Dongba Gods Garden in Lijiang

Overview

The Dongba Gods Garden (东巴万神园) is a component of the Yulong Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) scenic area, located at the southern foot of Yulong Snow Mountain, adjacent to Yushuizhai (玉水寨). It is renowned alongside Yushuizhai, Yuzhu Qingtian (玉柱擎天), Yufeng Temple (玉峰寺), Yulong Snow Mountain, Dongba Valley (东巴谷), and the Dongba Kingdom (东巴王国) as part of the “Three Dong, Four Yu” attractions.

• Chinese Name: 东巴万神园
• English Name: Dongba Gods Garden
• Location: Next to Yufeng Temple at the southern foot of Yulong Snow Mountain
• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Famous Attractions: Yulong Snow Mountain, Yushuizhai, Baisha Ancient Town (白沙古镇)

Introduction

The Dongba Gods Garden reflects the simple philosophy of the Naxi (纳西) ancestors regarding the relationship between humanity and nature, illustrating a profound imagination about life and the world. The arrangement of the garden strictly adheres to the ancestors’ beliefs in the correspondence of yin and yang, the existence of black and white, and the duality of gods and spirits.

The garden aims to promote and showcase the ancient and mystical Dongba culture of the Naxi people, embodying the theme of harmonious development between humans and nature. Surrounded by green pines and lush grass, the garden’s main entrance features two giant totem poles that align with the main peak of Yulong Snow Mountain, forming a central axis. This axis is flanked by three giant staffs, a divine path, two sacred gates, and three supreme Dongba deities.

The expansive areas on either side of the axis represent the realm of gods on the left and the ghostly realm on the right, adorned with over three hundred large wooden sculptures of natural gods, protective deities, livestock spirits, and various mythical figures. The sculptures and architecture within the garden emphasize a reverence for nature and highlight the harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world, showcasing the unique cultural characteristics of Dongba culture.

Dongba Gods Garden Details

• Location: Yulong Snow Mountain, Baisha Township, Lijiang

The garden primarily displays the magnificent masterpiece of Dongba art—the “Divine Path Painting” (神路图), which vividly represents the philosophical realms of “heaven,” “humanity,” and “ghosts” within Naxi beliefs. This painting, acclaimed as the “World’s First Religious Painting,” measures 240 meters in length and 6 meters in width, directly facing the peak of the Fanzi Mountain (扇子陡), creating a magnificent spectacle.

Throughout the garden, nearly a thousand unique Naxi wooden sculptures and paintings depict deities, spirits, and totem poles. The forms of these deities often combine elements of both humans and various animals from nature, vividly representing the imaginative spirit of early human civilization and its profound observations of the natural world.

At the Dongba Gods Garden, visitors can also experience the ancient pictographic script that is still in use today, engage with the mysterious Dongba rituals and dances, and elevate their souls through these cultural experiences.

Key Attractions

The garden is rich in cultural connotations, offering a three-dimensional and vivid presentation of Naxi culture. Visitors often find themselves captivated by the cultural and natural reflections that evoke admiration for the Naxi ancestors, love for Lijiang, and a passion for life itself.

Experiences Available:

• Engage in understanding Naxi traditions through various ceremonies, including naming children, wearing traditional clothes, weddings, funerals, and Dongba rituals such as sky, earth, and wind offerings.
• Observe Naxi agricultural practices, such as “Two Cattle Pear Fields” (二牛梨田).
• Witness the production process of Naxi Dongba paper, where elder Dongba priests offer auspicious blessings.
• Taste the traditional Dongba brew crafted using ancient methods.
• Participate in the weaving of hemp threads and the making of leather goods.
• Experience traditional Naxi life by donning a sheepskin coat and carrying a hunting rifle.

The leisure and vacation area centers around Yuhu Village (玉湖村), showcasing unique architectural styles featuring stone walls and wooden structures, representing a snapshot of Naxi architectural art. The village has been renovated to allow spring water to flow through, creating a picturesque setting of “stone bridges, flowing water, and households,” inviting visitors to linger in this “ancient Naxi kingdom” and enjoy a peaceful life amidst nature.

How to Get There

1. Take Bus No. 6 from Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城), Hongyang Plaza (红太阳广场), Xiangshan Market (象山市场), the North Gate of Shuhe Ancient Town (束河古镇北门), or Baisha Ancient Town to the final stop at Yushuizhai. Walk east for about 300 meters to reach the garden.
2. Alternatively, you can cycle towards the snow mountain and then take the Yushuizhai route.

Travel Tips

• Recommended Duration: Plan for 1 to 3 hours to fully explore the garden.
• Best Time to Visit: The garden is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
• Contact Information: For more details, reach out to the visitor center at +86 888 5190108.
• Nearby Attractions: Don’t miss exploring the Dongba Gods Garden and other scenic spots in the vicinity, including the majestic Yulong Snow Mountain.