Hailuo Village of Shigu Town in Yulong County, Lijiang

Geographical Location

Ethnic Groups and Traditional Skills

Ethnic Composition

Traditional Skills

• Naxi Embroidery (纳西族刺绣): The Naxi embroidery in Hailuo Village is well – known. Naxi women, with their exquisite skills, use colorful silk threads as brushes to embroider exquisite patterns on cloth. The patterns cover a wide range of topics, including auspicious dragon and phoenix patterns, happy flower and bird patterns, and scenes from Naxi history and legends. The embroidery stitches are diverse, with flat embroidery, lock stitch, and seed stitch being used skillfully. These embroidered works are not only used for clothing decoration, such as collars, cuffs, and belts, but also made into handkerchiefs, bags, and wall hangings. Visitors can visit villagers’ homes or embroidery workshops in the village to watch Naxi women embroidering on – site, feel the wisdom of the nation flowing between each stitch, and even try embroidery under their guidance to make a unique embroidered souvenir.
• Traditional Woodcarving (传统木雕工艺): Woodcarving is also an important traditional skill in Hailuo Village. Villagers select high – quality wood, such as azalea wood and walnut wood. Through processes such as sawing, chiseling, carving, and grinding, they carve the wood into various exquisite woodcarvings. From the carved windows and doors, beam decorations in house buildings to daily – use tables, chairs, and woodcarving ornaments, the superb woodcarving skills of the villagers are fully demonstrated. The woodcarving works have a unique style, with smooth and strong lines and lifelike shapes. The patterns are rich in content, including not only common animal and plant patterns but also elements reflecting Naxi religious beliefs and life scenes. Visitors can visit the woodcarvers’ studios to learn about the woodcarving process and appreciate the exquisite finished products. If interested, they can also participate in simple woodcarving experiences and try to give wood unique artistic charm with carving knives.
• Specialty Food Preparation (特色美食制作): The Naxi food culture is also wonderful in Hailuo Village. Naxi grilled fish is one of the most distinctive local delicacies. Fresh live fish from the local area are selected, killed, and marinated, and then grilled over charcoal. During the grilling process, special sauce is brushed on, and seasonings such as chili, Sichuan peppercorns, and scallions are sprinkled. The grilled fish has a golden – brown and crispy skin, with tender and juicy meat inside. It tastes spicy, fresh, and fragrant, leaving a lasting aftertaste. In addition, Naxi rice sausage should not be missed. It is made mainly from rice and pig’s blood, stuffed into cleaned pig intestines, and then steamed. When eating, it is sliced, with a soft and glutinous texture and a rich aroma. Visitors can taste these authentic Naxi delicacies in local restaurants or farmhouses and learn the cooking methods from villagers to take the memory of Naxi food home.

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. During family meals or entertaining guests, table manners are quite important. Younger generations must wait for their elders to be seated and start eating before they can begin. In addition to the special Naxi grilled fish and rice sausage, the Naxi people have many other delicious dishes. For example, the cured meat platter includes cured pork ribs, cured beef, and cured pork belly. After marinating and air – drying, the cured meat has a rich flavor and can be steamed or stir – fried. Thanks to the abundant water resources around the village, there are various fresh fish dishes. In addition to grilled fish, steamed fish and fish soup are also very popular.
• Living Customs (居住习俗): Traditional residences in Hailuo 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 usually built with bricks and stones and is decorated with beautiful patterns of landscapes and flowers and birds. It is not only beautiful but also serves as a wind – blocking and lighting function. The main room faces north to south and is spacious and bright. It is the core area of family activities, used for receiving guests and holding important ceremonies. The side rooms are mainly 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 fireplace inside the house is an important part of family life. In addition to being used for heating and cooking, it is 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 Hailuo 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 holds a ceremony to worship their ancestors, expressing gratitude for the protection of their ancestors. On the first day of the New Year, people dress in new clothes, visit relatives and friends, and exchange greetings. During the festival, the village holds a variety of traditional folk activities, such as Dongba scripture – chanting for blessings, Naxi ancient music performances, and traditional dance performances. Villagers wear bright national costumes and dance and sing happily. Tourists can deeply participate in these activities and feel the strong festive atmosphere of the Naxi New Year.
• Torch Festival (火把节): On the twenty – fourth day of the sixth lunar month, Hailuo Village and the surrounding areas celebrate the Torch Festival together. On the evening of the festival, 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 begins, with people dancing around the fire. People of all ages are immersed in the joyful atmosphere. The Torch Festival is also an opportunity for friends and relatives to get together and strengthen their bonds. Tourists can dance and sing with the villagers and experience the unique national风情.
• Mule and Horse Fair (骡马会): Every year in mid – July of the lunar calendar, Shigu Town holds a grand Mule and Horse Fair, in which villagers from Hailuo Village actively participate. The Mule and Horse Fair was originally established for the trading 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 come together, bringing a wide variety of goods. In addition to livestock trading, there are traditional song and dance performances, folk sports competitions, and other activities. 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, showing people’s vitality and courage. Tourists can feel the lively market atmosphere at the Mule and Horse Fair, enjoy the folk performances, and participate in interesting activities.

Ancient Architecture

Tourism Resources

Natural Scenery

• Rural Landscape (田园风光): The surrounding area of Hailuo Village is surrounded by vast and 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 painting. In summer, the 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 picture. 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.
• First Bend of the Yangtze River (长江第一湾景观): Hailuo Village is not far from the famous First Bend of the Yangtze River. The First Bend of the Yangtze River is a unique “V” – shaped large bend formed by the Yangtze River in Shigu Town. The rushing river suddenly turns here, forming a magnificent landscape painting together with the surrounding mountains and fields. Visitors can go to the First Bend of the Yangtze River viewing platform to overlook the whole view and enjoy the grand momentum of the river and the surrounding beautiful scenery. They can also walk along the riverbank to feel the flow of the river and appreciate the wonders of nature. In addition, visitors can participate in water activities such as kayaking and sightseeing boats at the First Bend of the Yangtze River to experience this natural wonder from different angles.

Cultural Scenery

• Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience (非遗文化体验): Visitors can delve into Hailuo Village to experience the rich intangible cultural heritage of the Naxi people. Learn Naxi embroidery and make an embroidered piece under the guidance of an embroidery artist. Visit woodcarving studios to learn about the woodcarving process and participate in woodcarving experiences. Participate in the preparation of Naxi specialty foods such as Naxi grilled fish and rice sausage. 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): 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. Visitors can visit these places to pay tribute to revolutionary predecessors and inherit the red gene.

Leisure and Entertainment

• Farm – Stay Experience (农家乐体验): There are several farm – stays around Hailuo Village that offer authentic local dishes such as Naxi – style grilled fish, rice sausage, cured meat platter, and 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 Hailuo 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. Since Hailuo Village is very close to the center of Shigu Town, you can choose to walk or take a local small – sized means of transportation (such as a tricycle) to get there. The whole journey from the airport to Shigu Town takes about 1.5 – 2 hours, and from Shigu Town to Hailuo Village only takes a few 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 Hailuo 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 go to Hailuo Village.

Internal Transportation

• Local Small – Sized Means of Transportation (当地小型交通工具): In Shigu Town, you can choose to take a tricycle or other small – sized means of transportation to Hailuo Village. The price is relatively cheap and convenient. You can negotiate the price with the driver and pay attention to safety during the ride.
• Self – driving (自驾): If you choose to drive yourself, you can set the destination to Hailuo Village via a navigation software. Departing from Lijiang city center, drive along the Lijiang West Road to Shigu Town, and then to Hailuo 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.