Longquan Village of Shuhe Old Town in Gucheng District, Lijiang

Geographical Location

Longquan Village (龙泉村) is part of Shuhe Subdistrict (束河街道) in Gucheng District (古城区), Lijiang City (丽江市), and is a core component of Shuhe Ancient Town (束河古镇). It is located northwest of Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城), with a straight-line distance of about 4 kilometers. Situated at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山), the village has an altitude of approximately 2,440 meters, with an average annual temperature of 12.6°C, offering a mild and spring-like climate year-round. The surrounding natural environment is excellent, with three streams—Qinglong River (青龙河), Jiuding River (九鼎河), and Shu River (疏河)—flowing through the village, adding a dynamic beauty. Longquan Village (龙泉村) faces east and is sheltered from the wind, with the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) to the north, the elegant Wenbi Mountain (文笔山) to the south, and the imposing Xiang Mountain (象山) to the east. Known as the “Land of the Phoenix Holding a Book” (丹凤含书), it enjoys titles such as “Shangri-La Under the Snow Mountain,” “Mysterious Ancient Naxi Village,” and “Hometown of Thousand-Year-Old Clear Springs.” Its unique geographical location not only provides stunning natural scenery but also historically made it a well-preserved important town on the “Tea Horse Road” (茶马古道), serving as a vivid testament to the Naxi people’s (纳西族) transition from agricultural to commercial civilization.

Ethnic Groups and Traditional Crafts

Ethnic Composition

The residents of Longquan Village (龙泉村) are primarily Naxi people (纳西族), whose profound cultural heritage is deeply rooted here. As one of the main ethnic groups in Lijiang (丽江), the Naxi people (纳西族) have preserved their unique language, script, and customs. Additionally, due to its status as a tourist hotspot, Longquan Village (龙泉村) has attracted a small number of other ethnic groups to settle here. Over time, these groups have integrated, creating a diverse and inclusive village culture. While Naxi culture (纳西族文化) dominates, it also interacts with and absorbs elements from other ethnic cultures, forming Longquan Village’s (龙泉村) distinctive cultural character.

Traditional Crafts

Naxi Silverware Craft (纳西族银器制作技艺): The Naxi people (纳西族) have a long history of silverware making, and the “Naxi Silverware Craft” (纳西族银器制作技艺) was listed as a municipal intangible cultural heritage in June 2013. In Longquan Village (龙泉村), you can find many silverware shops where artisans continue this ancient craft. Using pure silver, they employ techniques such as casting, forging, engraving, and inlaying to create a variety of exquisite silver items. From everyday accessories like silver necklaces, bracelets, and earrings to collectible silverware such as teapots and bowls, each piece embodies Naxi (纳西族) cultural elements. Common motifs include dragons and phoenixes symbolizing good fortune, floral and bird patterns representing happiness, and scenes from Naxi (纳西族) historical legends. Visitors can watch artisans at work, observe their meticulous hammering and engraving, and even try their hand at crafting simple silver items like ring faces under the guidance of a master.

Naxi Embroidery (纳西族刺绣): Naxi embroidery (纳西族刺绣) in Longquan Village (龙泉村) is also renowned. Naxi women (纳西族妇女) use colorful silk threads to create exquisite patterns on fabric. The embroidery themes are diverse, ranging from natural landscapes and mythological tales to everyday scenes. Techniques such as flat stitching, edge locking, and seed stitching are skillfully applied. These embroidered works adorn traditional Naxi (纳西族) clothing, such as collars, cuffs, and belts, enhancing their ethnic charm. They are also made into handicrafts like handkerchiefs, bags, and wall hangings. Visitors can visit villagers’ homes or embroidery workshops to watch women at work, appreciate the ethnic wisdom in every stitch, and even try embroidery themselves to create a personalized souvenir.

