Southwest China’s Yunnan Province announced on Monday the establishment of a protection network for the province’s golden hair monkeys, also known as the black-and-white snub-nosed monkeys.

The network is the province’s first wildlife safety network and will be managed by both the local government and the private sector.

“Protecting the Yunnan golden hair monkeys and their habitats is of strategic significance for the conservation of global biodiversity and maintaining inter-regional species and ecological balance,” said Xiao Wen, head of the Institute of Eastern-Himalaya Biodiversity Research of Dali University.

The monkeys live in the mountainous forests in Yunnan and neighboring Tibet Autonomous Region, with most in the Baima Snow Mountain National Nature Reserve.

As one of the world’s most endangered primates, the monkey is considered a bellwether species for biodiversity in the high-altitude region.

Local poachers drove them close to extinction in the 1980s, but their number has since risen above 3,500 nationally thanks to the joint efforts of government, researchers and local villagers. 

China – Thailand Railway, or Sino – Thai Railway hasn’t been opened yet. The construction began in December, 2017. About 4 years are needed to complete this high speed rail project, by when it will run through three countries including China, Laos and Thailand. It will serve trains running between Kunming and Bangkok. In the far future, this China – Thailand railway project will be extended all the way to Singapore, shaping a high speed railway as long as 1,864 miles (3,000 km), namely Kunming – Singapore Railway.

 Kunming – Bangkok Trains

 Scheduled Open Time: 2021
 Designed Speed: 99–124 mph (160-200 km/h)
 Running Length: about 790 miles (1,272 km)
 Expected Duration: about 12 hours
 Estimated Round-trip Ticket Price: CNY 700 or THB 3,600, equaling to half or 1/3 of the flight ticket fare
 Planned Stations along the Way: Kunming South, Kunyang, Jinning East, Huacheng, Baofeng, Yuxi, Yuxi South, Yuanjiang, Mojiang, Puer, Jinghong, Mohan, Vientiane, Nong Khai, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Bangkok
 

 Kunming-Mohan: This section consists of the Kunming-Yuxi Railroad and Yuxi-Mohan Railroad. Currently, the former section has been put into service since December 15th, 2016 and the journey time is 1.5 hours. The construction of the latter section began on 29th April, 2016 and the distance is 315 miles (507 km); the designed speed is 99 mph (160 km/h) and the intermediate stations include Yuanjiang, Mojiang, Puer, and Jinghong.

 Mohan (Boten)- Vientiane: This section started on 2nd December, 2015 and it will be put into service before 2020. The planned running speed is 99 mph (160 km/h) and the total journey is 265 miles (427 km).

 Vientiane (Nong Khai) – Bangkok: The designed speed is 99–112 mph (160-180 km/h) for this section. The construction started in Dec. 21, 2017 and will last for 4 years. It will completely change the rail provision of Thailand and the country will have the first standard-gauge rail track. The stations along this way include Nong Khai, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima. In the future, this railroad will be extended to eastern Rayong Province in Thailand.
 

Thailand – China High Speed Railway Project will make traveling between the two countries cheaper, easier and more convenient. Thailand is one of the top outbound tourism destinations among Chinese. When the China – Thailand high speed trains are put into service, they are estimated to attract 2 million more Chinese to visit the mysterious and colorful country each year, greatly boost the develop of its tourism industry.

For China, the railroad will greatly deduct the cost for exporting agricultural products such as rice, vegetables, and fresh tropical fruit from Thailand, as the rail freight fee is only about 1/3 of air freight fee. This in return, will also boost the development of Thai’s agriculture industry.
 

At present, the most convenient way to travel between the two countries should be flights. The direct flights between Bangkok and Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Kunming are the most popular; and the air duration is 5.5 hours, 4.5 hours, 3 hours, and 2.5 hours respectively.

Last year, China and Vietnam unveiled plans to refurbish a colonial-era railway between the two countries. It was an attempt to update a historical legacy – and also signified new bilateral dynamics in a consequential and sometimes fraught regional relationship.

Announced on 25 November, the Vietnamese government has proposed a rail project from Hai Phong through Hanoi to Lao Cai, on the border with China, for both freight and passenger trains. Vietnamese officials have said the project has been in planning since at least 2008, and a Chinese rail consultant completed a survey of the route between 2015 and 2019, delivering a blueprint of a 392-kilometre rail line with 38 stations, at an estimated cost of US $4.3 billion. Yet despite the new plan, it is not, in fact, a new route.

The rail line from Hanoi through Lao Cai to Kunming, the capital of China’s Yunnan province, was built by the French in the 1900s, the final decade of the Chinese (Qing) Empire. At that time, Beijing had difficulty retaining sovereignty over territory which the colonial powers claimed for their respective areas of interests, and France sought control in Yunnan and Guangxi provinces. The rail line from Hanoi to Kunming, along with another to Guangxi, allowed France to exert its influence in Southern China from its Indochina colony. The rail line has remained through the momentous political changes and wars in the years since.

But the proposed update is intriguing.

From Beijing’s perspective, the metre gauge (1.0 metre) rail line typically used in Vietnam is incompatible with its network of standard gauge (1.435 metre) lines, so the upgade will allow for direct services into Vietnam. China had already gradually completed a newer standard gauge line alongside an older narrow gauge one in southern Yunnan to the border town Hekou, across from Lao Cai. Allowing for an extension of this line into Vietnam will provide a smoother connection – which, in more than one sense, is a goal of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The rail connection was even mentioned during Xi Jinping’s visit to Hanoi in 2017.

The Nujiang Railway Bridge (Darui Railway) is an impressive engineering feat located in Lamengxiang, Yunnan, China. Here are the key details about this remarkable structure:

Overview

• Name: Nujiang Railway Bridge (Darui Railway) 大瑞铁路怒江大桥
• Location: Lamengxiang, Yunnan, China
• Completion Year: 2018

Specifications

• Height: 212 meters (696 feet) high above normal river level; during rare floods, the deck height can decrease to 167 meters.
• Main Span: 490 meters (1,608 feet), making it the longest span railway-only arch bridge in existence.
• Total Length: 1,024 meters, including approach spans and tunnel terminations.
• Structure: All steel bridge designed for railway traffic, featuring a unique station positioned at the center of the span.

Design Features

• Architectural Significance: Among the top 10 longest arch bridges globally by main span length.
• Unique Configuration: Terminates into long tunnels at both ends, with a station located at the midpoint of the bridge span.
• Span Details: Includes 12 approach spans of 41 meters each and 14 simple spans above the main arch, each 37.2 meters long.

Historical Context

• Battlefield Location: Located near the Songshan Battlefield, where the Battle of Mount Song occurred in 1944 during World War II.
• Strategic Importance: The Japanese Army strategically positioned themselves in tunnels and bunkers along the river slopes to control the Nujiang River crossing point and block the Burma Road supply route to China.
• Military History: The battle was fierce and prolonged, eventually resulting in the retreat of Japanese forces and reopening of the Burma Road to aid China with vital supplies.

The location of the railway bridge is near the famous Songshan Battlefield where the battle of Mount Song took place in 1944 between Chinese Nationalist Forces and the Japanese Army. The Japanese Army was holed up in deep tunnels and bunkers high along the river slopes to block troops on the Burma Road from crossing the suspension bridge over the Nujiang River. The slow battle went on for many months with heavy casualties before the Japanese troops retreated and the Burma Road was once again open to aid China with supplies.

 

Nujiang Railway Bridge Darui Elevation

Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com

The west railway tunnel is the 4th longest railway tunnel in the world excluding metro lines at 34.54 kilometers. Only the Gotthard, Seikan and Chunnel are longer.

