China Guide Lijiang Lijiang Attractions Mu Residence
Mu Residence
Situated in the southwest of the Old Town of Lijiang, Mu’s Residence is the Tusi Mu's Yamen of the Naxi Ethnic Group in Yunnan. During the Yuan (1271-1368), Ming (1368-1644), and Qing (1644-1911), Naxi was ruled by Tusi Mu and here was the center of politics, power and wealth in ancient Naxi. It could be said as a miniature Forbidden City for in the heyday of the Tusi Mu, this residence covered an area of over about 16 acres and consisted of almost one hundred buildings. It really knew the majestic essence of a palace. However, the original residence was destroyed during warfare in the Qing Dynasty, and the present Mu’s Residence was rebuilt from 1996-1999, basing on the original site.
With an area of 8 acres, the present Mu’s Residence sits against the Shizi Mountain (Lion Mountain) and faces east in the direction of sunrise. The residence is made up of two areas: the office area and the living area. Upon entering the gate, visitors could see the Yishi Hall (Meeting Hall) at the end of a vast square, the beginning of the office area. This splendid building is surrounded by dignified white marble balustrades, and three wood steles written with 'chengxinbaoguo' (meaning 'devoted to the country') by three Emperors in Ming are hung on the hall. It used to be place where Tusi conducted official business. The Wanjuan Pavilion is just located behind the Yishi Hall, which houses thousands of sutras and many paintings and calligraphy works of famous scholars. 'wanjuan' meaning numerous books. Behind the Wanjuan Pavilion, lies Hufa Hall, the place of sacrificial activities. The Shizi Mountain locates in the rear of the residence. To the north there is a vast area dispersed with 
a series of courtyards. This is the living area of the Tusi and his families. With a bounding wall, the layout of these courtyards looks very similar with the living area in the Forbidden City.
Most of the decorations in this residence are simple but sublime showing the dignity of the ruler.
The decorative work, including carvings and paintings of buildings, are similar in style to those in the palace of Ming. Besides, some of the buildings show the delicate characteristics of landscape gardens in south China.
Mu Residence Notes
Admission Fee: CNY 35
Hotline:+86-551-5355443 +86-551-5355416(International) +1-818-757-6986(US)
Fax:+86-551-5355401
Address:6th Floor, No19, Tianzhi Road, Gaoxin District, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
E-mail:[email protected] (Both emails are for tour/hotel/flight booking)
MSN: online-china-tours@hotmail.com
License NO.:L-AH000952
