Chuxiong Mutton

Why is Nanpanjiang River So Special?

Nanpanjiang River南盘江, also known as Wenshui温水 or Panjiang River盘江 in ancient time, is the main stream of Xijiang River西江. Nanpanjiang river originated from Maxiong Mountain马雄山 east foothill of Wumeng Mountain乌蒙山脉 in Qujing City, Yunnan Province, and is the source of the Pearl River. Nanpanjiang river specifically refers to the river reach before it arrives at Zhexiang village蔗香村 of Wangmo County望谟县 in Guizhou Province. Nanpangjiang river and Hongshui river红水河 constitute the upstream of Xijiang River. The total length of the river is 914 kilometers, the average slope of the river is 1.74 ‰, the basin area is 56809 square kilometers, including 5548 square kilometers in Guangxi, 7713 square kilometers in Guizhou and 43548 square kilometers in Yunnan. There are 44 primary tributaries over 100 square kilometers. In the middle and downstream of the Nanpanjiang River, with large longitudinal slopes, swift currents, dangerous shoals and abundant hydraulic resources, there are many hydropower stations such as Tianshengqiao Hydropower Station.

Nanpanjiang River Basin General Situation

Nanpanjiang river南盘江 is located in 102 ° 10 ‘- 106 ° 10’ east longitude, 23 ° 04 ‘- 26 ° 00’ north latitude. It flows through the whole or a part of Zhanyi沾益, Qujing曲靖, Luliang陆良, Yiliang宜良, Kaiyuan开远, Luoping罗平, Luxi泸西, Yanshan砚山, Jianshui建水, Mengzi蒙自, Qiubei丘北, Lunan路南, Chengjiang澄江, Shiping石屏, Shizong师宗, Xingyi兴义, Anlong安龙, Ceheng册亨, Xingren兴仁, Puan普安, Panxian盘县, Longlin隆林, Xilin西林 and other counties and cities in Yunnan province, Guizhou Province and Guangxi Province. In Yunnan province, the Nanpanjiang river runs through Qujing, Luliang, Yiliang, Kaiyuan, and Mile弥勒 and other counties and cities. Nanpanjiang River flows out Yunnan province after joining the Huangni river黄泥河 in Luoping county罗平县, and then has a confluence with Beipanjiang river北盘江 in Zhexiang village蔗香村 of Guizhou Province贵州. After Nanpanjiang river takes in Youjiang river右江 and Guijiang River桂江 in Guiping桂平 and Wuzhou梧州 of Guangxi, it is called Xijiang River.

Main Branches

Nanpanjiang River has 44 first grade tributaries. The drainage areas of these tributaries are all more than 100 square kilometers. Main tributaries include Qujiang River曲江, Nandong River南洞河, Jinma River金马河, Lujiang River泸江, Qingshuijiang River清水江, Huangni River黄泥河, Mabie River马别河 and so on. Among them, Huangni River is the largest one.

1. Dianxi River甸溪河, originated from Xiongbi Town of Shizong County in Qujing曲靖师宗县雄壁镇. The river is 215.7 kilometers long, with a drainage area of 2,905 square kilometers and a flow of 22.9 cubic meter per second. It belongs to left bank tributary.

2. Fabai River法白河, originated from Tinghu Lake of Yanshan County in Wenshan文山砚山县听湖. The river is 166.5 kilometers long, with a drainage area of 3,859 square kilometers and a flow of 50.3 cubic meter per second. It belongs to right bank tributary.

3. Huangni River黄泥河, originated from Panjiadong Village of Baishui Town in Qujing曲靖师白水镇潘家洞. The river is 220 kilometers long, with a drainage area of 7,416 square kilometers and a flow of 172 cubic meter per second. It belongs to left bank tributary.

Best Time to Visit

In Yunnan, travel is possible all the year round. You can visit Nanpangjiang River all the year over.

How to Get There

1. How to Get to Qujing

Nanpanjiang River originated from Wumeng Mountain of Zhanyi District in Qujing City, Yunnan.

