Three-Eyed Well

The water from the Three-Eyed Well, a daily fixture of the Naxi people, is incredibly pure. Near the Nine-Tripod Dragon Pond, above Shuhe Ancient Town, lies the town's most beautiful and relaxing spot. Every time we visit Lijiang, we spend a quiet half-day here, reflecting on life. The dogs are relaxed in the ancient town. The town is serene, unlike the commercialized Dayan Old Town or the mahjong-heavy ancient towns of Chongqing, Sichuan.

Lijiang's Three-Eyed Well is a stepped water conservancy facility created by the Naxi people. It utilizes the terrain's elevation to divide spring water into three pools: the first pool serves as a drinking source, boasting clear, pure water; the second pool, still clean, is used for washing vegetables and cooking utensils; and the third pool is reserved for laundry, with the water ultimately draining into ditches or irrigation systems. Its design blends scientific principles with ethnic characteristics, utilizing natural flow to achieve graded water use, thereby avoiding pollution and embodying water conservation. Five representative Three-Eyed Wells are scattered throughout Lijiang Old Town, including the White Horse Dragon Pool, Ganze Spring, and Guangbi Alley. Surrounding them are ancient trees and recreational areas, creating a unique scene of urban life. I first learned about the Three-Eyed Well in Shuhe Ancient Town. I initially thought there was only one, but there are several in Shuhe alone. As mentioned above, it is a stepped water conservancy facility created by the Naxi people, found throughout many Naxi communities.

The Three-Eyed Well is a unique well. Its characteristic is that where the spring emerges, it has three pools, upper, middle, and lower, arranged according to the terrain, allowing the spring water to flow down in a sequence. This gives it the name "Three-Layered Spring" because of the three-fold cascade of water. The upper pool is used for drinking, the middle pool for washing vegetables, and the lower pool for washing clothes. This is customary.

There are many such three-hole wells in the city, which are masterpieces of scientific water use by the ancient city residents.

The Three-Eyed Well embodies an ancient water-saving practice in the Lijiang area. By harnessing the flow of water, three wells were created, flowing downward from the top. Water flows from the first well to the third well before flowing away. The Three-Eyed Well is a small square pond divided into three parts: the first for drinking, the second for washing vegetables, and the third for washing clothes. This three-way use of water, without competition or competition, embodies the Naxi people's traditional respect for nature and cherishing the environment. This seems like a brief history of the nation, documenting the Naxi ancestors' deep connection with water. The hardworking and resourceful Naxi people, in their daily lives, use the "Three-Eyed Well" culture as a "village code," embodying their reverence for nature and the virtue of harmonious coexistence among people. The Three-Eyed Well bears the mark of this people's transition from an agricultural society to a commercial civilization.

The water quality protection in Shuhe Ancient Town and the surrounding areas of Lijiang Ancient Town is very good. The ancient water towns in the south of the Yangtze River are not as good as Lijiang.

A small roadside attraction, where local residents save water. There are three small ponds, upper, middle and lower, and the water in each pond is used differently.

Shuhe Ancient Town is known as the "Pearl of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road." All of the town's streams originate from the "Nine-Tripod Dragon Pond." Not far from the Dragon Pond lies a "Three-Eyed Well," the town's main water source. The "Three-Eyed Well" was built following the stream's flow, dividing the water into three sections: upper, middle, and lower for drinking, vegetable washing, and laundry. This ensures hygienic drinking water while conserving water resources.

A wooden sign beside the well reads: "'Water benefits all things without competing.' Water is also the scarce resource most easily polluted. In the nomadic era, the Naxi ancestors 'lived by water and grass' and regarded water as the source of life; in the farming and settled era, they brought water into the village, divided it into three, and enjoyed the comfort and convenience of living by the water; in the urban era, they created the 'three-eye well' culture: a spring was divided into three pools of well water, the first one for drinking water; the second one for washing vegetables; and the third one for washing. The three uses of one water without competition or scrambling embodies the Naxi people's fine tradition of respecting nature and cherishing the environment." This well reflects the connection between the Naxi ancestors and water.

The Three-Eyed Well is a unique water storage method used by the Naxi people in Lijiang. As the name suggests, it consists of three reservoirs: the top well, the middle well, and the bottom well. The water from the top well is used for drinking, the middle well for washing food, and the bottom well for cleaning. This primitive yet efficient water supply system ensures that water from the bottom well does not contaminate that from the top well, while allowing water from the top well to be reused in the bottom well.

The three springs have three different uses: the first is for drinking water, the second is for washing vegetables, and the third is for washing clothes. This three uses of one spring reflects the ancient Naxi people's spirit of not competing or fighting with the world.

