Guifeng Village of Jinshan Town in Gucheng District, Lijiang

Guifeng Village (贵峰村) is located in the southeast of the Lijiang Basin, under the jurisdiction of Jinshan Township (now Kainan Subdistrict) (金山乡现开南街道) in Lijiang Ancient City. It borders Liangmei Community (良美社区) to the south, Quhe Town (七河镇) to the north, and Jin’an Town (金安镇) to the east. The village is 1.5 kilometers away from the village committee, 12 kilometers away from the town government, and covers an area of about 30.65 square kilometers. With an altitude of 2300 meters, Guifeng Village is situated in the plain area of the basin. The annual average temperature is 11 degrees Celsius, and the annual precipitation is about 970 millimeters, making it suitable for growing crops like corn. Major roads such as the Dali – Lijiang Road (大丽路) and Lijiang – Guiyang Road (丽贵路) pass through the village, and highways like Huali Expressway (华丽高速), He Guan Expressway (鹤关高速), and Guning Expressway (古宁高速) intersect here. The village is an important transportation hub in the ancient city and a key passage to Lijiang urban area.

Guifeng Village is a multi – ethnic settlement, home to 11 ethnic minorities including Naxi (纳西族), Bai (白族), Tibetan (藏族), and Lisu (傈僳族). The Naxi and Bai ethnic groups are the dominant ones. Over a long period of coexistence, these ethnic groups have integrated with each other, creating a rich and colorful ethnic culture and a unique and inclusive cultural atmosphere.

Naxi Copperware Making: The history of Naxi copperware making can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. During the Ming Dynasty, the “red felt and Lijiang lock” gifted by the Mu chieftain to Xu Xiake included the “Lijiang lock,” a “yellow copper spring lock” made by local artisans. Naxi copperware is known for its exquisite craftsmanship, diverse styles, beautiful patterns, and durability. The tools used mainly consist of a small hammer and several chisels with various head shapes, such as pointed, round, flat, crescent – shaped, and petal – shaped. The key steps in the making process include hammering, chiseling, engraving, cold – hammering, and coloring. Artisans use these simple tools to create a wide range of copperware, including basins, candle holders, lamps, locks, and exquisite handicrafts. Lijiang copperware is not only an essential household item for Naxi families but also popular among neighboring ethnic groups, especially the Tibetan people. In Guifeng Village, you may find workshops that continue this ancient craft. Visitors can watch the making process on – site, feel the charm of traditional craftsmanship, and even participate in simple production to create their own copperware souvenirs.

Naxi Traditional House Building: The traditional house – building skills of the Naxi ethnic group in Lijiang reached maturity in the mid – Ming Dynasty, and the houses in Guifeng Village are a vivid example of this skill. The main technical trades include carpentry, joinery, stonework, masonry, tiling, and painting. Naxi houses are usually centered around a courtyard, with a variety of types such as bungalows, open – beam houses, two – storey houses, veranda houses, and more. The houses use wood as the frame, with walls made of adobe or blue bricks and roofs covered with blue tiles. The doors, windows, and beams are carved with delicate patterns of flowers, birds, fish, insects, and mythological stories. Some houses also have calligraphy and paintings on their front walls, adding cultural charm. The houses in Guifeng Village combine the traditional Naxi style with the advantages of Han, Bai, and Tibetan architecture, forming a unique style that is simple outside but exquisite inside. Walking through the village, visitors can experience the architectural wisdom and aesthetic taste of the Naxi people.

The Sanduo Festival is one of the most important traditional festivals of the Naxi ethnic group. Sanduo is regarded as the guardian deity by the Naxi people. Every year on the eighth day of the second lunar month, the Naxi people in Guifeng Village dress up in their finest clothes and head to the nearby Sanduo Temple (三朵庙) to hold a grand sacrificial ceremony. They offer abundant tributes and pray sincerely for the Sanduo deity to bless them with prosperity in both livestock and crops. After the ceremony, there are activities such as horse racing, archery, and song – and – dance performances. Tourists can join in and experience the Naxi people’s reverence for their guardian deity and the festive atmosphere.

The Torch Festival is widely celebrated among ethnic groups like the Yi and Bai, and the various ethnic groups in Guifeng Village also celebrate this grand festival together. On the evening of the twenty – fourth day of the sixth lunar month, every household lights torches in front of their homes, and children run around the streets with small torches in their hands, playing and laughing. Villagers gather around the big torches, singing and dancing, holding lively bonfire parties. The festival symbolizes using fire to drive away insects and evil spirits and to welcome the harvest. Tourists can dance around the torches with the villagers and experience the unique charm of this festival.

