Lijiang, a famous ancient town, attracts tourists because of its view of water flowing beneath a little bridge and the charm of Naxi culture. What’s surprising is that beyond the ancient city, there are countless villages full of the flavour of everyday life. Deepseek recommends visiting some of the villages near Lijiang City: Yuhu Village, Baoshan Stone Town and Luoshui Village.... These villages are either nestled between mountains and rivers, exuding simplicity and tranquility, or are rich in ethnic customs, waiting for people to explore and discover them. 

Yuhu Village: The thousand years old village beneath the snow mountain

Yuhu Village. Photo by "Yunnan Release" WeChat Official Account

From the Old Town of Lijiang, an 18km drive north reveals Yuhu Village, nestled on the southern slope of Yulong Snow Mountain. Known as "Wuluken", meaning "the village under the snow mountain", it is a preserved testimony to the ancient Naxi culture.

Yu Lake, adjacent to the village, is a pre-Ming dynasty manually dug lake orchestrated by the Mu clan. On its shores they built a summer palace, the Yulong Academy, and a deer farm—often romanticized in Naxi ballads.

A stroll along Yu Lake reveals crystal clear snow water, gently swaying waterweeds, and a breathtaking panorama of blue sky, white clouds, and the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected in its depths. Dubbed "The Reflection of Yu Lake", this scenic marvel is celebrated as one of the "Twelve Views of the Yulong" and has attracted countless scholars and artists.

The village's natural charm is unparalleled, surrounded by vast meadows and lush forests. In summer, wildflowers paint the landscape, while in winter it is transformed into a fairy-tale snow-covered wonderland. Guests can take horseback rides through the village, taking in the awe-inspiring views at the foot of the snow-capped mountain.

Baoshan Stone Town: The village “grows” on stones

Baoshan Stone Town. Photo by "Lijiang Release" WeChat Official Account

Baoshan Stone Town is located in Baoshan township, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, nestled in the Jinsha River Gorge on the northeastern side of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This "Stone Town Above the Clouds" quietly tells the story of millennia of wind, frost, rain, and snow amidst the green embrace of the surrounding mountains.

Surrounded by towering cliffs on three sides and falling steeply into the Jinsha River on the fourth, Baoshan Stone Town was once an important stronghold for the ancient Naxi ancestors to defend against external enemies. Over the past 1,300 years, relying on their unyielding perseverance, the ancestors of Baoshan carved out a home on massive boulders, gradually forming a world-renowned marvel where "hundreds of households share a single foundation stone." In 2019, Baoshan Stone Town was included in the third batch of "Ethnic Minority Villages with Chinese Characteristics" and the second batch of "Ethnic Minority Villages with Yunnan Characteristics."

Today, Baoshan Stone Town still retains its ancient city walls and dwellings, which are both primitive and unique, with every brick and tile singing the tune of time. You can take a walk around the Stone Town and watch the emerald-green Jinsha River gentle flow, the smoke of daily life gently rising. Here, you can immerse yourself in the rich Naxi architectural culture and experience the wisdom and diligence of the Naxi people.

Luoshui Village: The Mosuo paradise at Lugu Lake

Luoshui Village. Photo by "Yunnan Release" WeChat Official Account

Luoshui Village is the first village which encounters upon entering Lugu Lake, and it is also the largest and earliest developed Mosuo village around the lake. Its picturesque scenery, rich Mosuo folk customs, and deep historical culture all add splendor to its charm as a traditional village offering eco-cultural tourism in a plateau lake setting.

Nestled against a mountain and facing the expansive surface of Lugu Lake, Luoshui Village's distinctive location resembles a sandbar extending from a plateau pearl, standing uniquely amid the harmonious blend of water and sky.

Walking into Luoshui Village, the stone-paved pathways underfoot carry the warmth of time, while the architectural features with distinct Mosuo regional and ethnic characteristics come into view, with the Traditional Naxi Log Houses(Muleng Houses) lining the roadside in a well-ordered manner. Inside the houses, the flickering flames in the hearth symbolize the enduring Mosuo culture. Here, you can cozy up in a Mosuo courtyard, accompanied by the warm sunshine, or immerse yourself in traditional folk festivals such as the “Naxi Ethnic Mountain Pilgrimage Festival” and “Naxi Ethnic Lake Pilgrimage Festival” to feel the Mosuo people's reverence for nature that spans from ancient times to the present.

The rural villages of Lijiang, like pearls scattered among the mountains, await discovery and appreciation. This spring, visit the villages of Lijiang and revel in the lush greenery, birdsong, and fragrance of flowers. Although they may lack the bustling hustle and bustle of the ancient city, they possess unique charm and flavor that deserves your leisurely pace and attentive taste.

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(Editor: Simon, Reena)