Image by Eric Sakowski / HighestBridges.com

The highline construction towers will rank as the tallest in the world along with the Yachi Railway Bridge in nearby Guizhou Province.

Nujiang Railway Bridge foundation elevation drawing.

A map showing the Burma Road in brown and some of the strategic locations during the Songshan Battle.

The Nujiang Railway Bridge station will be the highest in the world at 212 meters.

Nujiang Railway Bridge satellite image.

Nujiang Railway Bridge location map.

A map of the Dali to Ruili Railway line with the Nujiang River Bridge crossing at the very bottom left and the Lancanjiang River Bridge crossing in the upper right.

Definition

Thangka (唐卡) (also called Tangga (唐嘎) or Tangka (唐喀)), a Tibetan term meaning “scroll painting,” refers to religious artworks mounted on brocade for worship. These distinctive Tibetan paintings depict diverse subjects including history, politics, culture, and social life, with most surviving works representing Tibetan Buddhism (藏传佛教) or Bon Religion (苯教) traditions.

Artistic Features

Thangkas are celebrated for their:

• Distinctive ethnic characteristics
• Rich religious symbolism
• Unique artistic style
• Vibrant depictions of Buddhist realms

Pigments

Traditional thangkas use sacred natural materials:
Mineral pigments:

• Gold
• Silver
• Pearl
• Agate (玛瑙)
• Coral (珊瑚)
• Turquoise (松石)
• Malachite (孔雀石)
• Cinnabar (朱砂)

Plant-based pigments:

• Saffron (藏红花)
• Rhubarb (大黄)
• Indigo (蓝靛)

These premium materials ensure thangkas retain luminous colors for centuries, earning recognition as:

• “Treasures of Chinese ethnic painting”
• Tibet’s “encyclopedia”
• Priceless intangible cultural heritage (非物质文化遗产)

Production Process

Creating a thangka involves rigorous, multi-step rituals:

1. Pre-painting ceremonies (绘前仪式)
2. Canvas preparation (制作画布)
3. Composition sketching (构图起稿)
4. Color application (着色染色)
5. Line definition (勾线定型)
6. Gold/silver detailing (铺金描银)
7. Eye-opening ceremony (开眼)
8. Mounting and consecration (缝裱开光)

Completion requires 6 months to over 10 years, following strict religious scriptures and master guidance.

This sacred art form embodies the spiritual essence and artistic brilliance of Tibetan culture.

Academic Perspectives on Origins

Scholars hold four main theories about thangka’s origins:

1. Indian Buddhist Origin Theory
   Proposed by Italian scholar Giuseppe Tucci, this theory suggests thangka derived from India’s ancient religious cloth paintings called “Pata (钵陀)”. Key evidence includes:

• Similar use of cotton canvas
• Identical proportions for mandala (曼荼罗)  and Buddha

2. Central Chinese Influence Theory
   Chinese scholar Xie Jisheng argues in The Origins of Thangka that:

“Thangka did not originate from India, but evolved alongside Han Chinese scroll paintings from the Han-Tang to Song-Yuan periods. It emerged in Dunhuang (敦煌), a hub of Tibetan-Han exchange, developing from Tibetan banner paintings along Buddhist artistic trajectories.”

3. Tibetan Imperial Origin Theory
   Recorded in the 5th Dalai Lama’s Śākyamuni·Crystal Mirror:

“King Songtsen Gampo (松赞干布) painted the goddess Palden Lhamo (吉祥天母) with his own nose blood. During the Tsalpa (蔡巴) period, the Guozhu Xihuo Living Buddha (果竹西活佛) enshrined this painting inside a statue.” This is the mainstream Tibetan academic view.

4. Bon Religion Development Theory
   Thangka evolved from portable cloth paintings used by Bon (苯教) priests for missionary work, later adopted by Buddhism.

Painting Themes

Known as the “Encyclopedia of Tibetan Culture,” thangka covers:

Religious Themes

• Mandala (曼荼罗)
• Jataka tales
• Assembly trees
• Guru portraits
• Buddha biographies
• Deities (Buddhas (佛), Bodhisattvas (菩萨), Yidams (本尊), Protectors (护法))
• Dakinis (空行母)
• Arhats
• Wheel of Life
• Western Pure Land

Secular Themes

• Historical events
• Folktales
• Astronomy/calendar systems
• Tibetan medicine (藏医药学)

Composition Characteristics

Most common are Buddha-image thangkas featuring:

1. Central deity depiction
2. Surrounding narrative scenes (clockwise from upper right)
3. Flexible spacetime representation
4. Non-perspective figure scaling
5. Balanced, intricate layouts

Each thangka typically presents a complete story through symbolic visual language unrestricted by physical laws.

Thangka Art Schools

Development of Thangka Styles

Thangka art was initially influenced by Nepalese style (尼泊尔风格) in the 7th century AD during massive temple construction. From then until the 15th century, works by Nepalese and Tibetan artists were collectively called the Nepalese School (尼泊尔画派). Later schools included:

• Qigang School (齐岗画派) during Tsongkhapa’s era
• Miantang School (勉唐画派) and Qinze School (钦则画派) in the 15th century
• Karma Gadri School (噶玛嘎孜画派) in the 16th century

Major Thangka Schools

Nepalese School (尼泊尔画派)

Dominant during 11th-13th centuries after Princess Bhrikuti (尺尊公主) brought Nepalese artists to Tibet. Characteristics:

• Warm color palette
• Prominent central deity
• Guardians arranged in neat surrounding grids
• Simplified figures with rigid postures
• Light clothing with heavy ornaments

Qigang School (齐岗画派)

Founded by Yadui Qiwugangba (雅堆·齐乌岗巴), prevalent in 13th century Ü-Tsang (卫藏) region. Features:

• Inherited Tibetan and Nepalese styles
• Reduced central deity prominence
• Scroll-pattern backgrounds
• Detailed fingers/toes depiction
• Flowing postures and garments

Miantang School (勉唐画派)

Originated during the Tsangpa period, flourished until Ganden Phodrang (甘丹颇章) era. Founded by Mianla Dünzhujiacuo (勉拉·顿珠嘉措) who authored The Wish-Fulfilling Jewel of Iconometry. Characteristics:

• Strict iconometric standards
• Emphasis on precise lines
• Bright, lively colors
• Local landscapes/floral motifs
• Gold outline techniques

Reached peak during 17th-18th centuries with masterpieces in Potala Palace (布达拉宫), Norbulingka (罗布林卡), and major monasteries. Declined post-1960s despite preservation efforts.

Qinze School (钦则画派)

Emerging mid-15th century in Tsang (后藏) and Lhoka (山南) regions, founded by Kunga Gangui Qinzeqinmo (贡嘎岗堆·钦则钦莫). Features:

• Large central deities (Indian-Nepalese tradition)
• Ordered surrounding figures
• Incorporation of Han landscape techniques
• Specialization in wrathful deities
• Dynamic yet balanced compositions
• Rich contrasting colors
• Exquisite mandala designs

Karma Gadri School (噶玛嘎孜画派)

Originated 16th century in Kham (康区), centered in Garze (甘孜), Derge (德格), and Chamdo (昌都). Founded by Namkha Tashi (南喀扎西). Characteristics:

• Combination of Indian, Han and Tibetan styles
• Meticulous brushwork
• Blue-green landscape techniques
• Three masters (“Three Tashis”):

Choje Tashi (却吉扎西): Known for mineral pigments

Kaxiu Karma Tashi (噶旭噶玛扎西): Innovative styles

• Later masters like Langkarje (郎卡杰) of Luhuo created exquisite miniature thangkas

New Miantang School (新勉画派)

Developed by Tsangpa Chöying Gyatso (藏巴·曲英嘉措) during the 5th Dalai Lama’s reign. Became the “standard style” through:

• Strict adherence to Iconometric Sutra
• Integration of:

Miantang’s color vibrancy

Karma Gadri’s landscape techniques

Qinze’s dynamic figures

Characteristics:

1. Thick base colors
2. “Orchid-leaf” drapery lines
3. Decorative mountains/clouds
4. Subtle skin tone gradations
5. Rich edge-line rhythms

These schools collectively represent the evolution of Tibetan sacred art, blending indigenous traditions with cross-cultural influences.

