Why is Upper Yubeng Village So Special?

Yubeng Village is known for the beautiful valley it lies in and beautiful day treks which depart from it. It’s divided into two parts: the Upper Yubeng Village and Lower Yubeng Village, about 1 miles between the two parts. From Upper Yubeng, trekkers have access to the Base Camp, and Ice Lake hikes. It has better views of the snowy mountains, more options of guesthouses and more people.

Where is Upper Yubeng Village – Location

Yubeng is a Village in Northwestern Yunnan, situated at the foot of the Wuzi Mountain Peak of Niancimu Mountain Peak on Meili Snow Mountain, Yunling Country, Deqin County. Walking from Xidang and climbing through a pass you will arrive first in Upper Yubeng Village.

How to Get There

Due to no highway to access Yubeng village, one can only get there by trekking or mule-riding for 18 kilometers from Xidang Village, and crossing over a pass for 3700 meters. Tourists can take buses running Shangri-la to Deqin or rent a car to.

What to See

Base Camp and Ice Lake
From Upper Yubeng to Base Camp take about 3 hours. From the base camp to the lake is about another hour. The path leads towards the snow mountains, and starts off fairly easy, getting progressively steeper as you get to the top. Just before the lake, you may have scramble up some rocks for the last section of the walk, which could be a bit dangerous in winter. To reach the lake, you can scramble down the rocks to reach the bottom.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Yubeng Village is from May to July in late spring and early summer; from September to October in autumn. Flowers bloom from may to July. From September to October, the scenery is charming. Large temperature difference between these two seasons and you’d better bring enough warm clothes when you travel.

Accommodate at Upper Yubeng Village

There are more options of guesthouses and more people at Upper Yubeng Village.  If it’s not the beginning of October (1–3) you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a place and try to bargain your rate down or get a private room for cheap!

Useful Travel Tips

► On the way from Xidang to Yubeng Village, you can know how far you have walked by watching the number on the wastebasket. No.45 is the location of first rest stop and No. 21 is the second.
► The most practical local delicacies are buttered tea and instant noodles. Yak butter tea is the best food to supply physical strength and prevent altitude sickness on the plateau.
► Before entering the village, be sure to leave your big luggage at the inn and pack light with your necessities.
►Due to the inconvenience of transportation, the supplies here are more expensive than the outside, so bring some food that can supply physical strength such as dried meat, chocolate and so on.
► It takes a certain amount of physical strength and perseverance, and remember to bring waterproof and warm clothes and waterproof hiking shoes. An alpenstock is very useful.
► Respect the local custom. The sacred lake is so sacred to local Tibetans that they can only drink and cannot be used for washing anything.
► The mobile phone may be out of signal on the way.

Why is Militang Alpine Pasture So Special?

“Miritang,” meaning “Buddha’s eye – shaped meadow,” is so named because it looks like a slender Buddha’s eye. It is the largest pasture in Potatso National Park, about 3.7 miles and 10 minutes’ drive from Shudu Lake. Under the azure sky dotted with clouds, the grassland is like a giant green carpet paved on the ground, with yaks and sheep scattered around and smoke from herdsmen’s chimneys drifting in the breeze. 

Where is Militang Alpine Pasture – Location

Militang Alpine Pasture is about 10 minutes away for Shudu lake by driving. Situated in the east of Shangri-La, Pudacuo National Park is about 22 kilometers and 40 minutes’ drive from Shangri-La downtown area. It is about 26.2 km from Songzanlin Monastery and 25.1 km from Dukezong Old Town and Guishan Hill.

Function of Militang Alpine Pasture

It is said that the plants grown in the pasture are rich in protein and fat, which the cattle and sheep have eaten will make them produce massive milk and high-proportion of butter and cheese, so the Miritang pasture has been an important pasture in Shangri-la.

How to Get There

By Bus: At Shangri-La Bus Station, there are buses running to Pudacuo National Park at 08:00, 08:30, 09:30 and 10:00. And the return  time is 14:00, 14:30, 15:00 and 16:30.

By Minivan Rental: Tourists can hire minivan to Pudacuo National Park at the square in Dukezong Old Town. 

By Taxi: It takes 40 minutes from Shangri-la County; a single trip costs CNY 80 and a round-trip costs CNY 150.

Recommended Visiting Route

Militang is the Second Stop of Pudacuo National Park tour. Travelers cannot get down to the pasture and have close contact with the cattle, horse, sheep yet, but there is a grand sightseeing platform for travelers to shoot amazing photos and enjoy the gorgeous meadow scenery. It is recommended to stay for 10-15 minutes.

