Xinmin Xiacun Village of Qihe Town in Gucheng District, Lijiang

Xinmin Xiavillage (新民下村) is under the jurisdiction of Xinmin Village Committee (新民村委会) in Qihé Town (七河镇), Gucheng District (古城区), Lijiang City (丽江市). It is located to the due south of Lijiang Gucheng District, at the coordinates of 100°16′16″ east longitude and 26°45′06″ north latitude. The village is approximately 23 kilometers away from the urban area of Lijiang, bordered by the Jinsha River to the east, across the river from Da’an Township in Yongsheng County, and adjacent to Xintun Township in Hekou County to the south. Situated in a basin commonly known as Qike Dam (七可坝), the surrounding natural environment is picturesque. The village is conveniently located, only 6 kilometers away from the entrance of Lijiang Airport.

Xinmin Xiavillage is home to several ethnic groups, including the Naxi (纳西族), Bai (白族), and Han (汉族) ethnicities, with the Naxi people making up the majority. These ethnic groups have integrated with each other over time, creating a multicultural and inclusive atmosphere.

Naxi Hand – weaving Skills: The Naxi people have a long – standing tradition of hand – weaving, which is still practiced by some villagers. The weaving materials mainly consist of locally – grown cotton or wool. The process, from cotton – picking to carding, rolling, spinning, dyeing, and finally weaving on a loom, embodies the wisdom of the Naxi people. The resulting fabric is thick – textured and features exquisite patterns, such as auspicious cloud designs and wheat – ear motifs symbolizing a bountiful harvest.

Naxi Wood – carving Skills: Exquisite wood – carvings can be found on traditional buildings and furniture in Xinmin Xiavillage. Wood – carvers select high – quality timber and employ various techniques, including relief carving, pierced carving, and round carving, to create patterns of flowers, birds, fish, insects, mythological stories, and historical tales. These wood – carvings are characterized by their smooth lines and lifelike shapes, showcasing the superb craftsmanship of the Naxi people.

Naxi Traditional Food – making Skills: The Naxi people have a preference for sour and spicy flavors, with rice and wheat as their staple foods. The “Naxi Eight Delicacies” (纳西八大碗) are particularly representative, consisting of eight dishes such as steamed pork with rice flour, crispy pork, pork ribs, and meatballs. Another must – try is the Naxi rice sausage (米灌肠).

Dietary Customs: The Naxi people have a rich and diverse food culture. In addition to the aforementioned delicacies, their daily diet includes a variety of fresh vegetables. They often pickle vegetables into sour or salted varieties. During family meals or banquets, table etiquette is observed, with elders taking their seats first, followed by the younger generation. Proper posture is maintained while eating, and loud noises are avoided. When drinking, the younger generation is expected to toast the elders first as a sign of respect.

Residential Customs: Traditional dwellings in Xinmin Xiavillage are mostly earth – wood structures, incorporating the Naxi architectural styles of “three – room – one – screen – wall” and “four – courtyard – five – sky – well”. The main house, facing north and south, is spacious and bright, serving as the core area for family activities, including receiving guests and holding important ceremonies. The wing – rooms are primarily used for living and storage. The courtyards are often planted with flowers and fruit trees, such as orchids, begonias, and pomegranates, creating a warm and comfortable living environment.

Naxi New Year: Celebrated in the twelfth lunar month, the Naxi New Year is one of the most important festivals in Xinmin Xiavillage. From the twelfth lunar month, households begin preparations, cleaning their homes and stocking up on New Year’s goods. On New Year’s Eve, families gather for a sumptuous dinner, with a table full of delicious dishes. After dinner, a ceremony is held to pay respects to ancestors, with offerings placed in front of ancestral tablets, and incense burned as a sign of gratitude. During the festival, the village hosts a variety of traditional folk activities, including Dongba scripture chanting for blessings, Naxi ancient music performances, and traditional dance shows.

Torch Festival: On the twenty – fourth day of the sixth lunar month, Xinmin Xiavillage joins the surrounding areas in celebrating the Torch Festival. On the evening of the festival, each household erects a tall torch made of pine torches and firewood, decorated with colorful flags, in front of their homes. As night falls, the torches are lit. Villagers parade around the large torches with small torches in hand, chanting blessings for peace and a good harvest. This is followed by a grand bonfire party, where people dance around the fire, creating a lively atmosphere.

Mule and Horse Fair: Held in mid – July of the lunar calendar each year in Shigu Town (石鼓镇) nearby, the Mule and Horse Fair is a grand event that villagers from Xinmin Xiavillage actively participate in. Originally a livestock trading fair, it has evolved into a comprehensive event that integrates trade, culture, and entertainment. People from different places 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.

Xinmin Xiavillage preserves numerous ancient buildings with distinctive Naxi characteristics, which bear witness to the village’s historical and cultural heritage. Traditional dwellings are predominantly earth – wood structures with thick walls and roofs covered with small blue tiles. The doors, windows, and beams of these houses are adorned with exquisite carvings featuring patterns of flowers, birds, fish, insects, mythological stories, and historical events. The wood – carving craftsmanship is remarkable, with smooth lines and lifelike shapes that reflect the Naxi people’s superb skills and unique aesthetic concepts. Some ancient residences still have old wells and stone benches in their courtyards, testifying to the village’s historical changes. The village also has ancient stone walls and stone bridges that harmonize with the surrounding rural scenery, creating a unique rural landscape.