Main Categories

• (1) Embroidered Thangka. Made with various colored silk threads. This type of Thangka is durable and not easily damaged.
• (2) Kesi Thangka. Using the “continuous warp and discontinuous weft” technique, different colored weft threads are interwoven with the warp threads at the required pattern areas, creating a three-dimensional effect similar to carving or woodcutting.
• (3) Brocade Thangka. The base material is mostly satin, with weft threads composed of various colored silk threads, woven in an interlocking pattern to form the desired designs, images, and scenes.
• (4) Appliqué Thangka, also known as Patchwork Thangka. Various colored satins are cut into shapes (such as figures, birds, animals, trees, pavilions, flowers, etc.) and then glued onto the Thangka base fabric.
• (5) Painted Thangka. Mostly painted on paper, cloth, cowhide, or sheepskin, and then made into a Thangka. Its basic painting technique is similar to that of murals. In later developments, some painted Thangkas were carved into printing blocks to create “Printed Thangkas.”
• (6) Pearl Thangka. Pearl Thangka is a rare and special type of Thangka. The Tara Pearl Thangka in Shannan Changzhu Temple (山南昌珠寺) is made of tens of thousands of pearls and artistic stones, with an elegant and graceful design, and is extremely valuable.

Hand-painted Thangkas are further divided into:

Sources of Pigments

• Earth Pigments: White earth, Nanjian (南碱), Vajra earth, red earth.
• Stone Pigments: Silver ore, yellow copper ore, mica, lapis lazuli, malachite, cinnabar, hawksbill stone, ochre, etc.
• Water Pigments: Huangdan (黄丹), Sangzhu Re (桑珠热), indigo, iron indigo, etc.
• Fire Pigments: Ink, arsenic, realgar, etc.
• Wood Pigments: Red tree, gold tree, birch, hard tree, purple stalk, etc.
• Grass Pigments: Lishi grass (力士草), chicken claw goldthread (鸡爪黄连), wolf poison grass (狼毒草), amaranth, etc.
• Flower Pigments: Wild chrysanthemum, birch flower, primrose, etc.
• Bone Pigments: Clam, conch, dragon bone, etc.
• Gemstone Pigments: Gold, silver, Dzi bead (天珠), coral, turquoise, etc.

• White: White earth, Nanjian (南碱), Vajra earth, conch, mica, etc.
• Yellow: Arsenic, realgar, Lishi grass (力士草), chicken claw goldthread (鸡爪黄连), gold tree, wild chrysanthemum, birch bark, etc.
• Red: Cinnabar, amaranth, red earth, etc.
• Blue: Lapis lazuli, indigo, hard tree, etc.
• Green: Copper rust, malachite, turquoise, etc.
• Black: Soot, coal ore, etc.
• Purple: Sangzhu Re (桑珠热), hawksbill stone, ochre, purple tree, etc.

• Mineral Pigments: Commonly used are Renbu White Earth (Renbu Bai Tu, 仁布白土, white), cinnabar (red), lapis lazuli (stone blue), malachite (stone green), realgar/realgarite (yellow), orpiment (orange).
• Plant Pigments: Commonly used are flower blue, rouge, etc. The production process of plant pigments is simpler compared to that of mineral pigments. First, collect flowers, wood, or bark, wash and soak or boil them to obtain colored liquid. After evaporation, the pigments are made into color pills.

Painting Process

1. Selecting the Canvas: The canvas is usually a light-colored fabric, not too thick or stiff, as a thick and hard canvas can easily cause the pigment to peel off and crack. The most suitable canvas is finely woven pure white silk or cotton cloth. Plain white silk without patterns is also very appropriate. For large Thangkas, several pieces of canvas may need to be sewn together with very fine stitches. The seam between the sewn pieces must not interfere with the integrity of the Thangka’s image.
2. Fixing the Canvas: Sew the canvas along its four edges onto a thin wooden frame (the frame is made of branches about the thickness of an ordinary pencil). Tighten the canvas on the thin wooden frame, and then securely bind the frame to a large easel called “Tangzhuo” (唐卓), using sturdy ropes in a zigzag pattern to tie the four sides of the thin wooden frame to the four sides of the large easel.
3. Applying Glue and Polishing: First, apply a thin layer of glue to the canvas as the “base color,” and then let it dry. The purpose of applying the light glue is to prevent the canvas from absorbing and seeping in the pigments; it also prevents the pigments from “spreading” on the canvas and ensures that the pigments retain their original colors when applied. After that, apply a thin layer of paste mixed with lime. Once the second layer of coating is dry, lay the canvas on a flat surface such as a wooden board or a table, and repeatedly rub the canvas surface with a smooth object like a piece of glass, shell, or round stone until the fabric texture is no longer visible.
4. Correcting the Canvas: Adjust the warp and weft.
5. Drawing Guide Lines: Draw the main positioning lines, including the border lines, center vertical line, two diagonal lines, and any other contours that need to be marked.
6. Sketching: After sketching the outline of the Buddha image with charcoal (called the “white drawing”), trace it with ink to form the ink lines (the ink line sketch, also known as the “black drawing”).
7. Coloring: Apply colors to different elements such as ponds, rocks, hills, and clouds according to the depiction in the painting. Apply only one color at a time, starting with lighter colors and then moving to darker ones. When painting Buddha images, start with the lotus seat, then the decorations, and finally the body of the Buddha. For the background, also follow the sequence of lighter colors first and then darker ones.
8. Outlining: After completing the aforementioned parts, use gold to draw patterns on the clothing (these gold patterns are called “gold drawings”). Various colored lines are also used to outline other decorations and parts of the painting.
9. Detailing the Face: The final and most important step in the Thangka painting process is detailing the facial features, including the eyes, lips, nostrils, fingernails, and toenails. The success of a Thangka often depends on whether the facial features are well executed. Therefore, some veteran artists consider the skill of detailing the facial features a closely guarded secret, passed down through a single lineage and not easily revealed to others. According to traditional customs, a good day and time must be chosen for this step. Properly detailing the facial features can bring the painting to life, like the finishing touch on a dragon’s eye, and signifies the completion of the Thangka.

