Yuhu Village Naxi Ethnic Culture Protection Area in Baisha Town of Yulong County, Lijiang

Yuhu Village is located in Baisha Township (白沙乡), Yulong Naxi Autonomous County (玉龙纳西族自治县), Lijiang City (丽江市). It is one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi people and one of the best-preserved ancient villages in terms of traditional Naxi architectural style. Known as the “village at the foot of the snow mountain,” Yuhu Village means “Wuluken” in the Naxi language. The village is 8 kilometers from the township government and 18 kilometers from the urban area. It is situated on a gentle slope at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) and includes three natural villages: Shangcun (上村), Xiacun (下村), and Wenhua Village (文华村).

Backed by the magnificent Yulong Snow Mountain, Yuhu Village boasts picturesque scenery with a vegetation coverage rate of over 95%. The Yuhu Lake in the village, an artificial lake excavated by the Mu family before the Ming Dynasty, has crystal-clear water that reflects the blue sky, white clouds, and the Yulong Snow Mountain. It is known as one of the “Twelve Scenic Spots of Yulong.” The lakeside used to have a summer palace for cooling off, Yulong Academy, and a deer farm, which were the summer resorts of the Naxi royal family.

Yuhu Village is also home to many historical and cultural relics, such as the Rock House, the Black and White Ancient Battlefield at Xianji Cliff, and the ruins of Ju Jian Temple. The Rock House, where the American explorer Joseph Rock lived for 27 years, is well-preserved and has become an important window to understand Lijiang culture.

Yuhu Village has preserved many traditional customs and cultural characteristics of the Naxi people. The local residences, mostly stone-structured, feature a unique Naxi style. The traditional way of life, production customs, and Dongba culture of the Naxi people are relatively well-preserved here. Visitors can experience traditional Naxi handicrafts, such as Dongba papermaking.

In recent years, Yuhu Village has transformed from traditional agriculture to tourism by developing rural tourism. The village’s infrastructure has been improved while retaining its original appearance and cultural characteristics. The tourism industry in Yuhu Village is developing rapidly, but it still focuses on environmental protection and cultural heritage. The village’s homestays, cafes, and folk culture experience courts offer a wide range of choices for visitors.

Yuhu Village is not only a showcase of Naxi culture but also an ideal place for visitors to experience the traditional way of life of the Naxi people. Here, visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the tranquility and harmony of the Naxi culture.