Jiyi Dacun Village of Jiyi Town in Wuding County, Chuxiong

Chinese Name: 楚雄州武定县己衣乡己衣村委会己衣大村
English Name: Jiyi Dacun Village of Jiyi Town in Wuding County, Chuxiong

Overview

Jiyi Dacun Village (己衣大村) is located in Jiyi Town (己衣乡), Wuding County (武定县), Chuxiong Prefecture (楚雄州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is a mountainous village situated in the southeastern part of Jiyi Town, approximately 0.6 km from the village committee and 0.3 km from the township center. The village covers a total area of 1.61 square kilometers, with an altitude of 1,800 meters. The average annual temperature is 16.5°C, and the yearly rainfall is around 800 mm. The region is suitable for growing crops such as rice, corn, flue-cured tobacco, wheat, beans, and vegetables.

Jiyi Dacun Village (己衣大村) is built against the mountains and is adjacent to the Jiyi Grand Canyon (己衣大裂谷) on the east. It is a popular tourist destination that combines natural scenery, cultural heritage, folk customs, and leisure activities.

Marvel at the Grand Canyon

Jiyi Grand Canyon (己衣大裂谷)

Jiyi Grand Canyon (己衣大裂谷) stretches approximately 12 kilometers and appears as if it was cut by a knife. The canyon’s cliffs are nearly vertical at 90 degrees, exposing layers of rock formations. It is 200 meters wide at its broadest point, about 6 meters at its narrowest, and over 360 meters deep. At the top of the canyon, natural villages are scattered. On clear days, the depths seem endless, while on cloudy days, the mist creates an illusion of being in the sky. The canyon features five iconic scenic spots: Natural Bridge Scenic Area (天生桥景观带), Daliang River Scenic Area (大梁河景观带), Shenlong Gorge Scenic Area (神龙峡景观带), Vast Sky Cave Scenic Area (苍穹洞景观带), and Three-Finger Peak Scenic Area (三指峰景观带).

Natural Bridge Scenic Area

This is the narrowest and most perilous part of the canyon. The cliffs drop vertically 360 meters with a width of about 10 meters. A massive natural stone spans across, forming an ancient pathway connecting the two sides.

Daliang River Scenic Area

Located about 1 kilometer upstream from Natural Bridge, Daliang River (大梁河) is home to unique trees, exotic flowers, rare plants, and strangely shaped rocks. Some rock formations resemble dragons, phoenixes, animals, birds, or even human figures. The trees along the river remain lush and green all year, creating a picturesque environment with singing birds and fragrant flowers.

Shenlong Gorge Scenic Area

About 10 kilometers southeast of Jiyi Town (己衣镇), near Daji Village (打基村) in Banqiao Village Committee (板桥村委会), Shenlong Gorge (神龙峡) is a natural extension of Jiyi Grand Canyon (己衣大裂谷). The riverbed here abruptly drops at a 90-degree angle, forming a striking geological wonder. The gorge resembles an inverted giant pot, with the opening facing downward.

Vast Sky Cave Scenic Area

Located 1 kilometer downstream from Natural Bridge, Vast Sky Cave (苍穹洞) is a colossal cave hidden at the bottom of the canyon, about 500 meters below the surface. Spanning nearly 1,000 square meters, the cave features over 200-meter-high stalactites with diverse formations.

Three-Finger Peak Scenic Area

Near the confluence of Jiyi Grand Canyon (己衣大裂谷) and the Jinsha River (金沙江), Dadi Village (大地村) faces three towering stone pillars, each nearly 100 meters high, standing on the canyon’s cliffs. These formations are known as Three-Finger Peak (三指峰). According to legend, after the deities carved out the Jinsha River (金沙江) and Jiyi Grand Canyon (己衣大裂谷), they transformed into a giant stone to protect Jiyi (己衣). The three fingers represent the past, present, and future.

In addition, Jiyi Grand Canyon (己衣大裂谷) is home to rare and endangered wildlife, including rhesus monkeys, king cobras, tree ferns, and cyathea spinulosa, which are under national-level protection. In 2004, China National Geography Magazine (《中国国家地理》) ranked Jiyi Grand Canyon among the "Top 20 Best Scenic Spots in Yunnan Province."

Experience Ethnic Culture

Jiyi Dacun Village (己衣大村) is designated as a "Beautiful Village" at the prefectural level. It is home to various ethnic groups, including Han, Yi, and Miao, each preserving rich cultural traditions.

While wandering through the village, visitors can enjoy stunning pastoral scenery and indulge in unique local delicacies.

Local Delicacies

• Pickled Tree Leaves (大树腌菜): Made from the young leaves of the fishwood tree, this specialty can be eaten cold or cooked in soup. A notable dish is red bean soup with pickled tree leaves, which has a slightly sour yet fragrant and enticing flavor.
• Pickled Bitter Fruit (腌小苦果): These small, pea-sized fruits have a bitter taste that gradually turns sweet. They are known for their cooling and detoxifying properties.
• Peanut Soup (花生汤): Soft, sweet, and melts in the mouth.
• Wuding Zhuang Chicken (武定壮鸡): Tender and aromatic, offering a delightful taste.
• Valley Flower Fish (谷花鱼): Known for its unique freshness and sweetness.

Explore Red Culture

Besides natural beauty and ethnic charm, Jiyi Dacun Village (己衣大村) has significant historical landmarks related to the Red Army’s Long March (红军长征).

Red Army Tree (红军树)

Jiyi Grand Canyon (己衣大裂谷) is near Jiaopingdu (皎平渡), a historic crossing point during the Long March in May 1935. During this time, two wounded Red Army soldiers were captured and killed by reactionary forces under a fir tree in Jiyi Dacun Village (己衣大村). To commemorate their sacrifice, locals named the tree the Red Army Tree (红军树) and later built a Red Army Tree Memorial (红军树纪念碑).

Little Red Flag Canal (小红旗渠)

At the bottom of Jiyi Grand Canyon (己衣大裂谷), the Daliang River (大梁河) flows along a towering cliff. A winding artificial water channel extends from the river toward Jiyi Dacun Village (己衣大村). Constructed in 1966, this irrigation project embodies the hard work and perseverance of Jiyi’s people and is known as the Little Red Flag Canal (小红旗渠).

Enjoy Adventure and Exploration

Jiyi Grand Canyon (己衣大裂谷) spans 12 kilometers and offers breathtaking views. Its rugged and challenging terrain makes it an ideal spot for adventure seekers.

The exploration route is complex, featuring streams, waterfalls, jagged rocks, and towering peaks. Hikers may need to climb from the canyon floor, crawl through caves, or traverse narrow trails above waterfalls. The mix of magnificent, thrilling, and awe-inspiring landscapes makes Jiyi Grand Canyon (己衣大裂谷) a paradise for adventurers.
Chinese Version: http://ynwd.gov.cn/info/1042/49443.htm