Transformation of Yuhu Village in SW China from poverty to prosperity
Wire desk byline Sourced from Xinhua, Dawn, Arab News, Anadolu and Minute Mirror. Translated and abridged by the GSRRA Desk.
A visitor takes photos at the visitor service center in Yuhu Village, Lijiang City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Jan. 18, 2026. Yuhu Village, nestled in Baisha Township of Yulong Naxi Autonomous County in the city of Lijiang in Yunnan, is one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi ethnic people. The village was once among the poorest villages in Lijiang because of its poor soil and limited transportation links.
In recent years, Yuhu has developed a distinct path that balances economic growth with environmental protection. Leveraging its well-preserved Naxi cultural heritage and exceptional natural scenery, the village has attracted visitors from around the world. At the same time, it has continued to improve infrastructure and public services, attracting a growing number of residents to return home for business.
In 2025, Yuhu Village welcomed about 1.2 million visits, generating 75 million yuan (10.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue — with the average income of locals increasing from 13,000 yuan (1,865 U.S. dollars) in 2019 to about 35,000 yuan (5,022 U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Gao Yongwei)
A drone photo taken from Yuhu Village shows a view of Yulong Snow Mountain, in Lijiang City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Jan. 17, 2026. Yuhu Village, nestled in Baisha Township of Yulong Naxi Autonomous County in the city of Lijiang in Yunnan, is one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi ethnic people. The village was once among the poorest villages in Lijiang because of its poor soil and limited transportation links.
In recent years, Yuhu has developed a distinct path that balances economic growth with environmental protection. Leveraging its well-preserved Naxi cultural heritage and exceptional natural scenery, the village has attracted visitors from around the world. At the same time, it has continued to improve infrastructure and public services, attracting a growing number of residents to return home for businesses.
In 2025, Yuhu Village welcomed about 1.2 million visits, generating 75 million yuan (10.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue — with the average income of locals increasing from 13,000 yuan (1,865 U.S. dollars) in 2019 to about 35,000 yuan (5,022 U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
Forest rangers of Yuhu Village conduct patrols at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain in Lijiang, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Jan. 18, 2026. Yuhu Village, nestled in Baisha Township of Yulong Naxi Autonomous County in the city of Lijiang in Yunnan, is one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi ethnic people. The village was once among the poorest villages in Lijiang because of its poor soil and limited transportation links.
In recent years, Yuhu has developed a distinct path that balances economic growth with environmental protection. Leveraging its well-preserved Naxi cultural heritage and exceptional natural scenery, the village has attracted visitors from around the world. At the same time, it has continued to improve infrastructure and public services, attracting a growing number of residents to return home for businesses.
In 2025, Yuhu Village welcomed about 1.2 million visits, generating 75 million yuan (10.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue — with the average income of locals increasing from 13,000 yuan (1,865 U.S. dollars) in 2019 to about 35,000 yuan (5,022 U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
A drone photo taken on Jan. 18, 2026 shows an exterior view of the visitor service center in Yuhu Village, Lijiang City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province. Yuhu Village, nestled in Baisha Township of Yulong Naxi Autonomous County in the city of Lijiang in Yunnan, is one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi ethnic people. The village was once among the poorest villages in Lijiang because of its poor soil and limited transportation links.
In recent years, Yuhu has developed a distinct path that balances economic growth with environmental protection. Leveraging its well-preserved Naxi cultural heritage and exceptional natural scenery, the village has attracted visitors from around the world. At the same time, it has continued to improve infrastructure and public services, attracting a growing number of residents to return home for business.
In 2025, Yuhu Village welcomed about 1.2 million visits, generating 75 million yuan (10.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue — with the average income of locals increasing from 13,000 yuan (1,865 U.S. dollars) in 2019 to about 35,000 yuan (5,022 U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Gao Yongwei)
A worker hooks tiles onto a crane at a construction site in Yuhu Village, Lijiang City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Jan. 18, 2026. Yuhu Village, nestled in Baisha Township of Yulong Naxi Autonomous County in the city of Lijiang in Yunnan, is one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi ethnic people. The village was once among the poorest villages in Lijiang because of its poor soil and limited transportation links.
In recent years, Yuhu has developed a distinct path that balances economic growth with environmental protection. Leveraging its well-preserved Naxi cultural heritage and exceptional natural scenery, the village has attracted visitors from around the world. At the same time, it has continued to improve infrastructure and public services, attracting a growing number of residents to return home for businesses.