Thangka Mounting Process

1. Mounting the Border: First, a border called “tooth border” (6 vja-dmar-ser, meaning “red and yellow rainbow,” referring to the main colors of red and yellow in the tooth border, though the color combination is actually quite free and not limited to these colors; there are even cases where no tooth border is used) was mounted around the painting. The tooth border comes in various types, such as red and yellow brocade tooth border, moon-white gold-thread five-color tooth border, red gold-thread tooth border, red and yellow green foreign brocade tooth border, red and yellow gold-thread tooth border, red gold-thread tooth border, and longevity lantern brocade tooth border. These multi-layered and multi-colored borders are called rainbows in Tibetan. Sometimes a single-layer brocade border is used, known as the large tooth border, which is a simplified form. Outside the tooth border is the main border. The seam between the tooth border and the main border is sewn with a thin white thread, and the outermost edge of the main border is also sewn with a white thread or a red and white thread. These two lines have almost become a hallmark of the Thangka mounting in the palace.
2. Dividing the Border into Sections: The border is divided into four parts: the top pool (5 gnam), the bottom jade (2 sa), the left side (4 gyon-pa), and the right side (3 g-yas-pa). The border is equivalent to the mounting work in Chinese painting, and the materials used are very particular. There are red and blue foreign brocade borders, plain foreign brocade, mixed-color brocade, Western lotus gold-thread satin borders, dragon-embroidered stone-blue gold-thread borders, and gold-thread satin, among others. The more important the Thangka, the more precious the materials used. For Thangkas with auspicious meanings for birthdays, large red cloud-dragon gold-thread satin borders, stone-blue longevity character satin, or large red longevity character satin are used for flat mounting to highlight the theme. For example, the Thangka depicting the lineage of the Sixth Panchen Lama was mounted with such materials. In standard Tibetan Thangkas, a piece of satin is sewn in the center of the bottom border. This satin, which can be square or rectangular in shape, is called Thangka door (1 thang-sgo) in Tibetan and is a signature decorative element of Thangkas. Except for those intentionally imitating the Tibetan style, Thangkas in the palace generally do not use this decoration. The Thangkas from Tibet that were stored in the palace were often re-mounted with palace materials due to their rough original mounting, so some “barbarian paintings” in the palace have Thangka mounting that is completely consistent with that of the palace Thangkas.
3. Attaching the Scroll Rod and the Header Rod: In Tibetan, both rods are called thang shing, meaning “Thangka wood” or “Thangka rod.” However, in practice, there are clear differences between the two. The scroll rod (10) is attached to the lower end of the bottom jade, cylindrical in shape, slightly protruding beyond the side borders of the Thangka, with an axle head (11 thang tog) installed at the end of the rod. The header rod (9) is attached to the upper end of the top pool, in the form of a wide flat or flat round wooden piece, with both ends flush with or slightly protruding beyond the sides of the top pool. The Tibetan style involves wrapping the ends with leather, which is rarely adopted in the palace. The materials used for the scroll rod and header rod in the palace Thangkas include white sandalwood, rosewood, and fir, with the first two being the most precious. The craftsmanship of the axle is also very meticulous, with materials such as copper, silver, rosewood, copper-plated gold, and silver-plated gold. As decorations for the scroll rod, rosewood axle heads are mostly plain mushroom-shaped; silver and copper axle heads often feature engraved flowers or Aoqili (Mongolian for “vajra”) patterns, or are decorated with small beads of coral, turquoise, pearls, and lapis lazuli.
4. Adding the Buddha Curtain: A layer of Buddha curtain (thang-vdzar, or translated as “Thangka curtain”) is sewn below the header rod of the Thangka, extending to the scroll rod, made of five-colored hada or five-colored brocade. Unlike Tibetan Buddha curtains, which are often composed of two or three overlapping pieces, the soft and thin Buddha curtains in the palace are usually made of a single piece of fabric, with few cases of being divided into several pieces. The Buddha curtain serves both as a decoration and as an important protective element for the Thangka. Outside the Buddha curtain, two ribbons are sewn, hanging down to the scroll rod, with bird-beak-shaped ends, hence the name “bird mouth” (bya-kha), similar to the “scare swallow” in Chinese painting mounting.
5. Attaching Hooks and Ribbons: Two hooks are nailed at the upper end of the header rod, each with an iron ring made of cast iron. In the Qing Palace, gold-plated iron rings with beads or silver-plated iron rings with beads were commonly used, with a flower ribbon tied to each ring. Sometimes a Goryeo paper tag is also tied to the ring, with content slightly simpler than that on the white silk tag on the back of the Thangka. When the Thangka is hung for worship, the two ribbons are tied together to serve as a hanging rope. After the Thangka is rolled up, the two flower ribbons are used to tie the Thangka tightly, with a length sufficient to wrap around the rolled-up Thangka twice. The ribbons are mostly woven from coarse hemp threads in five colors, which are not easy to loosen after being tied, durable, and colorful, matching the colors of the Thangka, becoming one of the characteristics of the palace Thangkas. The use of red silk ribbons is also quite common. The use of thick threads as hanging ropes is more common in Thangkas from Tibet.

Consecration and Veneration

Songshan Battlefield

Songshan Battlefield(松山战役旧址), located in Mengla Town of Longling County, was the main battlefield of the Anti-Japanese War in west Yunnan during the second World War. Songshan is the highest peak in Longling County. The terrain is steep and easy to defend. It is known as the “Gibraltar” of the East. It is the most well-preserved battlefield of the WW II, with trenches, bunkers and powerhouse etc. There are also the the monuments built for the fallen soldiers of the Songshan Battle, as well as the martyrs cemetery, hero sculpture, Huitong Bridge and other buildings.

Why is Songshan Battlefield so special?

Songshan Battlefield is the most well-preserved battlefield of the WW II.

Due to the significance of the Songshan Battle in the west Yunnan and the entire Anti-Japanese War, it was listed as a provincial key cultural relics protection unit in 1993. On 25^th May, 2006, Songshan Battlefield was listed as the national key cultural relics protection unit by state council.

Where is Songshan Battlefield?

The Songshan (Pine tree mountain) is located in the Gaoligong mountains range and controls the Burma Road’s approach to the vital Huitong bridge spanning the Nujiang (Salween) river. The Songshan mountain was the fortified base of theJapanese invading forces closing off the Burma Road during WW-II. It is 39 km from the county seat of Longling.

How to get to Songshan Battlefield?

Songshan Battlefield is located in Mengla Town of Longling County, 39 km east of Longling County. Travelers can get to Songshan by taking the bus to Mengla. It will be more convenient to get back by self-driving.

More Information

On May 11, 1944, some 32,000 soldiers of the Chinese Expeditionary Force (before known as Y-force) crossed the Nujiang on bamboo rafts and American supplied inflatable boats. Later to be followed by more men and thousands of pack animals. During the Cultural Revolution the Red Guards destroyed the monument because it honoured the Kuomintang army. In 2004 the Songshan monument was reconstructed. Only a few of the original stones, those which were used in the floor of the local school, survived. The now with pine trees overgrown trenches at Songshan still can be seen clearly even after more than 60 years. In 2012 walkways have been constructed to make it easier to visit the battlefield at Songshan Mountain.

The Battle for Songshan

On June 4, 1944 the attack on Songshan started. Japanese army forces had dug themselves in there already from well before the campaign and a complex network of fortifications interlinked by trenches covered the mountain. The Chinese dug attack trenches covered by metal plates towards the top while being mortared from above. This First World War style of fighting accumulated into the construction of two, hundred fifty meter long tunnels under the two command bunkers which were blown up with the use of 50 and 70 boxes of American TNT respectively. The holes left by these explosions still can be seen today.

The mountain was finally captured on September 7, after more than three months of heavy fighting at a cost of 7,600 Chinese soldiers and some 3,000 Japanese defenders. On January 20, 1945, after nearly eight months of fighting the whole of Yunnan was freed of the last Japanese invaders.

On January 12, 1945 the first convoy left Ledo in India to arrive on February 4 in Kunming over a road now officially named the “Stilwell road”, a road that combines the original Burma Road and the American constructed Ledo road.

The road enabled the transport of heavy equipment like trucks and artillery pieces to China which had not been possible by air. Thousands of army trucks were sent up the road not to return and to stay in service with the Chinese army.

