The Source of Naxi Soul: Exploring the Sacred Waters and Dongba Culture at Yushuizhai

The Source of Lijiang

1.Located at the southern foot of the majestic: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, approximately 15 kilometers north of Lijiang Ancient Town, lies the serene and culturally significant Yushuizhai (Jade Water Village). Sitting at an altitude of 2,500 meters, this scenic area is not only a landscape of breathtaking beauty but also the spiritual heart of the Naxi people. It is widely recognized as the "Source of Dongba Culture" and the "Source of Lijiang," serving as a vital heritage base where the ancient traditions of the Naxi people are preserved and displayed.

The Legend of the Dragon Water

2.The soul of: Yushuizhai is its crystal-clear spring water, which originates from the glacial meltwater of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Filtering through layers of rock over countless years, the water emerges here as a "God's Spring." The landscape is dominated by the spectacular "God Dragon Three Cascades" (Shenlong Sandieshui). Utilizing the natural terrain, the spring water cascades into three distinct pools: the first is the "Dragon Out Spring" (Chulong), representing the birth of the water; the second is the "Dragon Play Spring" (Xilong), where the water gathers vitality; and the third is the "Dragon Spit Spring" (Tulong), from which the water flows out to nourish the Lijiang basin. The water is so pure that it supports a thriving population of rainbow trout and golden trout, which visitors can see swimming in the clear pools.

A Sanctuary of Dongba Culture

Yushuizhai is the core exhibition center for Dongba Culture, the unique religious and social system of the Naxi people. The village houses the Dongba Shiluo Hall, a temple dedicated to the founder of the Dongba religion. Surrounding the cultural areas are the magnificent Dongba Murals, which use traditional artistic techniques to vividly depict the Naxi worldview, religious beliefs, and scenes of production and daily life. Furthermore, the village preserves the "Heaven Sacrifice Field" (Heihuan), a solemn site where the Naxi people conduct their most important ritual—worshipping Heaven—demonstrating their deep reverence for the cosmos and nature.

Living Fossils of Music and Tradition

Beyond its static monuments, Yushuizhai is a place of living history. It is a guardian of Baisha Fine Music (Baisha Xiyue), a classical form of Naxi orchestral music that is considered a "living fossil" in the world of music history. Visitors can often hear these ancient melodies played by elder musicians in the village. The scenic area also features traditional folk courtyards that showcase Naxi lifestyle customs, such as weaving and wine-making. The architecture throughout the village seamlessly integrates traditional Naxi styles with the surrounding mountain environment, perfectly embodying the Dongba philosophy of harmony between "Man and Nature".