Dongguan Village of Qihe Town in Gucheng District, Lijiang

Dongguan Village (东关村) is under the jurisdiction of Gonghe Village Committee (共和村委会) in Quhe Town (七河镇), Gucheng District (古城区), Lijiang City (丽江市). It is located to the due south of Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城). The town government of Quhe is situated at an altitude of 2,232 meters and is 17 kilometers away from the urban area of Lijiang. Dongguan Village is closely connected to the national 4A – level tourist attraction, Guanyin Gorge (观音峡), which gives it a very advantageous geographical position. The surrounding natural environment is pleasant, with flat and open terrain. It belongs to the Quhe Basin area, where the soil is fertile and water sources are abundant. The climate of the village is mild and humid, with an annual average temperature of 13℃ and an annual precipitation of 850 millimeters. The four seasons are distinct, making it suitable for the growth of a variety of crops. The water of the Quhe Basin mainly relies on the water from Wenbi Reservoir (文笔水库) in Huangshan Town (黄山镇). The water from Lijiang Basin converges at Guanpo (关坡) and then falls from the Guanpo Waterfall into the Quhe Basin. The abundant water resources provide a guarantee for the agricultural development and domestic water use of the village. Dongguan Village not only enjoys beautiful natural scenery but also has a unique advantage in tourism development due to its proximity to Guanyin Gorge. It is becoming a rising star in the rural tourism map of Lijiang.

The residents of Dongguan Village are mainly Naxi people (纳西族). The Naxi culture here has a long history. As one of the main ethnic groups in Lijiang, the Naxi people have been inheriting their unique language, script, and traditional customs here. In addition to the Naxi people, there are also a small number of Bai people (白族), Han people (汉族), and other ethnic groups living in the village. Over the long – term life and communication, these ethnic groups have integrated with each other and formed a diverse and inclusive village cultural atmosphere. The Naxi culture occupies a dominant position in Dongguan Village. Its unique Dongba culture (东巴文化), traditional architectural style, and folk activities are deeply imprinted in every corner of the village, complementing other ethnic cultures and together forming the rich and colorful cultural landscape of Dongguan Village.

Naxi Hand – weaving Skills: The hand – weaving of the Naxi people has a long history. In Dongguan Village, some villagers still inherit this ancient skill. The weaving materials are mostly locally – grown cotton or wool. From the cotton – picking process of carding, rolling, to spinning, dyeing, and then weaving on the loom, each process is full of the wisdom of the Naxi people. The woven cloth is thick – textured and has exquisite patterns. Common patterns include auspicious cloud patterns and harvest – symbolizing wheat – ear patterns. These hand – woven fabrics are not only used to make traditional Naxi costumes, such as women’s gowns, pleated skirts, men’s jackets, and trousers, but also made into daily necessities such as handkerchiefs and backpacks. Tourists can visit villagers’ homes or weaving workshops in the village to watch the whole process of hand – weaving, touch the weaving tools with their own hands, and feel the charm of the Naxi hand – weaving skills. If interested, they can also try simple spinning or weaving operations under the guidance of villagers and experience the fun of traditional handicrafts.

Naxi Wood – carving Skills: The Naxi wood – carving skills are exquisite. In Dongguan Village, exquisite wood – carving works can be seen on traditional buildings and furniture. Wood – carving artists select high – quality wood, such as pine and cypress, and use various techniques such as relief carving, pierced carving, and round carving to carve patterns of flowers and birds, fish and insects, mythological stories, and historical stories on the wood. Wood – carving decorations are especially common on the doors and windows, and beams of traditional dwellings. For example, the plum blossoms carved on the doors and windows have delicate petals and rugged branches; the dragon patterns carved on the beams are fierce and majestic. When tourists walk around the village, they can carefully observe these wood – carving details and appreciate the superb skills of Naxi wood – carving artists. There are also some wood – carving studios in the village. Tourists can go in to visit the wood – carving process, communicate with wood – carving artists, understand the cultural connotations behind the wood – carvings, and even buy some exquisite wood – carving handicrafts as souvenirs.

Naxi Traditional Food – making Skills: The traditional Naxi food in Dongguan Village is rich and diverse, with unique cooking skills. The Naxi people like to eat sour and spicy flavors, with rice and wheat as staple foods. Among them, the “Naxi Eight Delicacies” (纳西八大碗) is very representative, including eight dishes such as steamed pork with rice flour, crispy pork, pork ribs, and meatballs. Each dish has its unique cooking method. Steamed pork with rice flour is made by selecting pork with a mixture of fat and lean meat, slicing it thinly, wrapping it with rice flour and seasonings, and then steaming it in a steamer. It tastes soft and greasy but not greasy. Crispy pork is made by cutting pork into small pieces, coating them with batter, and frying them in oil until golden brown. It is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. In addition, the Naxi rice sausage (米灌肠) is also not to be missed. It is made mainly from rice and pig’s blood, stuffed into cleaned pig’s intestines, and then steamed. When eaten, it is sliced and has a rich aroma.

