Chinese Name:南斋公房茶马古道
English Name: Nanzhai Gongfang Ancient Tea Horse Caravan in Gaoligong Mountain, Baoshan

Location and Name Origin: Nanzhai Gongfang is located in Gaoligong Mountain at an elevation of 3,150 meters. The name originated from a devout Buddhist volunteer who settled here to provide food and lodging for travelers. Historically, Nanzhai Gongfang, Beishai Gongfang, and the Hongmushu Path were three important ancient routes of the Southern Silk Road connecting Baoshan and Tengchong. These paths were strategically significant due to their treacherous terrain.

Historical Significance:

• Strategic Importance: The ancient routes, including Nanzhai Gongfang, were crucial for military and trade purposes. Over seventy years ago, during the Second Sino-Japanese War, the 198th Division of the 54th Army of the 20th Group Army fought fiercely against Japanese forces on these paths. The battles along these routes, including the Battle of Datangzi, Battle of Nanzhai Gongfang, Battle of Dajian Mountain, and Battle of Linjia Shop, were intense and significant, with many soldiers and enemies losing their lives.
• Trekking Route: Today, Nanzhai Gongfang is known for its well-established and relatively safe trekking route across Gaoligong Mountain. It is a popular choice for hikers due to its moderate difficulty compared to Beishai Gongfang.

Cultural Heritage of Tengchong:

• Quishi Bronze Artifact: In January 1989, Zhang Daoyi, a farmer from Zhangjia Village in Tengchong, discovered a bronze altar while digging. This artifact, identified as a Grade One Cultural Relic, represents typical Spring and Autumn and Warring States period bronze culture.
• Jiangju Village: Jiangju Village is known for its historical printing workshop, Doyu Tang Book House, which printed many books during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Only one set of woodblock printing plates remains. The village also features a unique house built entirely on a stone and streets paved with blue stone slabs.
• Historical Significance of Jiangju: Although now somewhat desolate, Jiangju was once a bustling post station on the Silk Road. It was a critical supply and rest stop for muleteers traveling across Gaoligong Mountain. The area had numerous shops and guesthouses, with up to ten horse shops at its peak. Horses and muleteers frequently passed through, creating a lively atmosphere with the sound of bells and songs echoing through the forest.

Modern Experience:

• Ancient Stone Steps: The ancient stone steps, covered with leaves and moss, still show the deep footprints left by muleteers. Linjia Shops along the route were traditional resting places for travelers.
• Challenging Conditions: At 3,150 meters, the altitude presents challenging conditions, including thin air and altitude sickness. Historically, this high elevation, combined with the arduous journey, made it a place where many travelers perished.

Legacy: Nanzhai Gongfang remains a testament to its historical and strategic importance. The area still features remnants of World War II trenches and fortifications, preserving the memory of the fierce battles fought here.

The Baihualing Scenic Spot, located at 25°42′44.45″N and 98°52′13.80″E, is the first bird watching camp developed in Gaoligongshan Mountain.  It is 35 kilometers from Mangkuan Township, Longyang District, Baoshan. Because of well-protected natural environment, the number of birds species recorded accounts for 43.3% of the total recorded bird species in Yunnan Province, among which 5 species belong to the national first-class protection species and 33 species of national second-class protection species. It is known as “the Golden Triangle of China bird watching Zone” and “the five-star holy land”in bird photographers’ hearts.

Highlights of Baihualing

• Birding Tour: It is known as “the Golden Triangle of China bird watching Zone” and “the five-star holy land” in bird photographers’ hearts.
• Hiking Tour: Besides bird-watching, Baihualing hiking is also favored by many tourists, along the way with abundant herbaceous plant and the old-growth fern.
• History Exploration: It is a part of Ancient South Silk Road and the remains of Anti-Japanese War.

On the morning of December 9, 2016, just after the Baoshan Conference, I left the hotel in a hurry and went to the Baoshan Passenger Station to take a long-distance bus to Yingjiang. Tickets booked online are easy to collect and the price is 120 yuan. Actually, there are not many passengers. We can buy tickets at the station at any time, only 92 yuan.

The bus left on time at 1:30 p.m. and passed through Tengchong to Yingjiang Passenger Station. Although the expressway along the way is winding, it is in good condition. When passing Tengchong, we entered into the mixed lane.In Yingjiang, we joined three bird friends who arrived the day before yesterday. They patted birds in pond No. 5 and harvested birds such as blue-pillowed eight-coloured owl （蓝枕八色鸠）and grey peacock pheasant（灰孔雀雉）.

On the morning of the 10th, before dawn, we set out for Rhinoceros Valley（犀牛谷）. It is 70 kilometers from Yingjiang to Rhinoceros Valley; it is border mountain road and road condition is good, but mountain road twists and turns, GPS and mobile phone signals are not good. Driving in the dark road before dawn, we didn’t dare to drive too fast, so it cost our more than an hour to reach Rhinoceros Valley Management Office（犀牛谷管理处）.

 

1.Rhinoceros Valley Management Office（犀牛谷管理处）

 

The Hornbill Valley Management Office is just a small wooden pavilion. Cai Si, the administrator, is a Lisu （傈僳族）woman. Located in the southwestern part of China, the sun does not rise until 8 a.m. Although it was still dark, there were many cars, many birdfriends already there. We  registered, and then guided by different pond-birds guide to go bird-watching and bird-shooting.

The target bird this morning is the red-legged falcon. They are in the canyon near the Dayingjiang Grade 4 power station （大盈江4级电站）, not far from the hornbill valley. Cai Si as our bird guide and we paid her 100 yuan .

2. Canyon full of Red-legged Falcon (红腿小隼活动的峡谷)

 

Red-legged falcons are a group of smaller birds (15 centimeters long) larger than sparrows. Bird guides  say they fly to the dead tree in the canyon next to the Dayingjiang Grade 4 power station（大盈江四级电站） at 9:00 a.m. every day. It is said that they live in a tree cave in the valley. I saw that they did appear on time. First one flew to the dead tree, then the other one flew in sequence. When the seven red-legged falcons gathered on the branch, one suddenly flew to the side of the diagonal branch. Then the other falcons flew to the branch and stood close, like a bunch of sugar gourds. It was very interesting. The falcons that followed probably could not stand steadily, and two falcons flying to another branch below. I hesitated for a moment and only caught five bunches of “sugar gourds”. When they get together, they play with each other and arrange their feathers. It took a long time to disperse and fly away, maybe looking for food. Watching them come, line up, stand up and disperse one by one is like watching a wonderful performance! What a group of lovely birds!

3. Parties of Red-legged Falcon 

 

 

Of course, there are many birds in the canyon: in the jungle, a male pepper bird （山椒鸟）is singing happily, its red and blue figure is very beautiful; grey curly tail（灰卷尾）, big plate tail (female)（大盘尾）（雌）, black throat red buttock Bulbul （黑喉红臀鹎）are flying in the forest. A noisy bird flew to the tree in front of us sometime, and in a few seconds it flew away. Suddenly, a forest sculpture（林雕） flew by in the sky. The dark brown body made us mistake it for a black sculpture（乌雕）. It looked like it was looking for prey. Along the highway down the hill, birdfriends harvested Streaked Spiderhunter （纹背捕蛛鸟） and I photographed the long-tailed pepper birds (females)(长尾山椒鸟)（雌） .