The Dongba Sacrificial Heaven is the largest sacrificial activity in the Dongba religion of the Naxi ethnic group. In the Sanyuan residential group (三元居民小组) of Guifeng Village, the Dongba Sacrificial Heaven ceremony is held every year. The ceremony has a complete sacrificial venue and process, which is solemn and mysterious. Dongba priests recite scriptures to pray for blessings, asking ancestors and deities to protect the family and ensure a good harvest. This ceremony is an important part of the Naxi ethnic culture. If tourists are lucky enough to participate, they can gain a deep understanding of the religious beliefs and cultural traditions of the Naxi people.

He Wanbao was a distinguished Naxi scholar and one of the organizers of the liberation of Lijiang. He was also one of the founders of the People’s Liberation Army of Dian – Gui – Qian Border Region and is honored as a leader of the Naxi people. His former residence is located in Guifeng Village and is now a protected historical building at both the municipal and district levels of Lijiang. The residence combines traditional Naxi architectural features with some elements of Central Plains architecture, and it is simple and elegant. Inside the house, there are items, books, and historical materials that He Wanbao used during his lifetime. Visitors can learn about his life and deeds and feel the revolutionary history through a visit to his former residence.

Guifeng Village has preserved a large number of traditional Naxi and Bai dwellings. Naxi dwellings often feature a layout of three – hall – one – screen wall or five – courtyard – compound, centered around a spacious courtyard with a large area and flower platforms planted with various flowers and trees, creating a beautiful and tranquil atmosphere. Each house has a spacious porch (Xiazi), and the houses are connected by the porch for daily living convenience. The houses face east or south, with moderate height for good ventilation, lighting, and air – changing. Bai dwellings mainly feature “three – hall – one – screen wall” and “five – courtyard – compound” layouts. Their appearance is elegant, and the decorations are extremely exquisite, with exquisite wood – carving, stone – carving, and painting. Walking through the ancient village streets and alleys and visiting these traditional dwellings, visitors can touch the traces of time and appreciate the unique charm of ethnic – minority traditional architecture.

Rural Scenery: Guifeng Village is surrounded by vast farmlands, with different seasonal views. In spring, the tender green seedlings sway gently in the breeze, forming a green ocean. In summer, the rice panicles gradually become plump and hang low, glistening under the sun. In autumn, the golden waves of rice fields undulate with the wind, presenting a scene of harvest. In winter, although the fields are slightly desolate, there is a unique tranquility. Visitors can walk along the country paths, breathe in the fresh air, experience the quiet and comfortable rural life, and even participate in some farming activities such as transplanting and harvesting (the specific activities available depend on the season and local conditions).

Flower Sea: Guifeng Village has vigorously developed its flower – growing industry and has large – scale flower – growing gardens. Different types of flowers bloom in different seasons, such as rapeseed flowers in spring, sunflowers in summer, chrysanthemums in autumn, and tulips in winter. Walking through the flower sea, the colorful flowers compete for beauty, and the fragrance fills the air, making people feel relaxed and happy. This is an excellent place for taking photos, and every shot can be a beautiful picture.

Kainan Research Institute: Located in the Dalai Xia residential group (大来下居民小组) of Guifeng Village, the Kainan Research Institute was established in March 1949 by the underground party organization of Yunnan Province, which sent He Wanbao back to Lijiang to work. The institute was an important stronghold of the Lijiang revolution and trained many revolutionary cadres. It now displays a wealth of historical materials and cultural relics. By visiting the institute, tourists can revisit the red memories, review the revolutionary history, and continue the red spirit.

Lijiang Dongba Culture Inheritance Center: The Sanyuan residential group of Guifeng Village is one of the places where Dongba culture is well – preserved. There is the Lijiang Dongba Culture Inheritance Center, which regularly holds activities for the exchange, inheritance, and research of Dongba culture. Tourists can watch Dongba sacrificial ceremony performances, appreciate the writing of Dongba pictographic script and Dongba painting, and participate in Dongba culture – experiencing activities to gain a deep understanding of the mysterious Dongba culture.

Rixin Book House: Founded by Comrade He Wanbao, it is located in the Dalai Xia residential group. The book house was initially established to improve the cultural level and ideological awareness of rural people. The name of the book house means “renewing oneself every day,” emphasizing continuous innovation and progress. Tourists can visit the book house to feel the strong cultural atmosphere and learn about the local cultural development process.

