Zhuyuan Village of Shigu Town in Yulong County, Lijiang

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Geographical Location

Ethnic Groups and Traditional Skills

Ethnic Composition

Traditional Skills

• Grass and Bamboo Weaving (草竹编技艺): Zhuyuan Village has a long – standing tradition of grass and bamboo weaving handicrafts. The touching legend of “the bamboo fairy teaching weaving skills to the people of Zhuyuan” adds a mysterious touch to this craft. Villagers skillfully use the abundant local bamboo and straw resources, relying on the exquisite skills passed down from generation to generation, to weave a wide variety of handicrafts. From practical items such as bamboo baskets, backpacks, and straw mats to exquisite bamboo – made handicrafts and straw – figure ornaments, each piece embodies the wisdom and hard work of the villagers. The weaving patterns are rich and varied, including auspicious cloud patterns and harvest – symbolizing wheat – ear patterns. Visitors can visit the grass and bamboo weaving workshops in the village to watch the weaving process on – site and even try it themselves under the guidance of craftsmen, experiencing the fun of turning raw materials into exquisite handicrafts and feeling the unique charm of traditional handicrafts.
• Dongba Paper – making (东巴造纸技艺): Although Zhuyuan Village is not a core heritage site for Dongba paper – making, influenced by the Naxi cultural environment, some villagers have a certain understanding of this ancient skill. Dongba paper is made from the local endemic Daphne genus plant, Daphne lichiangensis, and goes through many complex processes. The paper is strong and mothproof, serving as an important carrier for the inheritance of Dongba culture. In the village’s cultural display area or specific activities, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the Dongba paper – making process and witness the magic of this ancient skill. If they are lucky, they may encounter villagers who have in – depth knowledge of Dongba paper – making and listen to them tell the cultural stories behind the skill.
• Traditional Food Preparation (传统美食制作): The Naxi food culture is also well – presented in Zhuyuan Village. For example, the stone – mill – made chicken bean jelly is a local specialty. Made from chicken beans, it goes through multiple processes such as soaking, grinding, filtering, and boiling. The jelly has a smooth texture and is served with a carefully – prepared sauce, making it sour, spicy, and unforgettable. In addition, the Naxi baba, with sweet and savory flavors, is also a highlight. It is made using traditional handmade methods, with a crispy outer skin and soft, chewy filling. Visitors can visit villagers’ homes to learn how to make these traditional foods and taste authentic Naxi flavors, feeling the warmth of rural life.

Customs and Festivals

Daily Customs

• Dietary Customs (饮食习俗): The Naxi people mainly eat rice and wheat as staple foods, with a preference for sour, spicy, and sweet flavors. At the dining table, the etiquette of respecting the elderly and honoring the virtuous is very important. Younger generations must wait for their elders to start eating before they can begin. In addition to the special chicken bean jelly and baba, the Naxi people have many unique dishes, such as smoked pork rib hot pot, which is made by stewing marinated ribs with various vegetables, emitting a rich aroma. Thanks to the abundant water resources around the village, villagers also often eat fresh fish, which can be cooked in a variety of ways. Steamed fish retains the freshness of the fish, while braised fish has its own unique flavor.
• Living Customs (居住习俗): Traditional residences in Zhuyuan Village are mostly earth – wood – structure houses, integrating the architectural styles of the Naxi “Three Rooms and One Screen Wall” and “Four – Courtyard and Five Sky – wells”. The “Three Rooms and One Screen Wall” is composed of the main room, two side rooms, and a screen wall. The screen wall is decorated with exquisite patterns, which are both beautiful and functional for wind – blocking and lighting. The main room generally faces north to south, is spacious and tall, and serves as the center of family activities, used for receiving guests and holding important ceremonies. The side rooms are used for living or storing items. The courtyard is often planted with flowers and fruit trees to create a warm and comfortable living environment. The interior of the house is simply decorated, with a fireplace as an important place for family life. The fireplace is not only used for heating and cooking but also a place for family members to sit together, chat, and pass on family stories.