There is a three-eye well on the east side of the road. There are many three-eye wells in Lijiang area. The so-called three-eye wells are actually just one spring. The water flows in three levels from high to low. Three fences are built with stone bars or bricks. The well water is shallow and easy to see. The well mouth is large and shaped like a pond. The first eye is for drinking water, the second eye is for washing vegetables, and the third eye is for washing clothes. Because the three-eye wells are formed according to the terrain, the water in the lower pond will not pollute the water in the upper pond, and it can be used by people with different needs at the same time. It is a village rule and one water can be used for three purposes, which is economical and environmentally friendly.

It's worth mentioning that we saw several local women washing clothes and vegetables at a three-eye well, very busy. They explained the usage requirements of the three-eye well to us, and after listening to it, I felt that the three-eye well is a perfect embodiment of human wisdom. So friends, if you come across a three-eye well, don't play with the water casually.

The upper pool is for drinking water, the middle pool is for washing fruits and vegetables, and the lower pool is for washing clothes. At that time, someone in the middle pool was washing vegetables, and someone in the lower pool was washing clothes.

The children had a lot of fun playing in the water and could spend most of the day there.

There are three wells scattered throughout the four corners of the ancient city. These three wells were designed for the convenience of people to obtain water. One is for drinking water, the second is for changing food, and the third is for washing clothes. The wisdom of our ancestors in scientifically utilizing spring water has long been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, and spring water protection is also a custom of the people in the city.

The Three Wells are a reflection of the ancient water-saving method in Lijiang. By utilizing the flow of water, three wells were dug from top to bottom. The water flows from the first well at the top all the way down to the third well and then flows away. The first well is used as drinking water, the second well is used for washing vegetables, and the third well is used for washing clothes.

The Three Wells are the crystallization of the wisdom of the ancient city's people and the embodiment of their conventions, codes of conduct, and public morality. The first well is for drinking water; the second well is used for washing vegetables and rice; and the third well is used for washing clothes. Each well is surrounded by bluestone, with the second well one stone lower than the first, and the third well lower than the second, to prevent water from flowing back.

It's the wisdom of the ancients to divide spring water into upper, middle, and lower levels, each used for drinking, washing vegetables, and laundry, thus fully utilizing water resources. However, the other day, when I visited the Three-Eyed Well in a village near Sangu River, I saw a tour guide leading a group of tourists into the pond to "catch fish," making a mess of the pond and disturbing the tranquility of the village...

Three-eye wells are unique to the Naxi people and can be found in places like Lijiang Old Town and Shuhe Ancient Town. Water flows from the first well into the second, and then into the third. The first well is used for drinking, the second for washing vegetables, and the third for laundry. The water then flows into the drainage ditch. This is a very scientific and hygienic arrangement.

The Three-Eyed Well, also known as the Three Pools of Water, is a common sight in Lijiang. The water in these wells is clearly divided: the first pool is for drinking water, the second for washing vegetables, and the third for washing clothes. The water is spring water and never dries up. When the first pool is full, it overflows into the second, and when the second is full, it overflows into the third, before being drained away. This design not only effectively utilizes water resources but also demonstrates the ingenuity of the Naxi people.

Excerpted from Happy Ranger's Travels

There are three wells side by side. The surrounding environment is quite beautiful and the water in the wells is clean and clear.

Near Jiuding Longtan, there are three wells on the roadside, which are quite ordinary.

There is nothing much to see. Few people use it now, and there is garbage everywhere. After passing by it several times, I realized it was a tourist attraction.

The local people’s water-saving measures are: first, drinking water; second, water for washing vegetables; and third, water for washing clothes.

Wash vegetables, wash dishes, wash clothes, I seem to have remembered the order wrong.

There are many such three-eye wells in the ancient city, such as the White Horse Dragon Pond. Such wells are very practical and are considered historical relics.

The three springs directly passed by Sanyan Spring each have their own characteristics, but the source of Qinglong River is very close to Longtan here.

The spring is not full, which is a little regrettable. The surrounding ancient town has a strong atmosphere and is also a safe place to go.

There are more than one three-eye well, and each well has its own purpose, which is not found in other places.

One of the three wells in Shuhe Ancient Town, the stone-carved water dragon is lifelike and is the water source of the ancient town.

We hadn't known about this place before, and the hotel owner took us there. It was down an unsigned alleyway. The three wells were almost straight, decorated with cobblestones. I was able to take a photo of the moon that day.

It's nothing special; it's just a newly built commercial park with no connection to the ancient city. Don't go! The most beautiful part is the Tibetan architecture. When you first enter, the guide uses sacred religious culture to confuse you, telling you to pay attention to this and that, and introduces Tibetan medicine. "Lucky" tourists can get in for free, but they're actually selling medicine. It's better to save your time to see other unique sights in Yunnan. I was even ripped off by a scammer here. I bought a bunch of flower cakes, and the shopkeeper enthusiastically packed them up and said they'd mail them. But we paid first, and when we got home, we found they'd swapped the big bag with a smaller one. There's nothing worse than a broken heart.