Qihé Town, where Xinmin Xiavillage is located, was a beacon for the Lijiang Moxi chieftain and the “southern gateway” to Lijiang as documented by the famous geographer Xu Xiake. In April 1936, the Red Army’s Second and Sixth Corps passed through Qihé Town on their northern expedition against Japanese aggression, leaving behind the seeds of the “first stop of the Long March in Lijiang” as a significant part of the area’s red cultural heritage.

Rural Landscapes: Xinmin Xiavillage is surrounded by vast fertile farmlands, with different scenery in each season. In spring, the fields are a riot of colors with golden rape flowers and tender green wheat seedlings. In summer, the crops grow lushly, creating waves of green as the wind blows. In autumn, the fields turn golden with ripe rice and full corn, exuding the joy of harvest. In winter, although the fields are relatively quiet, the distant mountains and fields create a serene and harmonious picture.

Jinlong Bridge: The Jinlong Bridge (金龙桥) next to the village spans the Jinsha River and has stood for centuries in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. It blends harmoniously with the surrounding mountains and river, presenting a unique rustic beauty. Built with a donation of 100,000 taels of silver from Qing Dynasty Guizhou Commander – in – Chief Jiang Zonghan over five years, it is known as the “first bridge over the Jinsha River” and is the oldest existing bridge on the Yangtze River. In 2006, Jinlong Bridge was listed as a national key cultural relics protection unit.

Non – material Cultural Heritage (NCH) Experience: Visitors can delve into Xinmin Xiavillage to experience the rich NCH of the Naxi people. They can learn Naxi hand – weaving skills and operate a spinning wheel under the guidance of villagers to weave a piece of cloth. They can also try their hand at Naxi wood – carving, creating simple patterns on wood. Additionally, they can participate in the making of Naxi traditional food, such as rice sausage or “Naxi Eight Delicacies”.

Traditional Village Appearance: As a traditional village, Xinmin Xiavillage retains its rustic charm. The traditional dwellings, ancient lanes, and stone bridges form a unique rural landscape. Visitors can wander through the village, appreciating the beauty of traditional architecture and experiencing the daily life of a Naxi traditional village.

Shanshen Temple: The Shanshen Temple (山神庙) in Xinmin Xiavillage carries the villagers’ simple and beautiful wishes and preserves the traditional architectural style and ancient legends.

Farm – stay Experience: There are several farm – stays around Xinmin Xiavillage, offering authentic farmhouse dishes such as the Naxi – style “Naxi Eight Delicacies”, rice sausage, cured meat platter, and fresh seasonal vegetables. Some farm – stays provide accommodation with simply decorated rooms that allow visitors to experience the slow pace of rural life. Additionally, farm – stays are equipped with leisure and entertainment facilities like card rooms and tea rooms, where visitors can relax after a day of sightseeing.

Folk Activity Participation: Visitors can join in the village’s rich and colorful folk activities. In addition to the Torch Festival and Naxi New Year celebrations, they can attend Naxi ancient music performances to appreciate the unique melodies of Naxi music. The village cultural square often hosts traditional dance activities organized by villagers. Visitors can join in, learn Naxi dances from the locals, and dance together, deepening their understanding of Naxi culture and creating unforgettable memories.

By Air: Arrive at Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (丽江三义国际机场), which is approximately 15 kilometers away from Xinmin Xiavillage. Visitors can take a taxi to the village, with a driving time of about 20 minutes. Alternatively, they can take an airport shuttle bus to the urban area of Lijiang and then transfer to a bus heading to Qihé Town (七河镇). After getting off in Qihé Town, they can take a taxi or local small – sized transportation to Xinmin Xiavillage.

By Car: If departing from surrounding cities, visitors can take a long – distance bus to Lijiang Passenger Transport Station (丽江汽车客运站). There are frequent bus services between Lijiang and neighboring cities such as Dali (大理) and Kunming (昆明). After arriving at Lijiang Passenger Transport Station, transfer to a bus to Qihé Town, get off in Qihé Town, and then proceed to Xinmin Xiavillage.

By Train: Take a train to Lijiang Station (丽江站), which has trains to various parts of the country. From Lijiang Station, visitors can take a taxi or a special – line bus to Qihé Town. After arriving in Qihé Town, they can head to Xinmin Xiavillage.

On Foot: Given its small size and suitable internal roads, Xinmin Xiavillage is best explored on foot. Visitors can stroll through the ancient lanes, slowly appreciating the village’s scenic beauty and unique atmosphere.

By Bike: There are bike rental points around the village. Visitors can rent a bicycle to tour the surrounding rural scenery. They can stop at any time to take photos and enjoy a free – spirited travel pace.

Local Small – sized Transportation: In Qihé Town and the surrounding areas of Xinmin Xiavillage, visitors can also choose to take small – sized transportation such as three – wheeled motorcycles. This mode of transport is convenient and fast, but visitors should negotiate the price with the driver in advance.