Lamadi Star Valley in Fugong County, Nujiang

Lamadi Star Valley (拉马底星谷) is a AAA-rated national scenic area located in Lamadi Village, Shiyueliang Township, Fugong County, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture (怒江傈僳族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). The area is 47 kilometers from Fugong County, 3.8 kilometers from Shiyueliang Township, and 66 kilometers from Gongshan County (贡山县). The nearest provincial capital is Kunming, located 731 kilometers away.

The name "Lamadi" comes from the Lisu language, meaning "the flat ground where the tiger rests." The scenic area is located in the high mountain gorge region of the Gaoligong Mountain Range (高黎贡山), and it is renowned for its six key attractions: Lisu customs, canyon waterfalls, the raging Nujiang River (怒江), Gaoligong Mountain, secretive orchids, and the multi-colored tourmaline (七彩碧玺). The area also includes natural landscapes such as "Stone Moon" (石月亮), tourmaline, waterfalls, and mountain valleys, as well as historical and cultural landmarks such as the site where the 96th Division of the Chinese Expeditionary Force crossed the river on their return from Myanmar.

The Lamadi Star Valley offers various outdoor adventure options, including ecological tourism, scientific exploration, and sports. It is the perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking adventure.

Geographical Environment

Location:
Lamadi Star Valley is located in Shiyueliang Township (石月亮乡), Fugong County (福贡县), within the Gaoligong Mountain World Heritage site. The area is a part of the "Three Parallel Rivers" (三江并流) region, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Altitude:
The highest point within the area is 1700 meters, and the lowest point is 1300 meters, offering a rich variety of geological features including canyons, waterfalls, rivers, and cliffs.

Biodiversity:
The area is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Yunnan golden monkey and the black bear, as well as over 170 medicinal plant species. The region also boasts over 70 varieties of orchids and 30 varieties of rhododendron, making it a nature lover’s paradise.

Main Attractions

1. Xinggu Via Ferrata (星谷飞拉达)

Xinggu Via Ferrata is one of the main attractions of Lamadi Star Valley. A Via Ferrata is a climbing route where metal cables, ladders, and bridges are fixed onto a rock face, allowing climbers to safely scale cliffs. This Via Ferrata is the only one in China located in the Gaoligong Mountains (高黎贡山) and offers a unique opportunity to climb the cliffs of the valley. Visitors can also enjoy a cup of "cliff coffee" 100 meters above the ground while viewing glacier meltwaters.

2. Xinggu Creek Trekking (星谷溯溪)

Xinggu Creek trekking is a popular outdoor activity in the area. This adventure allows visitors to explore a route that combines canyons, streams, waterfalls, and riverbanks. Visitors walk along glacial meltwater streams, climb massive stones formed millions of years ago, and immerse themselves in the biodiversity of Gaoligong Mountain.

3. Chinese Expeditionary Force Light Trek (远征军轻徒步)

This unique trekking route follows the historical path of the Chinese Expeditionary Force’s 96th Division during their return from Myanmar. The route is the only unexploited light trekking path in China that takes adventurers through breathtaking natural beauty and rich history. The trek lasts around 2-3 hours and offers a perfect blend of history and nature.

4. Moon Valley (月亮山谷)

Moon Valley is another key attraction within the Lamadi Star Valley. The valley is known for its prehistoric cycads, some of which are over a thousand years old, and its wild plants, including grass fruit. At the end of the valley, visitors can admire the Silver Veil Waterfall (银纱瀑布), adding to the area’s mystique.

Cultural Activities

Mythical Legend

A local legend tells the story of a fairy, Leji, and a Lisu man, Afeng, who met in an ancient cycad forest. This place, once a meeting point for dinosaurs, became the foundation of their love story. On a full moon night, the two pledged eternal love in front of the "Stone Moon" (石月亮), and their love continues to be remembered in the valley.

Travel Information

Opening Hours:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, free entry.

Transportation:
Self-Driving:
From Kunming, take National Highway G219 to Lushui, then continue to Fugong County (福贡县) and Shiyueliang Township (石月亮乡), finally reaching Lamadi Star Valley (拉马底星谷景区).
Bus:
Buses are available from both Lushui City and Fugong County to Lamadi Star Valley.