Entity
Shiliu Well
Lijiang, Yunnan, China
Along the stone-paved corridor of Qiyi Street in Lijiang Old Town, a towering ancient tree casts its shadow over Shiliu Well. Built during the Qing Dynasty, this shallow, natural flowing spring measures less than one meter deep. Its name, meaning Pomegranate Well, honors the exceptionally sweet flavor of its water, which local residents compared to the fruit. Historically, the spring remained active even during severe droughts when other local water sources dried up.
The well showcases the ecological wisdom of the Naxi people through its three connected, cascading pools carved from traditional stone slabs. Gravity guides the water downslope through a strict hierarchy of use. The first pool, closest to the spring source, holds the cleanest water. Here, locals place a small bowl on the stone edge, inviting thirsty passersby to drink. The water then overflows into the second pool, where residents wash vegetables and kitchenware. Finally, the third pool receives the runoff for washing clothing, before the water discharges into the public drainage network to irrigate nearby agricultural fields.
On August 22, 2023, the Gucheng District Government officially designated the well as a District-level Cultural Relics Protection Unit. Today, the spring remains fully functional. Visitors walking past the nearby Zhou Lin Art Memorial Museum can still hear the gentle splash of water and watch local residents rinse green vegetables in the middle pool, preserving a centuries-old relationship with the earth.