:00
⭐Visit duration: about 1 hour
⭐Tips:
1. There are free guided tours in Mu's Residence, but the guide only accompanies you on the way there, and you are free to explore on the way back.
2. There is free tea in Mu's Residence, and you can choose whether to buy it or not.
3. The closing time of Mu's Residence is 7:00 pm, while the gate between Mu's Residence and Lion Hill Scenic Area closes at 5:00 pm.
⭐Nearby attractions: Xu Xiake Memorial Hall is just outside Mu's Residence and can be visited together.