Best Time to Go

In spring and summer, a number of flowers are blossoming, which decorates the grassland into a colorful picture. In autumn, the land will be carpeted by spruce, azalea bosk, quercus, aquifolioides and redwoods. Wild mushrooms can be seen everywhere. It looks golden on the whole, tranquil and elegant. In winter, the land will turns into a tranquil white paradise. 

Where is Xiaozhongdian Pasture – Location

Xiaozhongdian is on the way to Shangrila from Lijiang. Xiaozhongdian located 25 KM to the south of the county town, bordering Jiantang Town(建塘镇) in the north, Jinjiang Town(金江镇) in the south, Hutiaoxia Town(虎跳峡镇), Sanbei Town(三坝乡) in the east, and Shangjiang Town(上江乡), Wujing Town(五境乡) in the west. The topography is higher in the north with an area of 1054 sq,km. There are 3 villages under its jurisdiction, Lianhe Village(联合村), Heping Village(和平村) and Tuanjie Village(团结村).

History and Culture

Xiaozhongdian is “Yangtang(洋塘)” in Tibetan language which means “Another basin(又一块坝子)”. It is named “Xiaodandang(小旦当)” in Yuan Dynasty, also called Yangdamu(杨达木), belonging to Benbueryisigang(奔不儿亦思刚) ZhaoTao department(招讨司).

How to Get there

Tourists can take the shuttle bus from Lijiang to Shangrila and get off at Xiaozhongdian Town. Or take the local minibus from Shangrila to Xiaozhongdian Town. Car-rental is also very available and Yunnan Exploration can provide this service with skilled drive and good vehicle.

What to See at Xiaozhongdian Pasture

Guests will arrive at the first village in Xiaozhongdian after only half an hour’s drive. From there, guests will go across the beautiful farmland by foot where highland barleys, potatoes and bright yellow rapeseed vegetable are grown. Guests can enjoy the colors of the different blossom seasons in all four seasons and watch the locals labouring in the farmland.

Meanwhile, it’s a good place to have a photo shoot and take wedding photos.

Best Season to Visit

June to October is a nice season to see wild flower in Xiaozhongdian, Shangrila. You can also see Tibetan village, Yaks and other animals. if you are traveling by road in this season, you will not miss it. When it turns to Autumn in September and October, there are fiery-red stellera chamaejasme flowers all around.

Scenic Views

1. Pastoral Landscapes: The pastureland offers expansive greenery where local Tibetan herders graze their yaks and sheep. The backdrop of snow-capped mountains adds to the scenic beauty.
2. Flower Meadows: During the blooming season, typically in summer and early autumn, the Flower Sea bursts into a riot of colors with various alpine flowers like rhododendrons, azaleas, and gentians.

Activities and Attractions

• Hiking and Trekking: Visitors can explore the area on foot, enjoying leisurely hikes amidst the pastoral landscapes and flower-filled meadows.
• Photography: The stunning vistas provide ample opportunities for photography enthusiasts, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light casts a golden hue over the landscape.

Local Culture and Traditions

• Tibetan Culture: Experience local Tibetan customs and traditions as you interact with the herders and possibly visit nearby Tibetan villages.
• Cuisine: Sample traditional Tibetan dishes at local eateries, offering a taste of the region’s culinary delights.

Practical Information

• Best Time to Visit: Summer and early autumn (June to September) are ideal for witnessing the flower blooms. Late spring also offers lush green landscapes.
• Accessibility: Xiaozhongdian Pasture and Flower Sea is accessible by road from Shangri-La town. Private vehicles or local tours are common means of transportation.

Tips for Visitors

• Weather: Yunnan’s weather can be unpredictable. It’s advisable to check weather forecasts and dress accordingly, especially for outdoor activities.
• Respect Local Customs: While visiting Tibetan areas, respect local customs and traditions, including etiquette when interacting with locals.

Conservation Efforts

• Environmental Protection: Support local efforts to preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Xiaozhongdian Pasture and Flower Sea by adhering to eco-friendly practices.

Attractions Nearby

Tiger Leaping Gorge
The Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorges with spectacular sceneries on the planet such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the west and Haba Snow Mountain to the east.

