Taoyuan Village of Shitou Town in Yulong County, Lijiang

 Geographical Location

Taoyuan Village（桃园村） is located in Taohua Administrative Village, Shitou Bai Autonomous Township, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province. It is situated to the west of Shitou Township, 7 kilometers away from the township government, and is nestled in the heart of the Laojun Mountain (老君山) within the core area of the “Three Parallel Rivers” World Natural Heritage site. Taoyuan Village is 76 kilometers away from the county seat of Yulong and serves as the location of the Taohua Village Committee. It is a semi-mountainous area with an elevation of 2,100 meters, an average annual temperature of 13°C, and an annual precipitation of 950 millimeters.

Ethnic Groups and Traditional Skills

Ethnic Groups

The primary inhabitants of Taoyuan Village are the Bai people, who make up 90% of the village population. Additionally, there are other ethnic minorities such as the Naxi, Lisu, Pumi, and Tibetan peoples. Known for their hospitality, love for singing, and dancing, the Bai people offer visitors a rich and authentic ethnic experience.

raditional Skills

Bai Traditional Architectural Skills: The traditional Bai residential buildings in Taoyuan Village are well-preserved. These buildings are mostly made of earth and wood, with tiled roofs and a layout of “three rooms with one screen wall” and “one main room with two wing rooms.” The ancient dragon and phoenix carvings, as well as the floral and bird decorations on the doors and windows, add to the village’s ancient charm.
Bai Embroidery: Bai embroidery is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, vibrant colors, and diverse patterns, holding high artistic value. Visitors can observe the embroidery process by Bai women and purchase exquisite embroidered handicrafts as souvenirs.
Dongba Culture: The surrounding areas of Taoyuan Village are rich in Naxi Dongba cultural resources. Dongba script, an ancient pictographic writing system of the Naxi people, is known as a “living pictograph.” Visitors can learn about the history and significance of Dongba culture through its writing and transmission.

Customs and Festivals

Customs

Sky Worship: The Bai people have a unique custom of sky worship. Every year around the beginning of summer, the Bai community holds a sky worship ceremony to pray for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and prosperity.
Summer Solstice Alkali Spring Custom: There is a unique spring in Shitou Township that produces alkaline water. Around the beginning of summer, the alkalinity and flow of the spring are at their strongest. Local Bai, Lisu, Naxi, and other ethnic groups come with water bottles and buckets to collect the “stinky water.” They also sing and dance around the spring, creating a lively atmosphere.
Fire Pit Culture: The fire pit culture is an essential part of Bai family life. In Bai households, the fire pit serves as the center of the family, symbolizing warmth and unity.

Festivals

Three Flowers Festival: The Three Flowers Festival is one of the most important festivals of the Naxi people, usually held on the eighth day of the second lunar month. Three Flowers is the protective deity of the Naxi people, and on this day, grand sacrificial activities are held to seek blessings from the deity. The festival features song and dance performances, traditional sports competitions, and other activities, making it a vibrant and festive occasion.
Torch Festival: The Torch Festival is a traditional festival of the Naxi people, usually held on the twenty-fifth day of the sixth lunar month. On this day, people light torches, symbolizing the expulsion of evil and the pursuit of peace. The festival includes bonfire parties, song and dance performances, and other activities, attracting many visitors to enjoy the festivities.

Ancient Architecture

Taoyuan Village was established in 1751 and was included in the first batch of traditional villages in China in 2013. The village is dotted with ancient buildings. The well-preserved Bai residential buildings and the surrounding pastoral scenery form a picturesque and tranquil scene. The century-old Qinglong Bridge (青龙古桥) within the village, with its weathered body, quietly guards the tranquility of this ancient village.

Tourist Attractions

Natural Scenery

Ancient Trees and Bridges: Taoyuan Village is built along the Chongjiang River (冲江河) bank and is surrounded by ancient trees and bridges. The beautiful scenery of the fields and mountains around Taoyuan offers picturesque views that are truly captivating.
Laojun Mountain: Taoyuan Village is located in the heart of Laojun Mountain within the core area of the “Three Parallel Rivers” World Natural Heritage site. The natural landscape here is stunning, with clear waters, lush mountains, and fresh air.

Tea Horse Road Relics

The surrounding areas of Taoyuan Village retain many relics of the mule tracks and caravan inns. Visitors can experience the fun of hiking the Tea Horse Road and feel the historical charm of the ancient route. Along the way, they can also visit old mule inns, tea shops, and other buildings to learn about the commercial culture and muleteer life of the Tea Horse Road.

Transportation

Self-Driving

Starting from the urban area of Lijiang, follow the Dali-Lijiang Expressway, G214, and Weili Line to Shitou Township, and then navigate to Taoyuan Village. The total distance is about 83 kilometers, with a driving time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The route is scenic and well-maintained, making it the best choice for traveling to Taoyuan Village.

Public Transportation

Take a bus from the passenger station in Lijiang City to Shitou Township. The journey takes about 2 hours. Upon arrival in Shitou Township, transfer to a local rural bus or taxi to Taoyuan Village, with a travel time of about 10 minutes.

Accommodation and Dining

 Accommodation

Taoyuan Village offers several traditional Bai-style guesthouses that provide an authentic ethnic accommodation experience. These guesthouses are beautifully decorated, well-equipped, and reasonably priced. Additionally, Shitou Township has a selection of hotels and inns with better facilities but slightly higher prices.

Dining

Bai Specialties: Taoyuan Village is home to a variety of Bai specialties, such as Bai barbecue, rice cakes, rice intestines, and flower cakes. Visitors can enjoy these authentic Bai dishes at local farmhouses to experience the rich Bai culinary culture.
Local Snacks: The village also has many snack stalls offering traditional Bai snacks, such as cheese slices and cold jelly. These snacks are unique in flavor and reasonably priced, making them worth trying.

Travel Tips

Best Travel Time: Taoyuan Village is suitable for travel all year round. Spring (March to May) is when the mountains are covered with blooming flowers; summer (June to August) is cool and refreshing; autumn (September to November) offers pleasant scenery; and winter (December to February) is the time to experience traditional Bai and Naxi festivals.
Cultural Experience: Respect local customs and actively participate in folk activities. Engage in friendly exchanges with local residents to gain a deeper understanding of Bai and Naxi culture and lifestyle.
Environmental Protection: Taoyuan Village boasts beautiful natural scenery. Visitors are encouraged to protect the environment by not littering, cherishing plants and trees, and preserving natural resources.
Safety Tips: When hiking the Tea Horse Road, pay attention to safety and choose appropriate routes and gear. If necessary, hire a local guide to ensure a safe and smooth journey.