Guoyuan Nancun Village of Qina Town in Yongsheng County, Lijiang

Guoyuan Nancun Village (果园南村) is located in Wenfeng Village Committee (文凤村委会), Qina Town (期纳镇), Yongsheng County (永胜县), Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province. The village lies 2.5 kilometers south of the Qina Town government office. It was listed as one of the third batch of Traditional Chinese Villages in 2014 and is one of three traditional villages in Qina Town. The village covers an area of 0.41 square kilometers, with an average elevation of 1430 meters. The population is primarily Han Chinese. The village is known for its fertile land, hot climate, and agricultural activities, including livestock farming and the cultivation of rice, corn, peanuts, safflower, and watermelon.

Agricultural Industry

Key Agricultural Activities

Guoyuan Nancun Village is mainly engaged in agriculture, with a focus on growing vegetables and fruits. In recent years, the village has diversified its agricultural activities by introducing crops such as thin-shelled walnuts and lemons, resulting in positive economic growth.

Lemon Industry

Qina Town has prioritized the development of the lemon industry as an emerging sector. Through the "1+2+N" development strategy, the town has been promoting lemon cultivation. In Guoyuan Nancun Village, lemon cultivation covers 108 acres, with 8 poverty-stricken households cultivating 23.5 acres of land for lemons.

Watermelon Industry

In 2024, Qina Town took advantage of scientific advancements and variety improvements to bring watermelons to market earlier than usual, which greatly enhanced economic efficiency. The watermelon cultivation area in Qina Town has surpassed 1,000 acres, making it a major contributor to the town’s winter agriculture.

Tourism and Transportation

Transportation

Guoyuan Nancun Village is 45 kilometers from the county town of Yongsheng, and can be easily accessed by road. From Yongsheng County, travelers can follow the main road to Qina Town and then to Guoyuan Nancun Village.

Tourist Attractions

Guoyuan Nancun Village is part of a demonstration project for the centralized protection and utilization of traditional villages in Yongsheng County. The village offers rich natural landscapes and a traditional village culture that make it an ideal spot for sightseeing and relaxation.

With its prime geographical location, abundant natural resources, and deep agricultural heritage, Guoyuan Nancun Village is an excellent destination for those seeking to explore the natural beauty and rural charm of Yongsheng County.

Cultural and Traditional Highlights

Agricultural Products and Fruit Cultivation

Guoyuan Nancun Village is renowned for its rich agricultural output. In addition to rice and pea farming, the villagers grow a variety of fruits such as longan, mango, lychee, peach, plum, and grapes. The land's fertility and favorable climate support the growth of these delicious fruits, which are integral to the village's economy.

Traditional Handicrafts

The village is known for its traditional craftsmanship, including the production of handmade roof tiles and 瓦猫 (tile cats). Roof tiles have been a major source of income for the village, with an annual production value estimated to reach 20 million yuan. These tiles are supplied to the surrounding areas, including Yongsheng, Lijiang, and neighboring villages.

The "瓦猫" (tile cats) are also an important cultural feature. This custom involves crafting clay "cats" to be placed on roofs for protection and prosperity. While this tradition has become less common, the craft remains popular in the village.

Traditional Music - Dongjing Music

Dongjing Music (洞经音乐), a type of traditional folk music introduced from Central China during the Ming Dynasty, is widely practiced in Qina Town, including Guoyuan Nancun Village. This music plays a significant role in religious ceremonies and is known for its serene and peaceful melodies. The music includes instruments like gongs, drums, and flutes and is performed through various techniques such as blowing, plucking, and drumming. Key figures in the preservation of this musical tradition include Bai Chongwu and He Zhengyao.

Calligraphy Art

Guoyuan Nancun Village is home to many talented calligraphers. One notable figure is He Zhengyao, a retired teacher who specializes in multiple calligraphy styles, including regular script, cursive, seal script, and clerical script. He has participated in various exhibitions and his work has even been featured on the CCTV calligraphy channel. He currently serves as the president of the Yongsheng County Yunshan Poetry, Calligraphy, and Painting Association.

Traditional Architecture

Guoyuan Nancun Village boasts a rich architectural history, with its origins dating back to the Ming Dynasty and its establishment as a station along the Tea Horse Road (茶马古道). The traditional architecture remains well-preserved, with buildings such as the He Family Courtyard (何家大院) standing as significant cultural relics. The courtyard is recognized as a provincial-level cultural heritage site, showcasing unique architectural artistry in the Yongsheng region.

The village's architecture features "three-bay and one screen wall" (三坊一照壁) and "four courtyards and five courtyards" (四合五天井), with the most common building structure being "one main house with one or two side rooms". The newer buildings are constructed using brick-concrete materials, with two to three stories, and most houses face north and south.

Roof Tile Production and Other Crafts

Guoyuan Nancun Village is famous for its traditional roof tile production, an essential income source for the villagers. The production of roof tiles involves an intricate process, and the tiles produced are known for their quality and durability. Additionally, the village is home to traditional craftsmanship such as the making of 瓦猫 (tile cats), which are still crafted by the villagers and serve as a cultural symbol.

Scenic Views and Villager Life

The village is located in a picturesque area with fertile agricultural lands, clear waters, and fertile grounds for growing crops. In the past, villagers would use the surrounding environment for fishing and farming, with people enjoying a peaceful, pastoral lifestyle. The serene landscape continues to attract visitors looking for a rural getaway to enjoy nature and culture.