Important Festivals

• Naxi New Year (纳西族新年): The Naxi New Year (in the twelfth lunar month) is one of the most important festivals in Zhuyuan Village. From the twelfth lunar month, every household begins to get busy, cleaning the house and preparing New Year’s goods. On New Year’s Eve, the whole family gathers for a sumptuous dinner and worships their ancestors. On the first day of the New Year, people get up early, put on new clothes, visit relatives and friends, and exchange greetings. During the festival, the village holds various traditional folk activities, such as Dongba scripture – chanting for blessings, Naxi ancient music performances, and traditional dance performances. Villagers wear bright national costumes, sing and dance, creating a lively atmosphere. Tourists can participate in these activities to experience the strong festive atmosphere of the Naxi New Year.
• Torch Festival (火把节): On the twenty – fourth day of the sixth lunar month, Zhuyuan Village and the surrounding areas celebrate the Torch Festival together. On that evening, every household sets up a tall torch in front of their door, made of pine torches and dry firewood, and decorated with colorful flags. As night falls, the torches are lit. Villagers hold small torches and parade around the big torch, chanting blessings for peace and a good harvest. Subsequently, a grand bonfire party is held, with people dancing around the bonfire to lively Naxi dances such as “Ali Li” and “Dajiao.” People of all ages are immersed in the joyful atmosphere. The Torch Festival is also a good time for friends and relatives to get together and strengthen their bonds. Tourists can dance and sing with the villagers, experiencing the unique national风情.
• “Village Evening” Event (“村晚” 活动): In recent years, the “Village Evening” event in Zhuyuan Village has become well – known. The annual “Village Evening,” held at a fixed time, aims to promote rural culture and enhance rural interaction. It combines local rural charm and presents the new look of the village through a variety of rich and colorful programs. The event is divided into several chapters, including ethnic – flavored song and dance performances such as “Harvest Comes” and “River – side Tune,” vividly showing the prosperous industries and affluent life in the village. There are also skits, crosstalk, and other programs that reflect the daily lives of villagers. The “Village Evening” is not only a stage for villagers to entertain themselves but also attracts many tourists to watch and feel the charm of rural culture. In 2024, the Zhuyuan “Village Evening” was part of the CCTV Yunnan Station’s “Cloud – viewing ‘Village Evening'” and was broadcast live to the whole country to showcase the village’s style.

Ancient Architecture

Tourism Resources

Natural Scenery

• Rural Landscape (田园风光): The surrounding area of Zhuyuan Village is surrounded by vast and fertile farmland, with picturesque scenery in each season. In spring, the golden rape flowers and tender green wheat seedlings interweave to create a colorful rural painting; in summer, the green crops grow vigorously, and the breeze creates rolling green waves; in autumn, the golden rice and full corn crops are harvested, and the fields are covered with yellow, filled with the joy of harvest; in winter, although the fields are relatively quiet, the distant mountains and fields form a peaceful and harmonious ink – wash painting. Visitors can walk along the rural paths, enjoy the rural scenery, breathe in the fresh air, and feel the gifts of nature. They can also participate in agricultural activities such as sowing, harvesting, and picking, experience the fun of traditional farming life, and learn about the growth process of crops.
• Surrounding Mountains and Water Scenery (周边山水景观): Although Zhuyuan Village is located in a plain area, there are green mountains not far away. The mountains are covered with lush vegetation, including common tree species such as pine, fir, and cypress, as well as some rare wild plants. Hiking along the mountain paths, you can overlook the magnificent scenery of Zhuyuan Village and its surroundings, feeling the grandeur and tranquility of nature. In addition, the First Bend of the Yangtze River, located in Shigu Town, is not far from Zhuyuan Village. Visitors can go there to admire this natural wonder. The rushing river forms a unique “V” – shaped large bend here, together with the surrounding mountains and fields, creating a magnificent landscape painting.