In 2025, Yuhu Village welcomed about 1.2 million visits, generating 75 million yuan (10.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue — with the average income of locals increasing from 13,000 yuan (1,865 U.S. dollars) in 2019 to about 35,000 yuan (5,022 U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Gao Yongwei)
People work at the construction site of a homestay in Yuhu Village, Lijiang City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Jan. 17, 2026. Yuhu Village, nestled in Baisha Township of Yulong Naxi Autonomous County in the city of Lijiang in Yunnan, is one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi ethnic people. The village was once among the poorest villages in Lijiang because of its poor soil and limited transportation links.
In recent years, Yuhu has developed a distinct path that balances economic growth with environmental protection. Leveraging its well-preserved Naxi cultural heritage and exceptional natural scenery, the village has attracted visitors from around the world. At the same time, it has continued to improve infrastructure and public services, attracting a growing number of residents to return home for businesses.
In 2025, Yuhu Village welcomed about 1.2 million visits, generating 75 million yuan (10.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue — with the average income of locals increasing from 13,000 yuan (1,865 U.S. dollars) in 2019 to about 35,000 yuan (5,022 U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
A villager introduces the features of traditional Naxi architecture in Yuhu Village, Lijiang City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Jan. 17, 2026. Yuhu Village, nestled in Baisha Township of Yulong Naxi Autonomous County in the city of Lijiang in Yunnan, is one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi ethnic people. The village was once among the poorest villages in Lijiang because of its poor soil and limited transportation links.
In recent years, Yuhu has developed a distinct path that balances economic growth with environmental protection. Leveraging its well-preserved Naxi cultural heritage and exceptional natural scenery, the village has attracted visitors from around the world. At the same time, it has continued to improve infrastructure and public services, attracting a growing number of residents to return home for businesses.
In 2025, Yuhu Village welcomed about 1.2 million visits, generating 75 million yuan (10.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue — with the average income of locals increasing from 13,000 yuan (1,865 U.S. dollars) in 2019 to about 35,000 yuan (5,022 U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
A drone photo taken from Yuhu Village shows a sunrise view of Yulong Snow Mountain in Lijiang City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Jan. 18, 2026. Yuhu Village, nestled in Baisha Township of Yulong Naxi Autonomous County in the city of Lijiang in Yunnan, is one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi ethnic people. The village was once among the poorest villages in Lijiang because of its poor soil and limited transportation links.
In recent years, Yuhu has developed a distinct path that balances economic growth with environmental protection. Leveraging its well-preserved Naxi cultural heritage and exceptional natural scenery, the village has attracted visitors from around the world. At the same time, it has continued to improve infrastructure and public services, attracting a growing number of residents to return home for businesses.
In 2025, Yuhu Village welcomed about 1.2 million visits, generating 75 million yuan (10.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue — with the average income of locals increasing from 13,000 yuan (1,865 U.S. dollars) in 2019 to about 35,000 yuan (5,022 U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Gao Yongwei)
A senior citizen walks in Yuhu Village, Lijiang City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Jan. 17, 2026. Yuhu Village, nestled in Baisha Township of Yulong Naxi Autonomous County in the city of Lijiang in Yunnan, is one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi ethnic people. The village was once among the poorest villages in Lijiang because of its poor soil and limited transportation links.
In recent years, Yuhu has developed a distinct path that balances economic growth with environmental protection. Leveraging its well-preserved Naxi cultural heritage and exceptional natural scenery, the village has attracted visitors from around the world. At the same time, it has continued to improve infrastructure and public services, attracting a growing number of residents to return home for businesses.
In 2025, Yuhu Village welcomed about 1.2 million visits, generating 75 million yuan (10.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue — with the average income of locals increasing from 13,000 yuan (1,865 U.S. dollars) in 2019 to about 35,000 yuan (5,022 U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
People visit a horse farm in Yuhu Village, Lijiang City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Jan. 17, 2026. Yuhu Village, nestled in Baisha Township of Yulong Naxi Autonomous County in the city of Lijiang in Yunnan, is one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi ethnic people. The village was once among the poorest villages in Lijiang because of its poor soil and limited transportation links.
