If you want to experience the authentic life of the Naxi people and immerse yourself in their unique culture without the crowds of Lijiang and Shuhe Ancient Town, then Baisha Village is the perfect place to visit. Located at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baisha offers a more tranquil, less commercialized atmosphere where you can enjoy the peaceful daily life of the local people. Here’s everything you need to know about Baisha Village.

1. History of Baisha Village

Baisha Village has a long and fascinating history that stretches back more than 1,000 years. Once the center of political, economic, and cultural life in the region, it has played a key role in the development of the Naxi people and their unique culture.

1.1 Ancient Roots

• Tang Dynasty (618–907): The construction of Baisha Village began during the Tang Dynasty, establishing it as an important settlement.
• Song & Yuan Dynasties (960–1368): Baisha reached its peak, becoming a prosperous center of trade and culture. The town flourished under the Mu Family, who governed the region.
• Ming Dynasty (1368–1644): Although the Mu Family moved the capital to Lijiang Old Town (then known as Dayan Town), Baisha remained an important religious hub. During this period, several temples were built in the village, and the famous Baisha Murals were created.

1.2 Cultural Significance

Baisha Village was home to the Mu Family Governors and played a central role in the development of the Naxi culture. Today, it offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing traditional Naxi architecture, religion, and art.

2. Baisha Village Attractions

Baisha Village is known for its beautiful scenery, traditional architecture, and historical sites. Whether you’re strolling through the village or visiting its famous Baisha Murals, there’s much to explore.

2.1 Baisha Murals

The Baisha Murals are one of the main attractions of Baisha Village, providing a deep insight into the artistic and religious history of the region. These murals were created between the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911) by a variety of artists, including Han, Tibetan, and Naxi painters. The murals reflect the fusion of different cultures and religious influences, including Buddhism, Taoism, and local Naxi beliefs.

• Significance: The murals depict religious figures such as Buddha and Four Heavenly Kings, as well as daily life scenes, animals, and plants.
• Where to See: You can find murals in various temples in Baisha, with the most notable collection housed in Dabaoji Palace.

2.2 Dabaoji Palace

Built in 1582 during the Ming Dynasty, the Dabaoji Palace is one of the most important historical buildings in Baisha. The palace features a number of intricate murals that cover religious themes and daily life. It is a great place to explore if you want to learn more about the Naxi culture and their religious practices.

• Murals: Inside Dabaoji Palace, there are 12 murals depicting 167 different figures, including Buddha, the Four Heavenly Kings, and scenes from local life.
• Historical Significance: Dabaoji Palace is a blend of Tibetan Buddhism and Naxi culture, making it a perfect example of the region's rich cultural diversity.

2.3 Fuguo Temple

Fuguo Temple, once located in Baisha Village, now resides in Black Dragon Pool Park in Lijiang for visitor convenience. The temple was the ‘Mother Temple’ of Lijiang and is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. The ruins of the original temple in Baisha are worth a visit, offering a chance to explore the history of Tibetan Buddhism in the region.

2.4 Local Handicrafts and Embroidery

Baisha Village is famous for its traditional Naxi handicrafts, including tie-dye textiles and embroidery. You can visit local workshops where the Mu Family Embroidery School continues to teach and produce beautiful Naxi embroidery. This traditional art form is unique to the Naxi people and different from other forms of Chinese embroidery like Su Embroidery.

• Embroidery School: Visit the local Mu Family Embroidery School to admire the exquisite Naxi embroidery and learn more about its cultural significance.

2.5 The Naxi People's Daily Life

Baisha Village is less commercialized than Lijiang, so you can get a true sense of the peaceful daily life of the Naxi people. Wander through the streets to see local women making handicrafts, men working the land, and children playing. The village offers a serene, slower pace of life compared to the hustle and bustle of Lijiang, making it a great spot to relax and connect with local culture.

3. Festivals and Cultural Events

3.1 Local Festivals

Baisha Village is home to a number of local festivals, the most notable being held on the twelfth day of the first lunar month. During this time, the village hosts sacrifices to the Gods, and people from Lijiang and beyond gather to celebrate. If you’re interested in experiencing traditional Naxi culture, this is the best time to visit.

• Festival Highlights: The East Street of Baisha is filled with sacrificial ceremonies, and locals gather in the village for religious celebrations.

4. Dining in Baisha Village

Baisha Village offers several cafes and Naxi cuisine restaurants. If you’re craving something more familiar, there’s also Western food available, such as pizza at the Here Restaurant. Naxi cuisine is flavorful and hearty, with dishes like pork stew, yak meat, and hand-pulled noodles.

5. How to Get to Baisha Village

Baisha Village is located just 8 kilometers north of Lijiang Old Town, and it is easily accessible by several modes of transport:

• By Public Transport: You can take the Baisha Village Special Tourist Line from Minzhu Road in Lijiang. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle or walk from Shuhe to Baisha, which takes around 30 minutes by bike.
• By Car: From Lijiang Old Town, Baisha Village can be reached by taxi or private car in about 20 minutes.

6. Practical Information

• Entrance Fee: Visiting Baisha Village itself is free, but there is a CNY 20 fee to visit the murals in the temples.
• Opening Hours: The village is open all day, while the murals can be visited from 08:00 to 18:00.

Baisha Village in Lijiang offers a peaceful, authentic experience that allows you to explore the Naxi culture, history, and art without the crowds. Whether you're admiring the Baisha Murals, visiting ancient temples, or simply enjoying the traditional lifestyle of the Naxi people, Baisha provides a rare glimpse into a way of life that has been preserved for centuries. It’s a must-visit destination for those seeking an immersive cultural experience in Yunnan Province.