4. Long-tailed pepper birds (长尾山椒鸟)

5.Noisy thrush（噪鹛）

6.Forest carving（林雕）

7.Long-tailed pepper birds （female）(长尾山椒鸟)(雌)

 

A woman in the power station provided us with lunch: 30 yuan per person, 4 kinds of dished mixed with vegetables, meat and soup, and the lunch was good.

Bird watching in the pond 7 afternoon. According to the bird guide, Yingjiang’s ponds (bird spots) are basically located near the rhinoceros valley, imitating the construction of Baihualing’s（百花岭） puddles. Rhinoceros Valley is rich in rainforests, streams and has a good environment. Unlike Baihualing, in order to see rare birds, Yingjiang’s ponds are often built in dense forests far from the highway. After getting off, we need to walk a long dirt road.

Pond 7 is on a stream in the dense forest halfway up the hill. The stream is running beside our seats. There are only five observation (shooting) holes in the shed, that is to say, at most five birdwatchers can watch birds at the same time. Because of the dense forest in the canyon, the disadvantage of pond 7 is that the light is darker and the light is worse in the afternoon. The photos taken need to be processed later to get satisfactory results. Therefore, it is better to go to pond 7 in the morning to watch birds.

We sat down for a while, and the birds came on! First, the white-crowned swallow tail（白冠燕尾）, then, the spot-backed swallow tail（斑背燕尾）, black-backed swallow tail（黑背燕尾）, grey-backed swallow tail（灰背燕尾）, four kinds of swallow tail appear in turn,  seeing four kinds of swallow tail in a  pond at the same time brought us surprises! Because swallow-tailed birds like dense forest streams, except white-crowned swallow-tail, the other four species of swallow-tail are really not easy to see! This time, together with the small swallow tail I have seen in Baihualing, there are five kinds of swallow tails in China in total.

 

8. White-crowned swallow tail （白冠燕尾）

9.Spot-backed swallow tail（斑背燕尾）

10.Black-backed swallow tail（黑背燕尾）

11.Grey-backed swallow tail（黑背燕尾）

Other birds appeared one after another, and we bird friends were all attentive. We took photos continuously and  no one spoke.

12.White crowned noisy thrush （白冠噪鹛）

13.Emerald dove (绿翅金鸠)

14. Wren-Babbler with short tale （短尾鹪鹛）

15.Squirrel

 

On the evening of the 10th, we lived in Hongbeng Village（洪崩村）. Hong Ben Village is a small border village. On the other side of Hong Beng River is Myanmar. There are three hotels in this village, a shopping street, several restaurants, and dishes in the restaurants were good. The standard room is 100 yuan, the condition is just so so. The advantage here is that it is close to the Dayingjiang Grade 4 power station of Rhinoceros Valley and Red-legged Falcon, and only takes about 20 minutes to drive to Rhinoceros Valley.

On 11th, we went to No. 2 Pond for bird watching. This is also the bird spot near Rhinoceros Valley.

The car stopped at the side of the highway, we got off and walked about 1 kilometer. The bird guides opened  a simple path, and the downhill road was difficult to walk. It was just dawn when we arrived at the birdhouse, and the birds had come one after another. The black and purple feathers and the Phoenix crown on the head and the elegant tail wings of large tales（大盘尾）are very beautiful. Unfortunately, the light was so poor that it was barely photographed. Grey peacock pheasant（灰孔雀雌） is surprising. It mainly distributes in the tropical rain forest, monsoon rain forest and bamboo forest about 1500 meters above sea level. It is Burma’s national bird. It is also the first-class protected animal in China. Its food is almost entirely insects and worms, which are very rare in pheasants and chickens. They only distributes in the southwest of Yunnan and Hainan Island in China. Because of its scarcity, it is difficult to see it. In the Manual of Chinese Wild Birds（中国野外鸟类手册） compiled by Dr. Ma Jingneng, an Englishman, the items of Grey Peacock Pheasant are missing, which shows the difficulty of its research.

In addition, some rare birds, such as the Kalij Pheasant（黑鹇），the rborophila atrogularis（白颊山鹧鸪）, the brown-bellied fairy partridge（棕腹大仙鹟）, the white-tailed blue fairy partridge（白尾蓝仙鶲）, the brown-necked partridge （棕颈幽鹛）and the purple whistling partridge（紫啸鸫）, also appear in our shots from time to time.

16. Polyplectron bicalcaratum（灰孔雀雉）

17.Large tales（大盘尾）

18. Kalij Pheasant（黑鹇）

19. Arborophila atrogularis（白颊山鹧鸪）

20.Brown-bellied fairy partridge（棕腹大仙鹟）

21.white-tailed blue fairy partridge（白尾蓝仙鶲）

22.Brown-necked partridge （棕颈幽鹛）

23.Purple whistling partridge（紫啸鸫）

24.White-throated Fantail（白喉扇尾鹟）

 

On the evening of December 11, we finished bird watching and returned to Yingjiang County.

On the morning of the 12th, we drove back to Kunming from Yingjiang, more than 700 kilometers away, and arrived easily in nine hours. We flew back to Beijing in the evening.

Yingjiang county is the southwest end of the Hengduan Mountains （横断山脉）extending from Himalaya Range（喜马拉雅山脉）. The highest point is Mount Sina（支那大娘山）， 3404.6 meters above the elevation . The lowest point is Nabanrasha Estuary（那帮拉沙河口） ， 210 meters above the elevation . The great difference in elevation makes Yingjiang typical “three-dimensional climate”, and the forest coverage rate reaches 73.9%. Therefore, there are various kinds of birds in the forests in every corner.  According to statistics, more than 550 species of birds have been found and recorded in Yingjiang, accounting for more than one third of all birds in China. I only watched birds around Rhinoceros Valley for 2 days, and I caught 28 kinds of birds, which shows it is very rich in birds. But it’s a pity that there are no hornbills this month. Because Yingjiang is located in the southernmost part of Yunnan, with winding mountain roads, inconvenient traffic, poor mobile phone and GPS signals, and no road signs on the highway, it is necessary to invite local bird guides for  bird watchers who was the first time to Yingjiang. If you watch birds in rhinoceros Valley and in ponds (bird spots), it is more convenient to live in Hongbenghe Village（洪崩河村）.

More than 700 kilometers from Kunming to Yingjiang, we rent cars from Kunming to Baoshan and Yingjiang. The cost is low. The rental cost of SUV for 4 days is only 728 yuan, and the effect of mobility and flexibility is very good. There are abundant bird spots in Yingjiang . There are different bird species in Hongbeng River（洪崩河）, Rongshuwang（榕树王）, Nabang （那邦）farmland and other bird spots. Because of the time, we did not go there. We look forward to seeing them next time.

http://www.birdnet.cn/thread-1990311-1-1.html

Being far from hustle and bustle, getting deep into the wild, listening to the twitter of birds, tracking the beasts’ shadow, taking pictures of the eye-catching in nature, embracing the surprise and excitement of encountering cute creatures, but besides poetic experiences, this is more about with heavy photographing apparatus on back, trekking under changeable weather, enduring great hardships and long waiting in the open. What drives these natural ecological photographers to get into the wild time and again without fear of all kinds of difficulties?

