Xuehua Yi Ethnic Village in Yulong County, Lijiang

❄️ About Xuehua Village

Nestled on the upper slopes of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang, Xuehua Village sits at an altitude of approximately 2,600 meters. This high-altitude Tibetan village belongs to Wenhai Village Committee, Baisha Township. With just 41 households and 148 residents, it offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The local climate features an average annual temperature of 15°C and annual rainfall of 1,200 mm. Residents primarily rely on tourism and agriculture, cultivating hardy crops like potatoes and highland barley.

🚜 Local Life & Infrastructure

Transportation

Access to the village is via a dirt road, with the nearest bus stop about 1 km away. Locals mostly travel by car—there are four privately owned vehicles in the village.

Utilities

Electricity, television, and landline telephone services are available. However, clean drinking water remains a challenge, with supply either limited or of substandard quality.

Housing

Most homes are built using traditional earth-and-wood construction. Some structures are quite old, adding a rustic charm to the village landscape.

🌱 Economy & Development

Traditional Farming

There are 296 mu (about 49 acres) of arable land—roughly 2 mu (1/3 acre) per person—mainly used for growing potatoes and highland barley, which thrive in the cold climate.

Tourism

The village’s main source of income is tourism, thanks to its stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and preserved Tibetan cultural elements.

Renewable Energy

In 2023, a 50MW “Agrivoltaic” Project was launched near the village, combining photovoltaic energy generation with medicinal herb farming. This initiative marks a step forward in sustainable rural development.

🧭 Travel Tips

Getting There

From Lijiang city, navigate to “Xuehua Village” via Wenhai Village (also worth a visit). The drive takes about 2 hours. Due to rugged mountain roads, an SUV is recommended.

Scenic Highlights

• Snow Mountain Views: The village directly faces Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, offering close-up views of golden sunrise peaks and shifting sea clouds.

• Tibetan Heritage: Xuehua preserves the look and feel of a traditional alpine pasture. Known in the Naxi language as “Enji-di”, meaning “a place with water”, it holds deep cultural roots.

• Rustic Landscape: A hidden gem of Northwestern Yunnan with raw beauty and tranquility.

Things to Note

• There is no public transport or tourist facilities in the village—bring your own food, water, and supplies.

• Even in summer, prepare for cold and rainy conditions due to the high altitude.

💎 Unique Experiences

Enjoy a full immersive day in Xuehua Village:
Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the snow peaks → Take a quiet stroll through ancient pastures → Visit the innovative agrivoltaic project → Learn about Tibetan village life. It’s a rare opportunity to experience the wild serenity of the Yunnan highlands.