Naxi Residential Architecture (纳西族民居营造技艺): Naxi traditional residential architecture (纳西族民居营造技艺) combines Central Chinese beam-lifting and post-and-lintel construction techniques, evolving over time into a distinctive local wooden architectural style. Longquan Village’s (龙泉村) traditional homes exemplify this craft. Most are earth-and-wood structures centered around a courtyard, with common layouts like “three rooms and a screen wall” (三坊一照壁) and “four sides and five courtyards” (四合五天井). The “three rooms and a screen wall” layout consists of a main house, left and right wing rooms, and a screen wall, often made of brick and stone and adorned with beautiful landscapes and floral patterns. The main house faces south, spacious and bright, serving as the family’s central activity area, while the wing rooms are used for living or storage. Courtyards are often planted with flowers and fruit trees, creating a warm and comfortable living environment. Visitors can stroll through the village, observe the architectural structures and decorative details, and experience the unique charm of Naxi (纳西族) residential craftsmanship.

Customs and Festivals

Daily Customs

Dietary Customs: The Naxi people (纳西族) primarily consume rice and wheat, with a preference for sour, spicy, and sweet flavors. During family gatherings or banquets, table manners are important, with younger members waiting for elders to sit and begin eating before starting themselves. Longquan Village (龙泉村) is rich in water resources, making fish dishes a local favorite. Naxi grilled fish (纳西烤鱼) is a specialty, made with fresh local fish that is cleaned, marinated, and grilled over charcoal, basted with a special sauce and sprinkled with chili, Sichuan pepper, and scallions. The result is a crispy, golden exterior with tender, juicy meat, offering a spicy and savory flavor. Another must-try is Naxi rice sausage (纳西米灌肠), made from rice and pig blood stuffed into cleaned pig intestines and steamed. Sliced before serving, it has a soft, glutinous texture and rich aroma. The Naxi cured meat platter (腊味拼盘), including cured ribs, beef, and pork belly, is also popular, offering a strong, savory flavor when steamed or stir-fried.

Living Customs: As mentioned earlier, Longquan Village’s (龙泉村) traditional homes often follow the “three rooms and a screen wall” (三坊一照壁) or “four sides and five courtyards” (四合五天井) layouts. The hearth is a central part of family life, used for heating, cooking, and as a gathering place for storytelling and family bonding. The Naxi people (纳西族) pay great attention to courtyard decoration, planting flowers and arranging potted plants to create a beautiful living environment. Furniture placement in traditional homes also follows specific customs, reflecting Naxi (纳西族) cultural traditions and aesthetic values.

Major Festivals

Naxi New Year (纳西族新年): The Naxi New Year (纳西族新年), celebrated in the eleventh lunar month, is one of Longquan Village’s (龙泉村) most important festivals. From the twelfth lunar month, families begin preparing by cleaning their homes and stocking up on supplies. On New Year’s Eve, families gather for a lavish dinner and hold ceremonies to honor their ancestors, expressing gratitude for their blessings. On New Year’s Day, people dress in new clothes and visit relatives and friends to exchange greetings. During the festival, the village hosts various traditional activities, such as Dongba scripture chanting (东巴诵经祈福) to pray for good weather and bountiful harvests, performances of ancient Naxi music (纳西古乐) that convey the ethnic group’s historical memories, and traditional dances like “Alili” (阿哩哩) and “Datiao” (打跳), where villagers dressed in vibrant ethnic costumes sing and dance joyously. Visitors can immerse themselves in these activities and experience the festive atmosphere.

Torch Festival (火把节): On the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, Longquan Village (龙泉村) celebrates the Torch Festival (火把节) with surrounding areas. On the festival night, each household erects a tall torch made of pine and dry wood, decorated with colorful flags. As night falls, the torches are lit, and villagers parade around the large torch with small torches in hand, chanting blessings for peace and prosperity. A grand bonfire party follows, with people dancing around the fire, creating a joyful atmosphere. The Torch Festival (火把节) is also an opportunity for friends and family to gather and strengthen bonds. Visitors can join the villagers in dancing and singing, experiencing the unique ethnic customs.

