Lijiang City in southwest China's Yunnan Province is a captivating destination away from the chaos of China's megacities, backed by pristine natural scenery and the unique beauty of Chinese architecture. But a trip to Lijiang is incomplete without tasting its locally produced famous wine – Lijiang cellar wine, which would definitely leave you with a great impression of this ancient town! Come and join us as we will give you a brief introduction of the cellar wine and its unique characteristics. 

With a unique brewing history for more than five hundred years, the Lijiang cellar wine is a traditional drink for the Naxi ethnic group in Lijiang as well as a famous wine for locals. Barley, wheat and sorghum are the main raw materials for brewing while the spring water from the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is what makes the wine so unique and moderately sweet.

With low alcohol content, this wine is widely accepted by most people. 

The special customs 

The Lijiang cellar wine is often served on some important occasions like weddings or for guests from afar in a bid to show the Naxi people’s hospitality. Usually a cup of it is enough for treatments as the cellar wine is of great value. In the past, when children were born, their parents would brew the cellar wine for her/him and store it underground, waiting for the children to grow up and regarding it as a special wine for engagement. 

Today, the Lijiang cellar wine is listed as a special wine for VIP reception in Yunnan Province. 

(Cover: Lijiang cellar wine. /VCG Photo)