A narrow and long lane at Guyu village in Lijiang, Yunnan province [Photo by Li Xiucun/ Yunnan Daily]

Guyu Village, an ancient village located at Lijiang’s Sina county, is known for its intact architecture and layout. The village is shaped like a hoof.

In history, Guyu Village had abundant water and was known as a land of idyllic beauty. A bridge named Cloud Valley Bridge was the only path into the village.

You can find different lanes further in the village. It is like a maze where people find it difficult to find their directions, not to mention the exit. Newlywed wives found it difficult to find the way back home after getting water from the well.

In ancient times, Guyu village was the only way to go to Jinjiang Street. So business people were often found passing by. They also found it difficult to walk outside the village, thinking one path was the way out that turned out to be a blind alley.

To date, the village has 1510 people from 401 households, most of whom are of Han ethnicity. “There are no modern buildings in the entire village,” said Gaojinshan. The architecture of Guyu villagehas unique characteristics. All the newly constructed houses must be built on the other side of the river. Thus, the original style remains intact.

Villagers such as Li Wenhao and Li Wenfu, have special techniques to make tobacco pipes. There are a lot of people who come to the village, specifically to buy their tobacco pipes.

The villagers also have many recreational activities. “There are musical performing groups, a dance group and a dragon boat festival, ”said Qiu Jicheng, head of the cultural department of Sina village.