Parallel to the road was a fuel pipeline which at that time was the longest pipe line in the world and was intended to supply China with fuel and thus would greatly expand the capacity of both the road transport and Hump flights because no longer fuel had to be transported of which a lot was used to fly back to India. A Liberator bomber used as oil tanker for a round trip required three tons of fuel to deliver one ton.

However the road played only a limited role during the rest of the war which ended before the road and pipeline were fully operational.

The Kuomintang government erected a monument on Songshan to commemorate the battle. The monument got demolished later by the Red Guards during the Cultural Revolution. The stone slaps were reused among others to pave the floor of the local school. In 2004 some stones were found back and used to erect the monument again also some stones are still missing.

The Songshan battlefield and the Huitong Bridge are on a part of the Burma Road that is no longer actively used and this remoteness gives it a special charm and enables one to reflect on how things ones were. Sit down and imagine an army of 100,000 men and thousands of pack animals coming across the river on bamboo rafts and inflatable rubber boats.

The old Burma road here is a good location for cycling with interesting climbs. From the river up to the top of the Songshan is 1346 metres.

In the changed Chinese political climate more attention is paid to the Kuomintang period and especially since the airing of a TV-series “West Yunnan in 1944” depicting the battle of Songshan and the activities of the Chinese Expeditionary Force.

This attention has resulted in the resent construction of walkways over the former battlefield to ease the visitors. It is hoped that this will not result into a battlefield Disneyland that is often the case in China.

Main Attractions

Songshan Military Campaign Memorial Museum

The Songshan battlefield as a historic site got forgotten because it was a Kuomintang battle site.

The Songshan monument even got destroyed during the Cultural Revolution by Red Guards.

It was up to the local inhabitants to preserve the history. Just after the war the locals collected the metal parts left behind at the battlefield for their scrap metal value and most remains got molten down. More recently bits and pieces still found in the fields around Songshan are collected by the local farmer and amateur historian Yang Guogang for his private museum he constructed.

He collected as well all the local stories like those of his grandfather who was sent up the mountain to retrieve the wounded soldiers under the cover of darkness. Yang Guogang spend 80,000 Yuan over the last 20 years to build up his collection. A considerable amount of money for a farmer.

Yang Guogang in his museum. This local farmer and historian build the “Songshan Military Campaign Memorial” museum by himself and on his own expense at his own house in Dayakou village next to the Songshan battlefield site. All items come from the area and were bought from local farmers who found them in their fields or are war souvenirs handed down through the generations.

Huitong Bridge

The Huitong Bridge is now preserved as a monument. The present form stems from 1950 when the Eastern bridgehead was rebuilt (Note the communist red star on it). A new bridge was build in 1977 just a few hundred metres downstream.

Statues of Generals and Soildiers

The soldiers of the new Songshan monument are lined up and face the double summit of Songshan Mountain.

The New Songshan Monument

In 2013 a new monument was constructed at Songshan. Heavely inspired by the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an this replica army is made out of concrete and instead of chariots there are two American Jeeps. Songshan was the first place in China where Jeeps were used during the war.

Like their terracotta predecessors every statue at Songshan has its individual face and scattered among the Chinese soldiers are the visages of some of their American advisors.

At the time of construction 84 soldiers were still alive out of the 100,000 Chinese forces that were involved in the campaign. These 84 are depicted in their present day appearance. Central in their group is Fu Xin De who was the main physician of the Chinese Expeditionary Force. He was born in 1899 and died at the age of 114 just after the official opening of the monument in September 2013.

The monument is a symbol as well of the changed political climate in China. Until recently the only monuments that were created were those for the PLA. So an monument for Kuomintang soldiers is something new.

Recommended Tours

15 Days China Ledo Road Study Tour

Useful Travel Tips

If you want to learn more about the Songshan Battle, you can read A story on Yang Guogang and his museum.

There are no books in English describing the “Battle at Songshan” but there are two good Chinese publications:

Songshan Campaign

History and Culture of Songshan Campaign

The “Songshan Battle” book (Left) has an interesting collection of original pictures from both Chinese and Japanese sources. It contains battlefield maps and diagrams of fortifications.

The “History and Culture of Songshan Campaign” book (Right) has chapters on recent excavations, battlefield maps and maps of fortifications, diagrams of fortifications, list of finds with their geographic location and interviews with local people who took part in the action.

Shaping Monday Market

Shaping Market, (About 30km north of Dali). Shaping Town offers a lively weekly market with plenty of local color. The market starts early. A great chance to see local farmers out in force and literally watch plenty of horse trading. Not much to buy (unless you are a farmer) but gives a feel for like in a small country town. You can get close to local life, also their culture.

Why is Shaping Market so special?

It is the good place for travelers to experience the local custom. You can view the true life of local people, not a show. There are many local products and traditional crafts. The long-historical Shaping market is ratified by the government of Yunnan province to trade cultural relics inferior to the third class.

Where is Shaping Market?

Shaping Market is located in the north of the Butterfly Spring, at the foot of the Mt. Cangshan, and off the north bank of Erhai. Shaping Town is 30 km from Dali Ancient Town.

How to get to Shaping Market?

It has a convenient transportation for the Dali highway, Zhenzang highway and the Huanhai highway combine right there. Travelers can take the regular bus to Eryuan at the western gate of Dali Ancient Town or 214 Road, 5 yuan for ticket.What to see in Shaping Market

What to see in Shaping Market

Experiencing the life of the locals is an indispensable part of the in-depth tour. What kind of car the locals take, what kind of car we take; what the locals eat, we have to try our best to taste. From fruits and vegetables to tie-dye embroidery, from stalls to shaving and repairing shoes, the market will show you the diverse goods. When you are mixed in with the Bai people and the white dresses of Apeng(men of Bai people) and Golden Flowers (women of Bai people), you get closer to Dali.

Multitudinous curios, jade article, embroider and tie-dyeing works are sold here, alluring many tourists around the country and abroad. Therefore, it got the reputation of “the foreigners’ street”. In addition, if one wants to travel from to Lijiang or Shangti-la, he has to pass Shaping Market. Each year, more than 10 million tourists pass by the Shaping Market. If you like shopping, do not hesitate to walking around the busy Monday market.

Best Time to Visit

Dali Ancient Town is a very comfortable and leisure site which can be visited all year round. There is a saying going “Good Scenery is the month of March”. March to April is the best time to visit Dali Ancient City. If you want to enjoy Bai’s grand festival, you can come in the beautiful spring and catch the rare chance to join in March Fair. If you just want to see this market, every Monday is available.

Useful Travel Tips

1. The market is on every Monday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you want to buy something, please get up early and get to street early.
2. 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.
3. Respect local custom and local culture.
4. It is advisable to taste the local bean curd and some snacks.

Yunlong Natural Taiji Eight-Diagram (云龙太极八卦图)

To the north of Yunlong county, there’s a river named Bijiang River(沘江), whose riverbed forms a shape of Taiji symbol. Because in Han Dynasty, Yunlong county was called “Bisu ” county, the Bijiang River, in fact, means “a river in Bisu”. With a whole length of 173 km, the river curves into a big “S” shape when passing here, forming a natural spectacle of Taiji symbol. In this natural spectacle, the Zhuangping dam in the north and Lian-jing-ping dam in the south constitute the two fish-like patterns representing “yin” and “yang” respectively in Taiji symbol, making it more vivid. What is called “Taiji Symbol” is a symbol used by ancient Chinese to explain natural phenomena in the universe, showing the the law of unity of opposites between yin and yang. Normally, there are also Eight Trigrams arranged in octagon around the symbol. And it is always a symbol of Taoism.

Where is Natural Taiji Eight-Diagram?

