How to Respect and Protect Lijiang's Canals as a Tourist

Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Yunnan Province, is famous for its ancient canals, which have been the lifeblood of the Old Town for centuries. These waterways, fed by the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, are not just picturesque backdrops for your Instagram feed—they are a living, breathing part of the local culture, ecology, and history. As a tourist, your actions can either help preserve this delicate system or contribute to its degradation. In this guide, we’ll explore practical, respectful, and impactful ways to enjoy Lijiang’s canals while ensuring they remain pristine for generations to come.

Understanding the Canals: More Than Just Water

Before diving into how to protect the canals, it’s crucial to understand their significance. The canals of Lijiang are part of a sophisticated ancient water management system that dates back to the Song and Yuan dynasties. They are not just for decoration—they provide drinking water, irrigation for nearby fields, and a natural cooling system for the city. The water flows from the mountains through a network of channels, with each section having a specific purpose. For instance, the "three wells" system (San Yan Jing) is a traditional method where water is used sequentially: the first well for drinking, the second for washing vegetables, and the third for laundry. This system is still in use today, and respecting it means understanding that the water is not a playground but a resource.

The Cultural Connection

The canals are deeply tied to the Naxi people, the indigenous ethnic group of Lijiang. For the Naxi, water is sacred. They have a saying: "Water is the mother of life." Many rituals and festivals revolve around water, such as the "Water-Splashing Festival" (though that’s more associated with the Dai people, the Naxi have their own water-related traditions). When you visit, you are stepping into a living cultural landscape. Treating the canals with respect is a way of honoring the Naxi heritage.

The Tourist Impact: What’s at Stake?

Tourism in Lijiang has boomed over the past two decades, bringing economic benefits but also environmental challenges. The canals face several threats:

• Pollution: Litter, especially plastic waste, is a major issue. Tourists often toss bottles, wrappers, and even cigarette butts into the water, thinking it’s harmless. But these items clog the channels and harm aquatic life.
• Overuse: Some tourists use the canals for washing hands, feet, or even bathing, which introduces soaps, sunscreen, and other chemicals into the water. This disrupts the delicate pH balance and can kill algae and fish.
• Physical Damage: Walking on the edges of the canals, sitting on the stone walls, or even placing heavy objects on them can cause erosion and structural damage. The canals are ancient and not built for modern foot traffic.
• Disrespectful Behavior: Taking selfies while dangling feet in the water, blocking the flow with rocks, or feeding fish with bread are common but harmful actions. These disturb the natural ecosystem and the cultural significance of the water.

Practical Tips for Respecting and Protecting the Canals

Now, let’s get into the actionable steps you can take as a responsible tourist. These are not just rules—they are habits that can make your trip more meaningful and less harmful.

1. Keep Your Distance: The "Look, Don’t Touch" Rule

The simplest way to protect the canals is to avoid physical contact. Resist the urge to dip your hands or feet in the water. Even if your skin is clean, the oils, lotions, and bacteria from your body can contaminate the water. The canals are not swimming pools—they are drinking water sources for locals. If you see a sign that says "Please Do Not Touch the Water," it’s not a suggestion; it’s a cultural and environmental necessity.

Instead, admire the water from the bridges or the stone paths. Take photos without leaning over the edge. If you want to feel the coolness, sit at a café near the canal and enjoy the breeze. The water’s beauty is best appreciated from a respectful distance.

2. Dispose of Waste Properly: No Exceptions

Lijiang’s Old Town has plenty of trash bins, but they are not always in plain sight. Carry a small bag with you for your trash, especially if you’re snacking on local treats like baba (a flatbread) or grilled yak meat. Never throw anything into the canals—not even biodegradable items like fruit peels or paper. Biodegradable waste still takes time to break down and can attract pests. If you see litter in the water, don’t ignore it. If it’s safe to do so, pick it up and dispose of it in a bin. But be careful—some canals are deep and slippery.

3. Avoid Using Soap or Chemicals Near the Water

If you’re staying in a guesthouse near a canal, be mindful of what goes down the drain. Many old buildings in Lijiang have drainage systems that empty directly into the canals. Avoid using harsh detergents, bleach, or chemical cleaners. Opt for eco-friendly soaps and shampoos, and if possible, use them sparingly. Even natural soaps can harm the water’s ecosystem. When washing your hands at a public sink near a canal, make sure the water doesn’t splash into the channel.

4. Respect the "Three Wells" System

If you visit a traditional Naxi home or a public area with the "three wells" system, follow the rules. The first well (closest to the source) is for drinking. Do not touch it. The second well is for washing vegetables—again, don’t use it for your own purposes. The third well is for laundry, but even that is not for tourists to use. These wells are functional, not decorative. If you see locals using them, observe quietly and don’t interrupt. Taking photos is fine, but don’t get in their way.

5. Stay on Designated Paths

The canals are lined with stone walls that are hundreds of years old. Walking on them or sitting on them can cause cracks and erosion. Stick to the paved paths and bridges. If you see a spot where the wall is crumbling, avoid it and report it to a local authority if possible. The same goes for the wooden slats that sometimes cover parts of the canals—they are fragile and not meant for heavy weight.