On the fifteenth day of the first month according to Chinese lunar calendar,2017

It was the exact day for Dai-Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture of Dehong（德宏）, Yunnan Province, to celebrate the “We All Dance And Sing ” carnival. I was of much fortune to witness the “hornbill paradise of China” in Yingjiang county, Dehong Prefecture（德宏盈江）, together with those photographers of “natural image.China”. I’ve never experienced true natural ecological photographing before, 20 hours’ personal experience gave me the reason why being a natural ecological photographer in China gradually became a very rare profession just as those endangered wild animals.

We left the hotel at 6:00am and started from Pingyuan town（平原）,then to Taipingtown(太平),next Mangyun village(芒允),then Xueli village(雪梨), and arrived inHongbenghe river(洪崩河),after 128 snaky curves,we finally were at the mysterious “hornbill paradise of China” as I was out of my bearings.

At that moment, I was eager to slap myself a couple of times, why did I waste this precious holiday to have this hell of life here instead sleep in? But before I could collect my mind, those seniors had already jumped off bus and rushed into the mountain with camera on their shoulder , I can’t but to brace myself to catch up with them. 

In the morning, we photographed in the wild and then did car photographing along Hongbenghe river(洪崩河). Bumpy mountain roads, steep cliffs, a few hours of panic, we made it to take pictures of four kinds in Yingjiang(盈江) seven star birds,plus we had tires punctured.

At 14:00, we backed to the street near Hongbenghe river(洪崩河) to have lunch, I assumed that my teachers would have a big meal after such painstaking work. But I was completely wrong, we four just had a scrambled egg with onion, a bowl of cabbage soup, plus a bowl of garlic and shallot mixed with soy sauce.

The female owner can’t help making fun of us: “how stingy you are, four of you just have such little?”

At 15:00, we headed to the great valley to take pictures of oriental hobby in the wild. As soon as the veteran of 34 years’ driving experience stopped the four-wheel vehicles at the great valley, he carried apparatus of more than 20kg and walked through the steep slope of more than 600 meters to the photographing site. I gingerly moved forward, suddenly, we heard Mr Sun right behind me shouting out an “Ah”, it turned out that he rolled down the slope together with his camera bag, but all good and well, his quick agility prompted him to grab a withered plant, which prevented him from rolling downward further away.   

ount the bamboo stage, more than 3 meters high, set up machines, one hour, two hours……the panic of Mr Sun’s danger was still wandering, a sound of crunch was heard, all of a sudden, half body of the veteran standing on the side was out of the stage, I took him by his arm with a quick move, the best luck was that the bamboo wasn’t broken. Oh, my god! This natural ecological photographer took pictures nearly at the cost of life. Finally, hard work paid off, the anticipated scene was on arrival.   

It was told that the night world was also worth of expecting. At 21:00, I drank a bottle of yogurt in a haste, then watched the night scene along the road. My teacher told me that Paradoxurus hermaphrodites and flying squirrels would appear in this area. Although this night viewing lasted for 3 hours, those little things were of reluctance to show up. It was already 1:00am that we arrived in Yingjiang county, and we resumed watching those films and sifting out them, and made shooting plans for the second day, when I went to bed, the hour hand was pointing to “two”.

What is natural ecological photographers?

I think , they are experts who not only have a good command of equipments and do well in photographing, but also have a good knowledge of animals’ behavior and understand biological classification; they are not only experts who can surviv in the wild ,but also masters of outdoor sports. They can try their utmost to unfold the rarity of natural beauty and precious natural moments before people’s eyes, and deliver their insight of nature and respect for life to readers in a vivid way.     

Through the strenth of photographing, once again, they let people have the eye for beautiful nature; Through the strenth of photographing,they let people know of what crisis is confronting nature; Through the strenth of photographing, they inspire the emotion of love and the sense of responsibility to improve the situation.

The galaxy of these devoted photographers of nature will continue to work in the wild,consistenly wait the timing to capture every moment of a fleeting glimpse,gradually show people Dehong’s natural ecology by means of photographing.

A day of great achievement and harvest

Yingjiang county(盈江县) lies on the southwestern end of Hengduan mountain, the spread of the Himalayas, inside distribute hills and basins crossly. Its peak point,Zhina Daniang mountain(支那大娘山), is of 3404.6 meters high, the rock bottom, Nabangla Shahekou(那邦拉沙河口), is of 210 meters high. This large elevation difference gives rise to a vertical three-dimensional climate in Yingjiang county（盈江县）. Besides, its forest coverage rate reaches 73.9%, thus, in every and each corner of forest live birds of various species. Statistics show that, at present, the birds species found and recorded in Yingjiang(盈江) has mounted to more than 550, accounting for more than 1/3 of that all over the country.

 

花冠皱盔犀鸟  Aceros undalatus
the second class animal under national protection,only distribute in Yingjiangcounty,Yunnan province（云南盈江）

双角犀鸟 Buceros bicornis
the second class animal under national protection

红腿小隼 Collared Falconet
One of the smallest predatory birds all over the world, the second class state key protected wild animal , it is only recorded in Yingjiang（盈江） as resident bird.

猛隼（交尾） Falco severus(they are mating)
the national second class key protected wild animal, it is very rare to see them in China, there are only 1000 to 10000 of them around the globe,and the number of them is in decline

巨松鼠
国家二级重点保护野生动物 Ratufa bicolor

National second class key protected wild animal

黄嘴河燕鸥 Sterna aurantia
中国罕见，目前国内仅盈江可见。
They are a rarity to China, at present,people can only see them in Yingjiang(盈江).

白冠噪鹛 Garrulax leucolophus

蓝喉拟啄木鸟 Megalaima asiatica

黄臀鹎 Pycnonotus xanthorrhous

白尾蓝仙鹟 White-tailed Flycatcher

白尾蓝仙鹟雌鸟 Female White-tailed Flycatcher

白顶溪鸲 Chaimarrornis leucocephalus

黑背燕尾 Enicurus leschenaulti

短尾鹪鹛 Napothera brevicaudata

Further Reading

In recent years, Yingjiang county(盈江县),in tandem with the construction of Yingjiang wetland park（大盈江湿地公园）, adhered consistenly to the philosophy, proposed by General Secretary Xi Jinping, that reinforcing the construction of ecological civilization, protecting ecological environment was equal to protecting productivity and ameliorating ecological environment the same as developing productivity. They focused on strengthening ecological construction and made changes in the mode of development continually.Basing on advantageous ecological resources and in virtue of enhancing protective measures and force, consummating the building of sightseeing infrastructure,setting up bird appreciation association and holding hornbills BBS,they explored and made full use of the hornbills resources, integrated fund and resource further more,and tried every effort to build and foster the two brands: “Hornbill valley of China” and “the NO.1 county tops the list of birds resources in China”,and combined ecological construction and the implementation of the policy of strengthening agriculture and benefiting farmers together flexibly, promoted actively green development,low-carbon development, and cyclicdevelopment, and lent a hand to poverty relief. They have sung a lively and resounding “beautiful song”.