Kunming-Qujing

Kunming Railway Station-Qujing Railway Station

Departure Time: 5:20-23:35

Price: 17.5-36.5 CNY

Distance: 158 kilometers

Consume Time: About 1.5 hours

Kunming South Railway Station-Qujing North Railway Station

Departure Time: 7:17-20:50

Price: 59 CNY

Distance: 165 kilometers

Consume Time: About 35 minutes

2. How to Get to Yanshan County of Wenshan

Nanpanjiang River flows through Yanshan County pf Wenshan.

Kunming-Yanshan County

Kunming East Bus Station-Yanshan Bus Terminal

Departure Time: 10:00, 11:30, 14:00, 20:30

Price: 113 CNY

Distance: 308 kilometers

Consume Time: 3.5-4 hours

Accommodation Around Nanpanjiang River

Accommodation in Qujing City

1. Qujing Longju Hotel曲靖龙聚大酒店

Address: The Crossroad of Dongfeng South Road and Dujuan Road, Zhanyi District, Qujing曲靖市沾益区东风南路与杜鹃路交汇处

Tel: 0874-3166666

Starting Price: 212 CNY

2. Yun Zhu Yuan Hotel曲靖云珠苑大酒店

Address: The Crossroad of Zhujiangyuan Avenue and Dongsheng East Road, Qilin District, Qujing曲靖市麒麟区珠江源大道与东盛东路交叉口

Tel: 0874-3082888

Starting Price: 163 CNY

Accommodation in Yanshan County of Wenshan

1. Yulan Hotel砚山御澜大酒店

Address: No.8, Xingcheng Avenue, Yanshan County, Wenshan文山州砚山县兴城大道8号

Tel: 0876-3121111

Starting Price: 158 CNY

2. Longhuyuan Hotel砚山龙湖元酒店

Address: Qixiang Avenue, Yanshan County, Wenshan文山州砚山县七乡大道

Tel: 0876-3891111

Starting Price: 145 CNY

Useful Travel Tips

1. The birthplace of Nanpanjiang river is in high altitude, the temperature difference between daytime and night is large.

2. Nanpanjiang river runs through three provinces, Yunnan Province, Guizhou Province and Guangxi Province.

Book the Tacheng Shenchuan Boutique Hotel in Diqing and stay at cheap Inn and Guesthouse. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, nice entertainment and visit the popular tourist attractions around the Guesthouse. Check the Rooms Types, Prices, guest Reviews, Breakfast, Dining, Facilities of Tacheng Shenchuan Boutique Hotel in Diqing. Discover genuine guest reviews of the comfy rooms along with the latest prices and availability – book now.

Chinese Name:维西县塔城神川精品酒店
English Name:Tacheng Shenchuan Botique Hotel in Weixi County, Diqing

Why is Dulong River So Special?

Dulong River is one of the six major river systems in Yunnan. Dulong River is considered as ‘the Natural Museum of Wild Plants’ and is the part of the most intact sustainable landscape. With a total length of 250 kilometers and a basin area of 1947 square kilometers, it gets its name from one of China’s 56 ethnic groups – Dulong Ethnic Minority who lives in this area for generations. Because of the unique geographic position of Dulong River, few travelers come while the beautiful scenery and special humanistic culture bring much charm.

Where is Dulong River – Location

Dulongjiang, also Dulong River, originates from Tibet, flowing through the northwest corner of Yunnan then into Burma. Its Yunnan section is about 80km long, sandwiched by Mt. Dandanglika on the west and Mt. Gaoligong on the east. It is an important part of the “four parallel rivers” of Hengduan mountain in Northwest Yunnan. The drainage area of the Dulong river is rich in precipitation.

Dulong River Valley

Dulong River Canyon is a mysterious and remote canyon with an altitude from 1000 to 4936 meters. The canyon preserves intact sustainable landscape and contains rich natural resources. However, due to the snowy and frozen climate, Dulong River Canyon is isolated from the world. Dulong River is considered as ‘the Natural Museum of Wild Plants’ and is the part of the most intact sustainable landscape. An ancient ethnic group, Dulong nationality, live here. Because of the unique geographic position of Dulong River, few travelers come while the beautiful scenery and special humanistic culture bring much charm.

