Nanxi Village of Qihe Town in Gucheng District, Lijiang

Nanxi Village, which belongs to the Hu Gong Village Committee of Quhe Town in Gucheng District of Lijiang City, is located at the foot of Wenbi Peak in Huangshan Town, at an altitude of over 3,000 meters. Surrounded by green mountains, it is like a pearl that has been left behind. The village still retains its original and simple appearance, with every inch of land and every building telling stories of the past. When summer arrives, it becomes a sea of flowers, and is thus known as the “Little Shangri-La.” Next, let us step into the four seasons of Nanxi Village and appreciate its unique charm.

In spring, Nanxi Village is like a splendid oil painting, and its rapeseed flower scenery is no less beautiful than that of Luoping (罗平). With the arrival of spring, the rapeseed flowers start from the foot of the mountain and gradually spread to the hills like a golden tide. The undulating mountains are surrounded by this golden sea of flowers, as if they are wearing a magnificent coat. Walking among the rapeseed flowers, you can see the white clouds in the sky, like cotton candy, seemingly within reach. The warm sunshine filters through the clouds and falls on you, bringing a gentle warmth that makes you want to reach out and feel this beauty. At this time, Nanxi Village is full of vitality and hope, with each rapeseed flower swaying in the breeze, as if telling the story of spring.

Summer is the most beautiful season in Nanxi Village, and it is also the season when flowers bloom. Potatoes flowers, rapeseed flowers, sangge flowers, and various wildflowers whose names we do not know take turns to bloom. When the breeze blows, the sea of flowers rises and falls like waves, dressing the entire Nanxi Village in a picturesque rural oil painting. In this sea of flowers, it feels like you are in a dreamlike world, with the colorful flowers dazzling the eyes. Butterflies dance gracefully among the flowers, and bees busily flit from flower to flower, adding a touch of liveliness and vitality to the painting. At this time, Nanxi Village is nature’s most proud masterpiece, with every color and every fragrance intoxicating.

In autumn, the gesang flowers on the grasslands of Nanxi Village bloom freely, exuding an extreme romance. The grass gradually turns from green to yellow, and the foothills shed their tender green clothes and put on the autumn attire of a blue-green color. The mountains are shrouded in mist, like a dream, adding a touch of mystery to the entire village. However, the sky of Nanxi Village remains as blue as a gemstone, so bright that it makes one’s eyes brighten. In the cloudless sky, a few idle clouds occasionally drift by, floating quietly as if telling the leisure of autumn. At this time, Nanxi Village has both the tranquility and depth of autumn and the romance and passion brought by gesang flowers. The two blend together to form a unique autumn painting.

In winter, the green mountains of Nanxi Village have turned into a withered yellow, and the grasslands are like a withered yellow carpet, fluffy and spread out beside Wenhai Lake (文海). Among the aquatic plants of Wenhai Lake, egrets play and frolic leisurely, adding a touch of vitality to the quiet winter. The winter wind blows desolately, as if singing an ode to the season. The Naxi village in Nanxi Village still maintains its tranquility, with villagers methodically preparing for the new year. At this time, Nanxi Village is free from the hustle and bustle of the city, leaving only peace and harmony, allowing the soul to relax as never before.

Nanxi Village is not far from Lijiang, only 25 kilometers away, even closer than the snow mountain. Starting from the Lijiang Ancient Town and navigating to Nanxi Village, the scenery along the way is also breathtaking. The first thing that comes into view is Wenbi Lake (文笔海), the largest wetland in the Lijiang Basin. The lake water is crystal clear and sparkles in the sunlight. The grass by the lake is lush, with wildflowers scattered among it, as if it were a garden carefully arranged by nature. Next, you will pass by Wenfeng Temple (文峰寺), the highest academy of the Tibetan Buddhist Karma Kagyu White Sect. It is solemn and exudes a strong religious atmosphere. Finally, there is the Vajra Mother Cave (金刚亥母洞), known as the “First Spiritual Cave of the Southern Continent,” which is full of mystery. After passing through fields of potatoes flowers, you will arrive at the longed-for Nanxi Village.

Transportation (交通): It is 25 – 30 kilometers away from Lijiang, with the entire journey on mountain roads. It takes about 30 minutes by car. If you choose to hire a car, the half-day price is around 200 yuan, and the full-day price is within 400 yuan (it may increase by 100 during the peak season).

Climate and Clothing (气候与着装): The weather in this high-altitude area is changeable, with a large temperature difference between day and night. Remember to bring warm and cold-resistant clothing, such as a windproof jacket. If it is sunny, the sunlight is strong, so pay attention to sun protection measures.

Facilities (设施): There are no toilets next to the sea of flowers. Men can choose to “water the flowers” at appropriate locations, and women are advised to solve this in the village.

Cultural Exchange (人文交流): People in Lijiang are very friendly. Greeting them actively will get a warm response. Enjoy the pleasure of communicating with the locals.

Driving Safety (行车安全): The mountain roads are narrow. Drive slowly and remember to honk and flash your lights at bends to ensure driving safety.

Environmental Protection (环保): Protect the environment. Do not drive into the sea of flowers and do not litter. Together, we can protect this beautiful and pristine land.

Religious Respect (宗教尊重): Wenfeng Temple and the Vajra Mother Cave are religious sites. Be sure to respect the management regulations of these religious sites.

Return Trip Recommendation (返程推荐): When going down the mountain, you might as well go to the Qiu Ting B&B Crown Bookstore by Wenbi Lake, read some books, have a cup of coffee, or chat with the housekeeper to enjoy a pleasant time.

Cost (费用): No admission fee! No admission fee! No admission fee! It is important to say it three times. Enjoy the free beautiful scenery to your heart’s content.

Nanxi Village, this dreamlike paradise hidden in the mountains of Lijiang, with its picturesque scenery in all four seasons, original and simple appearance, and unique cultural charm, is waiting for more people to discover and explore. If you long for a trip away from the hustle and bustle and back to nature, then Nanxi Village is definitely the best choice. It will surely bring you an unforgettable and wonderful memory.