Dukezhong Ancient Town
Just like the meaning of its name in Tibetan, the “Castle built on Stone”, Dukezong Ancient Town is built on the mountain foot. As one of the largest and best-preserved Tibetan residence groups in China, the 1300-year-old Dukezong Ancient Town, not only plays an important role in the Old Tea – Horse Road, but also serves as a corridor connecting Chinese and Tibetan language, people, religion and cultures.

Songzanlin Monastery
Songzanlin Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple complex in Yunnan Province. It is called the Little Potala Palace. In 1993, it was listed as a Key Provincial Protection Unit of Cultural Relics by the government of Yunnan Province. It is said that the Fifth Dalai Lama decided the location though divination and gave the name—Gedansongzanlin. At its height, the monastery housed 2,000 monks. Now about 700 monks live there or around the region.

Chinese Name: 红河哈尼梯田 English IPA: Honghe Hani Rice Terraces Location: The South of Yunnan Population (city): Language: Zip code: Tel code: Time zone:

Honghe Hani Rice Terraces are the system of Hani rice-growing terraces located in Honghe Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan, China. The terraces’ history spans around 1,200 years. Honghe Hani Rice Terraces are distributed in four counties of Honghe Prefecture, including Yuanyang County, Honghe County, Jinping County and Lvchun County. The total area of Honghe Hani Rice Terrace measures 1,000,000 mu. The core area of the terraces is located in Yuanyang County. In 2013, the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces were listed as the 45th World Heritage Site in China, making China the second largest world heritage country, second only to Italy.

Highlights of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces

1. Hani Rice Terrace Culture: Honghe Hani Rice Terrace has a long history of more than 1200 years. The Best-known rice terraces include Laohuzui(Tiger Mouth) Rice Terrace, Duoyishu Rice Terrace, Bada Rice Terrace and Longshuba Rice Terrace in Yuanyang County; Baohua Samaba Rice Terrace Field(宝华撒玛坝万亩梯田) in Honghe County; as well as Dongzhu Rice Terraces and Lagu Hani Rice Terraces in Lvchun County.

2. Ethnic groups and culture: There are a great number of ethnic minority people living in Yuanyang County, Honghe County, Jinping County and Lvchun County for generations. Ethnic groups in this area include Hani, Yi, Miao, Dai, Yao and other ethnic minority groups, among them, Hani minority is main ethnic group. Hani people created a brilliant terrace culture. You can have a ethnic minority discovery tour here.

3. A Heaven for Photographers: Every year, a crowd of photographers are attracted by the spectacular view of Honghe Hani rice terrace like sunrise, sunset, sea of cloud. More and more people admire the charm of Honghe Hani rice terrace.

Chi Hongwu is a seasoned professional in the cycling industry, with a career spanning several decades and a deep passion for promoting cycling as both a sport and a recreational activity. His journey began in 1993 when he entered the bicycle industry, initially focusing on production and manufacturing. Over the years, he has significantly contributed to the development of cycling in Yunnan Province.

Career Highlights

• Early Career: Chi Hongwu started his career in bicycle production and manufacturing in 1993, gaining invaluable experience in the industry’s technical aspects and market dynamics.
• Establishment of Ronghui Cycling Club: In 2010, he co-founded the Kunming Ronghui Cycling Club with his friend Zhou Danhuan. This club specializes in selling mid to high-end sports bicycles, promoting cycling for fitness and tourism, and offering comprehensive cycling tourism consulting services.
• Services Offered: Ronghui Cycling Club provides a range of services, including:
  • Cycling tour consultations and customized route planning.
  • Bicycle rentals, maintenance services, and sales of cycling equipment.
  • Logistics support for cycling tours, ensuring smooth and enjoyable experiences for participants.

Promotion of Cycling Tourism

• Passion for Cycling: Chi Hongwu is passionate about advocating cycling as a healthy lifestyle choice and a means to explore the scenic landscapes of Yunnan.
• Tour Leadership: As a cycling tour leader, he leads groups through Yunnan’s diverse terrain, sharing his knowledge of the region’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Conclusion

Chi Hongwu’s leadership in the cycling industry, coupled with his dedication to promoting cycling tourism in Yunnan, makes him a pivotal figure in fostering the region’s reputation as a premier destination for cycling enthusiasts. His expertise in route planning, equipment provision, and tour execution ensures that participants enjoy memorable and enriching experiences while exploring Yunnan’s breathtaking landscapes.

The newswas updated on July 18, 2019.

Xichou is a county belonging to the Wenshan autonomous prefecture of Zhuang and Miao minorities, southeast Yunnan province.