Facial Tattoo Women of Dulong People

Dulong nationality is an ancient ethnic minority that live in Dulong River Canyon. Facial tattoo of women is a special costom of Dulong people. As for the reason, there are different versions. Some said that it is the coming-of-age ceremony of Dulong girls in 12 or 13 ages or it shows the totemism of Dulong people. Some said that it is a unique method to prevent from the robbery of Tibetan Tusi. Whatever the ture reason is, the traditon of facial tattoo women is dying out gradually.

Dulong nationality is one of the minority ethnic groups in China which has preserved the characteristics of the patriarchal clan commune in the late primitive society. They believe in primitive religion and believe that all things have spirits. They regard all natural disasters, human disasters, diseases as the action of a god. Therefore, mountains, rivers, trees, boulders have become objects of worship. Some of the Dulong people believe in Christianity.

How to Get there

There is no direct long-distance bus to Gongshan from Kunming and Dali. Tourists can only transfer to at Liuku. There is direct night bus from Kunming to Fugong. Almost all the tourists will rent a car to due to the inconvenience of transportation. Yunnan Exploration Travel can provide the car-rental service with good vehicle and skilled driver.

Best Time to Go

September is the best time to tour Dulongjiang area when the rainy season just ends, but with less water, lush plant, clear water and no snow.  At this time there are less venomous snakes, leeches, venomous worms, etc. Every November, the Dulongjiang area loses almost all contact with the outside world. The snow covers ten meters thick, keeping all the houses away from the snow mountain. Only to the next August when the snow and ice melted the area returns its vitality. 

Main Attractions

▪Maku Zhanggu Nature Barrier
Dulong River becomes roaring and gusting in Maku Village. Along the river are cliffs, great mountains and thick forests with abundant rare animals and plants. Crystal clear streams and waterfalls dot the region. 

▪Moon Waterfall
It also called Hapang Waterfall, which means the shiny water from the heaven in Dulong language. The waterfall got its name of moon because water shines brightly in the moonlight whenever it is the 15th of the month of the lunar calendar when the moon is round. And it is quite enjoyable to watch the waterfall in the moonlight then. 

▪The Rattan Strips Bridges on Dulong River

The 150 branches of Dulong River flow in Gaoligong Mountain and Dandanglika Mountain and form numerous deep gullies. To cross the gullies, Dulong people have built many bridges from rattan strips. The rattan bridges look very simple. People fasten the two ends of two parallel thick rattan strips at the river banks, weave a net of thin rattan strips between the two thicker ones, then put some long wood boards or wide bamboo strips on the net. A V-shape bridge is made then.

▪Dulong River Post Road
Dulong River Post Road is the only post road leading to Dulong River Canyon. Along the road are numerous waterfalls and other beautiful sceneries. There also live many rare animals and plants along the road. It takes about three days to reach the Dulong River by the post road on foot. Dulong nationality entered socialist society directly from primitive society in the 1950s. The folk customs, as well as the pure natural sceneries, make the place a perfect attraction for tourists.

Accommodate around Dulong River

Most of the hotels in Dulongjiang are concentrated in the township government seat of Kongdang. Besides, there are inns in Bapo, Xiongdang, Qinlandang and Dizheng, which can meet the needs of some tourists. It is better to stay in these places to have a deep experience of the folk customs and culture of the Dulong people.

Attractions Nearby

Nujiang Grand Canyon
Nujiang Grand Canyon is the longest and most mysterious, precipitous and unsophisticated canyon in the world, which goes southeast from Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon in south-north trend. The spectacular Nujiang Grand Canyon and the roaring Nujiang River thrill and shock the travelers. 

Bingzhongluo Scenic Area
Bingzhongluo, which is called ‘A Heaven of Peace and Happiness’, is the most beautiful place in Nujiang Grand Canyon. When you walk on the Tea Horse Road of millennium, see the roaring Nujiang River running among the steep cliff and deep valley, splendid church and temple, tranquil villages, thick forest and towering snow mountain, you may lose yourself in the wonderful landscape.

