Yangmei Mountain Birding in Huize County, Qujing

Overview

Yangmei Mountain (杨梅山) is located in Huize County (会泽县) of Qujing (曲靖), situated in the northeastern part of Yunnan Province (云南省). This birding destination lies by the Qiao Reservoir (大桥水库), which resembles a jewel embedded in the plateau, covering an area of 13.5 square kilometers at an altitude of 2,500 meters. The mountain springs and streams flow joyfully into the reservoir, creating thousands of acres of wetlands at the reservoir's tail end. This area is known as Yangmei Mountain, where visitors can gaze at the breathtaking landscape from the "mouth of the sea," enjoying the harmonious blend of sky and water. The stunning sight of a blood-red sun setting on the water is unforgettable.

Location

Yangmei Mountain is located in Daqiao Village (大桥村), Daqiao Township (大桥乡), Huize County (会泽县), Yunnan Province (云南省).

Recognition as a Beautiful Leisure Village

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (农业农村部) announced the list of China’s Beautiful Leisure Villages for 2022, recognizing 256 villages nationwide, including eight from Yunnan. Yangmei Mountain Village (杨梅山村) is the only village in Qujing to receive this honor.

Situated in the core area of the national-level Black-necked Crane (黑颈鹤) Nature Reserve, Yangmei Mountain Village leverages its unique wetland ecological resources and natural scenery. Over the years, the leisure tourism industry around Nian Lake (念湖) has developed significantly, earning it the titles of "Five Wonders of Nian Lake" for its picturesque views, including “Thousand Cranes Flying Together” (千鹤齐飞), “Red Soil Cultivation” (红土耕耘), “Ten Thousand Acres of Potato Flowers” (万亩薯花), “Rolling Waves of Wheat” (麦浪滚滚), and “Dreamy Rime” (梦幻雾凇).

The village is also known for its unique folk crafts and ethnic customs, particularly the Zhao family’s traditional "felt-making technique" (擀毡工艺). Cultural activities such as folk singing gatherings (山歌会) and the Torch Festival (火把节) have gained popularity, creating a vibrant tourism experience. Yangmei Mountain has been established as an ecological leisure and photography village, promoting crane culture and highland competitive sports, receiving recognition from provincial and municipal departments.

With over 70,000 annual visitors engaging in rural sightseeing, homestay experiences, crane photography, agricultural activities, and wellness tourism, the local tourism industry generates over 8 million yuan annually.

High Standards for Selection

The criteria for being selected as a Beautiful Leisure Village in China are stringent, requiring:

• Good local customs and practices, with villagers exhibiting honesty, legal business operations, and a harmonious living environment.
• Rich cultural heritage and a clean village environment with no instances of land occupation or significant public disturbances in the last three years.
• Distinct industrial advantages, including rich natural landscapes, ecological environments, and local cultural tourism resources.
• Diverse tourism offerings such as agritourism (农家乐), rural homestays (乡村民宿), and educational experiences that effectively engage local farmers.
• Complete service facilities including dining (餐饮), accommodation (住宿), parking (停车场), and tourist service centers (游客服务中心), ensuring a full range of leisure experiences.
• Clean village aesthetics and an optimized living environment free from pollution and ecological damage.
• Regulated practices within the leisure agriculture sector, with qualified personnel and a safe operational environment.

Yangmei Mountain Village's successful inclusion in the 2022 list of Beautiful Leisure Villages reflects the development of Huize County as a national-level tourism destination.

Scenic Highlights and Activities

Yangmei Mountain Village, located 10 kilometers from the township government and 47 kilometers from the county seat, has become a popular leisure travel destination. Visitors rave about the stunning views and unique folk crafts, which have led to the village being recognized as a creative base for photographers and cultural activities.

In early winter, the vibrant colors of Yangmei Mountain Village captivate visitors. Recent improvements to the living environment, including road upgrades, lighting, and the construction of a cultural service center, have enhanced the community's overall happiness and satisfaction.

The village also serves as a wintering ground for migratory birds such as the Black-necked Crane (黑颈鹤) and Grey Crane (灰鹤). Birdwatchers from all over, including Wang Xuanguo (王选国) from Hangzhou (杭州), visit annually to capture the beauty of the area.

Traditional Crafts and Agriculture

The traditional felt-making craft in Daqiao Township (大桥乡) has been recognized as a representative item of Yunnan's intangible cultural heritage. With over 200 years of history, the craft has evolved to include modern designs featuring local elements like the Black-necked Crane.

The village also cultivates oats (燕麦), promoting new high-yield varieties that significantly boost local income. The establishment of a "Technology Small Courtyard" (科技小院) supported by various government departments has laid a strong foundation for the development of the buckwheat industry.

With 56 new operating entities, including cooperatives (合作社) and family farms (家庭农场), Yangmei Mountain Village is successfully integrating leisure agriculture into its economy, increasing local farmers’ income.

Future Development

The village aims to further develop its tourism industry, establishing a brand focused on rural tourism that encompasses health, leisure, and cultural experiences. Village Party Secretary Tan Zhengwei (谭政伟) envisions transforming Yangmei Mountain into a comprehensive rural tourism destination that supports economic growth for local residents.

How to Get There

To reach Yangmei Mountain Village in Huize County (会泽县), you can take a bus or drive from the nearest major city, Qujing (曲靖). The village is about 47 kilometers from the county seat, with accessible roads and signage.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: The ideal time for birdwatching is in late autumn to early spring when migratory birds are present.
• Accommodation: Look for local homestays (乡村民宿) for an immersive experience.
• Local Cuisine: Don't miss out on trying local dishes that feature fresh, regional ingredients.
• Respect Nature: Follow local guidelines to protect the wildlife and natural environment.
• Engage with Locals: Participate in cultural events to learn more about the local customs and crafts.