Rock Memorial Hall in the Old Town of Lijiang

“I want to die among those beautiful mountains rather than in a bleak hospital bed all alone.”
——Josef Rock
Josef Franz Karl Rock, an Austrian-American explorer, anthropologist, botanist, and renowned scholar of Na-khi studies, started his legendary career of exploration, research, and Na-khi studies in western China upon his arrival in Lijiang in 1922. During his 27-year residency in Lijiang, he not only established a profound friendship with the LIjiang people, but also made extraordinary contributions to the study of Na-khi culture, bringing it to global attention.

To commemorate Mr. Joseph Rock's remarkable contributions to the study, preservation, and promotion of Na-khi culture, as well as enhancing the international reputation of Lijiang, the Rock Memorial Hall was built in the old town of Lijiang, China. The Memorial Hall systematically exhibits Mr. Rock's research, daily life, and academic achievements in Lijiang and the surrounding areas over these 27 years, as well as the profound bond he forged with this exceptionally fertile land of Lijiang.