Useful Travel Tips

▪ Take relevant documents with you for inspection due to Nujiang Prefecture located in the border area.
▪ Respect the customs of ethnic minorities and avoid disturbing the lives of local people. 
▪ Prepare anti-high drugs and sunscreen. 
▪ From May to August is the rainy season and the road conditions are some dangerous.
▪ The weather is changeable in the mountains. Bring warm clothes.

Tours including Dulong River

9 Days Nujiang Grand Canyon Tour with Dulongjiang River Valley Hiking Adventure
15 Days Three Parallel Rivers Overland Adventure with Dulongjiang River Valley and Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking

The news was updated on August 9, 2019. 

July 7 marked the annual Chinese Valentine’s Day. 

For many flower vendors at the Chajie Flower Market in central Kunming, Yunnan province, this is one of their busiest times over a year, for the soaring demand of roses. 

Red, pink and even artificially-painted blue roses were avaliable along with a great choice of wrapping papers and silk ribbons in stock. 

The prices of roses and some other flowers doubled before and on the Valentine’s Day, ranging from 200 to over 1,000 yuan. 

Sellers now can make personalized flower boxes depending on customers’ needs, and online booking and delivering services are guaranteed. 

Haishe (Tongue of Erhai Lake) Park

Locate in the west bank of Erhai Lake, Haishe Ecological Park(海舌公园) is about 3-4 kilometers away from Xizhou. It is a narrow peninsula that extends into the Erhai Sea. It enjoys the picturesque scenery and the crystal water of Erhai Lake. It is an approving place for taking photos. The green willows stand along the coast, and the scenery on both sides of the straits are different. The four seasons are picturesque, and it is the best place to watch the Erhai Lake.

Useful Travel Tips

When the weather is fine in Dali, the sunshine is heated, and ultraviolet light is strong. People should avoid direct sunlight, and the sun hat preparation is required during outdoor activities, a pair of sunglasses will make you comfortable in the trip.

Travelers can visit the Xizhou Ancient Town and Haishe Park together.

It is convenient for travelers to go to Haishe Park by taxi, but hard to get back. Therefore, travelers had better ask the taxi driver to waiting outside.

Chinese Name:丽江古城大水车
English Name: The Giant Water Wheels in Lijiang Old Town

About Giant Water Wheels in Lijiang Old Town

The two Giant Water Wheels is the landmark of Lijiang Old Town. Water Wheel, also called Kongming Wheel, is the most ancient irrigation tool in China. It is not only an excellent laboring skill created by the ancestors in the process of conquering the world but also a rare historical and cultural relic. It is said that during Emperor Ling of Han Dynasty Hua Lan created the embryonic form of the water wheel and improved by Kong Ming of the Three Kingdoms Period. During the Sui and Tang Dynasty, the water wheel was widely used to agricultural irrigation. Until today, it has a long history of more than 1700 years. However, the Giant Water Wheels in Lijiang Ancient Town are just functioned as a landmark with ornamental value.

Giant Water Wheels in Lijiang Old Town

About Water Wheel:

A water wheel is a machine for converting the energy of free-flowing or falling water into useful forms of power, often in a watermill. A water wheel consists of a large wooden or metal wheel, with a number of blades or buckets arranged on the outside rim forming the driving surface. Most commonly, the wheel is mounted vertically on a horizontal axle, but the tub or Norse wheel is mounted horizontally on a vertical shaft. Vertical wheels can transmit power either through the axle or via a ring gear and typically drive belts or gears; horizontal wheels usually directly drive their load. 

