Known as the last settlement of the Naxi people before the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yu Hu Village is famous for its cobblestone streets and traditional stone houses.
Today, the village has a growing collection of cozy coffee shops and tea houses, where visitors can sip a warm drink while enjoying panoramic views of the mountain and the tranquil countryside.
We came to visit this place after spending the morning exploring Blue Moon Valley at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
We were drawn to a particular cobblestone and glass coffee shop called Xing 行. Its interior was modern and clean, its cobblestone exterior retained a rustic charm, blending in with the traditional homes scattered throughout the rest of the village.
The coffee choices were mind-blowing (and all written in Chinese!), but I ended up going with just a simple flat white.
I continue to be awed by the sophistication of the coffee culture here.
We hiked to the top to get a view of Jade Lake (玉湖, “yu hu”) itself.
This area, away from the tourists of Lijiang old town, offers a different kind of peaceful retreat.
We took our time exploring this place.
There were so many hidden corners that just possessed so much character.
We bought these beautiful handmade flower garlands from Naxi women selling them for less than $2 USD a piece.
Near the end of our trip we even found a bakery selling French pastries. It was such a juxtaposition: a tiny village nestled in the mountains with horses, fresh flowers, cobblestone walls, as well as gourmet pour over coffee and French croissants.
On our way out, we spotted a sign that said “Naxi Secret Land: Yu Hu Village” (那溪秘境玉湖村).
So glad they let us explore and enjoy their “secret” land.
Posts in this Lijiang Series
Lijiang China Trip Report: Lijiang Old Town
Blue Moon Valley of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang, China
Yu Hu Village in Lijiang, China 玉湖村
Baisha Village in Lijiang, China 白沙村
