A Nature-Retreat Homestay Perfect for Summer Escapes YYDS

Located in Lujiazhai Village, Baoji Township, Panzhou City, this distinctive traditional Buyi ethnic village is also the lowest-altitude minority village in Panzhou.

Lujiazhai Village is dotted with ancient banyan trees, earning it the reputation as the "Hometown of Ancient Banyans." The village boasts over 60 ancient banyans, most aged several hundred years. The most renowned is the 1,600-year-old Banyan King, with a trunk diameter of over 10 meters, a height of 20+ meters, and a crown resembling a giant umbrella, covering 1,641 square meters. It presents a surreal spectacle of trees growing on trees, vines entwining trunks, and intricate roots. Another highlight is the 750-year-old Couple Banyan, where two trees grew from one root system and later sprouted two smaller banyans, forming a heart-shaped hollow between the trunks while their roots spread across the hillside.

**Ethnic Culture & Traditions**

- **Beliefs**: The Buyi villagers worship neither Buddha nor temples but revere mountain deities and forests, honoring nature.
- **Festivals**: On the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month and the 6th day of the 6th lunar month, families conduct rituals to honor ancient trees like the Couple Banyan. The 6th day of the 6th lunar month is the grandest, marked by feasts, singing, dancing, and sacrifices under the banyans.

**Natural & Cultural Landscapes**

- **Nature**: Beyond the banyans, the village is surrounded by canyons, terraced fields, and streams like the Gesuo River Grand Canyon. Vast rice paddies encircle the Buyi settlement, fragrant with blossoms in autumn.
- **Culture**: The village preserves rustic architecture, including a circular stone "Flower-Dancing Platform." Stone bridges and traditional homes create a serene, timeless ambiance.

**Accommodation & Experiences**

- **Pillowstay·Pillow Mountains & Rivers Canyon Glamping Resort**: Nestled in Lujiazhai, this luxury retreat combines lodging, dining, photography, culture, and wellness. Rooms feature minimalist decor, panoramic windows, balconies, and loungers to soak in canyon views. Amenities include breakfast for two, welcome snacks, local hotpot, and shuttle service from Pu'an County HSR Station. Guests can also borrow Hanfu costumes, tea sets, instruments, and books.
- **Activities**: Stroll through ancient paths, admire banyans and fields, or hike the Gesuo River Grand Canyon. Try traditional Song-style tea ceremonies or mountain concerts.

Lujiazhai remains unspoiled, offering an off-the-beaten-path escape for those seeking tranquility, nature, and ethnic charm. 👍

Post by WyattMcKenzie173 | Jul 4, 2025