Distances from Other Scenic Spots in Lijiang Old Town:

•Square Market:about 1 kilometer

•Mu’s Residence:about 0.7 kilometer

‣‣‣ Lijiang Travel Guide

‣‣‣ Tours including Lijiang Old Town

• 1 Day Lijiang City Highlights Group Tour

• 4 Days Lijiang City Tour with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge

• 5 Days Lijiang City Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Adventure

Baoxiang Temple

Baoxiang Temple(宝相寺), also known as Shibao Temple, is known as “the hanging temple of Yunnan” because of its dangerous location. It was built in Zhengtong Period in Mingzheng Dynasty. It was originally Taoist temple. Later, Buddhism flourished. Except for the Jade Emperor Pavilion, most of the temples worshipped Buddha statues and became a place where the Buddha and the Tao merged. The temple was built on the steep cliffs of Foding Mountain. The temple is situated in west and faces to the east. Entering the mountain gate and reaching the Tianwang Hall, the Daxiong Hall rises in layers. The Maitreya Temple and the Jade Emperor Pavilion are built in the cliff. It can be reached by climbing poles from the left and right.

Where is Baoxiang Temple?

Baoxiang Temple is one of the attractions of Shibao Mountain Scenic Area in Jianchuan County, 120 km from Dali City. Baoxiang Temple, is built on a towering and steep stone cliff on the top of Mount Foshan. It is 6 km from Shizhongsi Grotto.

Features

With the title of ‘Yunnan hanging Temple’, Baoxiang Temple was constructed in the Yuan dynasty (around 1291 A.D.). It is famous for its unique location, hanging in the cave of the steep cliff. It is the brave one who can climb to the temple.

For a long time, the eight scenic spots in Baoxiang Temple touched the hearts of many literary people, who sang its praises. The landscape here is some of the most beautiful in the entire scenic area. It attracts flocks of wild monkeys that have taken up residence there. “Playing with the monkeys” in Baoxiang Temple can be one of the most interesting and fun activities in your tour.

Nearby Attraction

▪ Shizhong Mountain Grottoes(石钟山石窟）

Shibao Mountain is well known not only for its breathtaking landscape, but also for its marvelous grottoes. The Shizhongshan Grottoes, known as ‘the gem of the south in Yunnan’, were created by the ancient Bai People in the historical period of the Tang and Song dynasties. So far, a total of 16 caves and 139 sculptural images have been found.There are works made in both the Nanzhao Dynasty and in the Kingdom of Dali. A wide range of subject matters are featured in the Shizhongshan Grottoes, including Buddhist figures, political life of the Nanzhao Dynasty, religious beliefs of the Kingdom of Dali and images of people from other countries in Asia.

Gantong Temple

Gantong Temple(感通寺), also known as Dandshan Temple(荡山寺), is located at the northern bank of the Mocang Brook, and the southern foot of Shengying Peak(圣应峰) of Cangshan Mountain. Embraced by undulating hills, green trees and beautiful surroundings, the place has always been a scenic spot and a sacred place of Buddhism. It was constructed in the Tang Dynasty and there were 36 halls in all. Owing to ravages of soldiery in history, all the halls except one have fallen into ruins. The other is now under reconstruction. In the 17th year of the Hongwu era (1384) of the Ming Dynasty, the abbot Wuji led some of his disciples to go on a pilgrimage to Beijing and offered white steeds, camellias and white tea as tribute to the emperor. And from then on, the fame of the temple spread widely and the temple has become very popular among the people as No. One Temple is the Dali area.

Where is Gantong Temple?

Gantong Temple is located in south of Shengying Peak of Cangshan, 5 km from Dali Ancient Town and 11 km from Xiaguan. The Gantong Temple is backed by Cangshan, which is covered with snow in the four seasons, and faces the vast Erhai Lake.

How to get to Gantong Temple?

You can take No.4 bus from Xiaguan to Dali Ancient Town and get off at the intersection of Gantong Temple. You can see the sign of “Gantong Temple” at the intersection. After getting off the bus, you can get there by small carriage.

It takes about 10 minutes by car from the ancient town of Dali. It takes about 40 minutes to walk up the mountain from the intersection. Visitors can also reach the Gantong Temple along the Cangshan Jade Belt Yunyou Road(玉带云游路), but it is far.