As a multi-ethnic region, it has 5 different minority groups dwelling on its soil, including Zhuang, Miao, Yi, Yao and Mongol. Ethnic village can be found across the county.

However, Xichou for a long time has been labeled as one of the most underdeveloped places in China, mostly because of its higly desertified lands which prevent agricultural practices to a great extent.

Ethnic women of Xichou work on the land.

Bearing in mind a belief that no single peasant can be forgot, the county has put enormous effort to help local residents get rid of poverty.

As a result, over 5,000 rural households have already benefited from a series of poverty alleviation projects initiated by the county government.

Infrastructure is a linchpin to foster the development of Xichou.

Now, ethnic villages are not merely interconnected by newly-paved roads, but broadband and even 4G networks. And with increasing investments, the local water supply and sewage disposal systems have been largely upgraded.  

A folklore museum located in Xichou

The conservation of traditional ethnic cultures is always regarded as an important indicator in Xichou’s development. 

Local females of different ages are adept at embroidery.         

While an increasing number of folklore museums being built recently turn into new tourist attractions, ethnic dances, rituals and embroidery arts gain even further fames for the county.

And more importantly, the “Soul of a Dance” as a locally produced film won the title of “Best Original Music” on the 15^th Universe Multicultural Film Festival (UMFF) in Los Angeles this April. 

Jinsuo Islet of Erhai Lake

Looking from the sky, there is a small island like a shuttle lying in the Erhai Lake. That’s Jinsuo Island which means golden shuttle English. It is located in the southwest of Haidong Town, 250-600 m from east bank of Erhai Lake, facing Qiliqiao Village in the west across Erhai Lake. There are over 200 Bai households living on the island. Travelers can wander through Bai minority houses, fertile fields, beautiful flowers, green trees…Also, relax yourselves down to taste Bai Ethnic Minority’s “Three Courses of Tea” and local food and enjoy beautiful scenery of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake quietly. Travelers need to pay 20 Yuan to visit Jade Dragon Palace. To the southeast of Jinsuo Island is situated a smaller island called Yinshuo Island (silver shuttle), the sister island of Jinsuo Island.

Why is Jinsuo Islet so special?

The scenery on the island can be compared with the scenery of Sanya. There are also a variety of activities at the seaside. There are unique dwellings, as well as the traditional ethnic culture of the Bai people the fascinating Dragon Palace and fantastic performance. It was the summer resort of King of Nanzhao Kingdom.

Where is Jinsuo Islet?

It is located in the southwest of Haidong Town, 250-600 m from east bank of Erhai Lake, facing Qiliqiao Village in the west across Erhai Lake.

How to get to Jinsuo Islet?

There are buses and taxis from Dali City to Erhai. After arriving at Erhai, travelers can take cruising ship or little boat from Jinsuo Pier in Haidong Town. It will take you 5 minutes to get to Jinsuo Island.

Legend

Looking down from the sky, there is a small island like a weaving shuttle, lying on the Erhai Lake, and the island is named Jinsuo Island. In the legend of Dali, a fairy who is well-woven in the sky left her golden shuttle in the lake, and the Golden Shuttle became a island, forming a beautiful sight of Erhai Lake.

What to See

Tranquil and Peaceful Life of Bai People

The gray tiles and white wall are used in the houses here, making this place tranquil. arranged in a “well” shape, and each fisherman’s cage is hung in front of each household. It is a fishing village, and locals live on fishing. Small shrimps, small dried fish, and a wide variety of goods are available, but here is very different from the seafood market in the city. In this small fishing village, it is more pure than the city.

Glorious and Beautiful Dragon Palace

The most unique attraction of Jinsuo Island is the Dragon Palace. This is the natural cave formed under the island. The scenery inside the cave is very strange and fantastic. There are natural wonders such as stalagmites, stalactites and stone plaques. The length of the dragon palace is about 1,300 meters. The caves are faint, the four seasons are constant, the winter is cold, and the summer is summer. You can come and play in all seasons.

Exquisite Tie-dyeing

Every minority has its own skill, which is unique. The Bai people also have their own skills, tie-dyeing. It has now been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage, and the state has a high recognition of it. The Bai ethnic group has a long history. The main successors are the women of the Bai, who are like heroes. When you look at the color and craftsmanship, you know that this is an authentic Bai tie-dyed work. Visitors will buy some as souvenir. You can also learn to make tie-dyeing personally.