In recent years, Yuhu has developed a distinct path that balances economic growth with environmental protection. Leveraging its well-preserved Naxi cultural heritage and exceptional natural scenery, the village has attracted visitors from around the world. At the same time, it has continued to improve infrastructure and public services, attracting a growing number of residents to return home for businesses.
In 2025, Yuhu Village welcomed about 1.2 million visits, generating 75 million yuan (10.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue — with the average income of locals increasing from 13,000 yuan (1,865 U.S. dollars) in 2019 to about 35,000 yuan (5,022 U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
A drone photo taken from Yuhu Village shows a sunrise view of Yulong Snow Mountain, in Lijiang City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Jan. 18, 2026. Yuhu Village, nestled in Baisha Township of Yulong Naxi Autonomous County in the city of Lijiang in Yunnan, is one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi ethnic people. The village was once among the poorest villages in Lijiang because of its poor soil and limited transportation links.
In recent years, Yuhu has developed a distinct path that balances economic growth with environmental protection. Leveraging its well-preserved Naxi cultural heritage and exceptional natural scenery, the village has attracted visitors from around the world. At the same time, it has continued to improve infrastructure and public services, attracting a growing number of residents to return home for businesses.
In 2025, Yuhu Village welcomed about 1.2 million visits, generating 75 million yuan (10.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue — with the average income of locals increasing from 13,000 yuan (1,865 U.S. dollars) in 2019 to about 35,000 yuan (5,022 U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
Visitors hike in Yuhu Village, Lijiang City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Jan. 17, 2026. Yuhu Village, nestled in Baisha Township of Yulong Naxi Autonomous County in the city of Lijiang in Yunnan, is one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi ethnic people. The village was once among the poorest villages in Lijiang because of its poor soil and limited transportation links.
In recent years, Yuhu has developed a distinct path that balances economic growth with environmental protection. Leveraging its well-preserved Naxi cultural heritage and exceptional natural scenery, the village has attracted visitors from around the world. At the same time, it has continued to improve infrastructure and public services, attracting a growing number of residents to return home for businesses.
In 2025, Yuhu Village welcomed about 1.2 million visits, generating 75 million yuan (10.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue — with the average income of locals increasing from 13,000 yuan (1,865 U.S. dollars) in 2019 to about 35,000 yuan (5,022 U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
Visitors make pastries with flower filling in Yuhu Village, Lijiang City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Jan. 17, 2026. Yuhu Village, nestled in Baisha Township of Yulong Naxi Autonomous County in the city of Lijiang in Yunnan, is one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi ethnic people. The village was once among the poorest villages in Lijiang because of its poor soil and limited transportation links.
In recent years, Yuhu has developed a distinct path that balances economic growth with environmental protection. Leveraging its well-preserved Naxi cultural heritage and exceptional natural scenery, the village has attracted visitors from around the world. At the same time, it has continued to improve infrastructure and public services, attracting a growing number of residents to return home for businesses.
In 2025, Yuhu Village welcomed about 1.2 million visits, generating 75 million yuan (10.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue — with the average income of locals increasing from 13,000 yuan (1,865 U.S. dollars) in 2019 to about 35,000 yuan (5,022 U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
People visit the Yuhu Village of Lijiang City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Jan. 17, 2026. Yuhu Village, nestled in Baisha Township of Yulong Naxi Autonomous County in the city of Lijiang in Yunnan, is one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi ethnic people. The village was once among the poorest villages in Lijiang because of its poor soil and limited transportation links.
In recent years, Yuhu has developed a distinct path that balances economic growth with environmental protection. Leveraging its well-preserved Naxi cultural heritage and exceptional natural scenery, the village has attracted visitors from around the world. At the same time, it has continued to improve infrastructure and public services, attracting a growing number of residents to return home for business.
In 2025, Yuhu Village welcomed about 1.2 million visits, generating 75 million yuan (10.8 million U.S. dollars) in revenue — with the average income of locals increasing from 13,000 yuan (1,865 U.S. dollars) in 2019 to about 35,000 yuan (5,022 U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)
Reference link:- https://english.news.cn/20260119/193a5a40d4df4ffbb207d6075f4be1a0/c.html
Zamir Ahmed Awan is the founder and Chair of the Global Silk Route Research Alliance, a think tank in Islamabad. He studied engineering at Shanghai University in the 1980s, and years later he went back to China as Pakistan's science counsellor in Beijing, from 2010 until 2016, working on science and higher education cooperation between the two countries.…
