Xiguan Village of Qihe Town in Gucheng District, Lijiang

Geographic Location

Xiguan Village (西关村) belongs to the Gonghe Village Committee (共和村委会) of Qihe Town (七河镇), Gucheng District (古城区), Lijiang City (丽江市). Situated on gentle slopes at the edge of the Lijiang Basin (丽江坝子), this semi-mountainous area is surrounded by rice fields and faces water bodies like Huanglongtan (黄龙潭), Fodihai (佛地海), and Yanggong River (漾弓江).

Distance from downtown Lijiang: ~17 km south via Lihe Highway (丽鹤公路).

Qihe Town's borders:

• East: Daan Township (大安乡), Yongsheng County (永胜县)
• West: Jinjiang Township (金江乡), Gucheng District
• South: Xintun Township (辛屯乡), Heqing County (鹤庆县)
• North: Jinshan Bai Ethnic Township (金山白族乡) and Jin'an Township (金安乡)

Proximity to attractions: Adjacent to the west side of 4A-rated Guanyin Gorge Scenic Area (观音峡).

Ethnic Groups & Traditional Crafts

Ethnic Groups

Xiguan Village is predominantly inhabited by the Naxi (纳西族), alongside Bai (白族) and Han (汉族) communities. Their harmonious coexistence has shaped a distinctive regional culture reflected in customs, architecture, and crafts.

Traditional Crafts

Naxi Copperware

With origins tracing back to the Han Dynasty (汉代), this craft flourished during the Ming Dynasty (明代) when local artisans gifted a "brass tumbler lock" (黄铜挑簧锁) to explorer Xu Xiake (徐霞客). Naxi copperware, renowned for its durability and intricate designs, remains essential in daily life and is prized by neighboring ethnic groups, especially Tibetans (藏族). Visitors can:

Observe workshops preserving this craft.

Try simple copper-smithing.

Customize souvenirs.

Naxi Architecture

Matured by the mid-Ming Dynasty, traditional Naxi building techniques feature:

Layouts: "Three Wings and One Screen Wall" (三坊一照壁), "Quadrangle with Five Courtyards" (四合五天井).

Crafts: Woodwork, stone masonry, tile roofing, and painted decorations.

Village structure: Interconnected courtyards and winding alleys showcasing Naxi aesthetics.
Tip: Engage with local carpenters to learn about cultural nuances.

Customs & Festivals

Sanduo Festival (三朵节)

Held on the 8th day of the 2nd lunar month, this festival honors Sanduo (三朵), the Naxi guardian deity. Activities include:

Rituals at Sanduo Temple (三朵庙).

Horse racing, archery, and folk performances.
Visitor tip: Join the celebrations to experience Naxi spirituality and joy.

Torch Festival (火把节)

Celebrated on the 24th of the 6th lunar month by multiple ethnic groups:

Torch-lit streets and bonfire dances.

Symbolic rituals to ward off pests and welcome harvests.
Experience: Dance with locals around the flames.

Naxi Weddings

Multi-stage ceremonies featuring:

Dongba (东巴) priest-led sky-worshipping rituals.

Bridal "crying farewell" customs.

Song duels and symbolic acts like stepping over a saddle.
Note: Observe with permission to appreciate this cultural heritage.

Ancient Architecture

Mu Family Courtyard (木家别院)

Located in Guanyin Gorge (观音峡), this historical tax office exemplifies:

Classic Naxi layouts (e.g., hexagonal doors, honeycomb-patterned walls).

Ming-era political and economic significance under Mu chieftains (木土司).

Traditional Dwellings

Materials: Timber frames, adobe/brick walls, and gray-tiled roofs.

Artistry: Carvings of flora, fauna, and myths on beams/doorframes.

Cultural touches: Landscape paintings on screen walls.
Wander the alleys to feel the timeless architectural harmony.

Historical Connections

While no major figures originated here, Xiguan Village witnessed:

Xu Xiake's (徐霞客) visit, who dubbed Qiu Pass (邱塘关) "Lijiang’s Key."

Red Army's (红军) 1936 march under He Long (贺龙) and Ren Bishi (任弼时).
Trace these footsteps to connect with China’s revolutionary past.

Tourism Resources

Natural Landscapes

Guanyin Gorge (观音峡)

Highlights: Huanglong Spring Waterfall (黄龙泉瀑布), electric monorail rides (1.2 km; 30m elevation drop), and boat tours.

Tagline: "Lijiang’s Premier Scenic Spot."

Countryside Vistas

Seasonal rice-field panoramas offer:

Spring’s greenery → Summer’s lush waves → Autumn’s golden harvest → Winter’s serenity.
Try farming activities (e.g., planting/harvesting) if seasonally available.

Cultural Attractions

Tea-Horse Road Relics

History: Ming-Qing era trading post with preserved stone paths and caravan stops.

Imagine mule trains laden with tea and salt along these ancient trails.

Folk Experiences

Cuisine: Taste jidou liangfen (鸡豆凉粉) and Lijiang baba (丽江粑粑).

Handicrafts: Dongba papermaking/painting demonstrations.

Performances: Join alili (阿哩哩) dances or datiao (打跳) gatherings.

Transportation Guide

By Car

From downtown Lijiang: 25-min drive (17 km; search "Xiguan Village, Qihe Town").

From Lijiang Airport: 10-min drive (6 km).
Scenic route: Enjoy basin countryside views.

Public Bus

Routes:

• 27 (Wufeng Meiyuan ⇆ Guanyin Gorge) or 107 (Bailong Square ⇆ Guanyin Gorge).

From airport: Transfer via Bus 27.
Note: Walk 10–15 mins from Guanyin Gorge stop to village.

Taxi/Charter

Fares:

• Downtown → Xiguan: ¥50–80.
• Airport → Xiguan: ¥20–30.
  Negotiate prices with drivers in advance.