It is one part of Bijiang River, 1 km north of urban area of Yunlong County, Dali.

How to Get to Natural Taiji Eight-Diagram?

It is near the urban area of Yunlong County. Travelers can rent a car or cycle to it.

Get in Yunlong County

1.By Car                                                                   

Travel to Yunlong County by car is 478 km in distance, you need 7 hours from Kunming to Yunlong County.                                        

2.By Airplane and Bus

If you want to take plane, you need to go to Kunming Changshui International Airport to take airplane to Dali Airport. It costs your 55 minutes. When you arrive at Dali Airport, you need to take bus to Yunlong County Passenger Station and it needs 2.5 hours.

3.By Train and Bus

If you want to take a train, you need to go to Kunming Train Station. Firstly, you need spend 8 hours arriving Dali Train Station. When you arrive at Dali Train Station, you need to take bus to Yunlong County Passenger Station and it needs 2.5 hours.

4.By High-speed Train and Bus

If you want to take a high-speed train, firstly, you need to go to Kunming South Railway Station. Secondly, you should spend 2.5 hours on the road. When you arrive at Dali Station, you need to take bus to Yunlong County Passenger Station and it needs 2.5 hours.

Main Attractions

Taiji Locks up Water(太极锁水)

To the northeast and south of the symbol, there are groups of taoist constructions, and to the northwest, there lying the famous “Pearl of the West Yunnan Plateau ” —-Tian Pond. Nuodeng river pours into Bijiang river through the very middle part. Therefore, this pattern is also called “Taiji locks up water”.

Lion and Elephant Guard the Gate(狮象把门)

What’s more, the hill on northern Zhuangping dam is like a lion’s head, and the hill on southern Lian-jing-ping dam is like a trunk of elephant, thus people called this “Lion and elephant guard the gate” for Nuodeng village, which is a Bai village with a history of more than a thousand year, lying 4km away from the Taiji symbol.

Yunling Tianyi (云岭天仪)

Standing in the west of the Bijiang River overlooking the “Tai Chi” pattern, the image is very realistic. Every summer and autumn season, the Bijiang River is like a red ribbon, two fish-shaped dams are like two green silk carpets, and the surrounding Yunling mountains are covered with clouds and fog, and the mountains are floating. It is like the legendary Taiji Tianyi used by Tiangong. The “Taiji” is facing the Yuhuang Pavilion of Nuodeng in the east of the mountain, and the Sanqing Hall in the south of the Hutou Mountain. The combination of natural Taiji symbol and highest shrine temple reflects the harmony of man and nature in Taoism.

Canghai Sangtian (沧海桑田)

The story of the transformation of the ocean into farmland also takes place in the “Taiji”. It is said that the prince of Dali Longwang came to Yunlongshan and found a lake, so he settled down here. Then he loved a pretty girl and followed her to the mountain. Then he moved the lake to form the Tianchi, and the original lake changed. It became a piece of farmland and later became “Tai Chi.”

Nearby Attraction

Nuodeng Ancient Town

Nuodeng, a thousand-years town, a famous historic and cultural village of Yunnan province. Located in mountainous area, it is far away from the hustle and bustle of metropolis. It is the true place with original flavor of life. Except for the profound history, Nuodeng is the important place of Ancient Salt and Horse Road. Salt is the key point of Nuodeng Ancient Town. Walk in the Nuodeng Ancient Town and view the busy Ancient Salt and Horse Road.

Best Time to Visit

When the weather is right-cooler nights and warmer days, especially November to January according to locals the mists here are preternaturally lovely. It is a good idea to visit from November to January.

Useful Travel Tips

1.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.

2.When the weather is right-cooler nights and warmer days, especially November through January according to locals the mists here are preternaturally lovely. Best photo-op times are mid to late afternoon.

The Snow Lotus (雪莲花) is a rare and highly valued plant that grows in the high-altitude regions of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), located in Yunnan Province, China. Known for its medicinal properties and stunning appearance, the Snow Lotus has become a symbol of the region’s unique biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Overview of Snow Lotus (雪莲花)

The Snow Lotus is a perennial herb that thrives in the harsh climates of high-altitude mountain ranges, typically found at altitudes above 4,000 meters (13,120 feet) above sea level. The plant is most commonly found growing in snowy mountainous regions with rocky terrain and crevices, making it a rarity both in terms of its environment and medicinal use.

Morphological Characteristics

Physical Features

The Snow Lotus has several distinct characteristics that make it easily identifiable:

• Height: Typically grows to a height of 10–25 cm.

• Stem: The stem is hollow and rod-shaped, with brown-black remnants of leaves at its base.

• Leaves: The leaves are alternate, lanceolate or narrow ovate in shape, and are densely covered in white or pale yellow hairs. The leaves are typically 2–10 cm long and 0.5–1.5 cm wide, with serrated edges.

• Flowers: The plant produces head-shaped flower clusters that are densely packed. Each flower is tubular and typically measures about 1 cm long. The flowers are bisexual and have lanceolate petal segments.

• Seeds: The plant produces achene (dry seeds), which are flat and brown, with a two-layered pappus (feathery structure for seed dispersal).

Growing Environment

Altitude and Habitat

The Snow Lotus is specifically adapted to grow in high-altitude environments, typically found in snow-capped mountain regions with rocky terrain or crevices. These elevated habitats make it a unique plant that requires a specific set of conditions to thrive:

• Preferred Elevation: Grows at elevations above 4,000 meters (13,120 feet) above sea level.

• Terrain: It is commonly found in rocky slopes, stone cracks, and snowy terrains of the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding mountains.

• Climate: The Snow Lotus thrives in areas with cold temperatures, limited sunlight, and high-altitude conditions.

Distribution Range

Native Region

The Snow Lotus is primarily found in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), located in the northwestern part of Yunnan Province. This region is famous for its rugged landscapes, including snow-capped peaks, high-altitude plateaus, and remote valleys, which provide an ideal growing environment for the Snow Lotus. The plant is primarily found in the following areas:

• Diqing County (德钦县)

• Meili Snow Mountain (梅里雪山)

• Tibetan Plateau regions within Yunnan

Medicinal Value and Uses

Traditional Medicinal Uses

The Snow Lotus is highly prized in Traditional Tibetan Medicine for its healing properties. Its medicinal benefits are wide-ranging, and it has been used for centuries by the Tibetan people for various therapeutic purposes. Key medicinal uses include:

• Kidney Tonic: The Snow Lotus is commonly used to boost kidney function and enhance Yang energy, which is important for overall vitality and well-being.

• Menstrual Health: It is used to regulate menstruation, relieve menstrual cramps, and stop excessive bleeding.

• Boosting Immunity: Known for its immune-boosting properties, it is used to enhance the body’s ability to fight off illness and maintain balance.

• Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief: Snow Lotus is often used for pain management and to treat conditions involving inflammation.

The plant is often prepared as powders, tinctures, or herbal teas to be consumed for its medicinal effects.

Cultural and Economic Significance

Cultural Importance

In the Tibetan culture, the Snow Lotus is considered a sacred plant and is closely associated with the spiritual beliefs of the Tibetan people. It is often seen as a symbol of purity, longevity, and health. The plant is also linked to Tibetan Buddhist practices, where it is believed to possess mystical and healing powers.

Economic Value

The Snow Lotus is not only a cultural symbol but also a significant economic resource for the people of Diqing. Due to its rarity and medicinal value, the Snow Lotus has become an important cash crop for local farmers and herbal medicine producers. However, overharvesting poses a threat to the wild populations, and sustainable practices are essential to ensure the longevity of this valuable plant.