Three-well wells are not uncommon in the Lijiang area... Utilizing the flow of water, three wells are created from top to bottom. Water flows from the top well down to the third well before flowing away. Each of the three wells has its own purpose: for drinking, washing rice and vegetables, and livestock. This unique well-making method reflects the ancient Naxi people's philosophy of water conservation and environmental protection...

Shuhe Ancient Town in Lijiang is known as the "Pearl of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road." All of the town's streams originate from the "Nine-Tripod Dragon Pond." Not far from the Dragon Pond lies a "Three-Eye Well," the town's water source. Essentially, it's a water recycling and utilization system. The water from each wellhead is used for different purposes: drinking water, washing vegetables, and washing clothes. This ingenious design is worth seeing when visiting Shuhe Ancient Town.

Next to the three-eye well is a small field with very clear water.

There's nothing special about it, just three wells.

I forgot the specific usage of the Three-Eye Well, haha!

Shuhe Ancient Town is known as the "Pearl of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road." All of the town's streams originate from the "Nine-Tripod Dragon Pond." Not far from the Dragon Pond lies a "Three-Eyed Well," the town's main water source. The "Three-Eyed Well" was built following the stream's flow, dividing the water into three sections: upper, middle, and lower for drinking, vegetable washing, and laundry. This ensures hygienic drinking water while conserving water resources.

A wooden sign beside the well caught people's attention. It read:

"'Water benefits all things without competing.'" Water is also a scarce resource that is most easily polluted. In their nomadic days, the Naxi ancestors lived wherever water and grass flowed, viewing water as the source of life. In their settled farming era, they brought water into their villages, dividing it into three parts, enjoying the comfort and convenience of living by the water. In the urban era, they created the 'Three-Eyed Well' culture: a single spring is divided into three wells. The first well is used for drinking, the second for washing vegetables, and the third for washing clothes. This three-fold use of water, without competition or scrambling, embodies the Naxi people's fine tradition of respecting nature and cherishing the environment."

This seems like a brief history of the nation, chronicling the Naxi ancestors' deep connection with water. In their daily lives, the industrious and intelligent Naxi people use the "Three-Eyed Well" culture as a form of village code, embodying their reverence for nature and the virtue of harmonious coexistence among people. The "Three-Eyed Well" bears the mark of this nation's transition from an agricultural society to a commercial civilization.

The well water is clear and the surrounding countryside scenery is beautiful.

Behind Shuhe Ancient Town lies the Jiuding Dragon Pond. Not far from the pond stands a "Three-Eyed Well," the town's main water source. The well was built following the stream's flow, with the water divided into three sections: upper, middle, and lower. These sections were used for drinking, washing vegetables, and laundry, respectively. This ensured hygienic drinking water while conserving water resources. Residents can still be seen using this well today, a testament to the wisdom of the ancients.

The clear and cold mountain spring water acts as a natural refrigerator to chill drinks, which is also a wonder of the ancient town.

Lijiang Shuhe Ancient Town, compared to Lijiang Dayan, I prefer the purity of Shuhe!

The gurgling water from the spring seemed to be the echo of history from centuries ago.

It is a well divided into three parts, which is a local custom.

There are three wells, one for drinking water, one for washing clothes, and one for washing vegetables. You can see that the clarity of the water is different.

This is what the ubiquitous three-hole well looks like. The water is actually from the snow-capped mountains, and it has an upper, middle, and lower reaches. The upper reaches are the cleanest and are used for drinking, the middle reaches are slightly turbid and are used for washing vegetables, and the lower reaches are used for washing clothes. Near the wells, there are buckets and detergent left by residents, giving it a sense of life. This scene is unlikely to be seen again in the bustling and overly commercialized Dayan.

This type of square well can be seen in many places in Shuhe. It is called a three-eye well. It is a special way for the residents to use water here. It is divided into three parts, one for drinking water, one for washing vegetables, and one for washing clothes, so that each can be used for its own purpose.

2012.07

There are three wells. In ancient times, people who lived here invented a very environmentally friendly water use system. The highest pool is for drinking water, the middle one is for washing vegetables, and the lowest one is for irrigation.

The Three-Eyed Well utilizes the flow of water to create three well pools, from top to bottom. Water flows from the top pool downwards to the third pool before flowing away. Each of the three pools has its own purpose: for drinking, washing rice and vegetables, and livestock. This unique well-making method reflects the ancient water-saving and environmental protection values of the Naxi people in the Lijiang area.

