Yindu Shuixiang Water Town Scenic Area in Heqing County, Dali
Overview
Yindu Shuixiang Water Town (银都水乡) is located in Xinhua Village (新华村), Dali Prefecture (大理州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is a national 4A scenic area, characterized by its unique blend of silver artistry and water town charm. This area is the largest ethnic handicraft processing base and tourist merchandise distribution center in Southwest China.
Xinhua Village is predominantly inhabited by the Bai ethnic group (白族), renowned for its traditional craftsmanship in gold, silver, and copper. The village has earned the titles of “Hometown of Chinese Folk Art” and “Chinese Folk Culture Village.” It is conveniently situated 128 kilometers from Dali Ancient Town (大理古城), 39 kilometers from Lijiang (丽江), and 12 kilometers from Lijiang Airport (丽江机场). In 2010, the area welcomed 2.35 million visitors, generating over 1 billion RMB in tourism revenue.
The scenic area features a central street called Ethnic Hundred Arts Street (民族百艺三市街), showcasing Bai architectural styles, and includes a variety of handicrafts, local snacks, ethnic costumes, bars, and tea houses. Additionally, it houses the first professional silver museum in China, the Yunnan Silver Museum (云南银器博物馆), which boasts a collection of over 2,000 precious silver artifacts dating from the Tang and Song dynasties to the present.
Key Information
- Chinese Name: 银都水乡
- Opening Hours: Year-round, Monday to Sunday, 08:00 – 22:00
- Scenic Level: National AAAA Level (国家AAAA级)
- Total Area: 16.88 square kilometers
- Total Population: 5,227
Village Introduction
Xinhua Village was recognized by the Ministry of Culture in 2000 as the “Hometown of Chinese Folk Art” and designated as a “Chinese Folk Culture Village” by the China Village Development Promotion Association in the same year. In July 2001, it was rated a national 2A scenic area by the National Tourism Administration. In August 2004, it was awarded the title of “Civilized Unit” by the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee and Government. In December 2009, it was designated as a national 4A scenic area.
Xinhua Village is located 128 kilometers south of Dali Ancient Town, 39 kilometers north of Lijiang, and 12 kilometers from Lijiang Airport. The village comprises 1,157 households with a population of 5,280, of which 98.5% are Bai. There are 1,062 households and 4,779 individuals engaged in traditional handicrafts, representing 92% of the total households and 93% of the total population. In 2010, Xinhua Village received 2.35 million visitors, with tourism revenue exceeding 1 billion RMB.
Development
Ethnic Hundred Arts Street
The Ethnic Hundred Arts Street is located at the heart of the scenic area. It features traditional Bai architecture and gathers various ethnic handicrafts, local delicacies, ethnic costumes, bars, and tea houses, making it a popular spot for visitors. This street stands out as one of the most vibrant attractions within the scenic area.
Yunnan Silver Museum
The scenic area also hosts the Yunnan Silver Museum, the first specialized silver museum in the country. The museum showcases over 2,000 valuable silver artifacts from the Tang and Song dynasties to the present, highlighting the historical development of silver craftsmanship in Shizhaizi (石寨子). The collection includes ornaments, utensils, and religious items, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese nation and the unique characteristics of various ethnic groups in Yunnan, forming a treasure trove of world culture and ethnic heritage.
How to Get There
- By Bus: From Dali (大理), take a bus to Heqing County (鹤庆县), which runs frequently. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- From Lijiang: You can also take a bus from Lijiang to Heqing, which is approximately 1 hour away.
- By Car: If you prefer driving, Xinhua Village is easily accessible via well-maintained roads from either Dali or Lijiang.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The area is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying the local Bai delicacies available in the eateries along Ethnic Hundred Arts Street.
- Shopping: Look for unique ethnic handicrafts and silver items as souvenirs.
- Respect Local Culture: Engage respectfully with the local customs and traditions to enhance your travel experience.
Yindu Shuixiang Water Town offers a rich cultural experience, showcasing the artistry and traditions of the Bai people in a scenic setting, making it an ideal destination for cultural enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