Fantastic Haicaihua Performance

The Bai is an ethnic minority doing well in sings and dances. The song and dance performance “Hai Cai Hua” is based on the theme of a kind of plant growing in the Erhai. Performance shows the daily life of locals, especially the fishing. This song and dance performance also celebrates the harmony between mankind and nature, and calls on people to protect the environment and protect the Erhai Lake.

Recommended Route for Tourists

Cycle around Erhai Lake

Route One: Cycle on the west bank of Erhai Lake, 46 KM for One Day
Your biking tour begins Dali Old Town, pass Three Pagodas and stop to explore Xizhou Old Town , continue to head to Zhoucheng and drive back via the same route. You need to drive about 23 kilometers for one way and 46 kilometers altogether.

Route Two: One Circle around Erhai Lake, 128 KM for Two Days
Day 1: around 50 Km for 4 hours’ riding. Dali Old Town – Three Pagodas – Xizhou Town – Zhoucheng Village – Taoyuan Dock – Shangguan Town – Shuanglang Village (Nanzhao Island).

Day 2: around 80 km for 6 hours’ riding. Shuanglang Village – Wase Town (Little Puto Island) – Haidong Village – Jinsuo Island – Huanhai Road – Airport Road – Erhai Dock – Haixi Village Highway – Caicun Dock – Dali Old Town.

Best Time to Visit 

The best time to visit Jinsuo Islet should be from June to August, during that time is very comfortable. The seasonal variation of Dali is not obvious, there is no obvious hot summer and bitter winter. And the weather in Dali is spring all the year round.

Nearby Attractions

Useful Travel Tips

When you are at Erhai Lake, it is advisable to visit the fishing villages of Bai people nearby, which is the few fishing villages on the altiplano. The famous movie of 1950s, the Five Golden Flowers, reflected the life here. Erhai Park in Xiaguan was designed and built for tourists to sea Erhai Lake. You can get there from any place in the city proper by taxi and that will only cost you 5 yuan. If you are interested, you can take ships there to visit Erhai. There are wooden ships and yachts. Remember to bargain before you get aboard. Ordinary boats do not go to the Nanzhao Love Islands. They usually come back after arriving at Golden Shuttle Island, Small Putuo Island and Kwan-yin Pavilion. If you rent boats, safety is the most important. When it is summer and autumn, especially when Husband Awaiting Clouds turn up on the Cangshan Mountain, it is better for you not to go on the sea.

Clothing
Erhai Lake is in Yunnan, the weather is pleasant. Tourists can bring the spring clothing and do not need to bring the thick clothes. In addition to it is a little bit cold at night, the temperature is suitable during other time.

Zhang Family Garden 

Zhang family’s garden (张家花园)is the typical Bai residential house, in the north side of the Buddhist temple of the founding the Dali country, the square of an area of 8 acres, building area of 4700 square meters and with the 36 most unique rooms. Zhang family’s garden is surrounded by the camellias, azaleas and Erhai Lake which is called the mother lake by 18 streams disemboguing into, backing the Cangshan with flowers and gentian and other vegetables. It is called by all to have been “the first park in Yunnan Province” and “dreaming Bai houses “.

Why is Zhang Family Gaden so special?

Zhang Family Garden is called as the “the first park in Yunnan Province”, enjoying the famous flower and ancient tea trees here. It is also the “dreaming Bai houses “, reperenting the typical residence house of Bai people. It is the AAAA scenic spot.

Where is Zhang Family Garden?

The Family Zhang’s Garden was established as a tourist site in March 2008, located in the north of Guanyintang Temple or 5 km from Dali Old Town. Covering 8 Mu (appr. 5300 square meters) with 4700 square meters for architectures, the Family Zhang’s Garden has so far been the largest Bai ethnic architectural complex in Dali.

How to get to Zhang Family Garden?

By Bus: take No.4 bus and take off at Guanyingtang Station

By Taxi: take taxi, RMB 10 from Dali Ancient Town, RMB 25 from Xiaguan City.

By Car: Dali City- North Renmin Road-214 State Road-Zhang Family Garden, about 4 hours

History of Bai People

The Bai ethnic minority is an ancient minority which has a relationship with the ancient Qiang people. They lived in Erhai area as early as the 1st century (Han Dynasty). In the 2nd century AD, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty set up counties and prefectures here. From the 3rd to the 4th centuries AD, many Han people had taken refuge to the Bai area and partially merged with them because of the war. In 715, diverse ethnic groups moved from the eastern part of Yunnan to the Erhai Lake area, of who are integrated into the Bai people. Later, some Yi and Achang people also merged into the Bai people.

