Villages around Lashihai Lake in Lijiang
Lashi Lake (拉市海), located in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County (丽江市玉龙纳西族自治县), is a picturesque alpine wetland surrounded by several villages boasting unique cultural and natural landscapes. Here are some noteworthy villages around Lashi Lake worth visiting:
1. Junliang Village (均良村)
Located on the western side of Lashi Lake, Junliang Village is primarily inhabited by the Naxi ethnic group. In recent years, through the development of rural tourism and specialty agriculture, the village has become a tourist destination combining natural scenery with folk culture. The village features nearly 1,000 mu (about 66 hectares) of edible and ornamental roses. Every spring, the blooming roses attract numerous visitors. Additionally, Junliang Village has been recognized as a “National Key Village for Rural Tourism” (全国乡村旅游重点村), “Civilized Village of Yunnan Province” (云南省文明村), and “Sanitary Village of Yunnan Province” (云南省卫生村).
2. Hainan Village (海南村)
Situated on the southern shore of Lashi Lake, Hainan Village is a multi-ethnic community home to Han (汉族), Naxi (纳西族), Bai (白族), Yi (彝族), and Tibetan (藏族) people. The village boasts beautiful surroundings, tidy streets, unique ethnic culture, and traditional architecture. Visitors can admire the unified reddish-brown walls, green decorations along the roads, and charming bridges over flowing water, creating an elegant, simple, and leisurely atmosphere.
3. Boduoluo Village (波多罗村)
Located northeast of Lashi Lake, Boduoluo is a pure Yi ethnic natural village. In the Yi language, “Boduoluo” means “the most beautiful valley in the world.” The village features not only stunning natural landscapes but also well-preserved Yi culture. To the north lies tranquil Lashi Lake, while to the west one can overlook the winding Jinsha River (金沙江). The surrounding scenery is considered “Lijiang’s paradise” (丽江的天堂), making it an excellent destination for hiking and nature exploration.
4. Manxiang Village (满祥村)
Located south of Hainan Village in Lashi Town (拉市镇), Manxiang Village retains traditional farming culture. The village mainly grows specialty economic fruits like Lijiang snow peaches (丽江雪桃), apples, and quinces. Although rural tourism in Lashi Town has developed for over a decade, Manxiang Village has avoided overdevelopment and preserved its original rural character.
5. Fishing Village (打渔村)
Situated by Lashi Lake, Fishing Village primarily engages in fishing. With few residents and beautiful scenery, the village becomes particularly charming in winter when flocks of seagulls arrive at the lake. The wetland landscape with its autumn colors creates a picturesque view. Fishing Village is an excellent free spot to observe seagulls, with many nearby cafes offering perfect photo opportunities.
Transportation Guide
- Self-drive: From downtown Lijiang (丽江市区), take the relevant highway to Lashi Lake (about 30 minutes’ drive).
- Public transportation: First reach Lashi Town (拉市镇), then transfer to local transportation to various villages.
Each village around Lashi Lake has its own unique characteristics. Whether you want to experience the Dongba culture (东巴文化) of the Naxi people or immerse yourself in the folk customs of the Yi ethnic group, you can find your own tranquility and beauty here.
