Yuhu Village, Lijiang
● Chinese Name:玉湖村
● Keywords: at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain,Naxi people,Joseph Rock
● Location: Yuhu Village,Baisha Town, Yulong County, Lijiang, Yunnan,China
● Scenic Area: 36.66 square meters
● Admission Fee: free
‣ About Yuhu Naxi Village
Yuhu Village is on the outskirts of Lijiang Basin at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The houses were made of a unique stone called monkey head by Naxi people. The stone is comprised of a substance between stone and mud. With the reflection of the stone on the snow mountain, houses made of monkey head look even more natural and beautiful.Located about 15 kilometers North of Lijiang Old Town, the Yuhu village, belonging to the Naxi minority, is the last village of the valley; and is situated at the foot of the Jade Dragon Mountain in Lijiang. The houses, built with unique rocks called “monkey head”, sort of mix of the rocks and dried earth, makes the village looks the same as it was in the beginning of the 20th century when Joseph Rock chose this place as his residence place.
The famous botanist Dr. Rock came here to study the plants of the Jade Dragon Mountain and he fell in love with the region, its people and its culture, and decided to live there. He lived in Yuhu village for 27 years. From 1922, he started a huge research work on the local Naxi minority; he took many photos and wrote many papers for the magazine “National Geography”.
It is possible to visit Dr. Rock’s house (40RMB per person). If you make it in Yuhu, we advice you to visit our friends of a Naxi local family, and why not staying there for a night, as they also provide accommodation. It is basic but a very warm and welcoming place. For more information, see here: Yuhu Guest House
From Yuhu, it exists several horse back hikes climbing the Jade Dragon Mountains (Price is around 21-40 USD according to the length and path). You can also walk around by feet until the small lake of Yuhu; from there you’ll see very pretty view of Jade Dragon Mountains. Another path climbs through the Mountains till the remote village of Wenhai, where you can stay overnight. The hike lasts 4-5 hours, a local guide is necessary to carry out this hike.
‣ Attraction Transportation
You can take a bus No.6 from Lijiang downtown directly get to Yuhu Village(RMB 1 only) or rent a local taxi/minibus to reach there
‣ Best Time to Visit
All year round
‣Tips
● You may overnight at local Naxi Family Stay,which includes 3 meals and accommodation.
● Please note there is no entrance fee when you walk to the village,but you have to pay if you wanna visit to Joseph Rock Former Residence.
