A Secluded Mountain Village by the Nu River
Wuli Village: A Paradise in the Nu River Grand Canyon
Deep within the Nu River Grand Canyon lies a fairyland-like village—Wuli Village.
This small village of only 46 households is home to five ethnic groups: Tibetan, Nu, Dulong, Lisu, and Han. They practice Tibetan Buddhism, Catholicism, Christianity, and indigenous religions, showcasing a harmonious blend of diverse cultures.
🚍To reach roadless Wuli Village, you first need to park your car at Chaohong Bridge. The northernmost suspension bridge on the Nu River, Chaohong Bridge consists of four bridges, old and new, standing side by side, witnessing the passage of time. After crossing the bridge on foot, you'll feel like a member of a former horse caravan as you walk along the Tea Horse Road carved into the cliffside to enter this mountainside village.
💡Wuli Village, also known as "Wengli," has completely preserved its original appearance and traditional way of life. The houses here are built with local materials, primarily dry-column wooden houses and earthen-walled houses with stone-slab roofs. These weathered houses, scattered at different heights, are divided into three levels: the lower level for livestock, the middle for living quarters, and the upper level for drying and storage, fully embodying the traditional architectural style of the Nu people. Surrounding the houses are fields of corn, rapeseed, and buckwheat, where villagers in Nu attire work the land, creating a vibrant rural scene.
🏠As the ancestral home of the Nu people, Wuli Village still retains its traditional appearance and lifestyle. Every household engages in farming and weaving. The Dulong blanket (Nu blanket), known as "clothing by day, quilt by night," is a traditional Dulong (Nu) adornment. The women are skilled in traditional weaving techniques, blending plant dyes and fibers. On sunny days, they sit in their courtyards weaving colorful cloths. The exquisite patterns and vibrant colors showcase the unique charm of the Nu people.
⛰️The Nu River region is characterized by high mountains and deep valleys. Only corn and buckwheat can grow on the steep slopes.
🍜This has long shaped the dietary habits of the Nu and Lisu people, who primarily eat corn and buckwheat. They enjoy drinking lacquer oil tea, are fond of alcohol, and prefer sour and spicy flavors. Their cooking preserves the "stone cooking" technique and they excel at stewing. If you have time, join the locals around the fire pit, play the Nu pipa, and savor Nu delicacies like stone-baked baba for an unforgettable experience.
⛺️Jixiashan Wuli Camp is divided into two parts.
The part located by the G219 road is easily accessible, with a clearly visible "Jixiashan Nu River Shiye Nomadic" sign. Enter the lobby here for a cup of aromatic coffee. This space also serves as the Wuli Village Tourist Center, where you can learn about local customs and geography.
For travelers entering Tibet from Bingchacha, this is also a great place to stock up on outdoor supplies. The Songlu Freedom Restaurant is located behind the coffee bar, offering affordable and delicious meals. The 9 rooms downstairs feature a modern, minimalist industrial design, with windows overlooking the Nu River and Wuli Village. The roaring river creates a stunning and captivating view.
Jixiashan's Artist Residence is located in Wuli Village across the river. The wooden houses are built strictly according to the structure of local dwellings, blending seamlessly with the village's scattered wooden and tiled houses. It's hard to distinguish them without careful observation. Transporting even a single log is extremely difficult in this roadless village, which explains why it took two years to build a wooden house. Every piece of furniture and decoration in the wooden house reflects great care. The sofas, wooden doors, and desks are warm to the touch. The washbasins and mirrors are iron artworks by Dali artists, their weight making it hard to imagine how they were brought in. Maintaining these guesthouses is also quite challenging. Currently, dining here is inconvenient, with meals available only at villagers' homes or at Wuli Camp across the river. However, a larger wooden communal area is under construction in the village, with the exterior almost complete. Once finished, it will provide more convenient dining options for guests and be open to all visitors to Wuli Village.
Stepping into Wuli Village feels like entering a world apart. Here, there's no urban hustle and bustle, only tranquil countryside scenery, simple folk customs, and a rich cultural heritage.
📷Must-see attractions in Wuli Village:
1. Traditional residential buildings: Primarily unique dry-column wooden houses and earthen-walled houses with stone-slab roofs, scattered at different heights, showcasing the traditional architectural style and lifestyle of the Nu people.
2. Countryside scenery: Fields of corn, rapeseed, and buckwheat complement the surrounding houses, creating a beautiful rural landscape.
3. Traditional handicraft workshops: Witness Nu women weaving Dulong blankets (Nu blankets) and experience the charm of traditional craftsmanship.
4. Chaohong Bridge: The northernmost suspension bridge on the Nu River, with four bridges, old and new, standing together, a testament to the development and changes in local transportation.
5. Tea Horse Road: The cliffside path once traversed by horse caravans offers a glimpse into history.
6. Fire pit: Gather around the fire pit with locals, experience their way of life, and learn about Nu culture.