Look at the Shiti villagers groups in Xueli Village,Taiping town, Yingjiang county（盈江太平镇雪梨村石梯村民小组）, along the way,trees are lush,birds singing, ripe fruits fragrant. Those mountain roads are cemented, whose pavements are wide and smooth. Wires and cables travel through mountain forests to light up thousands of windows. Families feed herds of livestock which are plump;row upon row of newly built houses stand on the mountain. Villagers are beaming with happy smiles,all villagers’ life standard is improved in an obvious way. Compared to the past,present Shiti Village is totally beyond your imagination, you can hardly believe that people here lived a primitive life from what the forest can give and had no running water,no electricity,and no cement roads and no advanced infrastructure before Yingjiang’s birds appreciation project was launched and implemented.

Now, almost every family of local villagers has their own “birds appreciation spot”. According to rough statistics, from September of last year to January of this year, the number of photographers from all over our country coming to Yingjiang（盈江）ecological birds gathering area to watch and shoot birds amounts to over 3000.And only in this year, this number is in excess of 1000. By means of providing one package service,which includes tour guidance, food, accommodation and transportation for lovers of birds appreciation, a good spot of birds appreciation could maximize villagers’earning at over 40 thousand RMB.

In future, with ecological civilization construction as its top priority and building a beautiful and rich Yingjiang（盈江） of a new look with scenic villages and liveable cities as its target,Yingjiang county will continue to apply the philosophy of green, ecology, low-carbon and cycle into its development and take the lead and set a good example in construction of ecological civilization. Yingjiang county will stick to the sustainable development concept:green development and persist in finding sustainable path of development characterized by enhanced production, prosperous life and sound environment, integrating ecological civilization construction with every aspect and the whole process of the entire county’s economy,politic,culture and social construction, and try hard to develop Yingjiang’s two brands: “Hornbill valley of China” and “the NO.1 county tops the list of birds resources in China”. Meanwhile,we expect all kinds of scientific research projects, habitat conservation projects,species saving projects and others can take part in Yingjiang’s（盈江） ecological civilization construction, by pooling the wisdom and efforts of everyone, we can protect Yingjiang’s（盈江）unique natural resources in a more sound way and do research in and utilize them effectively.

http://www.dehong.gov.cn/travel/zx/content-54-634-1.html

Dali, not only has Cangshan and Erhai Lake, but also has rich natural resources. The natural gene pool of biological diversity is composed of various vegetation types and wild animals and plants, as well as numerous wetlands such as lakes, seas, ponds and reservoirs. No matter what season you come to Dali, there are places to play and see.

If you are used to the scenery, you may as well go to Dali again, look at the wetlands on the plateau, and see all kinds of birds on the plateau, such as Lady Amherst’s Pheasant, green peacocks,Tundra Swan, Greylag Goose, Purple Swamp-hen, and Black-headed Gull … Since Dali has continuously improved its ecological environment and restored wetlands on a large scale, more and more birds have chosen Dali, which has become a “paradise for birds.” In Cangshan Mountain, Erhai Lake, Lantau Peak,  birds are everywhere in beautiful form.

Places to Enjoy Birds in Dali

Dali Xiaoputuo: Black-headed Gull

Since October 2010, gulls have gathered in large numbers around Erhai Lake, of which Small Putuo, a famous scenic spot, is a large gathering place. Small Putuo is an island in front of Hai Yin Village in the east of Erhai Lake. It is surrounded by the sea and is a pearl in Erhai Lake. Every winter, many seagulls fly here. The arrival of seagulls adds a lot of life to Small Putuo.

It is understood that seagulls are distributed in most areas of Yunnan. Seagulls in Dali will arrive in Erhai Lake in mid-November each year and they will leave in March and April the following year. Only a few hundred seagulls flew to Erhai Lake in early November, with the largest number from the end of December to January. Nearly 10,000 seagulls flew on the sea surface in a spectacular way. 90% of the seagulls flying to Erhai Lake are red-billed gulls, mostly from Siberia. The number of seagulls increases year by year every year.

Weishan Mountain: Night Heron, green peafowl

In the early winter of each year, nearly 100 night herons nest and settle down in the ancient city of Weishan Mountain.Every morning, night herons sometimes fly and dance, sometimes spread their wings and sing, forming a vivid picture of harmonious coexistence between man and nature, adding infinite vitality to the tranquil ancient town.Night heron is a kind of medium-sized heron with a black mouth, a large head and a short neck and a habit of sleeping in the daytime and coming out at night.

Located in the eastern part of Weishan Mountain Long Qing  Pass in Yi and Hui Autonomous County, which is also known as Bird Road Xiongguan. It’s  an important passage for international migratory birds and a must-pass for the Tea-Horse Caravan Road.

In mid-autumn every year, thousands of migratory birds migrate from high latitudes to low latitudes. They use the sun as their navigation mark during the day and the moon and stars as their guide at night. They use mountain landform and geomagnetism to determine their flight routes and fly to South Asia, Southeast Asia and ocean islands to avoid the cold winter in the north. Catch up with the rainy night, the mountain pass was shrouded in thick fog, which covered the moon and stars. Migratory birds flying at night had to stay lost. Under the dark night, they collided and chirped with each other, forming the famous spectacle of “Hundreds birds worshipping the phoenix”.

Phoenix Mountain in Nanjian: Brown Shrike

Phoenix Mountain is one of the important passages for migratory birds in our country. Every autumn and winter, millions of migratory birds fly from the far northern hemisphere and then fly to the southern hemisphere. Especially around the Mid-Autumn Festival, tens of thousands of migratory birds fly together, forming a spectacular “bird tide” with a width of more than 1,000 meters and a length of tens of kilometers. They are in small groups or in pairs, sneaking across Phoenix Mountain at night, demonstrating the same law for thousands of years-migration.

Since 1999, in order to protect migratory birds and study the migratory laws of migratory birds, Nanjian County has established a bird ring monitoring station in Fenghuang Mountain and carried out bird ring work. In the past 16 years, 56,625 migratory birds have been released from the ring, belonging to 239 species in 30 families and 14 orders. Among them, there are 15 species of birds under the second-class national protection. There are 4 species of birds with important economic and scientific value in Yunnan. Three new records were recorded in Yunnan Province. It is difficult to find rare or rare species in daytime. On September 13, 2001, a Brown Shrike released by the Phoenix Mountain Ring Bird was recovered in India for 49 days. This is the only ring bird recovered so far in Dali Prefecture and has become the star bird in Dali Prefecture.

Heqing Caohai: Purple Water Chicken

Caohai wetland in Heqing county is located 4 kilometers north of Heqing county town. the south China sea, the middle sea and the north sea are the core areas of Caohai wetland protection. the maximum water depth is 2.6 meters, the average water depth is 1.6 meters, the water surface elevation is 2,193.2 meters, and the annual storage water volume reaches 3 million cubic meters. it was listed as a state nature reserve in 2001. it is a typical plateau freshwater wetland and an important waterfowl wintering place in Yunnan province. bone-crested chickens, small chickens, egrets, red ducks and purple chickens are all frequent visitors to Caohai.

