Laowuzhou Li Village

Laowuzhou Li Village

Baisha is located in the central mountainous region of Hainan, surrounded by green mountains and clear waters, and is known as the "Cloud Sea Water Town." Among its many beautiful Li ethnic villages, such as Laowuzhou Village, which lies deep within the Songtao Reservoir area, the village is surrounded on three sides by water and is hailed as Hainan’s “Peach Blossom Spring.”

Several villages in Hainan have never had road access, and Laowuzhou Village is one of the more isolated Li ethnic mountain villages. Although there is no road and cars cannot enter directly, waterways are available. The village is located in the middle to upper reaches of the Songtao Reservoir in Hainan, and the reservoir area within Baisha County is locally referred to as the “Heavenly Lake.” This area remains clear all year round, and with its mountain-backed, lakeside scenery, it boasts uniquely beautiful landscapes.

It takes about 18 kilometers by waterway from Baisha County to Laowuzhou Village. Visitors take a boat from “Yagang Ferry,” with regular 16-person boats costing around 200–400 yuan (including round-trip fare), and each boat can accommodate up to 16 people. Travelers in smaller groups may find this less cost-effective. Sometimes there are so few tourists that it takes half a day just to gather enough passengers.

Visiting Laowuzhou Village is most difficult when it rains—first, because boating becomes dangerous, and second, because traveling around the village is inconvenient in wet weather.

From the dock to the village, there is still quite a long walk of about one kilometer. Along the way, you’ll pass through a nearly 100-meter-long banyan tree corridor, which gets very dark on rainy days. The visitor center is designed with distinct Li ethnic characteristics, featuring a large stone inscribed with the words “Heavenly Lake Li Village.”

The actual entrance gate to Laowuzhou Village displays a couplet reading: “A picturesque, poetic rainforest haze; brothers and sisters, the Wednesday Farmhouse.” Though the couplet is not perfectly composed, its meaning is clear—the Laowuzhou Village, nestled under lush green trees, is indeed as poetic and scenic as described.

There are a total of 18 households in the village. The village has 18 such two-story buildings, collectively constructed after relocation and renovation. Their exterior decorations are rich in Li ethnic features and elements, while the interiors are decorated similarly to urban homes.

In the center of the village is a small square, with the 18 buildings encircling it. Major events such as bonfire parties are usually held here. During the day, the square becomes a place where villagers sell local specialties such as wild mushrooms, honey, Shanlan rice wine, and wild vegetables.

Laowuzhou Village is actually situated on a peninsula surrounded by water on three sides. Behind the village lies Tianshan Mountain, which travelers say has beautiful scenery. However, due to rain, the dirt path leading up the mountain is slippery and difficult to climb. It is reported that the village currently has limited accommodation capacity, and overnight stays are generally in local family-run guesthouses. If there are many visitors, camping in tents within the village is the only option.