In Shuhe, you can see many three-well wells like this. It is said that the first well is used for domestic water, the second well is used for washing relatively clean things, such as food and fruits, and the third well is used for washing clothes and irrigation.

At White Horse Dragon Pond, I finally saw the three wells in use: the first well is for drinking, the second well is for washing vegetables, and the third well is for washing clothes. Although few people drink water from the first well these days, everyone still follows this traditional practice.

When I first saw this well, I didn't think it was anything special. I couldn't understand why it was called the Three-Eyed Well. There was even a dog drinking water here at that time, haha~

The Lijiang Three-Eyed Well utilizes the spring water gushing out from the ground and is built into three levels of pools according to the height difference of the terrain.

The functions and uses of the three pools are strictly distinguished and become an ancient folk custom.

Washing clothes, washing vegetables, drinking.

Both Dayan and Shuhe have three-eye wells, but Shuhe has more and more of them. The use of three-eye wells is very environmentally friendly and worth learning from.

The Three-Eyed Well is a way of saving water in ancient Lijiang. It uses water flowing from high to low, and makes three wells from top to bottom. Different well water has different uses. The top well water can be drunk, the bottom one can be used to wash rice and cook, and finally the livestock can drink it. It is a good use of water and a good embodiment of the Naxi people's water conservation.

The ancient city still uses three wells. The first well is used for drinking water, the second well is used for washing vegetables, and the third well is used for washing clothes. It is very environmentally friendly and reflects the wisdom of Lijiang people.

When I was in Shuhe Ancient Town, I saw a three-eye well. The tour guide said that there are three different wells. One is for domestic water and the other is for washing clothes and cooking. Each has a different function. To this day, the three-eye well is still in use and there is still running water in it. Although Shuhe Ancient Town now has running water, the older generation still likes to come here.

When I was in Shuhe Ancient Town, I saw a three-eye well. The tour guide told me that there are three different wells. One is for domestic water, and the other is for washing clothes and cooking. Each has a different function. Until now, the three-eye well is still in use and there is still running water in it. Although Shuhe Ancient Town now has running water, the older generation still likes to come here.

In fact, the scenery is very simple, but when it is integrated into the overall environment of Shuhe Ancient Town, it is simple and plain, which makes people like it.

The Three-Eye Well is actually a spring. From high to low, the first well is for drinking water, the second well is for washing vegetables, and the third well is for washing clothes.

In fact, I feel that there is nothing to see, but the surrounding scenery is more attractive.

This is the famous Three-Eye Well~~~~~~~~~~~

When visiting Shuhe Ancient Town, you will usually pass by three seemingly ordinary wells. You can even feel the life history of the ancients there. However, the surrounding vegetable gardens, flowers, plants and trees are beautiful.

It is the local well, which is used in a scientific way and can be seen everywhere.

There are three wells. The first one is for drinking, the second one is for washing vegetables, and the third one is for washing clothes. The water is very clear.

The first well is used for drinking, the second well is used for washing vegetables, and the third well is used for washing clothes.

The famous Three Wells, it is said that the water at the farthest end is for drinking, the middle one is for washing vegetables, and the closest one is for washing clothes.

This is a three-well unique to the Naxi people. The first well is used for drinking water, the second well is used for washing vegetables, and the third well is used for washing water. It's quite good.

Lijiang Old Town boasts several unique features, one of which is the Three Wells. Due to limited water resources in ancient times, this simple yet ingenious design was created: "One well provides water for drinking, the middle well is for washing vegetables, and the lower well is for washing clothes." However, now that the Old Town has access to running water, the drinking function has gradually disappeared.

There are many such three-eye wells in the ancient city, such as the White Horse Dragon Pond. Such wells are very practical and are considered historical relics.

The ancient town has not been fully developed yet. Compared with the Lijiang Ancient Town, it is more peaceful and quiet, and the stream is clear and extremely cool.

There are many three-eye wells like this in Shuhe Ancient Town. I saw local people washing vegetables in them. I was very curious. The water is very clear.

This is their unique characteristic. They believe that the first pool is the source of spring water, which is clear and clean and suitable for drinking. Water overflowing from the first pool flows into the second pool, which is clean and suitable for washing vegetables and cooking utensils. Water overflowing from the second pool flows into the third pool, which is used for rinsing clothes. Finally, the water from the third pool is discharged into the drainage ditch. In this way, the three pools are connected, each with its own function.

The three-eye well is a Lijiang specialty. There are many of them in Shuhe Ancient Town. The water from the first well is clear and can be drunk directly.

The three-well design is really clever. It separates drinking water, domestic water and cleaning water without interfering with each other.

This is the Three-Eye Well, which is mainly used to prevent the water from being polluted and to make rational use of water resources.

The bridge is very slippery and has potholes. Ladies wearing high heels need to be careful when walking here. . .