History

The Gentong Temple enjoys a long history and goes through vicissitudes. It has risen and fallen several times. In its prosperous time, there were 36 brothels. According to legend, the main hall is “Dayuntang”(大云堂). In the southwest of today’s Gantong Temple, there are still sites. There are also important buildings such as “Banshan”(班山), most of which were destroyed in the war between the Xiantong era of Qing Dynasty(清咸同年). The existing temples were rebuilt after the Guangxu era, and gradually restored since 1981.

The Gantong Temple is not only famous for its beautiful natural scenery, but also a series of celebrities, relics and many vivid and touching stories, such as Yang Sheng’an(杨升庵), Li Yuanyang(李元阳) and Monk Dandang(担当和尚).

Accommodation

1.Dali Lan-257 Boutique Lake-view Hotel (理澜257号精品海景客栈观海别墅店)

Address: Cangshan Courtyard, Qili Bridge, Dali Town, Dali

2.Dali Gantong Inn (大理感通小院)

Address: 50 meters from parking lot of Gantong Cableway, Dali

3.Dali Feeling Boutique Inn (大理感觉精品客栈)

Address: Qili Bridge, Xiaguan Town, Dali

Useful Travel Tips

When the weather is fine in Dali, the sunshine is heated, and ultraviolet light is strong. People should avoid direct sunlight, and the sun hat preparation is required during outdoor activities, a pair of sunglasses will make you comfortable in the trip.

Nearby Attractions

Cangshan Mountain, Dali
Dali Ancient Town
Erhai Lake
Zhang Family Garden in Dali

Nanzhao Folk Island

Nanzhao Folk Island is a tiny island in large Erhai Lake near the village Shuanglang. It is one of several islands and islets that dot the lake. It was turned into a Nanzhao theme park and resort complex in 1999. Before that, it was called Yuji Island. In the theme park, you can enjoy the sights of the lake and the surrounding region from the heights on the tree covered hill. There is also a small beach with white sand. The island is in the northeast part of Lake Erhai. Along with the natural trees and the lake for scenery, there are specially built attractions and a small amusement park. Nanzhao Folk Island is tiny, but it is big enough to have a big hotel sitting on the crest of the hill, a dock, some villas, and a park with trees. If you want to get away and relax in a villa or the hotel, it may be a place for you.

Why is the Nanzhao Folk Island so special?

Nanzhao Folk Island is one of the top three islands of Erhai Lake. Enjoying the unique tourism resources, it is the top attraction of Erhai Lake. It was listed as one of the 25 tourism boutique projects in Yunnan Province, and was the designated reception unit of the Kunming World Horticultural Exposition in 1999.

How to get to Nanzhao Folk Island?

Travelers can take the ferry boat to the island about 5 minutes. In addition, the Erhai cruise ships usually stop at Nanzhao Folk Island. Private cruise ships usually require 100 yuan for a half-day tour, but they can bargain; the Erhai Grand Cruise will also stop at Nanzhao Island, with a boat fare of 140 yuan. There are national performances on board.

Ways to Erhai Lake

• You can take bus or taxi to this Dali tourist attraction.
• If you plan to take bus and are at railway station, you can firstly take No. 8 bus to Fuxing Road at Dali Ancient city. And then get off and go straight to the Boai Road to take No. 2 bus. No.2 bus will stop at Cai Village Dock, get off at this stop, you will arrive at the lake.
• If you think it too difficult for you to take bus to the lake, you can just choose taxi. The driver will send you to the destination.

Legend

It was said that the ancestors of Nanzhao were a woman named “Shayi”. She made a living by fishing. In the process of fishing, she touched the sinking wood and became pregnant. So she gave birth to ten sons, and then there was another one woman under the Ailao Mountain who gave birth to ten baby girls. Ten boys marry with the ten girls, amd they lived happily with each others. The sculptor Professor Ye Yushan carved a painting of God’s paintings and represented more about their daily life like farm work and sacrifice ceremony etc.