Since 2000, Heqing County has continuously increased the protection and management of Caohai wetland, investing 114 million yuan. It has successively implemented projects such as returning farmland to ponds, fishing and wetland, dredging, and comprehensive management. It has established a long-term mechanism for the protection and construction of Caohai wetland, and has continuously promoted the protection and construction of Caohai wetland. Caohai wetland has become a “paradise for migratory birds” and a “paradise for birds”.

After 15 years of continuous management, the water quality of Caohai wetland has gradually increased from the original Class IV to Class III, with some areas reaching Class II. Biodiversity of Caohai wetland has been gradually restored, with plant species restored to 51 species in 42 genera and 30 families. Birds inhabiting or overwintering in Caohai reach 13 orders, 27 families, 56 genera and 130 species. Nearly 20,000 birds, including more than 500 “the world’s most beautiful waterbird” Zishui chicken, are the largest Zishui chicken population in China at present, and the national second-class protected animal Little Swan has also appeared in Heqing Caohai wetland for the first time. This year, there are more migratory birds in Caohai wetland than in previous years. Phoenix-headed diving ducks, red-billed diving ducks and needle-tailed ducks are all new guests in Caohai this year.

Heqing Caohai: Purple Swamp-hen

Caohai wetland in Heqing county is located 4 kilometers north of Heqing county town, with the maximum water depth of 2.6 meters, the average water depth of 1.6 meters, the water surface elevation of 2193.2 meters, and the annual inflow of 3 million cubic meters. it was listed as a state-level nature reserve in 2001. it is a typical plateau freshwater wetland and an important waterfowl wintering place in Yunnan province.Eurasian Coot, egrets,Ruddy Shelduck and Purple Swamp-hen are all frequent visitors to Caohai.

Since 2000, Heqing County has continuously increased the protection and management of Caohai wetland, investing 114 million yuan. It has successively implemented projects such as returning farmland to ponds, fishing and wetland, dredging, and comprehensive management. It has established a long-term mechanism for the protection and construction of Caohai wetland, and has continuously promoted the protection and construction of Caohai wetland. Caohai wetland has become a “paradise for migratory birds” and a “paradise for birds”.

After 15 years of continuous management, the water quality of Caohai wetland has gradually increased from the original Class IV to Class III, with some areas reaching Class II. Biodiversity of Caohai wetland has been gradually restored, with plant species restored to 51 species in 42 genera and 30 families. Birds inhabiting or overwintering in Caohai reach 13 orders, 27 families, 56 genera and 130 species. Nearly 20,000 birds, including more than 500 “the world’s most beautiful waterbird” Zishui chicken, are the largest Zishui chicken population in China at present, and the national second-class protected animal Little Swan has also appeared in Heqing Caohai wetland for the first time. This year, there are more migratory birds in Caohai wetland than in previous years. Phoenix-headed diving ducks, red-billed diving ducks and needle-tailed ducks are all new guests in Caohai this year.ohai this year.

Jianhu in Jianchuan ：Common Moorhen and Ruddy Shelduck

Since the beginning of winter, Jianchuan County’s Jianhu Lake has welcomed groups of migratory birds such as Common Moorhen, Purple Swamp-hen and Ruddy Shelduck to feed and roost here. The fishermen of Jianhu Lake live in harmony with all kinds of migratory birds in the waters of Jianhu Lake, forming a beautiful and harmonious ecological picture scroll.
Jianhu Lake is located on the passage of migratory birds in western China. It is not only the gathering point and resting place for migratory birds during their migration and transit, but also the wintering habitat for migratory waterfowl. Not only that, Jianhu wetland is a plateau freshwater lake with high species richness, complete life styles and obvious diversity, and is known as a “gas station” for migratory birds.

Midu: Besra

Midu County is rich in bird resources, with 64 species of birds belonging to 50 genera and 22 families of 7 orders living here. Among them are Besra, Kestrel, Lady Amherst’s Pheasant and other national key protected wild animals. Midu Xishan area is an important passage for migratory birds. With the arrival of winter, egrets fleeing the cold and overwintering find food, inhabit and dance in many wetlands such as Pingbahai, Touyi and Zhangguanying villages in Midu County. The sight of “a line of egrets ascending to the sky” can be seen everywhere.
In recent years, Midu County has carried out seven special environmental protection actions, including environmental law enforcement action, environmental governance action, environmental sunshine action, ecological protection action, green creation action, green communication action and energy conservation and consumption reduction action, to crack down on the destruction of wintering migratory bird habitats and wetland environment, protect the ecological environment and promote harmonious coexistence between human beings and nature. Up to now, three state-level nature reserves have been built, covering an area of 445,100 mu, accounting for 19.4% of the county’s land area, 58 state-level ecological villages and 2 provincial-level ecological villages and towns.

In developed countries like Europe and America, birdwatching has long been a fashionable pursuit, and in recent years, birdwatching tours in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and coastal regions have been flourishing. Baoshan’s Gaoligong Mountain, rich in a wide variety of bird species, undoubtedly stands out as the top choice for birdwatchers in China. Birdwatching is the most enchanting aspect of ecological tourism on Gaoligong Mountain.

Stretching 600 kilometers, Gaoligong Mountain is extraordinarily rich in species. To date, 525 bird species from 19 orders and 58 families have been recorded in this mountain range, making it one of the richest areas for bird resources in Yunnan Province and one of the most abundant in all of China.

Gaoligong Mountain is renowned as the “Kingdom of Laughingthrushes,” where their melodious and rhythmic calls resonate throughout the forest. Amidst the rugged mountain ridges where the winds rage and the sky seems to touch the earth, one can also hear the distant calls of the Koklass and Silver Pheasants. Bird identification through calls becomes an enjoyable part of the birdwatching experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural symphony.

The diverse morphologies of birds on Gaoligong Mountain are a marvel of nature: from the tiny Yellow-bellied Warbler weighing just 5 grams to the massive Himalayan Griffon weighing up to 7500 grams, a difference of 1500 times in weight; from the diminutive Grey-bellied Tesia measuring only 8.6 cm in length to the towering Black-necked Crane reaching up to 137 cm, a difference of nearly 16 times in size. Such dramatic variations and smooth transitions can often be observed within a single birdwatching trip.

Gaoligong Mountain harbors 21 out of the 28 pheasant species found in Yunnan, accounting for 75% of the province’s pheasant diversity. It truly stands as a paradise for pheasants. Walking from the foothills to the mountain peaks, one encounters various forms of pheasants such as the Green Peafowl (along the Nujiang River), Quails (common in farmlands), Blood Pheasants, Chestnut-throated Partridges, White-cheeked Partridges, Temminck’s Tragopans, Blood Pheasants, Silver Pheasants, Kalij Pheasants, White-eared Pheasants, and Lady Amherst’s Pheasants. This narrow band of elevation on Gaoligong Mountain is remarkably rich in pheasant species, a biological spectacle in itself.

Gaoligong Mountain features many ancient trade routes and former logging roads before the establishment of protected areas, making it easy to navigate with expansive views and concentrated bird activity. It has earned the reputation among international birdwatchers as a “five-star-plus birdwatching destination.”