Mule and Horse Fair (骡马会): In mid-July of the lunar calendar, the nearby Shigu Town (石鼓镇) hosts a grand Mule and Horse Fair (骡马会), which Longquan Village (龙泉村) residents actively participate in. Originally a livestock trading event, the fair has evolved into a comprehensive festival combining commerce, culture, and entertainment. People from various regions gather here, bringing a wide array of goods. In addition to livestock trading, the fair features traditional song and dance performances and folk sports competitions. Naxi (纳西族) traditional dances are prominently showcased, highlighting the ethnic group’s cultural charm. Sports events like horse racing and wrestling attract many participants, showcasing their vitality and courage. Visitors can enjoy the lively market atmosphere, watch folk performances, and participate in fun activities.

Ancient Architecture

Longquan Village (龙泉村) preserves many ancient buildings with distinctive Naxi (纳西族) characteristics, serving as important carriers of the village’s historical and cultural heritage. Traditional homes are primarily earth-and-wood structures with thick walls and small blue-tiled roofs. The doors, windows, beams, and pillars are intricately carved with patterns depicting flowers, birds, fish, insects, mythological tales, and historical stories. The woodcarving craftsmanship is exquisite, with smooth lines and lifelike shapes, showcasing the Naxi people’s (纳西族) advanced skills and unique aesthetic. Some ancient courtyards still have old wells and stone benches, bearing witness to the village’s historical changes. The village also features ancient stone walls and bridges, complementing the flowing streams and ancient paths to create a unique rural landscape. Among these, the Longquan Temple (龙泉寺), also known as the “Three Saints Palace” (三圣宫), stands out. It is a courtyard-style building ingeniously designed to follow the terrain. The gatehouse has five large rooms, with three single-story rooms on the north and south sides, and a platform about 2 meters high on the west side, with the main hall’s foundation about 1 meter higher than the platform. The temple’s eaves and brackets are beautifully decorated with carvings. The courtyard is planted with cherry blossoms and other flowers, creating a fragrant scene in spring. From the temple’s upper floors, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Longquan’s (龙泉) scenery. In recent years, the local government has prioritized the preservation of ancient buildings, restoring some dilapidated structures to better carry forward the Naxi (纳西族) cultural heritage. Strolling through the village feels like traveling through time, offering a deep sense of the cultural richness accumulated over the years.

Tourism Resources

Natural Landscapes

Longquan Scenery (龙泉景观): Longquan (龙泉) is the core natural landscape of Longquan Village (龙泉村). From the village’s large stone bridge to the west, following the stream upstream, visitors will encounter a peculiar rock formation. Beyond it lies a pool of emerald-green spring water, the source of the village’s dynamic beauty. The clear spring flows year-round, surrounded by picturesque scenery, with pavilions by the water, willow trees, and white-walled buildings nestled among greenery. Visitors can stroll along the spring, admire the flowing water, and experience the tranquility of nature. They can also pause by the spring, listen to the sound of flowing water, and feel as if time has slowed down.

Rural Scenery: Longquan Village (龙泉村) is surrounded by vast fertile farmland, offering different views in each season. In spring, golden rapeseed flowers and tender green wheat seedlings create a colorful rural tapestry. In summer, crops thrive, and gentle breezes ripple through the fields. In autumn, golden rice and plump corn herald a bountiful harvest, filling the fields with joy. In winter, though the fields are quieter, the distant mountains and farmland form a serene and harmonious picture. Visitors can walk along the rural paths, enjoy the scenery, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate nature’s gifts. They can also participate in farming activities like planting, harvesting, and picking, experiencing the joys of traditional rural life and learning about crop growth.

Distant Views of the Snow Mountain: As Longquan Village (龙泉村) is located at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山), visitors can enjoy distant views of its majestic scenery. On clear days, the snow-capped mountain glistens in the sunlight, complementing the village’s rural landscapes and ancient architecture to form a stunning natural painting. Visitors can choose high spots in the village, such as rooftops or viewing platforms, to admire the distant views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) and experience the grandeur of nature.