Conservation Efforts

Threats

The Snow Lotus faces several threats due to its increasing demand in the herbal medicine market and overharvesting. Key challenges include:

• Overharvesting for commercial use and traditional medicine.

• Habitat destruction due to human activities such as mining, tourism, and agriculture.

• Climate change, which could alter the plant’s high-altitude habitat, potentially leading to a decline in population.

Conservation Measures

To protect the Snow Lotus and ensure its sustainable use, various conservation measures are being put in place:

• Protected areas have been established to safeguard the plant’s natural habitats.

• Sustainable harvesting practices are being promoted among local communities.

• Awareness campaigns to educate people about the plant’s ecological and cultural importance.

The Snow Lotus (雪莲花) of Diqing is a remarkable plant with immense medicinal, cultural, and ecological significance. Its unique ability to grow in high-altitude and rugged environments makes it a symbol of resilience and purity. However, due to its increasing value and the threats it faces, conservation efforts are crucial to ensure its preservation for future generations. Whether for healing purposes, cultural practices, or economic benefits, the Snow Lotus remains one of Yunnan’s most treasured natural resources.

The Mystery of Rare Alpine Plants in Diqing: The Survival Journey of Snow Lotus and Snow Rabbits

Exploring the Rare Plants of Diqing

Diqing (迪庆) is located in the core area of the Hengduan Mountain Range, where the Three Parallel Rivers converge. The region’s altitude exceeds 4,000 meters, and within this seemingly desolate stone desert, there exists a special area. The rocks here are shaped by the freezing and thawing effects of extreme temperatures. The lack of lush trees and shrubs gives the area a sense of scarce life. However, it is precisely in this harsh environment that some astonishing rare plants thrive. What are these incredible plants that can survive in such extreme conditions? Let us journey into Diqing and explore the survival stories of these rare alpine plants.

The Miracle of the Leaf-Wrapped Snow Lotus

In the harsh environment of Diqing, the Leaf-Wrapped Snow Lotus stands out for its strong vitality. This rare plant, though growing at the summit of high mountains, blooms proudly and shows the world its unique beauty. It is not just a plant but a symbol of the spirit of resilience and strength in extreme environments.

The Uniqueness of the Jellyfish Snow Rabbit

The Snow Lotus, a perennial herb belonging to the subgenus of the snow lotus in the Chrysanthemum family, draws attention with its unique form and growth habits. It grows about 15 to 25 centimeters tall, with thick, dark brown rhizomes and dense, varied leaves, some long oval-shaped and others oval-lanceolate. The most striking feature is the bracts at the top of the plant, which are membranous, transparent, and light yellow, resembling the delicate form of a jellyfish. The flower heads are gathered at the top of the stem, forming a spherical shape, and the flowers themselves are a deep purple, standing out brightly. This plant not only touches the heart with its beautiful shape but also demonstrates incredible resilience in extreme environments.

Characteristics of the Leaf-Wrapped Snow Lotus

The Leaf-Wrapped Snow Lotus, as a variety of Snow Lotus, also shows unique charm. Its bracts wrap around the entire flower cluster, resembling exquisite wings, adding a sense of mystery and elegance to the snow lotus. This plant not only stands out for its distinctive shape but also demonstrates strong vitality in its growth environment, becoming a leader in extreme challenges.

The name “Leaf-Wrapped Snow Lotus” carries a sense of mystery and legend, often endowed with magical and exaggerated functions in martial arts novels and various legendary stories. For example, in Jin Yong’s classic novel The Book and the Sword (书剑恩仇录), an awe-inspiring scene is described: two giant flowers, as large as sea bowls, bloom proudly on the cliffside halfway up the mountain. Their petals are jade-green, surrounded by a blanket of snow, and as the golden rays of the setting sun fall upon them, they look even more delicate and splendid, extraordinarily beautiful.

The name “Felted Snow Lotus” also holds unique charm and deep meaning. In numerous stories and legends about snow lotus, this plant attracts attention with its unique form and growth environment. In reality, its rarity and preciousness only enhance its mystique.

Felted Snow Lotus holds a prominent place not only in legends but also in reality, where its rare characteristics and extraordinary charm captivate those who gaze upon it. Its rarity and exceptional qualities create an aura of mystery, invoking awe and fascination, leaving people to ponder its deeper significance.

The Leaf-Wrapped Snow Lotus

Growing on alpine stone beaches, often unreachable to ordinary people, the Leaf-Wrapped Snow Lotus endures harsh environments alongside snow-capped peaks, continuing to bloom despite the passage of time. Together with other plants, it contributes to the life symphony atop the mountains, appearing particularly striking against the backdrop of blue skies and white clouds.

Jellyfish Snow Rabbit

The Jellyfish Snow Rabbit grows at high altitudes in the periglacial zone near the snowline. This rare plant is classified as a national second-class protected species. From a distance, they resemble a group of sturdy, cute little rabbits, which is how they get their name, “Snow Rabbit.”

Jellyfish Snow Rabbit’s Adaptation

The Jellyfish Snow Rabbit thrives in alpine stone beaches above 4,000 meters, where the environment is extremely barren. Unlike the Snow Lotus, it does not possess membranous bracts, nor can it form a “greenhouse system” like the Snow Lotus. However, in order to survive and reproduce in such an extreme high-altitude environment, the Snow Rabbits have developed a clever strategy. The leaves and flower heads are covered with dense white fur, resembling a thick duvet. This feature helps them withstand the harsh conditions of the alpine periglacial zone, allowing them to survive and reproduce.

Feathered Snow Rabbit

The Feathered Snow Rabbit only blooms once in its life. To achieve this, it silently lies dormant beneath the rocks in the periglacial zone for many years. When the moment of blooming finally arrives, it signifies that the end of life is near. This plant, with its remarkable cold resistance and adaptability, is the highest-altitude flowering plant, achieving heights that are unreachable for most other plants in such severe conditions.

The Poetic Beauty of the Jellyfish Snow Rabbit

Who says jellyfish do not understand human emotions?
They condense the essence of snow and the soul of ice into the mud.
As if clever little rabbits stole the seeds from the sky,
In the ethereal world below, they thrive in harmony.

The blooming season of the Jellyfish Snow Rabbit usually occurs in July and August. This plant belongs to a unique category of perennial plants that bloom only once. After the flowering period ends and the seeds mature, the mother plant reaches the end of its life, completing its brief but brilliant blooming journey.

Cotton-Headed Snow Rabbit

The Cotton-Headed Snow Rabbit, with its plush appearance, seems quite adorable. The “duvet-like” white fur actually serves a unique function. In the harsh high-altitude environment, it creates a relatively stable growing environment for the plant’s reproductive organs. Additionally, it helps increase the surface temperature of the flower head, attracting pollinating insects to assist in the plant’s reproduction.

Oak-Leaved Snow Rabbit

The Oak-Leaved Snow Rabbit features purple-red flower heads with a unique fragrance, attracting bumblebees to pollinate the flowers. The dark purple flowers are also highly effective at absorbing ultraviolet rays from the high-altitude sun, which accelerates the maturation of the flower heads and pistils.

Protecting These Alpine Wonders

Whether it is the Snow Lotus or the Snow Rabbit, these rare plants grow in high-altitude, harsh environments where their survival is highly fragile. Facing these remarkable plants that continue to thrive despite such difficult conditions, humanity should approach them with reverence, respect nature, and cherish the natural world. We should use human wisdom to protect these rare alpine plants and the environment in which they thrive, maintaining the balance of biodiversity and working together to create a harmonious life community on Earth.

