Shuhe

A Quiet Retreat at the Foot of the Snow Mountain

Located approximately 4 kilometers northwest of the main Lijiang Old Town (Dayan), Shuhe Ancient Town sits quietly at the foot of the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. With an altitude of about 2,400 meters, this ancient settlement is often described as the "clear and quiet version of Lijiang" and a "Living Museum of the Tea Horse Road". Unlike the bustling commercial energy of its larger neighbor, Shuhe retains a serene, pastoral atmosphere where the Naxi people live in harmony with flowing water and mountain shadows. As an important component of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site of Lijiang, Shuhe offers a rare glimpse into the authentic "fire and smoke" (daily life) of the Naxi people, making it a favorite destination for travelers seeking tranquility and a slower pace of life.

The Living History of the Tea Horse Road

Shuhe, historically known as "十和院" (Shihe Yuan) or "Longquan Village" (Dragon Spring Village), has a history dating back to the Tang Dynasty. It flourished as a crucial post station on the ancient Tea Horse Road, a trade network linking Yunnan to Tibet and beyond. In the Ming Dynasty, the Mu chieftains established a leatherworking center here, turning Shuhe into a hub for cobblers and leather goods. Today, visitors can explore the Tea Horse Road Museum located near Sifang Street. This museum, housed in the former "Tea and Horse Office," displays historical artifacts, leather tools, and murals that narrate the legendary journeys of the caravans that once traversed these rugged paths.

Hydro-Engineering and the Dragon Pool

1.The soul of: Shuhe lies in its water. The town is built around the Jiuding Dragon Pool (Jiuding Longtan), a crystal-clear spring that reflects the towering Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the surrounding ancient willows. The water from this pool winds through the village, feeding into a complex canal system that mirrors the layout of Lijiang Old Town but on a more intimate scale. A standout feature of local wisdom is the "Three-Eye Well" system, where spring water is divided into three pools: the upper for drinking, the middle for washing vegetables, and the lower for washing clothes, ensuring clean water usage for the community.

Architectural Highlights: Qinglong Bridge

Spanning the Qinglong River is the iconic Qinglong Bridge (Blue Dragon Bridge). Built during the Ming Dynasty, it is the largest and oldest stone arch bridge in the Lijiang area. The bridge's stone floor has been polished smooth by centuries of footsteps and horse hooves, standing as a silent witness to the town's commercial past. Standing on the bridge offers one of the most photogenic views in the region: the rushing water below and the snow-capped peaks of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain looming in the distance.

Cultural Immersion and Nightlife

2.At the heart of the town is Sifang: Street (Square Street), a traditional market square where bonfire dances are held at night. Visitors can join hands with locals to dance to traditional Naxi music, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. The town is also known for preserving the Dongba culture, with workshops dedicated to Dongba paper making and leather craft. While quieter than Lijiang, Shuhe has a refined artistic vibe, with boutique inns, cafes, and bars where travelers can enjoy a "Three Salmon Hot Pot" or simply listen to the sound of flowing water under the lantern-lit eaves.