Recommended Tips:
Birdwatching Guide

Best season for birdwatching on Gaoligong Mountain: October to May each year.
Best times of day:
Eastern Slope: 7:00-11:00 AM, 5:00-8:00 PM
Western Slope: 8:00 AM-12:00 PM, 5:00-8:00 PM
Main Birdwatching Routes on Gaoligong Mountain:

Gangdang-Hanlong-Jinchang River, Hanlong-Huangxinshu-Nanzhai Public House-Gangfang-Daba-Qushi, Qiaotou-Huangtukan-Beizhai Public House-Huipo-Xiya, Bawan-Pumanshao-Fenshuiling-Taipingpu-Dahaoping-Longwenqiao. (Among them, the Gangdang-Hanlong-Jinchang River birdwatching route is 25 kilometers long, mainly following the logging roads from the 1970s, taking about 3 days. Along this route, over 150 bird species from various families such as Cormorants, Pheasants, Rails, Sandpipers, Pigeons, Swifts, Cuckoos, Owls, Parrots, Hoopoes, and Passerines can be observed.)

Hanlong-Huangxinshu-Nanzhai Public House-Gangfang-Daba-Qushi birdwatching route crosses both sides of Gaoligong Mountain, following well-preserved ancient Southern Silk Road paths, taking about 5 days. (This route passes through wetlands, farmlands, and forests, where nearly 200 bird species from families such as Ducks, Hawks, Pelicans, Plovers, Geese, Chickens, Falcons, Cranes, Storks, Pigeons, Parrots, Cuckoos, Nightjars, Swifts, Owls, Parrots, and Passerines can be observed. Additionally, you can observe the vertical distribution of slope birds on both sides of Gaoligong Mountain.)

Qiaotou-Huangtukan-Beizhai Public House-Huipo-Xiya birdwatching route is a comprehensive combination of the above two routes. (This route passes through more intact forests, where approximately 250 bird species can be observed, taking about 7 days.)

Bawan-Pumanshao-Fenshuiling-Taipingpu-Dahaoping-Longwenqiao birdwatching route mainly follows the Stilwell Road, observing birds distributed on the eastern and western slopes of Gaoligong Mountain at altitudes ranging from 1000 to 2500 meters. (With fewer vehicles traveling on the road now, there is less human disturbance, and a wide variety of birds can be seen on both sides of the road.)

Source: Gaoligong Mountain Birdwatching Guide http://www.glgsly.cn/show-42-210-1.html

Yunnan Province holds some of the most exciting habitats and alluring species in the whole of Asia, about half of China’s birds and mammals. This 14 days West Yunnan Birding Tour covers some of the best birding areas in the province, such as Zixi Mountain, Baoshan, Baihualing, etc. This tour offers travelers featured birds in Yunnan. Yunnan is an ideal place for your biring tour.

Highlight:

• Watch diverse birds and explore more species in Yunnan.

• Enjoy the charming natural scenery.

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Brief Itinerary:

• Day 1 Kunming Arrival
• Day 2 Kunming – Zixishan
• Day 3 Zixishan Mountain
• Day 4 Zixi Mountain – Dali
• Day 5 Dali
• Day 6 Dali-Bawan
• Day 7 Baihualing(Gaoli Gongshan)
• Day 8 Baihualing(Gaoli Gongshan)
• Day 9 Baihualing(Gaoli Gongshan)
• Day 10 Baihualing(Gaoli Gongshan) – Yunlong
• Day 11 Yunlong-Lijiang
• Day 12 Lijiang
• Day 13 Lijiang
• Day 14 Lijiang Departure

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Recommended Hotels

Destination	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star	Hostels
Kunming	Sofitel Hotel	Kunming Jinjiang Hotel	Kunming Longteng Hotel	Local Guesthouse
Dali	Hilton Dali Resort And Spa	Dali E-outfitting Boutique Hotel	Taiheju Hotel	Local Guesthouse
Bawan	/	/	/	Local Guesthouse
Baihualing	/	/	/	Local Guesthouse
Yunlong	/	/	/	Local Guesthouse
Lijiang	InterContinental Hotel	E-outfitting Boutique Hotel in Shuhe	Liwang Hotel	Local Guesthouse

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide;
• Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
• Domestic train tickets of soft sleeper.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Chinese visa fees;
• Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel accident insurance;
• All optional programs.

Travel Tips:

• Visitors are advised to always carry changes of clothing due to the large variations in temperature between day and night.
• The climate is relatively dry, so drink more water every day.
• Protecting oneself from strong UV radiation at high altitude.
• Protecting oneself from altitude sickness. Lessen the effects of altitude sickness, avoid strenuous exercise and have plenty of rest. 
• Respect local customs , habits, and religious beliefs.

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Chinese Name:丽江白沙古镇和士秀医生
English Name: Doctor Ho Shixiu in Baisha Ancient Town, Lijiang

He Shixiu (1923 – 2018), a famous Naxi doctor, is known as one of the “three outstanding doctors of Lijiang”. The Ethnic Times calls him “A Wonderful Naxi People” and many overseas Chinese newspapers call him “Miracle-working Doctor around the Jade snow mountain area”. On August 31, 2018, he died peacefully at the age of 97.

Life Experience of Doctor Ho

He Shixiu was admitted to Shanghai Naval Machinery College for science with the outstanding achievement of Lijiang Top Scholar. Later, due to physical reasons, he transferred to Nanjing Foreign Language College and graduated in 1949.

In 1949, he joined the Second Field Army of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, and later returned home for recuperation due to tuberculosis. After returning home, He Shixiu inherited his father’s career, carefully studied medical books, collected folk Chinese herbal medicine prescriptions of Naxi nationality, and became a doctor after a long illness, making him a little famous herbal medicine doctor. During the Cultural Revolution, He was criticized ,and after the Cultural Revolution, he was hired to teach English at Lijiang Diqu Middle School and Lijiang Finance School.

In April 1985, He Shixiu’s “Yulong Snow Mountain Herbal Clinic” finally opened. Over the past 30 years since its opening, numerous people have been treated by He Shixiu. In his words, “My patients come from all over the world, but I would rather they were just guests, not patients.”

Achievement of Doctor Ho

In March 1986, The World of Locke, written by the famous British writer Bruce Chatwin, was published in the New York magazine the Times. It reported the “Snow Mountain Herbal Clinic” of He Shixiu. Later, Blair’s recovery from leukemia in the United States was reported. The sensational effect of this news has made the domestic and foreign media continue to report on He Shixiu.

It is reported that He Shixiu has received interview invitations from more than 150 media, covering the world in nearly 40 languages, including CCTV, NBC, Time, BBC and other international well-known media. He has even been visited by the queen of the Netherlands, the royal family of the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Switzerland and other global dignitaries and celebrities. Of course, there are also celebrities from various countries, film and television stars. His stories were selected and included in the international celebrity dictionary and international 500 celebrities by IBC and ABI.

“Because I’ve been seriously ill and know the pain of patients, all I can do is to make them less painful and stressful. It is my original intention to seek medical treatment with virtue.” He Shixiu said.

Death of Doctor Ho

He Shixiu died peacefully at 7:30 am on August 31, 2018(the 21st day of the seventh lunar month). He was 97 years old. 

