Dingnan County was founded in the third year of Longqing in the Ming Dynasty (1569), and the three forts of Gaosha, Xiali and Hengjiang in Longnan, the three forts of Bohong, Dashi and Xiaoshi in Anyuan and the Tanqing Half Fort in Xinfeng were cut off, with a history of 443 years ago.

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When the county was founded, there were still seven forts, among which Xiali Fort was the current Li town, excluding Zhongsha, Xianling, Jianjian, Yangmei and Chebu.

In the 2nd year of the Republic of China (AD 1913), the county seat was moved from Liantang (today's old town) to Xialisi (today's Lishi town), where it remains today.

On May 9, 2001, the original Chebu Township was abolished and placed under the jurisdiction of Lishi Town. The original Tianhua Town jurisdiction of Qiaoshui, Changqiao and Chiling Village was placed under the jurisdiction of Lishi Town.