Yushui Village in Lijiang (丽江玉水寨), also known as Jade Water Village, is a captivating tourist destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty with the rich cultural heritage of the Naxi ethnic minority. Situated at the northern end of the Lijiang Plateau, nestled against the backdrop of the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Zhishan Mountain, the village enjoys an elevation that gradually slopes from north to south, averaging around 2700 meters above sea level.
Yushui Village holds significant historical and cultural importance as the birthplace of the Naxi Dongba religion. Within the village, the Héhé Courtyard serves as the residence of the divine spirits of the Naxi Dongba religion, featuring a Dongba Cultural Exhibition Hall showcasing ancient Dongba scriptures, wooden puppets, ceremonial instruments, and more. At the heart of the courtyard stands the sacred “Yushui Yuan” Grand Hall, where numerous deities including the Dongba patriarch, Dongba Shiluo, and the Naxi protective deity Sanduo are enshrined.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Yushui Village
- Vlog about Yushui Village
- Other Attractions near Yulong Snow Mountain
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 35 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 18.00; Last admission: 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0888-5190152 |
Location and Transportation
Lishui Village is located on Yufengsi Road, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province. Here are some brief instructions on how to get there:
- Take bus route 6 from the Xiangshan Market entrance (象山市场). The fare is 1 yuan, and it will take you to Yushui Village.
- From Lijiang Old Town, take bus route 7 and get off at Xueshan IntersectionStop (雪山岔路口站). From there, it’s about a 2-kilometer walk to Yushui Village.
- While the distance from Lijiang to Yushui Village is only 18 kilometers, taxi fare from Lijiang can be around 100 yuan for a one-way trip.
Highlights of Yushui Village
Traditional Workshops and Performances
Visitors can also explore traditional workshops within the village compound, including the Dongba Paper Workshop, Dongba Wine Brewery, and weaving looms, where they can gain insights into ancient Dongba craftsmanship such as papermaking, brewing, and weaving. Additionally, visitors can enjoy performances of the indigenous Naxi folk music “Baisha Xile,” adding to the cultural richness of the experience. The village also hosts traditional Naxi ceremonies such as rituals to worship the heavens, wind, and nature, as well as the grand Dongba Festival held annually on the fifth day of the third lunar month at the Héhé Courtyard.
Crystalline Water
One of the most celebrated features of Yushui Village is its ethereal and crystalline water scenery. The village’s sacred spring originates from the melting snow atop the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, filtering through layers of rock over 2400 meters before gushing forth in pristine, emerald-green streams. These waters cascade down the mountainside, forming the famous “Three Divine Dragon Waterfalls” comprising the “Emerging Dragon,” “Playing Dragon,” and “Sending-off Dragon” falls.
Ethnic Architecture
The architectural style of Yushui Village reflects the distinctive characteristics of the Naxi culture. Most buildings are constructed using stone and wood, exuding a rustic yet sturdy charm. The roofs are often adorned with auspicious patterns on clay tiles, symbolizing people’s aspirations for a better life. Intricate decorations inside the houses, such as wood carvings, paintings, and silver ornaments, showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of the Naxi people.
