Yangxi Village of Jinshan Town in Gucheng District, Lijiang

Geographical Location

Yangxi Village is located in the southeast of Jinshan Township, Lijiang Ancient City, only 4 kilometers away from the township government and a mere 5 kilometers from the urban area of Lijiang Ancient City (丽江市古城区). The village is conveniently accessible by transportation. Backed by the majestic She Mountain (蛇山), with its undulating peaks and lush vegetation, Yangxi Village enjoys a natural green barrier. The Yanggong River (漾弓江) flows through the village from north to south like a lively ribbon. The river’s clear and shimmering waters not only add a touch of elegance to the land but also nourish the fertile soil along its banks. The unique geographical environment endows Yangxi Village with distinctive natural scenery, combining the grandeur of mountains, the delicacy of waters, and the tranquility of vast fields.

History and Cultural Heritage

Lijiang Man Site

Yangxi Village is a significant cradle of Lijiang’s human civilization. The renowned “Lijiang Man Site” is located here. In 1956, archaeologists discovered the “Lijiang Man skull” near Mujia Bridge (木家桥) by the Yanggong River, dating back 100,000 – 50,000 years. This groundbreaking find pushed the history of human activity in Lijiang back tens of thousands of years. Today, the Lijiang Man Site Museum (丽江人遗址博物馆) displays a variety of precious artifacts unearthed from the site, such as primitive stone and bone tools. Visitors can travel through time and witness the life of ancient Lijiang people, gaining a deep understanding of the origins and development of human civilization in this region.

Wandian Palace

Built in the 35th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1556), Wandian Palace (万德宫) holds an important place in history. It was a key venue where the Mu clan chieftains taught their descendants, witnessing the rise and fall of the Mu family. The palace’s architecture is magnificent, with upturned eaves and intricate carvings, showcasing superb building skills. It blends the architectural styles of Central Plains China and the Naxi ethnic group, making it unforgettable. The courtyard once housed a camellia tree known as the “best in the south,” which, despite the passage of time, still carries rich historical memories. Now a municipal cultural heritage protection unit, Wandian Palace quietly narrates its past glory. Visitors can feel the thick historical atmosphere and almost hear the voices of Mu clan descendants studying classics and learning etiquette here.

Muxia Bridge

Spanning the Yanggong River, Muxia Bridge (木家桥) was built during the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty. It is not only an important transportation bridge over the river but also a symbolic structure of the “Lijiang Man” birthplace. Constructed mainly of wood, the bridge looks simple and natural, harmonizing perfectly with the surrounding rural landscape. After withstanding a century of wind and rain, Muxia Bridge remains sturdy, witnessing the passage of time and the village’s development. Walking on the bridge, the creaking wooden planks seem to tell stories of the past. Standing on the bridge, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the river’s banks, with distant green mountains, nearby fields, and the river water complementing each other to form a picturesque rural landscape.

Red Culture

Yangxi Village played a significant role in the history of the Red Army’s Long March. It was the first village the Red Army passed through in Lijiang. In 1936, the Red Army left many touching stories and valuable revolutionary relics here. Today, the village still preserves places where the Red Army stayed and propagated revolutionary ideas. These sites have become important carriers for passing on the red gene and promoting revolutionary spirit. Visitors can learn about the Red Army’s history in Lijiang by visiting these relics and feel the firm beliefs and strong will of the revolutionary predecessors. Some villagers may still keep objects related to the Red Army or tell stories from that time, offering deeper insights into the magnificent revolutionary history.

Natural Scenery

Yangxi Village is like a natural painting unfolding before your eyes, with enchanting natural landscapes. The village is surrounded by vast rice fields that change with the seasons. In spring, the tender green seedlings sway gently in the breeze, forming a green ocean. In summer, the rice panicles gradually become plump and hang low, glistening under the sun. In autumn, the golden waves of rice fields undulate with the wind, and the scenes of harvest always convey nature’s generosity. In addition to rice fields, there are also well – spaced orchards with various fruit trees, such as pears, apples, and peaches. When the fruits ripen, the air is filled with their fragrance. Visitors can experience the fun of picking fresh and sweet fruits. The nearby mountains and forests are also a natural treasure. With a wide variety of trees and rich vegetation, they are home to many wild animals. Strolling on the paths in the forest, breathing in the fresh air, listening to the cheerful songs of birds, and feeling the tranquility of nature, visitors can also enjoy the cool and sweet mountain streams.

