Shiceng Dashan Mountains in Jiangcheng County, Puer

Shiceng Dashan (十层大山), also known as the “Ten-Layered Mountain,” is located in the southern part of Yunnan Province (云南省), China. It marks the point where the territories of China (中国), Vietnam (越南), and Laos (老挝) meet. The mountain range is composed of ten peaks, which give the mountain its name. The highest peak stands at an elevation of 1,864 meters (6,115 feet). The terrain features tropical rainforests, steep cliffs, and perilous valleys, including regions such as the “Leech Valley” (蚂蟥谷) and the “Soul-Cutting Cliff” (断魂崖). A granite boundary monument, No. 0 Boundary Stone (0号界碑), is situated at the summit, marking the intersection of the three countries.

Geography and Name Origin

Shiceng Dashan is located in Qu Shui Township (曲水乡), Jiangcheng Hani and Yi Autonomous County (江城哈尼族彝族自治县), in Puer City (普洱市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It lies at the tripoint where China, Vietnam’s Dien Bien Province (奠边省), and Laos’ Phongsaly Province (丰沙里省) meet. The mountain range consists of ten peaks connected from low to high, with the lowest point at 619 meters and the main peak at 1,864 meters. Due to its unique layer-like structure, the locals and border guards call it “Shiceng Dashan” (十层大山), meaning “Ten-Layered Mountain.”

Natural Features

Tropical Rainforests and Wildlife

The mountain is covered by dense tropical rainforests with towering ancient trees and twisting vines, creating a natural barrier. The slopes are steep, and the dramatic elevation difference between the valleys and mountain ridges has given rise to waterfalls dropping several tens of meters. The cliffs here are extremely steep, some referred to as the “Death Staircase” (生死阶梯).

The foot of the mountain is dotted with tropical fruit orchards, including mangoes, pineapples, and lychees, while the vegetation includes both forest and grassland types. Areas such as “Leech Valley” (蚂蟥谷) and “Soul-Cutting Cliff” (断魂崖) are particularly hazardous, frequented by wild animals such as venomous snakes and scorpions.

Rivers and Waterfalls

Shiceng Dashan features significant waterfalls that cascade down the steep cliffs. During the rainy season, the volume of water increases, and waterfalls with widths of around 5 meters can form at the base.

Border and Boundary Monument Maintenance

Boundary Marker at the Summit

At the summit of Shiceng Dashan stands the No. 0 Boundary Stone (0号界碑), a granite monument erected in 2009 to mark the border point between China, Vietnam, and Laos. The stone bears the Chinese emblem and the inscription “China” (中国), serving as the landmark of the tripoint between the three countries.

Border Patrol and Maintenance

The South China Military District‘s border guard units are tasked with maintaining the boundary markers. They regularly patrol the area, clearing vegetation around the boundary stone and re-painting the inscriptions. Patrols are physically demanding, requiring soldiers to carry over 30 kilograms of equipment while traversing dense, steep terrain with slopes exceeding 60 degrees. Their patrols can last more than 10 hours daily, and they face numerous natural challenges such as leech bites, poisonous insects, and extreme weather.

Tourism and Development

Scenic Views and Landscape

Shiceng Dashan offers a unique view that allows visitors to see the borders of China, Vietnam, and Laos all at once—hence the term “one step in three countries” (一脚踏三国). The top of the mountain is renowned for its sea of clouds, offering both a scenic overlook and a view of the border region between the three countries.

Mountain Climbing and Accessibility

A 24-kilometer paved road leads to the ninth layer of Shiceng Dashan, where vehicles can access. From there, visitors must walk approximately 2 kilometers along a mountain trail to reach the summit, where the No. 0 Boundary Stone is located. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, but visitors should be prepared for a challenging hike.

On the Vietnamese side, a staircase has been built to reach the boundary monument, and it is reported to be in better condition than the Chinese access route. Unfortunately, no road or trail has been built on the Lao side due to the steep mountain slopes.

Fruit Orchards and Local Experiences

At the foot of Shiceng Dashan lies a tropical fruit plantation, where visitors can experience fruit-picking activities, including mangoes, lychees, and pineapples. The region is also included in the Puer Border Tourism Development Plan (普洱边境旅游开发规划), though due to the mountainous terrain and strict border control, tourism infrastructure is still in the early stages of development.

Shiceng Dashan: A Natural Wonder at the Border of Three Countries

Located in Jiangcheng County (江城县), Yunnan, Shiceng Dashan is a natural wonder that offers the opportunity to “stand in three countries at once.” This phenomenon is the result of the mountain’s location at the tripoint of China, Vietnam, and Laos.

The mountain’s highest peak rises to an elevation of 1,864 meters, and visitors can explore the unique landscape and enjoy panoramic views of the three countries. Local infrastructure has improved over time, with roads now reaching the ninth layer of the mountain. Visitors can hike the final stretch to the top, where the No. 0 Boundary Stone stands, marking the intersection of the three nations.