20th Century DaYanZhen

Early in the 20th century, the Ancient DaYanZhen Town was the seat of the
LiJiang NaXi Nationality Autonomous County and the administrative center
for the City of LiJiang. After the earthquake in 1996, the Ancient Town perimeter
was defined to include the major group of ancient residences, lanes,
shop-lined streets, market-square, network of waterways, schools, temples
and artesian springs.

In 1997 the Ancient Town was listed among UNESCO World Cultural Heritage
Sites and its architectural relics came under protection.