Pumi Village of Chenghai Town in Yongsheng County, Lijiang

Pumi Village (浦米村) is located in Haiyao Village Committee (海腰村委会), Chenghai Town (程海镇), Yongsheng County (永胜县), Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province. It is situated by Chenghai Lake (程海湖), bordered by Lang'e (莨峨) to the east, Xinghu (星湖) to the south, Chenghai (程海) to the west, and Xingren (兴仁) to the north. Pumi Village is 10 kilometers away from the town government of Chenghai and 45 kilometers away from the county town of Yongsheng. It is conveniently accessible by transportation.

Natural Landscape and Agriculture

Natural Beauty

Surrounded by lush green landscapes, Pumi Village enjoys an abundance of forest resources and fresh air. The village has increasingly focused on the cultivation of thin-shelled walnuts in recent years, with a thousand-acre walnut forest now thriving, greatly contributing to the local vitality.

Agricultural Development

Pumi Village primarily focuses on agriculture, growing crops such as rice and corn. Recently, the village has expanded its land use by contracting and transferring barren hills to plant 1,000 acres of thin-shelled walnuts, which has transformed the barren land into vibrant farmland and brought economic benefits to the villagers. Additionally, Pumi Village has developed pomegranate cultivation, establishing several pomegranate planting bases.

Economic Growth

The thin-shelled walnut industry in Pumi Village began to produce fruit in 2020, and by 2024, it is expected to yield 50 tons of walnuts with an output value of 2.2 million yuan. This development has created local jobs and significantly increased the income of villagers.

Tourism and Transportation

Transportation

Pumi Village is well connected by road. It is located 45 kilometers from Yongsheng County and 10 kilometers from Chenghai Town. Visitors can travel along a cobblestone road from Yongsheng County through Chenghai Town to reach Pumi Village.

Tourist Attractions

Pumi Village has been listed in the Catalogue of Traditional Chinese Villages. Within the village, Lan's Siheyuan (兰氏四合院) is now a protected cultural relic. The surrounding natural landscapes, including Chenghai Lake, are ideal for sightseeing and relaxation.

Pumi Village, with its unique location, rich natural resources, and deep ethnic culture, offers an excellent opportunity to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Yongsheng County.

Historical Background of Pumi Village

Pumi Village dates back to the Ming Dynasty's "Hongwu Adjustment of Military Stations" (洪武调卫). It was originally a traditional village in the Haiyao Village Committee of Chenghai Town, Yongsheng County. The area near Pumi Village was once home to Haikou Post (海口铺) in the Ming Dynasty, which was established to accommodate the soldiers traveling through the region. This contributed to the formation of several villages with mixed surnames along the lakeside. Today, Pumi Village is a Han Chinese village with nine surnames, 188 households, and a population of over 760 people. In 2014, it was recognized as one of China’s traditional villages.

The village’s lifestyle, particularly its agricultural and fishing traditions, is reminiscent of the ideals captured in the famous description of Dali Kingdom during the Song Dynasty: "Fishing, chopping wood, farming, and reading."

Architecture and Living Style

Traditional Architecture

Pumi Village's traditional architecture is a testament to the village's understanding of construction science and aesthetics. The village houses generally follow the traditional "U" or "L" shapes, with two-story main buildings used for storage and living, and side rooms used as kitchens or animal shelters. The walls are often exposed rammed earth, with some painted white or red, reflecting a simple yet rustic beauty.

The roofs of the houses are typically covered with barrel tiles, and the architecture features a distinct "suspended fish" (悬鱼) decoration at the roof ridge. This symbol, which is found in ancient Central Plains architecture, is believed to have multiple meanings, including representing the integrity of the homeowner, ensuring abundance, symbolizing fire protection, and adding aesthetic value to the roof.

Historical Sites

The San Guan Temple (三官寺) located on the east side of Pumi Village is a key historical site. Built during the Qing Dynasty, it serves as an important cultural and spiritual monument for the village. The temple’s architecture is a combination of wood and earth, with a unique design that protects the walls and windows while adding beauty to the structure. Inside, there are Taoist statues, as well as Buddhist and other deities.

The San Guan Temple also houses one of the oldest books of Taoist scriptures, dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644), along with the music used in Dongjing Music (洞经音乐) during religious ceremonies. This traditional music has been passed down through generations in the region and is commonly heard in Pumi Village during cultural events.

Scenic Beauty and Traditional Lifestyle

In the past, Pumi Village was a significant station for travelers heading south to Dali, north to Lijiang, and east to Sichuan. At night, locals would often go fishing by the lake, with boats lit by lanterns or torches. The shimmering lights on the water created a beautiful and magical scene, known as the “Chenghai Fishing Lights” (程海渔灯), which was considered one of the ten scenic views of Yongsheng.

Today, the fishing lights are rare to see, as fishing is restricted during certain seasons to protect the environment and fish populations. However, visitors can still enjoy the picturesque surroundings, especially during the fishing season, when they can also taste fresh, high-quality Chenghai fish.

Economic and Agricultural Expansion

Pumi Village continues to expand its agricultural activities, with plans to develop new industries such as pomegranate, vegetables, roses, and olive trees. The southern and northern areas of the village, which have fertile farmland, are gradually becoming a popular destination for self-driving tourists looking for a place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

The village’s transformation, coupled with its beautiful rural architecture and the development of lakeside accommodations, makes it a popular spot for both tourists and locals. Some homes have even been renovated to function as guesthouses, providing a unique experience for visitors who want to stay by the lake.

With the ongoing improvements in the rural construction projects, Pumi Village is poised to attract more visitors, who can enjoy the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and peaceful way of life that the village offers. Whether you're interested in hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying the scenic views, Pumi Village provides a perfect getaway for those looking to experience the charm of rural Yunnan.