Main Attractions

Statue

Cruising to the island from the south, you can see the coppers statues on the bank, named “Daughters of Erhai Lake”. Two fisher girls play and take bath here, one standing and one lying. There are also the statue of Shayi, ancestor of the local people in the local legend. In Yunnan Fuxing Square, the statue of Goddess of Mercy stands in the center. This statue is 17.5 meters tall and is made of white marble. It is the special Goddess of Mercy in Nanzhao culture, named as Acuoye.

Nanzhao Palace(南诏行宫)

Nanzhao Palace is the main architecture of Nanzhao Island, covering an area of 8,000 square meters. It combined the architecture styles of Tang Dynasty, Nanzhao and Tibet, representing the multi-ethnic cultural integration of Nanzhao Kingdom. It was the holiday resort of the King of Nanzhao. Currently, it is an advisable place for sightseeing and holiday.

Patron Gods Square (本主广场)

Bai people worship the patron god, Benzhu. They have many patron gods, like immortals and diverse characters in daily life, even the normal things like stone and tree. They are heroes in Bai’s legends. The highest Benzhu is Duan Zongbang who established the Dali Kingdom. He was called as the central patron god. Travelers can discover more about Bai ethnic culture.

Why is Mingyong Glacier So Special?

The Mingyong Glacier derives from Mount Kang Karbo, the main peak of the Meli Snow Mountains. They wind down along the valley, their ice tongues stretching down to the 2,600-meter forest area, just over 800 meters away from the waters of the Langcang River. Mingyong Glacier is the low altitude glacier of the lowest latitude in the world. The whole length of the Mingyong Glacier is about 4 kilometers with the width of 30 meters to 80 meters. In the past years, however, the Mingyong Glacier has vanished gradually.

Where is Mingyong Glacier – Location

Mingyong Glacier is located in Deqin county, northwest of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province and is 48 kilometers from the county seat. 

How to Get There?

From Deqin:

Deqin County is about 182 kilometers from Shangri-La city. Tourists can arrive at Shangrila city first and then take the bus or car-rental to Deqin. At Deqin Bus Station, there are unregular scheduled bus running to Mingyong Village. It takes you about one hour to drive there. And you can also rent a car directly to Mingyong Village from Shangrila.

From Feilaisi:

Another way to get there is to take a bus to Feilai Temple from a number of nearby destinations: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang (albeit, via Shangri-la), and Shangri-la itself. Then rent a car to Mingyong Glacier. Due to lots of tourists going to Mingyong Glacier, you can share a car with others for the money saving.

Two Ways up the Mountain(about 2 hours)

On Foot: On the way up the mountain, footpath is on the left side of mountain. Walk for about 1.5 hours and you can see glacier and Taizi Temple. The way on the left side of Taizi Temple leads to observation deck and the right side to Lotus Temple. Lotus Temple is bigger than Taizi Temple while more people pilgrimage and burn incense for pray at Taizi Temple. In a sunny day, the best spot to view Kawagebo is Lotus Temple.

By Horse-riding: The horses are only available in the entrance and in the Taizi Temple, there are no horses for you to ride even you are tired on the half way. The way for horse-riding is on the right side of the mountain.

Attractions Nearby

Feilaisi Monastery, Deqin

Feilai temple, the best place to watch goden peaks of Meili mountain at sunrise. So if u plan to watch sunrise, it’s absolutely a good idea to live at Feilai temple the night before. But actually it is unusual to see the goden peaks. The peaks of the mountains are often surrounded with clouds due to the high altitude they are. And this makes more interestings for Meili. There’s a kind of saying that, if any Japanese appears in this area then people can’t see the golden peaks that day. This is because Japanese are not welcomed by Tibetan people. Yes, they hate Japan and Japanese, just like people in notheast of China.

Yubeng Village in Deqin County, Shangrila

Yubeng is a secluded small Tibetan village tucked away at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain in Deqin county, the northwestern corner of Yunnan Province. It is only accessible by foot or horse/mule. But the trip, however arduous, is worth it. Yubeng is divided into an upper and a lower section. Both parts offer fabulous views of the Mei Li Snow Mountains. Lower Yubeng is smaller, quieter and closer to the lakes and waterfalls that you will likely visit during your stay.