From the urban area of Lijiang, you can first take a bus to Jinshan Township or Kainan Subdistrict. After arriving at Jinshan Township or Kainan Subdistrict, you can transfer to a rural bus, minibus, or taxi to Guifeng Village. Although public transportation is economical, it is necessary to learn about the operating hours and intervals in advance to plan your trip reasonably and avoid wasting time.

Driving to Guifeng Village is very convenient. Starting from the urban area of Lijiang, follow Dali – Lijiang Road or Lijiang – Guiyang Road and drive according to the navigation instructions to arrive easily. The advantage of driving is the freedom of your itinerary, allowing you to stop and enjoy the scenery along the way. The road conditions are good, but remember to follow traffic rules and pay attention to road signs. After arriving in Guifeng Village, there are designated parking areas in the village for convenient parking.

You can also take a taxi directly from Lijiang urban area or other locations to Guifeng Village. The taxi fare varies depending on the starting point. Generally, the cost from Lijiang urban area to Guifeng Village is about tens of yuan (the price is for reference only, and the actual fare depends on the local situation). Taking a taxi is convenient and fast, suitable for tourists who pursue convenience and want to save time.

Guifeng Village Homestays: There are several characteristic homestays in the village. Most of these homestays retain the traditional architectural styles of the Naxi or Bai ethnic groups, with timber – and – earth structures and interiors decorated with ethnic features. The rooms are clean and tidy, well – equipped, and the service is thoughtful. Staying in a homestay allows visitors to better experience the local atmosphere and interact closely with villagers. Some homestays also offer breakfast, featuring traditional Naxi or Bai delicacies such as Lijiang cakes (丽江粑粑) and Ersi (饵丝). When choosing a homestay, you can check other visitors’ reviews on online travel platforms to understand the actual situation and select one that meets your needs.

Lijiang Urban Area Accommodation: If you prefer more accommodation options and a richer nightlife, you can also choose to stay in the urban area of Lijiang. The urban area of Lijiang offers a variety of hotels and guesthouses of all levels, ranging from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses. Accommodation in the urban area is convenient for transportation and easy to visit other attractions. However, note that during the peak tourist season, accommodation prices in the urban area of Lijiang may rise, so book in advance. From the urban area to Guifeng Village, you can take a taxi or public transportation. You can set off in the morning to visit Guifeng Village and return to the urban area for accommodation in the evening.

Farmhouse Restaurants: Farmhouse restaurants in the village are great places to taste local cuisine. These restaurants mainly use local ingredients and retain the traditional cooking styles of the Naxi and Bai ethnic groups. The signature dishes include Naxi ham, fireplace hot pot and barbecue, copper pot free – range chicken hot pot, Naxi copper pot hot pot, chickpea jelly, Naxi cured meat and pork belly, etc. The prices at farmhouse restaurants are relatively affordable, and the portions are generous.

Local Snacks: In the village market or street stalls, you can also enjoy a variety of local snacks. Lijiang cakes come in sweet and savory flavors. The sweet ones are filled with red bean paste or sugar, while the savory ones have ham or oil residue as fillings. The cakes have a crispy outer skin and soft interior, with an aromatic fragrance. Ersi has a smooth texture and is served with special seasonings for a delicious taste. There are also grilled Rushan cheese and liangfen, which are popular snacks among tourists for their affordable prices and unique flavors.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Guifeng Village. In spring, the earth revives, the fields are full of greenery, flowers begin to bloom, and the whole area is full of vitality. The pleasant weather and moderate temperature make it suitable for outdoor activities such as experiencing rural life and flower – viewing. In autumn, the rice fields turn golden, and the fruits are abundant, making it a season of harvest. Visitors can participate in picking activities and feel the joy of harvest. The clear autumn weather and bright sunshine also provide better views of the village’s natural scenery and ancient architecture. Summer is relatively hot with more rainfall, which may not be very convenient for travel. Winter is cold, and the rural scenery is relatively bleak.

When visiting historical sites such as He Wanbao’s Former Residence and Kainan Research Institute, strictly follow the relevant regulations and do not touch or damage cultural relics and ancient buildings. These historical sites are treasures of historical culture, and we have the responsibility and obligation to protect them. Remember to turn off the flash when taking photos to avoid damaging the cultural relics.

Guifeng Village is a multi – ethnic settlement. Visitors should respect local cultural customs, such as following local etiquette and regulations when participating in traditional festivals or activities. Be polite and modest when communicating with villagers and respect their way of life and beliefs.

When experiencing rural life or participating in farming activities, follow the villagers’ guidance, pay attention to operational safety, and avoid injuries.