Jiazi Ecovillage (Lijiang, Yunnan)

Jiazi Ecovillage (Lijiang, Yunnan)

Discover Naxi village life through homestays, food and cultural workshops that support local livelihoods and protect living traditions with care.

OUR EXPERIENCES

Jiazi Ecovillage offers a three-day, two-night small-group stay in a Naxi, Miao, and Han village at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Guests sleep in restored courtyards and enjoy farm-to-table meals made with village-grown food. Experiences include vegetarian cooking, baking, Naxi calligraphy, embroidery, herbal tea, tofu-making, Naxi and Miao dance, farm activities with villagers, and mountain hikes. Every visit supports local livelihoods, cultural continuity, and care for the land.

ABOUT US

Jiazi is a multi-ethnic village in Daju Township, Lijiang, where half the homes once stood empty. Villagers old and new have restored seven courtyards and a farm, with an eighth planned, and are developing an eco-culinary academy combining sustainable farming, food culture, ecological education, and cross-cultural exchange.

IMPACT

Numeiyouyou, a majority women-owned company led by CEO Teresa Chuang, shares decisions with village leaders and the residents’ committee. Households earn rent and wages, keeping tourism income in the village.

In the past 12 months, 16 villagers—four full-time and 12 part-time—worked at least 630 days. Participating households’ income rose an estimated 30% or more, checked against payroll. Seven previously empty courtyards have been restored. Elders share Naxi and Miao tofu-making, dance, and seasonal customs with guests.

Environmental practices include composting kitchen waste, reusing salvaged materials, collecting rainwater, providing refillable water containers, and growing food on approximately two acres of chemical-free farmland. Guests and villagers also learn through farming, cooking, and ecological education. More than 40 team members and villagers are supported through training and sustainability initiatives.

DETAILS

To learn more, contact: jiaziecovillage@gmail.com

What are your minimum and maximum group sizes?

Minimum 6; maximum 15.

Do you require visitors to pre-book?

Yes. Book at least 30 days in advance.

Do you have group rates?

Yes.

Do you pay commissions to travel advisors?

Yes.

What languages do you offer your services in?

English and Mandarin.

When are you open?

Open year-round by advance booking, at least 30 days ahead. Spring brings fresh greenery, summer is best for outdoor exploring, autumn is harvest time, and winter is quieter, with some outdoor activities adjusted for weather.

What accommodations do you make for people living with disabilities?

Wheelchair access is currently limited due to stone paths and courtyards on several levels. Guests with other needs are welcome to contact the organization in advance to discuss adaptations to rooms, meals, activities, and transfers where possible.