Yuhu Village (玉湖村) is a traditional Naxi settlement nestled at the southern foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, about 15–20 km north of Lijiang Old Town. Often called “the first village under the snow-capped mountain,” it sits at roughly 2,700–3,200 m above sea level and is reached by a 30–40-minute taxi or shuttle ride (¥60–80 taxi; ¥10 public tourism shuttle) .

What makes it special

Architecture: Houses are built from a local “monkey-head” stone (a mix of rock and dried earth) with cobble-stone lanes; many rooftops display small wooden fish—an old Naxi talisman against fire .

Scenery: Jade Lake (玉湖), an artificial Ming-era reservoir, mirrors the snow mountain; morning light turns the water turquoise and gold .

Joseph Rock’s former home: The Austrian-American botanist/Nat-Geo explorer lived here 1922-49; his wooden residence is now a small museum (¥10) filled with period photos and plant specimens .

Activities: horse treks on the old Tea-Horse trail (¥68–168), Dongba papermaking workshop (¥88), sunrise hike to Dripping-Water Rock, and new-wave cafés serving high-altitude coffee .

Quiet authenticity: Despite rising visitor numbers (summer 2025 daily >1,500), the village retains a slower, rural feel compared with Lijiang or Shuhe; cars stop at the gate, so you explore on foot .

Practical notes

Open all day; no ticket for the village itself, but a ¥30 environmental fee is collected on the shuttle and some checkpoints .

Dress in layers—temperatures swing sharply under the glacier—and bring sun protection (UV is strong at 3,000 m) .

Combine with Baisha or Jade-Dragon Snow Mountain scenic spots; 3–5 h is enough for a relaxed visit, or stay overnight in one of the stone-inn courtyards .

In short, Yuhu offers cobble-stone lanes, stone houses glowing against snow peaks, a slice of Naxi daily life, and the lingering spirit of Joseph Rock—all within an easy half-day hop from Lijiang.