Recommended Lijiang Tours with Herbal Clinic of Doctor Ho Shixiu Visiting

One Day Lijiang Baisha Ancient Town Tour with Herbal Clinic of Doctor Ho Shixiu Visiting

Chinese Name: 南涧县无量山樱花谷茶园
English Name:Tea Garden of Wuliangshan Cherry Blossoms Valley in Nanjian County, Dali
Location:大理州南涧县无量镇德安村委会

Dali Wuliangshan Cherry Blossom Valley Tea Park

Location and Overview: Dali Wuliangshan Cherry Blossom Valley Tea Park is situated in De’an Village, Wuliangshan Town, Nanjiang County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province, at an elevation of 1,800 to 2,500 meters. It is adjacent to the Lingbao Mountain Forest Park, a national nature reserve. The park offers a chance to experience the unique natural beauty and historical culture of Dali, while also providing a relaxing retreat into nature. Visitors can enjoy the romantic sight of blooming flowers in winter and participate in tea-making techniques that are part of Dali Prefecture’s intangible cultural heritage, including sun-dried green tea and Phoenix tuo tea.

Historical and Cultural Background:

• Tea Origin: Wuliangshan Cherry Blossom Valley is a AAA-rated scenic area centered around tea. In 2000, Nanjiang County introduced a Taiwanese investment enterprise to establish the Yunnan Dali Huaqing Tea Co., Ltd. in De’an Village, located in the Wuliangshan National Nature Reserve. The company planted over 1,000 acres of tea varieties, including Tieguanyin, Qingxin Oolong, and Jin Xuan. Cherry trees were planted among the tea fields both for shade and as ornamental trees. From late November to December, the cherry blossoms create a stunning visual contrast against the green tea hills, attracting many visitors who enjoy the picturesque scenery and cultural atmosphere.
• Development and Recognition: In 2015, Wuliangshan Cherry Blossom Valley was developed into a national AAA scenic area. The park was recognized in 2023 as the “Dali Wuliangshan Cherry Blossom Valley Tea Park” by the China Agricultural International Cooperation Promotion Association.

Impact on Local Tea Industry:

• Tea Industry Development: The tea industry is a traditional strength of Nanjiang County, which has a long history of tea production. The county is a major tea-producing area in Dali Prefecture and Yunnan Province, known for its ecological tea production and integration of agriculture and tourism. Yunnan Dali Huaqing Tea Co., Ltd. has been recognized as a provincial tea garden and Wuliangshan Cherry Blossom Valley is the county’s first and currently only national AAA scenic area. The valley has been highlighted for its tea tourism routes and has received numerous accolades, including recognition as one of China’s top ten tea tourism destinations.

Access and Transportation:

• Travel Routes: Nanjiang County is a key node in the China-ASEAN International Grand Corridor. After the completion of major transportation projects like the Dali-Lincang Railway, Nanjing Expressway, Dali-South Expressway, and Binan Expressway, Nanjiang will be an important gateway to South Asia and Southeast Asia. Visitors can reach Dali by plane or high-speed train and then drive through the Dali-Nanjiang section of the Nanjing Expressway or the Binan Expressway to reach Wuliangshan Cherry Blossom Valley. The drive from Dali takes about two hours, or visitors can travel via the Xiaowan East Station and continue on the Nanjing Expressway to the park.

Tourist Attractions and Experiences:

• Tourist Route: The park is part of a broader tourist route that includes Nanjiang County Town, Nanjiang Earth Forest, Tea Horse Road Station (Tiger Street), and Wuliangshan National Forest Park. The county town features various parks and cultural sites, while the Earth Forest offers dramatic natural sculptures. Tiger Street, located in the middle of the route to the tea park, features well-preserved historical architecture and a museum built from old inns along the Tea Horse Road.
• Seasonal Highlights: Wuliangshan Cherry Blossom Valley presents different scenic views throughout the year. In addition to cherry blossoms in winter, visitors can see camellias in spring and explore misty tea mountains in summer and autumn. The peak flower viewing season is from late November to early December and from February to March for spring blooms.

Cultural Heritage Experiences:

• Cultural Activities: The park offers opportunities to engage with local cultural heritage, including the “Yi Ethnic Dance” listed as a national intangible cultural heritage. The techniques of making sun-dried green tea and Phoenix tuo tea, both included in Dali Prefecture’s intangible cultural heritage list, can also be experienced. Phoenix tuo tea is renowned in the industry and known as the “Second Best Tuo in the World.” Visitors can enjoy Yi ethnic dance performances, taste local delicacies, and participate in tea-making activities.

Chinese Name: 南涧县无量山镇小古德村茶树王
English Name:King of The Tea Tree in Xiaogude Village in Nanjian County, Dali
Location:南涧县无量山镇小古德村子

King of The Tea in Xiaogude Village is located in Xiaogude Tea Garden of Wuliang Mountain in Nanjian County.

The “King of Thousand-Year Tea Trees” in Nanjiang

Introduction: The “King of Thousand-Year Tea Trees,” located in Xiaogude Village, Wuliangshan Town, Nanjiang County, Dali, is a historic tea tree with a remarkable age of over 1,200 years. It stands approximately 16 meters tall, with a canopy shaped like an umbrella, lush foliage, and a vigorous appearance. The tree’s branches cover more than 20 square meters, and its base has a circumference of about 2.1 meters, making it a majestic sight.

Tea Industry in Wuliangshan Town:

• Tea Production: Wuliangshan Town is a key area for tea cultivation, with 30,100 acres of tea gardens and over 10,000 ancient tea trees. The ancient tea trees are primarily concentrated in the areas of Baoping, De’an, Xinzhen, and Gude. Among these, the oldest tree, over 1,200 years old, is honored as the “King of Thousand-Year Tea Trees.” This ancient tea tree, located at an elevation of about 2,100 meters in Wuliangshan, belongs to Gude Village and is renowned for its impressive size and beauty.

Tourism and Cultural Significance:

• Visitor Experience: Every year, numerous tea enthusiasts visit Gude to admire the “King of Thousand-Year Tea Trees,” participate in tea-picking, tea-making, and tea-tasting activities. The “Thousand-Year Tea King” has become a popular attraction for tea lovers, with the tea garden where it is located becoming a new hotspot for visitors. The tree has become an intangible symbol of Nanjiang’s tea industry.
• Tea Quality: The tea leaves from the “Thousand-Year Tea King” are hand-picked and processed manually. These leaves are known for their durability, pleasant aftertaste, and rich aroma, making them high-quality ancient tree tea. Typically, this tea can sell for 6,000 to 8,000 yuan per kilogram.

Development and Industry Growth:

• Tea Industry Expansion: In recent years, Wuliangshan Town has focused on enhancing its role as a “Green Beautiful Tea Area” and a “Demonstration County for Agricultural and Tourism Integration” in Nanjiang County. Leveraging its unique geographical and resource advantages, the town continuously optimizes its 30,100 acres of tea gardens and actively implements protection measures for ancient tea mountains and trees. Through tea garden construction, protection and development of ancient tea trees, and promotion of tea products, the town is extending its tea industry chain and striving to create a distinctive village-based tea product.
• Infrastructure and Production: Wuliangshan Town has 19 initial tea processing facilities, 13 tea processing enterprises, 3 fine processing plants, and 2 tea trading markets. In 2023, the town’s tea production reached 2,149.65 tons, with a total value of 32,330,860 yuan. Tea has truly become a “wealth-bringing leaf,” contributing significantly to the income of local tea farmers and driving rural revitalization.

