Jade Lake in Yuhu Village, Lijiang

Jade Lake in Yuhu Village, Lijiang

Chinese Name:玉湖村玉湖水库
English Name:  Yuhu Reservior or Jade Lake in Yuhu Village, Lijiang
Chinese Pinying: Yu Hu Cun Yu Hu Shui Ku
Keywords: Jade Lake, the wonderland, Naxi culture
Location: Located in Yuhu Village, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City
Admission Fee: Free for village and lake visiting, but charge 15 for Locke’s formal residence,
Scenic Area Level: AA
Opening Hours:  08：00-18：00

More Picture

Overview | Destination Highlights

Among all the famous spots in Lijiang, Yuhu Village (also known as Xuesong Village) remains wonderfully low-key.
Perched at about 2,700 meters above sea level, it nestles against the majestic 5,596-meter Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Meltwater from the glaciers forms the stunning Dragon Lady Lake (Yuhu Reservoir).

With blooming flowers in spring, cool retreats in summer, golden hues in autumn, and snowy reflections in winter, this village is truly picturesque year-round — often hailed as the “last pure land at the foot of the snow mountain.” 🌸❄️🍂🌞

Location & Geography

Where is Yuhu Village?

Administrative Area: Yuhu Village, Baisha Town, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province

Distance Reference:

From Lijiang Old Town (Big Waterwheel): 18 km, about 30–40 min by car

From Lijiang Sanyi Airport: 45 km, about 1 hour by car

Terrain & Climate

Typical highland basin

Annual average temperature is 6–7°C cooler than Lijiang Old Town

Strong UV radiation and significant day-night temperature difference — pack accordingly! 😎🌡️

Attractions & Activities

Dragon Lady Lake (Yuhu Reservoir)

Panoramic 360° unobstructed reflections of the snow-capped mountains

Capture breathtaking sunrises, sea of clouds, and starry skies ✨🌄

Iconic “Lonely Leaning Tree” with loungers — perfect for that “end of the world” photo 📸

Yuhu Village Stone Ancient Town

Traditional Naxi dwellings built from century-old glacial stones

Stone walls and roofs provide excellent earthquake resistance and insulation

Known as a living museum of Naxi architecture 🏠🪨

Joseph Rock Former Residence

Visit the home of American-Austrian botanist Joseph Rock, who authored Ancient Naxi Kingdom of Southwest China here in the 1930s

Entry fee: 10 RMB

Yuzhu Qingtian Scenic Area

Ancient trees, cliff inscriptions, and highland springs

Entry fee: 20 RMB (half price with student ID)

Climb up for panoramic views of the Lijiang basin

Easy Hiking Route

Yuhu Village → Gan Haizi (12 km)

Walk through yak pastures and spruce forests

Enjoy free views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain’s east slope

Horse Riding Experience

Local villagers offer horse rides around the lake or up the mountain

Price: approx. 80–120 RMB per person, including photos 🐎📷

Transportation Guide

Mode Route Duration Cost Estimate
Taxi/Drive Old Town → Yuhu Village Visitor Center 30–40 min Taxi: ~60–80 RMB
Bus Bus #17 from Xiangshan Market (Old Town) 1 hour 5 RMB/person; runs 7:40–18:00, ~every 40 min; last return bus 19:00
Private Car Book via Old Town guesthouses 4 hours round trip 150–200 RMB/car, can share
Shuttle Bus Visitor Center → Dragon Lady Lake 10 min 10 RMB one way; 50 min walk alternative

Tip: After 5 PM, return transport options decrease. Plan your return trip in advance. ⏰🚗

Food & Accommodation

Must-Try Local Flavors

Naxi Grilled Tofu: Crispy outside, tender inside, dipped in chili powder — 8 RMB/serving

Chicken Bean Jelly, Rice Sausage, Smoked Pork Hotpot: Around 40–60 RMB per person

Unique Snacks: Fried bamboo worms, water dragonflies — crispy, high protein, 20–40 RMB/serving 🐛🍢

Qingke Barley Wine: Slightly sweet and pleasantly intoxicating — 20 RMB/pot

Recommended Restaurants

Snow Pine Inn home-style meals

“Snow Mountain Fish House” in mid-village — fresh-cut rainbow trout

Lakeside Cafés: White Page Coffee, Snow Mountain View Terrace — hand-brewed coffee 30–40 RMB ☕️

Accommodation Options

Luxury: Villa Yulu · Xuesong Courtyard — designer stone hotel, ~1000 RMB/night, direct snow mountain views 🏔️

Mid-range: Boutique guesthouses in the village, 300–500 RMB/night

Budget: Old Town guesthouses (good for nightlife), 100–200 RMB/night

Travel Tips & Practical Info

Best Visiting Seasons:

May to October for cool weather and flowers

November to March for “Golden Sun on Snow” and snowy landscapes ❄️🌞

Clothing Advice:

Strong highland UV — bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a windbreaker

Large temperature swings — pack fleece or warm layers

Entrance Fees:

Yuhu Village & Dragon Lady Lake: Free

Joseph Rock Residence: 10 RMB

Yuzhu Qingtian Scenic Area: 20 RMB (half-price for students)

Altitude Alert: At 2,700 m, avoid strenuous exercise and stay hydrated 💧

Eco-friendly Reminder: Dragon Lady Lake is a drinking water source — no swimming or littering allowed ♻️

Suggested One-Day Itinerary (Reverse possible)

08:30 Depart Lijiang Old Town

09:15 Arrive at Yuhu Village

09:30 Stroll and photograph the Stone Ancient Town

10:00 Horse ride or walk to Dragon Lady Lake

11:00 Photo stop at “Lonely Tree” + coffee by the lake

12:30 Lunch at Snow Pine Inn

13:30 Easy hike at Yuzhu Qingtian Scenic Area

15:00 Visit Joseph Rock Former Residence

16:00 Return to Old Town for evening stroll and Big Waterwheel night views

Ready for Your Private Encounter with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain? ❄️📸

Yuhu Village awaits — a serene paradise still untouched by mass tourism.
Grab your camera, pack your bags, and step into this hidden gem at the foot of the snow mountain!

Save this guide, share it with your travel buddies, and start planning your unforgettable “hidden paradise” journey today!