Cultural Scenery

• Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience (非遗文化体验): Visitors can delve into Zhuyuan Village to experience the rich intangible cultural heritage of the Naxi people. Learn grass and bamboo weaving skills, make a grass and bamboo weaving piece by yourself under the guidance of craftsmen, and take it home as a souvenir. Visit the Waka Magala Ji Yi Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritance Point to learn more about Naxi traditional skills. You can also participate in the process of making traditional foods such as stone – mill – made chicken bean jelly and taste authentic Naxi flavors. The village regularly holds intangible cultural heritage activities, such as traditional handicraft displays and intangible cultural heritage inheritance lectures. Visitors can actively participate to gain a deeper understanding of the unique cultural connotations of the Naxi people.
• Red Cultural Connection (红色文化关联): Although there are no direct red cultural relics in Zhuyuan Village, the surrounding Shigu Town has a profound red history. In April 1936, the Red Second and Sixth Armies passed through Lijiang during the Long March, and Shigu Town was an important place along the way. The Red Army Long March Command Memorial Hall in Lijiang is located in Shigu Town. This building, which integrates Naxi characteristics and other ethnic cultures, is an important memorial site for the Red Army’s Long March through Lijiang. Visitors can visit the memorial hall to learn about the history of the Red Army’s Long March in Lijiang and feel the great spirit of the Long March through physical objects, pictures, and texts. In addition, the Shigu Ferry in Shigu Town is also an important relic of the Red Army’s Long March crossing the river and has great historical significance.

Leisure and Entertainment

• Farm – Stay Experience (农家乐体验): There are several farm – stays around Zhuyuan Village, offering authentic local dishes such as Naxi – style chicken bean jelly, smoked pork rib hot pot, and potato casserole, as well as various fresh seasonal vegetables. The farm – stays have beautiful environments, mostly with courtyards where visitors can dine and enjoy the tranquility and comfort of the countryside. Some farm – stays also provide accommodation services, with simply decorated rooms that offer a slow – paced rural life experience. In addition, farm – stays have leisure and entertainment facilities such as card rooms and tea rooms, where visitors can relax and unwind after their travels.
• Folk Activity Participation (民俗活动参与): Visitors can participate in a variety of rich folk activities in the village. In addition to the previously mentioned Torch Festival and Naxi New Year activities, you can also attend Naxi ancient music performances to appreciate the unique rhythm of ancient Naxi music. In the village’s cultural square, villagers often organize traditional dance activities. Visitors can join in, learn Naxi dances from the villagers, and dance and sing with everyone, enhancing their understanding of Naxi culture and spending a happy and unforgettable time.

Transportation Guide

External Transportation

• By Air (飞机): First, arrive at Lijiang Sanyi International Airport, which is about 70 kilometers away from Zhuyuan Village. Take an airport bus to Lijiang city center at the airport. After arriving in Lijiang city center, transfer to a bus to Shigu Town. After arriving in Shigu Town, you can choose to take a rural passenger vehicle or taxi to Zhuyuan Village. The whole journey from the airport to Shigu Town takes about 1.5 – 2 hours, and from Shigu Town to Zhuyuan Village takes about 10 – 15 minutes.
• By Car (汽车): If departing from a nearby city, you can take a long – distance bus directly to Lijiang Passenger Station. Lijiang has frequent bus services to surrounding cities such as Dali and Kunming. After arriving at Lijiang Passenger Station, transfer to a bus to Shigu Town and then to Zhuyuan Village.
• By Train (火车): Take a train to Lijiang Station. Lijiang Station has trains to major cities across the country, making transportation convenient. Take a bus to Shigu Town at the bus station next to Lijiang Station, and then transfer to a vehicle to Zhuyuan Village.

Internal Transportation

• Rural Passenger Transport (农村客运): There are rural passenger vehicles from Shigu Town to Zhuyuan Village, with relatively frequent schedules, making travel convenient. You can inquire about the departure time and schedule in advance at the Shigu Town passenger station. This mode of transportation is economical and suitable for most visitors.
• Taxi (打车): You can choose to take a taxi in Shigu Town to Zhuyuan Village. Taxis are convenient and can take you directly to your destination. The taxi fare can be negotiated with the driver and generally depends on the type of vehicle and the distance of the journey.
• Self – driving (自驾): If you choose to drive yourself, you can set the destination to Zhuyuan Village via a navigation software. Departing from Lijiang city center, drive along the Lijiang West Road to Shigu Town, and then to Zhuyuan Village. The road conditions are good during the drive, and the scenery along the way is beautiful. You can stop at any time to enjoy it. However, please pay attention to traffic rules and drive safely.