Shangri-La yak meat is a specialty from Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It has been protected as a geographical indication of agricultural products nationwide. Diqing is the only Tibetan autonomous prefecture in Yunnan, and its unique geographic and climatic conditions make it a key yak production area.

Shangri-La yaks are well-adapted to high-altitude, cold environments. They thrive in the cold, moist high mountain pastures and are suited to extensive grazing management. Although they have strong foraging abilities, their training level is relatively low. These yaks have a sturdy build and well-developed muscles, with body size varying by region. For instance, yaks from the Ni’ru and Ge’zan areas are slightly larger, while those from the Da Zhongdian, Xiao Zhongdian, and Dongwang areas are somewhat smaller. The yak meat from these regions is known for its delicious taste, unique aroma, high protein content, and low cholesterol.

Yaks grow in pollution-free, high-altitude areas above 4000 meters. The natural pastures in Shangri-La are primarily composed of valuable high-altitude medicinal plants like Cordyceps, Fritillaria, Yunnan Wild Ginseng, and Chinese Wolfberry. This contributes to the excellent flavor and unique aroma of the yak meat, which is rich in protein and low in cholesterol. Yaks are considered one of the rare high-altitude animals on Earth, often praised as “the king of beef” and grouped with polar bears and penguins as “the world’s three great high-altitude animals.”

Growth Environment

• Location: Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is located in the northern part of Yunnan Province, bordering Tibet to the north, Sichuan Province’s Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture to the east, and Nujiang Prefecture and Lijiang City in Yunnan Province to the southwest.
• Climate: The Shangri-La area has an annual average temperature ranging from 4.7 to 16.5°C. The hottest month averages 11.7 to 24.1°C, while the coldest month ranges from -3.3 to 7.7°C, with an absolute minimum temperature of -27°C. Annual precipitation ranges from 268 to 945 mm, with rainfall concentrated between May and October, accounting for 62.3 to 94.4% of the annual total.
• Altitude: Yaks mainly grow in high-altitude areas above 4000 meters, adapting well to the cold and moist environment.

Breed Characteristics

• Physical Features: Shangri-La yaks have a robust and muscular build. Adult male yaks average 119.05 cm in height, while adult female yaks are about 105.23 cm tall. The optimal slaughter weight is approximately 234.55 kg for males and 192.47 kg for females.
• Meat Quality: Fresh yak meat is deep red, with a uniform color and glossy appearance. The fat is light yellow. The meat is tender and elastic, with a rapid recovery of indentation when pressed. It is moist to the touch, with a fresh yak meat smell and no off odors or mold.

Nutritional Value

• Nutritional Composition: Shangri-La yak meat is rich in high protein and low in fat. The protein content is ≥18%, moisture content ≤71.5%, fat ≤5.42%, and acid value ≤2.9 mg/g. It contains about one-third more essential amino acids and proteins than beef, while having about one-fifth less fat.

Production Status

• Breeding Area: Shangri-La yaks are primarily distributed across 14 townships in Shangri-La County, as well as in Deqin County and Weixi County. In 2010, the yak breeding area was 7167 square kilometers, with over 56,000 yaks (excluding castrated males) and a total meat output of 7840 tons.

Historical Background

• Domestication History: The domestication of yaks dates back to around 2500 BC, possibly on the northern slopes of the Himalayas or the Tibetan Plateau. This timeline is close to that of water buffalo domestication, but about 4000 years later than cattle domestication, indicating a relatively shorter domestication history for yaks.
• Development History: In April 1980, the Shangri-La County Veterinary Station conducted the first census of livestock breeds, naming it “Zhongdian Yak.” In 1983, it was recorded in the “Yunnan Livestock and Poultry Breeds Directory.” In December 2001, Zhongdian County was officially renamed Shangri-La County, and the “Zhongdian Yak” was renamed “Shangri-La Yak.”

Product Honors

• Geographical Indication: On November 15, 2010, the Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China approved the geographical indication protection for “Shangri-La Yak Meat.”

Shangri-La yak meat, with its excellent growth environment and rich nutritional content, has become a unique biological economy in the Shangri-La area. Its distinctive meat quality and high protein, low cholesterol characteristics make it highly competitive in the market and contribute positively to the local economic development.

Milk Residue in Diqing奶渣

When are the best times to visit Diqing in spring, summer or autumn or winter? The best seasons to visit Diqing are spring and autumn, when the weather is comfortable for Diqing Trip. Check the best Weather and Climate information in Diqing, China. Find out the best time to visit Diqing, clothes tips, weather forecast for the following 7 days.

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China builds protection network for Yunnan golden hair monkeys

Southwest China’s Yunnan Province announced on Monday the establishment of a protection network for the province’s golden hair monkeys, also known as the black-and-white snub-nosed monkeys. The network is...

Travel News    Veiw

• Diqing
• Kunming
• Yunnan

China – Thailand Railway

China – Thailand Railway, or Sino – Thai Railway hasn’t been opened yet. The construction began in December, 2017. About 4 years are needed to complete this high speed rail...

International Transportation in Yunnan    Veiw

• Bangkok
• Mengla County
• Puer
• XishuangBanna
• Yuxi

China-Vietnam Railway

Last year, China and Vietnam unveiled plans to refurbish a colonial-era railway between the two countries. It was an attempt to update a historical legacy – and also signified new bilateral...

International Transportation in Yunnan    Veiw

• Hekou County
• Honghe
• Kunming
• Yuxi

Nujiang Railway Bridge (Darui Railway)

The Nujiang Railway Bridge (Darui Railway) is an impressive engineering feat located in Lamengxiang, Yunnan, China. Here are the key details about this remarkable structure: Overview Name: Nujiang Railway...

Attractions    Veiw

• Bridges
• Lushui City
• Nujiang

Tibetan Thangka

Definition Thangka (唐卡) (also called Tangga (唐嘎) or Tangka (唐喀)), a Tibetan term meaning “scroll painting,” refers to religious artworks mounted on brocade for worship. These distinctive Tibetan paintings depict diverse subjects ...

Shopping    Veiw

• Diqing
• Shangri-La

Songshan Battlefield in Longling County, Baoshan

Songshan Battlefield Songshan Battlefield(松山战役旧址), located in Mengla Town of Longling County, was the main battlefield of the Anti-Japanese War in west Yunnan during the second World War. Songshan is the...

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• Baoshan
• Historical and Cultural Relics
• Longling County

Shaping Monday Market in Dali

Shaping Monday Market Shaping Market, (About 30km north of Dali). Shaping Town offers a lively weekly market with plenty of local color. The market starts early. A great chance...

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• Dali
• Dali City
• Local Markets

Yunlong Natural Taiji Eight-Diagram, Dali

Yunlong Natural Taiji Eight-Diagram (云龙太极八卦图) To the north of Yunlong county, there’s a river named Bijiang River(沘江), whose riverbed forms a shape of Taiji symbol. Because in Han Dynasty,...

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• Dali
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Snow Lotus Herb in Diqing

The Snow Lotus (雪莲花) is a rare and highly valued plant that grows in the high-altitude regions of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), located in Yunnan Province, China. Known...

Shopping    Veiw

• Diqing

Yak Meat in Shangri La, Diqing

Shangri-La yak meat is a specialty from Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It has been protected as a geographical indication of agricultural products nationwide. Diqing is...

Dining    Veiw

• Diqing
• Shangri-La

Milk Residue in Diqing

Milk Residue in Diqing奶渣...

Dining    Veiw

• Diqing

The Best Time to Visit Diqing

When are the best times to visit Diqing in spring, summer or autumn or winter? The best seasons to visit Diqing are spring and autumn, when the weather is...

Climate    Veiw

• Diqing