Tourist Activities

Visiting Historical Sites

  • Lijiang Man Site Museum: Visitors can step into the Lijiang Man Site Museum (if available) to gain a comprehensive understanding of Lijiang’s ancient history through the rich displays of artifacts, multimedia presentations, and professional tour guide makes an interpretation. Admire the ancient stone and bone tools in the museum, imagine the lifestyle of ancient Lijiang people, and feel the hardships and greatness of human civilization development.
  • Wandian Palace: Upon entering Wandian Palace, it feels like traveling back in time. Appreciate the exquisite architectural decorations, such as wood carvings, stone carvings, and paintings, which are not only skillfully crafted but also rich in cultural connotations. Listen to stories about the history of Wandian Palace and the Mu clan chieftains to understand the ancient chieftain system and the Mu family’s rule over Lijiang. Find a quiet corner in the courtyard to sit and quietly savor the historical charm.
  • Muxia Bridge: Stand beside Muxia Bridge to observe its structure and architectural features, and learn about its important role in history. Take a walk along the banks of the Yanggong River to enjoy the surrounding rural scenery and natural landscapes. Take photos by the bridge to record this historically significant structure and the beautiful natural views.

 Experiencing Rural Life

  • Agricultural Activities: Under the guidance of local villagers, visitors can participate in traditional agricultural activities such as transplanting seedlings, plowing, and weeding. Experience the hard work of farmers and understand the meaning of “who knows that every grain in the plate comes from hard work.” Learn about the Naxi traditional agricultural knowledge and skills, and the growth cycle and planting methods of crops during the labor process.
  • Picking Activities: Depending on the season, join in the picking activities in the orchard. In the orchard, pick ripe fruits with your own hands, taste the fresh produce, and enjoy the joy of harvest. Exchange with fruit farmers to learn about fruit planting and care knowledge, and you can also buy some fresh fruits as souvenirs.
  • Rural Life Experience: Stay in a local farmhouse and live with villagers to experience the daily life of the Naxi people. Follow villagers to learn how to make traditional Naxi delicacies, such as making glutinous rice blood sausage together and enjoying the fun of food preparation. Participate in family daily activities, such as feeding livestock and cleaning the courtyard, to gain a deeper understanding of Naxi family culture and lifestyle.

Hiking and Camping

  • Hiking in Surrounding Mountains: Choose a suitable mountain hiking route and follow the winding paths. During the hike, enjoy the natural scenery in the mountains, observe various plants and wild animals. Pay attention to the road conditions to avoid slipping or getting injured. Bring some snacks and water to replenish energy during breaks. If hiking in a group, maintain contact with the team and follow the leader’s instructions.
  • Camping in the Fields: Select a suitable camping site in the surrounding fields of the village. Set up your own tent and enjoy the fun of camping. In the evening, admire the beautiful rural sunset and feel the tranquility of nature. At night, lie in the tent, gaze at the starry sky, and listen to the chirping of insects and frogs, spending an unforgettable night. During the camping process, pay attention to protecting the environment, do not litter, and clean up the campsite when leaving.

Transportation Guide

Public Transportation

There are several bus routes in Lijiang urban area that go to Jinshan Township. Visitors can check the specific bus routes and departure times at the bus stops in the city. After arriving at Jinshan Township, you can choose to take local rural buses, minibuses, or taxis to Yangxi Village. Although public transportation is economical, it is necessary to learn about the operating hours and intervals in advance to plan your trip reasonably and avoid wasting time. Buses from Lijiang urban area to Jinshan Township may be crowded during peak hours, so be prepared.

Driving

If you choose to drive, head out from Lijiang urban area and follow Provincial Road 303 to reach Yangxi Village. The total distance is about 5 kilometers, and the driving time is approximately 10 minutes. The advantage of driving is the freedom of your itinerary, allowing you to stop and enjoy the scenery along the way. The road conditions are good, but remember to follow traffic rules and pay attention to road signs. After arriving in Yangxi Village, there are designated parking areas in the village where you can park your vehicle for convenient sightseeing. Note that during the peak tourist season, parking spaces may be tight, so it is advisable to arrive early to find a suitable spot.