Dietary Customs: The Naxi people have a rich and diverse food culture. In Dongguan Village, in addition to the special delicacies mentioned above, there are also various fresh vegetables in daily diet. The Naxi people like to pickle vegetables into sour or salted vegetables, which are not only easy to preserve but also add a unique flavor. During family meals or banquets, table etiquette is relatively important. Generally, the elders sit first, and the younger ones sit in turn. When eating, pay attention to sitting upright and do not make loud noises. When drinking, the younger generation should first offer wine to the elders to show respect. The Naxi people also like to drink tea, especially the green tea they roast themselves. A cup of tea after a meal can not only relieve greasiness but also aid digestion.

Residential Customs: The traditional dwellings in Dongguan Village are mostly made of earth – wood structure, integrating the Naxi architectural styles of “three – room – one – screen – wall” and “four – courtyard – five – sky – well”. The “three – room – one – screen – wall” is composed of the main house, left and right wing – rooms, and a screen wall. The screen wall is usually built with bricks and stones and painted with exquisite patterns such as landscapes and flowers and birds, which are both beautiful and can play the role of wind – blocking and lighting. The main house faces north and south, is bright and spacious, and is the core area of family activities, used for receiving guests and holding important ceremonies. The wing – rooms are mainly used for living or storing items. The courtyard often plants flowers and fruit trees, such as orchids, begonias, pomegranates, etc., creating a warm and comfortable living environment. The fire – pit in the house is an important part of family life. It is not only used for heating and cooking, but also a place for family members to sit around chatting and passing on family stories. Above the fire – pit, there are usually cured meats such as bacon and ham, which become more mellow after being smoked.

Naxi New Year: The Naxi New Year (in the twelfth lunar month) is one of the most important festivals in Dongguan 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 together to enjoy a sumptuous dinner. The dinner table is full of various delicacies, such as “Naxi Eight Delicacies”, rice sausage, cured meat, and so on. After dinner, the ceremony of offering sacrifices to ancestors is held. The Naxi people will place offerings in front of the ancestral tablets, burn incense and kowtow, and thank the ancestors for their protection. On the first day of the New Year, people wear new clothes, visit relatives and friends, and exchange greetings. During the festival, the village will hold a variety of traditional folk activities, such as Dongba scripture chanting for blessing, praying for a good harvest and prosperity in the new year; Naxi ancient music performance, the ancient melody conveys the historical memory of the Naxi people; traditional dance performance, villagers dance the lively “Ali Li” and “Da Tiao”, wearing bright national costumes, singing and dancing, and the atmosphere is very lively. Tourists can participate in it and feel the strong festive atmosphere of the Naxi New Year.

Torch Festival: On the twenty – fourth day of the sixth lunar month, Dongguan Village and the surrounding areas celebrate the Torch Festival together. On the evening of the festival, every household puts up a tall torch in front of the door. The torch is made of pine torches and firewood, and decorated with colorful flags. When night falls, the torch is lit. The whole village holds small torches and parades around the big torch, chanting blessing words, praying for peace and a good harvest. Subsequently, a grand bonfire party begins. People dance around the fire, and men and women of all ages are immersed in the happy atmosphere. The Torch Festival is also an opportunity for relatives and friends to get together and enhance their feelings. Tourists can dance and sing with the villagers and experience the unique national customs.

Mule and Horse Fair: In mid – July of the lunar calendar every year, the nearby Shigu Town (石鼓镇) will hold a grand Mule and Horse Fair, and villagers from Dongguan Village also actively participate. The Mule and Horse Fair was originally held for the trade of mules, horses, and other livestock. Now it has developed into a comprehensive event integrating trade, culture, and entertainment. During this period, people from all over gather here, bringing a wide variety of goods. In addition to livestock trading, there are also traditional song and dance performances and folk sports competitions. The traditional Naxi song and dance is wonderfully presented at the Mule and Horse Fair, showing the charm of national culture. Sports competition items such as horse racing and wrestling attract many participants and show people’s vitality and courage. Tourists can feel the lively market atmosphere at the Mule and Horse Fair, enjoy folk performances, and participate in interesting activities.

Dongguan Village retains many ancient buildings with Naxi characteristics, which carry the historical and cultural memory of the village. Traditional dwellings are mainly made of earth – wood structure, with thick walls and roofs mostly covered with small blue tiles. The doors, windows, and beams of the houses are carved with exquisite patterns, with themes covering flowers, birds, fish, insects, mythological stories, and historical stories. The wood – carving craftsmanship is exquisite, with smooth lines and lifelike shapes, showing the superb wood – carving skills and unique aesthetic concepts of the Naxi people. Some ancient dwellings in the courtyard still preserve ancient wells and stone benches, witnessing the historical changes of the village. There are also ancient stone walls and stone bridges in the village, which are in harmony with the surrounding rural scenery and form a unique rural landscape. In recent years, the local government has paid attention to the protection of ancient buildings and has repaired and maintained some dilapidated ancient buildings to better continue the Naxi history and culture. When tourists walk around the village, it is as if they have traveled through time and can deeply feel the cultural charm precipitated by the years.