Cultural Landscapes

Intangible Cultural Heritage Experiences: Visitors can immerse themselves in Longquan Village’s (龙泉村) rich intangible cultural heritage. They can learn the Naxi silverware craft (纳西族银器制作技艺) and create a silver item under the guidance of an artisan, try their hand at Naxi embroidery (纳西族刺绣), and explore Naxi residential architecture (纳西族民居营造技艺) by observing traditional homes. The village occasionally hosts cultural events like traditional craft demonstrations and lectures on intangible heritage, allowing visitors to delve deeper into Naxi (纳西族) culture.

Tea Horse Road Culture (茶马古道文化): As an important town on the “Tea Horse Road” (茶马古道), Longquan Village (龙泉村) retains a deep connection to this historical trade route. Visitors can walk along the ancient paths, imagining the bustling scenes of caravans from the past. The ancient buildings and horse inns along the road bear witness to this glorious history. The village also has cultural exhibitions about the Tea Horse Road (茶马古道), showcasing its history and the lives of caravans through artifacts, photos, and texts, offering visitors a deeper understanding of this unique culture.

Leisure and Entertainment

Farm Stay Experience: There are several farm stays around Longquan Village (龙泉村) offering authentic rural dishes, such as Naxi grilled fish (纳西烤鱼), rice sausage (米灌肠), and cured meat platters (腊味拼盘), as well as fresh seasonal vegetables. These farm stays are set in beautiful environments, often with courtyards where visitors can dine and enjoy the tranquility of rural life. Some also offer accommodation in simply yet warmly decorated rooms, allowing guests to experience the slow pace of village life. Additionally, farm stays provide leisure facilities like game rooms and tea houses, where visitors can relax after a day of exploration.

Participation in Folk Activities: Visitors can join the village’s vibrant folk activities. In addition to the Torch Festival (火把节) and Naxi New Year (纳西族新年) celebrations, they can attend performances of ancient Naxi music (纳西古乐), appreciating its unique rhythms. At the village cultural square, villagers often organize traditional dance events, where visitors can learn Naxi (纳西族) dances, sing and dance with the locals, and gain a deeper understanding of Naxi (纳西族) culture while creating unforgettable memories.

Transportation Guide

External Transportation

By Air: Visitors can first arrive at Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (丽江三义国际机场), about 30 kilometers from Longquan Village (龙泉村). From the airport, take an airport shuttle to downtown Lijiang (丽江市), then take a taxi to Longquan Village (龙泉村), which takes about 40 minutes. Alternatively, transfer to a bus to Shuhe Ancient Town (束河古镇) in the city, then walk to Longquan Village (龙泉村).

By Bus: From nearby cities, take a long-distance bus to Lijiang Bus Terminal (丽江汽车客运站). Lijiang (丽江) has frequent bus connections with cities like Dali (大理) and Kunming (昆明). From the terminal, take a taxi or transfer to a bus to Shuhe Ancient Town (束河古镇), then proceed to Longquan Village (龙泉村).

By Train: Take a train to Lijiang Railway Station (丽江站), which has connections to various parts of the country. From the station, take a taxi or a dedicated shuttle to Shuhe Ancient Town (束河古镇), then walk to Longquan Village (龙泉村).

Internal Transportation

On Foot: Longquan Village (龙泉村) is small and best explored on foot. Visitors can stroll through the ancient streets, slowly appreciating the village’s beauty and unique atmosphere.

By Bicycle: There are bike rental points around the village, allowing visitors to cycle through the surrounding rural landscapes. They can stop anytime to take photos and enjoy a leisurely travel pace.

Local Small Vehicles: Within Shuhe Ancient Town (束河古镇), visitors can also opt for small vehicles like tricycles for convenience, but should negotiate prices with the driver in advance.