Accommodation and Dining

Accommodation

  • Yangxi Village Homestays: There are several characteristic homestays in the village. Most of these homestays retain the traditional architectural style of the Naxi ethnic group, with timber – and – earth structures and interiors decorated with ethnic features. The rooms are clean and tidy, well – equipped, and the service is thoughtful. Staying in a homestay allows visitors to better experience the local atmosphere and interact closely with villagers. Some homestays also offer breakfast, featuring traditional Naxi delicacies such as Lijiang cakes and chickpea jelly. When choosing a homestay, you can check other visitors’ reviews on online travel platforms to understand the actual situation and select one that meets your needs.
  • Lijiang Urban Area Accommodation: If you prefer more accommodation options and a richer nightlife, you can also choose to stay in Lijiang urban area. There are various hotels and guesthouses of all levels in the city, ranging from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses. Accommodation in the urban area is convenient for transportation and easy to visit other attractions. However, note that during the peak tourist season, accommodation prices in Lijiang urban area may rise, so book in advance. From the urban area to Yangxi Village, you can take a taxi or public transportation. You can set off in the morning to visit Yangxi Village and return to the urban area for accommodation in the evening.

Dining

  • Farmhouse Restaurants: Farmhouse restaurants in the village are great places to taste traditional Naxi cuisine. These restaurants mainly use local ingredients and retain the traditional cooking methods of the Naxi ethnic group. The signature dish, glutinous rice blood sausage, is made by mixing pig’s blood with glutinous rice and various spices, then stuffing the mixture into pig intestines and boiling it. It has a soft and glutinous texture with a rich flavor. Naxi roast pork is another must – try delicacy. Local pork is marinated and roasted over charcoal fire, resulting in a crispy golden – brown skin and juicy, tender meat inside. In addition, there are mixed pot dishes and stir – fried wild vegetables, all filled with a strong rural flavor. The prices at farmhouse restaurants are relatively affordable, and the portions are generous.
  • Local Snacks: In the village’s market or street stalls, you can also enjoy a variety of Naxi local snacks. Lijiang cakes come in sweet and savory flavors. The sweet ones are filled with red bean paste or sugar, while the savory ones have ham or oil residue as fillings. The cakes have a crispy outer skin and soft interior, with an aromatic fragrance. Chickpea jelly has a smooth texture and is served with special seasonings for a tangy and spicy flavor. There is also Naxi grilled fish, which is grilled until golden – brown and then stewed with various vegetables and seasonings for a delicious taste. These snacks are affordable and a great choice for visitors to taste Naxi cuisine.

Travel Tips

Best Travel Time

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Yangxi Village. In spring, the village’s surroundings are full of vitality with green rice fields and blooming orchards. The pleasant weather and moderate temperatures are ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and rural experience. In autumn, the golden rice fields and abundant fruits make it a season of harvest. Visitors can participate in picking activities and feel the joy of harvest. The clear autumn weather and bright sunshine also provide better views of the village’s natural scenery and ancient architecture. Summer is relatively hot with more rainfall, which may not be very convenient for travel. Winter is cold, and the rural scenery is relatively bleak.

Precautions

  • Cultural Heritage Protection: When visiting historical sites such as the Lijiang Man Site, Wandian Palace, and Muxia Bridge, strictly follow the regulations. Do not touch or damage cultural relics and ancient architecture. These sites are precious treasures of historical culture, and we have the responsibility and obligation to protect them. Turn off the flash when taking photos to avoid harming the cultural relics.
  • Respect for Cultural Customs: Yangxi Village is home to Bai and Naxi ethnic groups, as well as other minorities. Visitors should respect local cultural customs, such as following local etiquette and regulations when participating in traditional festivals or activities. Be polite and modest when communicating with villagers, and respect their way of life and beliefs.
  • Safety Issues: When engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, prepare in advance and learn about the routes and weather conditions. Bring necessary equipment and medicines, such as maps, compasses, and first – aid kits. If hiking in the mountains, avoid getting lost by staying on designated paths. Choose a safe camping site for camping, avoiding dangerous areas such as rivers and valleys. When experiencing rural life, follow the villagers’ guidance, pay attention to operational safety, and avoid injuries.