Go Deep in Lijiang: Yuhu village preserves nostalgia

Yuhu village is an ancient village at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain in Lijiang city. In the Naxi language, it is called "Wuluken," which means "at the foot of the snow mountain."

Lijiang folks think Yuhu village the real village at the foot of the snow mountain, where the chieftains of Mu family used to be here to pass hot summers for several hundred years.

In 1922, American explorer Joseph Rock visited Yuhu village for the first time. This Naxi ancient village, located just over 10 kilometers from the ancient city of Lijiang, captivated Joseph with its stunning snow-capped mountains, picturesque meadows, clear Yuhu Lake, and rich Naxi culture. Thus, he stayed here for 27 years.

The former residence of Joseph in Yuhu village has been well-preserved. The residence, which is of traditional Naxi-style stone and wood structure, bears no difference from other 300 Naxi houses here, both in terms of its exterior and interior.

Whenever you step into Yuhu village, an ancient village situated to the northwest of Yulong Snow Mountain, all you can see is stone. It truly lives up to its name as a stone village.

Roads, stairs, walls, houses, and schools are made of stones. Rows of stone houses show the unique Naxi style. Each courtyard of the houses is of unique scenes. The understanding of beauty and the love for nature of more than 300 Naxi families here are fully displayed in different ways in their courtyards.

As you walk northward, you will be surprised to find a pristine blue lake. It is said that this lake was artificially built by the Mu family chieftains before the Ming Dynasty (1368―1644).

The name "Yuhu" in Chinese, means a jade-like lake. It comes from the reflection of the snow-capped peaks and forests of Yulong Snow Mountain in the lake. The scene of white snow and the green shade of the forest creates a jade-like appearance.

The villagers here have incorporated elements of intangible cultural heritage, traditional Naxi craftsmanship, Naxi specialty snacks, and rural music into their courtyards, with each courtyard having its own theme.

Outside the village, various tourism experiences that cater to the needs of modern travelers, such as horse riding and equestrian performances, have been flourishing due to the local expertise and passion for horses.

Tourism activities such as international photography, natural museum study, and luxurious camping in the snow-covered mountains are developed. Other activities such as the Snow Mountain Music Festival, rural fairs, Naxi ethnic festivals, intangible cultural heritage courtyards, and land art festivals continue to preserve rural cultural memory.

Source: Seeing Lijiang; trans-editing by Wang Yunya