6. Don’t Feed the Fish or Wildlife

Many canals in Lijiang have fish, especially koi, that are part of the ecosystem. Tourists often feed them bread, crackers, or other human food. This is harmful because bread expands in their stomachs and can cause digestive issues. It also makes fish dependent on humans and disrupts their natural foraging behavior. If you want to enjoy the fish, just watch them. They are beautiful on their own without your snacks.

7. Support Local Conservation Efforts

Several organizations in Lijiang work to protect the canals. For example, the Lijiang Old Town Management Committee runs regular clean-up drives and educational programs. As a tourist, you can support them by donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. Some hotels and tour operators also partner with conservation groups—choose to stay with them or book tours that include a canal-cleaning activity. Even a small contribution can go a long way.

8. Educate Yourself and Others

Before you go, read about the canals’ history and the Naxi culture. When you’re there, share what you learn with fellow travelers. If you see someone disrespecting the canals (like throwing trash or stepping into the water), politely explain why it’s harmful. But do it with kindness—don’t be confrontational. Most tourists are not malicious; they just don’t know. Your gentle reminder can make a difference.

The Role of Tourists in Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism is not just a buzzword—it’s a necessity for places like Lijiang. The canals are a finite resource. If every tourist treats them carelessly, they will degrade rapidly. But if each visitor takes small, conscious actions, the cumulative effect is positive. Think of yourself as a temporary guardian of the canals. You are not just a guest; you are a participant in their preservation.

The Economic Angle

Some might argue that tourism brings money, so why worry about the canals? But the canals are part of what attracts tourists in the first place. If they become polluted or damaged, the tourism industry will suffer. In 2023, Lijiang saw over 50 million visitors, and the canals were a major draw. Protecting them is an investment in the local economy. By being a responsible tourist, you are helping ensure that future visitors—and locals—can continue to enjoy this unique heritage.

The Social Media Responsibility

We live in the age of Instagram and TikTok. It’s tempting to get that perfect shot, even if it means stepping into the water or sitting on a fragile wall. But think about the message you’re sending. If your photo shows you disrespecting the canals, it normalizes that behavior for your followers. Instead, post photos that show the canals in their natural beauty—without you in the water. Use captions that educate your audience about the importance of preservation. You can be an influencer for good.

Common Myths About the Canals

Let’s debunk a few misconceptions that often lead to harmful behavior:

• Myth: The water is clean enough to drink.
  Fact: While the water comes from the snowmelt, it is not treated for human consumption. It may contain bacteria, algae, or pollutants from the city. Don’t drink it.

• Myth: The canals are just for decoration.
  Fact: They are a functional water system used for daily life by locals. Treat them with the same respect you would a working well in a village.

• Myth: It’s okay to wash my feet because the water flows away.
  Fact: Even if the water flows, the chemicals from your skin and any products you use stay in the system. Plus, it’s culturally disrespectful.

A Day in the Life of a Responsible Tourist in Lijiang

To give you a concrete example, here’s how a responsible tourist might spend a day near the canals:

Morning:
Wake up early and take a quiet walk along the canals. Notice the morning light reflecting on the water. Take photos from the bridges, not from the edges. Stop at a local tea house and order a cup of Pu’er tea. Ask the owner about the history of the canals. They might share stories about the Naxi water rituals.

Midday:
Have lunch at a restaurant that uses local, sustainable ingredients. Avoid places that use disposable chopsticks or plastic straws. After lunch, visit the "Black Dragon Pool" (Hei Long Tan), a famous spot where the canals begin. Observe the water’s clarity and the fish. Don’t throw coins into the pool—it’s a common tourist practice but harmful to the ecosystem.

Afternoon:
Join a guided tour that focuses on the canals’ history. Many local guides offer walking tours that explain the water management system. Ask questions and take notes. If you see litter, pick it up. At the end of the tour, thank your guide and consider tipping them.

Evening:
As the sun sets, the canals light up with lanterns. Enjoy the view from a café. Avoid buying floating lanterns or releasing them into the water—they are often made of plastic and can pollute. Instead, buy a reusable souvenir like a Naxi embroidery piece. Before bed, check your hotel’s water usage. If they have a sign encouraging guests to reuse towels, follow it. Every drop of water saved helps the canals.

The Bigger Picture: Climate Change and the Canals

Lijiang’s canals are also threatened by climate change. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which feeds the waterways, is losing its glaciers at an alarming rate. According to a 2022 study, the glaciers could shrink by 80% by 2050 if current trends continue. This means less water for the canals. As a tourist, you can’t stop climate change, but you can reduce your carbon footprint. Choose direct flights to Kunming (if possible) and offset your emissions. Use public transportation in Lijiang instead of taxis. Every small action contributes to the bigger solution.

Final Thoughts: Your Legacy as a Tourist

When you leave Lijiang, you will take memories with you—the sound of water flowing, the sight of ancient stone bridges, the taste of local cuisine. But you will also leave behind a footprint. Make sure it’s a light one. The canals have been flowing for over a thousand years. They have survived wars, natural disasters, and the rapid changes of the modern world. They can survive tourism too, but only if we all do our part.

Respecting and protecting Lijiang’s canals is not about following a set of rules—it’s about adopting a mindset of reverence and responsibility. It’s about recognizing that you are a guest in a place that is sacred to others. It’s about choosing to be part of the solution rather than the problem.

So next time you visit Lijiang, take a moment to listen to the water. It has stories to tell. And with your help, those stories will continue for centuries to come.