Rural Landscapes: The surrounding area of Dongguan Village is surrounded by large – scale fertile farmland, with different scenery in each season. In spring, the golden rape flowers and tender green wheat seedlings interweave to form a colorful rural picture; in summer, the crops grow vigorously, and the green waves rise with the wind; in autumn, the golden rice and full corn are harvested, and the fields are golden, filled with the joy of harvest; in winter, although the fields are relatively quiet, the distant mountains and fields set off each other, presenting a peaceful and harmonious picture. Tourists can walk along the country 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 understand the growth process of crops.

Guanyin Gorge – related Scenery: Dongguan Village is closely connected to Guanyin Gorge Scenic Area (观音峡景区). Although the main body of Guanyin Gorge Scenic Area is not in Dongguan Village, it is very convenient to go to Guanyin Gorge from Dongguan Village. Guanyin Gorge is a scenic area integrating natural landscapes such as mountains, lakes, gorges, and forests, and cultural landscapes such as the ancient Tea – Horse Road, Naxi villages, folk customs, and religious customs. Tourists can enjoy the natural scenery around Guanyin Gorge in Dongguan Village, such as the distant gorge mountains and clear streams. After entering Guanyin Gorge Scenic Area from Dongguan Village, they can enjoy more spectacular gorge scenery. The gorge is characterized by waterfalls, emerald lakes, and dense forests, with a very beautiful ecological environment.

Non – material Cultural Heritage (NCH) Experience: Tourists can delve into Dongguan Village to experience the rich NCH of the Naxi people. They can learn the Naxi hand – weaving skills, operate the spinning wheel by hand under the guidance of villagers, and weave a piece of cloth; they can also learn the Naxi wood – carving skills and try to carve simple patterns on wood; they can participate in the making of Naxi traditional food, such as making delicious rice sausage or “Naxi Eight Delicacies”. The village irregularly holds NCH activities, such as traditional handicraft exhibitions and NCH inheritance lectures. Tourists can actively participate in them to gain a deep understanding of the unique cultural connotations of the Naxi people.

Traditional Village Appearance: Dongguan Village, as a traditional village, retains a simple village appearance. The traditional dwellings, ancient lanes, and stone bridges in the village constitute a unique rural landscape. Tourists can walk around the village, appreciate the beauty of traditional architecture, and feel the life atmosphere of the Naxi traditional village. They can communicate with villagers to understand their way of life and customs, and experience the authentic rural life.

Farm – stay Experience: There are many farm – stays around Dongguan Village, offering authentic farmhouse dishes, such as the Naxi – style “Naxi Eight Delicacies”, rice sausage, cured meat platter, and various fresh farmhouse vegetables. The farm – stays have beautiful environments, most of which have courtyards. Tourists can dine in the courtyard, enjoying the tranquility and comfort of the countryside. Some farm – stays also provide accommodation services, with simply decorated rooms that allow tourists to experience the slow pace of rural life. In addition, the farm – stays are equipped with leisure and entertainment facilities, such as card rooms and tea rooms, where tourists can relax after sightseeing.

Folk Activity Participation: Tourists can participate in the rich and colorful folk activities in the village. In addition to the Torch Festival and Naxi New Year activities, they can also attend the Naxi ancient music performance activities and appreciate the ancient Naxi music, feeling its unique rhythm. In the village cultural square, there are often traditional dance activities organized by villagers. Tourists can join in, learn Naxi dances from villagers, and dance together with everyone, increasing their understanding of Naxi culture and spending a happy and unforgettable time.

By Air: You can first arrive at Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (丽江三义国际机场), which is about 15 kilometers away from Dongguan Village. You can choose to take a taxi to Dongguan Village from the airport, with a driving time of about 20 minutes. You can also take the airport shuttle bus to the urban area of Lijiang at the airport. After arriving in the urban area, transfer to a bus to Quhe Town (七河镇), get off at Quhe Town, and then take a taxi or local small – sized transportation to Dongguan Village.

By Car: If you depart from surrounding cities, you can directly take a long – distance bus to Lijiang Passenger Transport Station (丽江汽车客运站). There are relatively frequent bus services between Lijiang and surrounding cities such as Dali (大理) and Kunming (昆明). After arriving at Lijiang Passenger Transport Station, transfer to a bus to Quhe Town, get off at Quhe Town, and then go to Dongguan Village.

By Train: Take a train to Lijiang Station (丽江站). Lijiang Station has trains to various parts of the country, and the transportation is quite convenient. At Lijiang Station, you can choose to take a taxi or a special – line bus to Quhe Town. After arriving at Quhe Town, go to Dongguan Village.

On Foot: Dongguan Village is not large in area, and the internal roads are suitable for walking. Walking is one of the best ways to tour the village. Tourists can walk along the ancient lanes and slowly enjoy the beautiful scenery of the village, feeling its unique atmosphere.

By Bike: There are some bike rental points around the village. Tourists can rent a bicycle to tour the surrounding rural scenery. During the ride, you can stop at any time to take photos and enjoy a free – spirited travel pace.

Local Small – sized Transportation: In Quhe Town and the surrounding areas of Dongguan Village, you can also choose to take small – sized transportation such as three – wheeled motorcycles. It is convenient and fast, but you need to negotiate the price with the driver.