Fangshan Mountain in Yongren County, Chuxiong

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❄️ Core Features & Geographic Location

Cool World

Located 16 kilometers northeast of Yongren County (永仁县), Chuxiong Prefecture (楚雄州), Fangshan (方山) is named for its flat-topped summit resembling a square table.
The area maintains an average annual temperature of only 12°C, with summer temperatures ranging between 17–24°C.
With over 90% forest coverage, Fangshan has earned the reputation as the “Central Yunnan’s Summer Paradise.”

Majestic Triple Rivers View

The Jinsha River (金沙江) flows around the mountain base. From the summit, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the “One Glance, Three Rivers” landscape — encompassing the Jinsha River, Wanma River (万马河), and Yongding River (永定河).

Provincial Boundary Wonder

Situated at the Yunnan-Sichuan provincial border, parts of the scenic area actually straddle the two provinces — a visitor can literally stand with one foot in each. Mobile signals automatically switch between Yunnan and Sichuan networks, while the vista simultaneously displays the stunning scenery of both provinces.

🌳 Natural and Cultural Attractions

✅ Must-Visit Spots

• Wangjiang Ridge (望江岭)
  The highest point on the eastern slope of Fangshan, home to the historic Zhuge Liang Beacon Tower Ruins (诸葛亮烽火台遗址).
  Witness stunning sea of clouds sunrises and dazzling starry night skies. Photographers can capture the Jinsha River winding like a silk ribbon through the mountains using telephoto lenses.

• Zhugeying Ruins (诸葛营遗址)
  An ancient military camp from the Three Kingdoms period, featuring remnants of three stone fortification walls guarding an old courier route, alongside a statue of Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮) and an 1800-year-old historical stele.

• Pearl Dripping Rock & Immortal Valley (珍珠滴水岩 & 仙人谷)
  After summer rains, waterfalls cascade forming rainbow mist, while the valley is draped in ancient vines with hidden cliff carvings—ideal for stream tracing and adventure seekers.

✅ Secret Flower Sea

• Spring (March–April):
  300,000 tulips planted in a “Fu (福)” character flower field.

• Summer:
  A 20,000-square-meter rose maze, 150,000 lilies, and 400,000 rhododendrons weave a fairy tale forest.

• Autumn:
  Forests abound with wild mushrooms, including matsutake, with mushroom picking experiences available.

🎭 Cultural & Immersive Experiences

Ethnic Folk Culture

The mid-mountain Zhugeying Village (诸葛营村) is a settlement of the Yi ethnic group (彝族). Visitors can savor bitter buckwheat wine (苦荞酒) and enjoy traditional Yi song and dance performances. The village retains its original ecological charm, embodying the spirit of “seeing the mountains and feeling the homesickness.”

Deep-Dive Activities

• Early morning mushroom hunting with forest rangers

• Overnight stays in local guesthouses featuring astronomical telescope stargazing

• Trekking along millennia-old forest plank roads, capturing moss-covered stones illuminated by ethereal Tyndall light effects.

🛠️ Practical Information

⚠️ Notes

• No shops on the summit; bring your own water and snacks.

• Wear slip-resistant shoes during rainy season; beware of landslides.

• Respect Yi customs; ask permission before photographing villagers.

🌸 Best Seasons to Visit

• May to October: Cool summer refuge and mushroom foraging season

• November to April: Flower viewing and sea of clouds sightseeing — peak misty atmosphere around the Dragon Boat Festival

🌟 Don’t Miss

Stand atop Fangshan’s summit and feel the symphony of time and nature — to your left, the pines of Yunnan wave in the breeze; to your right, the layered peaks of Sichuan rise majestically, bridging history and the natural world.