Lancang-Mekong River Grand Canyon

It is called the Lancang River after it reaches Changdu. The river runs south until it leaves China at the Nanla Bayout of Yunnan Province and therefrom changes its name from the Lancang River to the Mekong River. The river finally empties into the Pacific Ocean in the south of Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam.

Useful Travel Tips

► Bring some fast food with you to replenish your energy because the meal can be only served after you return to Mingyong village.
► No climbing alone allowed. For the sake of safe, walk carefully in the bottom of glacier and don’t climb up alone.
► Try to go there on sunny days. The road is easier to walk and it is not cloudy on sunny days. Winter is cold, but snow is also more spectacular, suitable for photography.
► Please keep in mind that in the mountains, do not yell or shout, that would offend the God of the Mountains. Tibetans there is always very quiet and respectful. Believe it or not, at least we do as the Romans do or show the courtesy.

Tours including Mingyong Glacier

2 Days Kawa Karpo Meili Snow Mountain Tour from Shangri-La

5 Days Shangrila Discovery with Meili Snow Mountain Pilgrimage

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Ancient Tea Horse Road in Yunnanyi

Yunnanyi Ancient Tea Horse Road is located in Yunnanyi Town, Xiangyun County, 21 km from the county seat of Xiangyun County. In 109 BC, Yunnan County was set by Emperor Wudi in Han Dynasty, Yunnanyi as the county seat. It is the birthplace of ancient caravan culture of Yunnan. Millions of caravans came here and went to diverse places, connecting diverse ethnic groups and colorful culture along the ancient road. Yunnanyi is the important station of the ancient road, enjoying the history of more than 1200 years. At that time, with the prosperity of the salt industry, the salt merchants were inextricably linked, and the ramps were frequently transported. The slabs on the ancient roads still have traces of horseshoes. The station is specialized, large-scale, and well preserved, and it is unique in the Southwest Silk Road.

How to get to Yunnanyi?

①By passenger train: Western passenger station in Kunming, Yunnan province→passenger station in Xiangyun County→Yunnanyi
②By cars: Expressway (from Chuxiong to Dali) in Kunming→320 national highway→Yunnanyi

History

In 109 BC, the important part of the ancient tea-horse road, Yunnanyi, entered the Western Han map, which was Yunnan County. Yunnan Prefecture was established in Shuhan, and the government was in Yunnanyi. In the Yuan Dynasty, Yunnan Province was set up. Since then, “Yunnan” has become a province, and it was maintained till today. As one of the oldest stations in Yunnan Province, Yunnanyi is a bright pearl on the ancient tea-horse road. It once became an important political, economic and cultural center in western Yunnan.

The ancient road in Yunnan was built in the opening of the Baiyan Salt Well in the Northern Song Dynasty (972 years). It was the main transportation channel for Baiyan Salt Well to the west of the Yunnan. The road was 1-2 meters wide, and it was paved with slabs. With the prosperity of the Baiyanjing salt industry, the salt merchants have a long history of rushing, and the ramps are frequently transported. The zebra stone in the middle of the stone road in the ancient road ruins still has traces of horseshoes. In Qing Dynasty, Yunnan became the most important and prosperous station on the Ancient Tea Horse Caravan Road. These horses, which come to the west, transport leather and medicinal materials to the east, and transport tea, cloth, salt and department stores to the west. In order to provide the place for rest and accommodation, Yunnanyi had established more than 20 horse shops, which were lined up to provide various goods for the passing cars.

Useful Travel Tips

When the weather is fine in Dali, the sunshine is heated, and ultraviolet light is strong. People should avoid direct sunlight, and the sun hat preparation is required during outdoor activities, a pair of sunglasses will make you comfortable in the trip.

Yunnan Travel Guide

Things To Do

• Yunnan Overview
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• Yunnan Tours
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• Festivals and Activities

Travel Information

• Yunnan Travel Tips
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• Yunnan Maps
• Yunnan Photos
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