Chinese Name: 南涧县无量山镇古德茶园
English Name:XiaoGude Tea Mountain in Nanjian County, Dali
Location:南涧县无量山镇小古德村子

Yunnan Province has two Gude Villages: one is located in Anding Township, Jingdong Yi Autonomous County, and the other in Wuliangshan Town, Nanjiang County, Dali Prefecture. Today, we focus on Gude Village in Dali Prefecture.

1. Geography of Gude Village

Gude Village is an administrative village under Wuliangshan Town, Nanjiang County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Wuliangshan Town is situated in the middle of the Ailao and Wuliang Mountains, southeast of the county seat, between longitudes 100°28′ and 100°41′ and latitudes 24°42′ and 24°56′. It borders Midu County and Nanhua County in Chuxiong Prefecture to the east, Pu’er City’s Jingdong Yi Autonomous County to the south, Gonglang Town to the west, and Baohua Town to the north. The total area is 251.95 square kilometers.

To reach Gude Village Committee from Nanjiang Yi Autonomous County, drive along the Nanning Expressway, then continue on National Road 215, and finally turn onto Rural Road 043, covering about 55 kilometers.

If you plan to visit Pu’er for tea, Wuliangshan Town is on the way. Driving south from Wuliangshan Town will take you to Jingdong Yi Autonomous County.

Gude Village is a picturesque area with over 2,600 residents and more than 2,300 acres of tea gardens.

The name “Gude” is believed to come from Yi or Dai languages, meaning “village under the mountain ridge,” though local villagers have various interpretations of its origin. Some interpret “Gude” as the English word “good,” symbolizing that Gude Village is a good place and Gude tea is excellent.

2. Cultural Aspects of Gude Village

Wuliangshan Town is a major tea-producing area in Nanjiang County, with tea cultivation being the local pillar industry. The Yi, Han, Bai, and Miao ethnic groups living in Wuliangshan all have tea gardens in nearly every household. The total tea garden area in the town is 30,100 acres, with over 10,000 ancient tea trees.

Nanjiang County is situated on the ancient Dian-Tibet Tea Horse Road and has long been known as the “Hometown of Tea.” Tea cultivation in the Wuliangshan and Ailao Mountain regions began during the Tang Dynasty, and Nanjiang has a long history of tea production and sales.

In 2022, Nanjiang produced 6,980 tons of pressed tea, accounting for 82% of the county’s total tea production. Nanjiang’s Fenghuang pressed tea is sold in Guangdong, Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an, Hong Kong, and exported to Korea and Malaysia, gaining a strong market reputation.

Nanjiang County has vigorously developed its tea industry in recent years, benefiting from a good ecological environment. It has become a key tea-producing county and one of China’s top ten ecological tea-producing counties. With policy support and poverty alleviation measures, the county has expanded its tea gardens to 110,000 acres, with 26,000 tea-growing households, 35 tea enterprises, and 35 tea cooperatives.

The thriving tea industry has significantly increased the income of Gude Village’s residents. Many villagers have bought vehicles, built new houses, and even purchased property in the county seat. Tea is not only a primary source of income but also an important offering for guests, reflecting the villagers’ hospitality.

3. Ancient Trees in Gude Village

Gude Village is home to an ancient tea tree known as the “Thousand-Year Tea King,” located at an altitude of about 2,100 meters in the Wuliang Mountains. This tree often becomes a focal point for tea enthusiasts visiting the village.

King of The Tea Tree in XiaoGudee Village in Nanjian County is over 1,200 years old, about 16 meters tall, with a canopy spreading 9.2 meters in diameter. Its trunk has a diameter of 55 centimeters and a circumference of 171 centimeters, belonging to the cultivated Yunnan big leaf tea variety. Despite its age, this ancient tea tree remains vigorous, with lush branches and leaves. It produces nearly 50 kilograms of fresh tea and over 20 kilograms of tea fruits annually.

According to Guo Wenxing, who manages the ancient tree, the exact age is uncertain but can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty’s Kangxi period. In 1940, local landlords and post-liberation tea estates cultivated tea here. Today, the ancient tree is surrounded by newer tea trees and remains lush and vibrant, symbolizing Gude Village.

The “Thousand-Year Tea King” attracts many tea enthusiasts and tourists who come to taste its tea and enjoy the scenery. The tea produced from this ancient tree is known for its excellent aftertaste, unique aroma, and durability, making it highly sought after.

The Wuliangshan tea area primarily consists of cultivated wild ancient tea tree clusters, with some ancient tea trees honored as “Tea Kings.” Villages with ancient tea resources categorize and name their tea to aid in protection and management. While this approach may be somewhat informal, it plays a positive role in preserving ancient tea tree resources.

Chinese Name: 大理白族自治州南涧县公郎镇罗佰克茶园村
English Name:Robert Tea Mountain of Gonglang Town in Nanjian County, Dali
Location:罗伯克生态茶园地处公郎镇凤岭村委会的无量山腹地小波乐箐、阿母助路的山坡台地上

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Location

The Robert Ecological Tea Garden is located in Fengling Village of Gonglang Town, situated on the hillside terrace between XiaoBoLe Valley and AMuZhu Road in the Wuliang Mountain region, near the Lancang River. The garden sits at an altitude of 1,968 meters, with an annual average temperature of 15°C and annual precipitation of 1,200 mm, creating an ideal environment for cultivating tea, walnuts, wheat, corn, and other crops. The area is known for its beautiful scenery, fertile soil, and humid climate, making it a desirable place to live.

Gonglang Town, one of the three ancient towns in Nanjian County, is located at the base of the Wuliang Mountain. The area is accessible via National Road 214 and XingLang Road.

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Historical and Cultural Significance

The vicinity of the Robert Tea Garden is rich in historical and cultural sites:

• ZhouJia Tomb Mountain: A bronze drum from the Warring States period (a national second-class relic) was unearthed here.
• GongLang Stone Arrow: A stone-carved arrow located about 3 km from the tea garden, situated in the river valley.
• Neolithic Stone Axes: Unearthed around the area, indicating long-term human settlement.

Traditional Yi nationality buildings are well-preserved in the village, and national festivals such as the February 8 and Torch Festival are actively celebrated.

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Tea Garden Overview

Establishment and Location:

• Established: 1964
• Location: Southwest-facing mountain
• Area: 1,600 mu for tea cultivation and 500 mu for walnut trees
• Additional Crops: Cherry and holly trees

Environmental Conditions:

The garden’s open terrain, along with its suitable humidity and temperature conditions, supports the healthy growth of tea trees.

Significance and Achievements:

• The Robert Tea Garden is renowned for its high production quality and natural environment.
• Under the leadership of Li Zhenglin, the tea factory director, the garden’s tea has gained significant recognition both within and outside the province.
• The tea garden has been designated as a provincial-level Characteristic Tourism Village (fourth batch).
• In 2012, it was named a modern agricultural park by the Provincial Department of Agriculture.