Xuesong Village (雪嵩村), also known as Yuhu Village in Chinese, is a picturesque hamlet nestled on the slopes of the pristine Jade Dragon Snow Mountain range near Lijiang. The name Xuesong means “at the foot of the snow-capped mountains” in the Naxi language, owing to its proximity to the towering peaks of Jade Dragon Mountain. The village is also aptly named Yuhu, meaning “Jade Lake,” due to a crystal-clear spring to its west, resembling a jade gemstone.
Compared to the bustling ancient towns of Shuhe and Lijiang, Xuesong Village retains a tranquil ambiance. However, its cultural significance is not to be underestimated on a global scale. This is largely attributed to the residency of Joseph Rock, an Austrian-American explorer who lived here for 27 years starting from 1922. Sponsored by the National Geographic Society, Rock amassed a wealth of photographs and written records, publishing works like “The Ancient Kingdoms of the Nan-Chao Borderland” and “A Naxi-English Encyclopaedia.” His writings and images introduced the remote regions surrounded by the snow-capped mountains of Lijiang to the world, providing invaluable primary sources for understanding the cultural and historical heritage of the area. Visitors to his former residence can view some of Rock’s personal belongings, along with images and materials featured in his books.
Yuhu Lake boasts vast grasslands extending for thousands of acres. During spring and summer, the meadows are adorned with lush greenery, adorned with myriad wildflowers, and resonate with the melody of birdsong. As the seasons transition to autumn and winter, the grasslands take on a golden hue, while the reeds in the lake sway gently with the wind, creating a melancholic symphony reminiscent of autumn’s sorrowful strings. Along the shores of Yuhu Lake stands a remarkable orange tree that yields fruits as sweet as honey every year. Legend has it that this tree is transformed by a dragon maiden, hence its name, the “Dragon Maiden Tree.” Carved into the steep cliffs near Yuhu Lake are the imposing characters “玉柱擎天,” meaning “Jade Pillar Holding Up the Sky,” attributed to Yang Xun, the first appointed magistrate of Lijiang during the Qing Dynasty. Beneath it, the inscription “玉壁金川,” signifying “Jade Wall, Golden Stream,” can be found, etched by Nie Rui, a county magistrate, in the third year of Emperor Yongzheng’s reign (1725). These ancient inscriptions, adorned with patches of moss, exude a profound sense of antiquity and wisdom.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
Location and Transportation
Xuesong Village is situated in Baisha Township, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province. To reach Xuesong Village from Lijiang Old Town, visitors can take bus route 17, which provides direct transportation to the village. The journey covers approximately 10 kilometers and takes about half an hour. Alternatively, travelers can opt for a taxi ride, which typically costs around 50 yuan.
