Location
Dewei Village (德为村) is located in (丽江市古城区) Lijiang Ancient City, specifically in (金山乡) Jinshan Township, situated on the eastern outskirts of Lijiang. It is approximately 4 kilometers from the city center, offering convenient transportation. The village is nestled near the (白塔景区) White Pagoda Scenic Area, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, making it an important rural tourism destination in Lijiang.
Ethnic Groups and Traditional Crafts
Dewei Village is home to several ethnic groups, including the (纳西族) Naxi and (白族) Bai peoples, who maintain a wealth of traditional skills:
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Naxi Dongba Culture: Dongba culture is a unique cultural system of the Naxi people, encompassing Dongba writing, Dongba painting, Dongba music, and more.
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Bai Embroidery: Bai women are skilled in embroidery, producing vibrant, intricate designs with high artistic value.
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Naxi Architecture: The traditional architecture of the Naxi people is distinctive, blending elements from Han, Tibetan, and other ethnic styles. Some of the ancient buildings in (德为村) Dewei Village showcase this architectural style.
Customs and Festivals
The ethnic groups in (德为村) Dewei Village celebrate a variety of customs and festivals:
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Naxi Torch Festival: Held on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, this is an important festival for the Naxi people, where they light torches to pray for peace and a good harvest.
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Bai San Yue Jie (March Street Festival): From the 15th to the 20th of the third lunar month, the Bai people celebrate this traditional festival, which is a time for material exchange and cultural entertainment.
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Naxi Bangbanghui (Stick Festival): Celebrated on the 8th day of the second lunar month, this festival includes the trade of traditional handicrafts and agricultural products.
Ancient Architecture
Dewei Village and the surrounding area are home to many ancient buildings that not only have historical value but also reflect the unique ethnic culture of the region:
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Jinshan Temple (金山寺): Located near (德为村) Dewei Village, this ancient Buddhist temple boasts unique architecture and houses many valuable Buddhist relics.
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Naxi Ancient Residences (纳西族古民居): There are numerous Naxi ancient residences in the village, built with a mix of timber and earth. These buildings integrate Han, Tibetan, and other ethnic architectural elements and are highly valued for their artistic merit.
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White Pagoda Scenic Area (白塔景区): Situated behind (德为村) Dewei Village, this scenic area is home to many ancient pagodas and temples, making it an important place for studying the local history and culture.
Historical Figures
Dewei Village and its surrounding areas have a long history and have been home to several notable historical figures, such as the famous Naxi scholars and poets (木公) Mu Gong and (木增) Mu Zeng, who had close ties to the region.
Tourism Resources
Dewei Village and its surroundings offer rich tourism resources, making it an excellent place for visitors to experience Lijiang’s folk culture and natural beauty:
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Jinta Scenic Area (金塔景区): Located in (德为村) Dewei Village, this is a grand Tibetan Buddhist temple complex. The scenic area includes landmarks such as the statue of Master Padmasambhava, Guanyin Hall, Thousand Buddhas and Ten Thousand Lights Hall, Ashoka Pillar, King Hall, Maitreya Buddha statue, and the main shrine. The iconic Dongbao Zunsheng Pagoda is made of 208 kilograms of gold and shines brilliantly.
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White Pagoda Scenic Area (白塔景区): Behind (德为村) Dewei Village, this scenic area offers many ancient pagodas and temples, serving as an important site for researching local history and culture.
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Naxi Ancient Residences (纳西族古民居): (德为村) Dewei Village contains many Naxi ancient residences, which blend various ethnic architectural styles and are of great artistic and historical value.
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Jinshan Temple (金山寺): This ancient Buddhist temple, located near (德为村) Dewei Village, boasts unique architectural styles and houses many precious Buddhist relics.
Transportation
Dewei Village is conveniently located just 4 kilometers from the center of Lijiang, and there are multiple public transportation options available:
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Public Transportation: Take Bus No. 15 from Lijiang city center directly to (德为村) Dewei Village.
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Self-Driving: From the city center of Lijiang, follow the routes via (庆云路/玉泽东路) Qingyun Road/Yuze East Road → (大丽线) Dali Line → (德为村) Dewei Village.
Hope this guide helps you better plan your visit to (德为村) Dewei Village, where you can enjoy local folk culture and natural landscapes.