Especially during the period of Dali Kingdom, the Bai people formed an ancient ethnic group with a common language and culture, a similar economic level, and a relatively fixed place of residence. After the Tang Dynasty, Dali surrendered to the central government of China and was influenced by the Chinese Han culture. The economy. agriculture, handicrafts and commerce had further developed. In the Yuan Dynasty, it became a very prosperous city.

Architecture Feature

Zhang Family Garden carry on the architecture history of Dali, which combines the Bai people’s dwellings with private gardens, residence house and gardens, and reflects the gardens in the garden of Dali Fenghua Xueyue Garden. It shows the Bai people’s dwellings with garden architecture as the starting point. The harmony of heaven and man is the inevitable building of the inheritance and development of the Dali Bai ethnic architectural culture. The aim to build the garden is to visualize the architectural art of the Bai people’s dwellings, extract the essence of the Bai residence house,and complete the new era of multi-building of China. Zhang Family Garden, as the hub of Asian culture, represents the harmony of diverse culture and the continuous exchanging.

Main Attractions

The garden combines the Bai ethnic residential style of a courtyard with 3-side houses and a screen wall, a central yard with 4 small patios on each corner and the western style while carrying forwards the history of the Bai ethnic architecture history. It deserves to be called a museum of architectural art. Hotel rooms are available for visitors who’d like to experience the Bai ethnic residence.

 A courtyard with 3-side houses and a screen wall (三房一照壁)

This is a kind of architecture with the principal room facing the south and two wing rooms and a screen wall behind the gate of the courtyard.

A central yard with 4 small patios on each corner (四合五天井)

The Bai ethnic residential compound with three houses and a screen wall normally forms a major courtyard in the center and other four small ones on four corners, thus the name “Si He” (residential compound) and “Wu Tian Jing” (five courtyards).

Guanyin Temple Fair in Dali

As an ancient and primitive temple fair spent since the Nanzhao (738-937) and Dali (938-1253) Kingdoms Period in the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties, Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) Temple Fair is spent on the 19th day of each lunar Feburuary,June and September. It’s a grand occasion in Dali attracting numerous participants.

Useful Travel Tips

1.Best Time to Visit Dali Ancient Town
A lot of festivals and events of Bai nationality focused on March to April each year, travel at this time you will feel rich ethnic customs. And there is a song: “March in Dali has good scenery”, so in the spring, it is suitable whether it is traveling to Dali, or climbing Canshang Mountain, visiting Erhai Lake. In this period, the booming flowers of Zhang Family Garden deserve to appreciate.

2. What to Pack
Dali belongs to the low altitude plateau monsoon climate and ultraviolet ray is strong. Travelers should bring usual clothes and necessities as well as sunscreen cream and sunglasses to protect yourselves.

Why is Qianhu Mountain So Special?

Qianhu Mountain also named as Thousands of Lakes Mountain .The Tibetan call Qianhu Mountain as “lamudongcuo”, which means fairy’s thousand lake. Those lakes are dotted in the altitude of from 3900 to 4000 meters and Sanbi Sea and Big Black Sea are the center of them. The lake area covers about 150 square kilometers. These lakes are of various interesting shapes. All around lakes are exuberant original forest, where abundant tall and straight firs and spruces grow livelily and vigorously. Surprisingly, the twisting and mixed roots of rhododendrons have become one of the most famous natural wonders around here.

Where is Qianhu Mountain – Location

Starting from Shangrila City and moving toward south about 50 Kilometers on the Yunnan-Tibet Road, one can get to the Qianhu Mountain (Mountain with thousands lake) in Tuanjie village in Xiao Zhongdian. 

Features

Lakes scatter on the mountain. Over 160 lakes whose areas exceed 10 mu can be found here. Among these lakes, some of them are as round as bright mirror, some of then are as long as fish; some of them are wide and flat, some of them are deep and serene; some of them surround the low-lying land of mountain, some of them are surrounded by azaleas; some of them like linked pearls, some of them suspend among meadows alone; some of them are with odd stones over the water surface, some of them are as deep as bottomless abyss. The lakes are in various postures. If you visit the Qianhu Mountain in your tour from Shangri-la, you will enjoy the amazing scenery of lakes once.

Legend about Qianhu Mountain

The Origin of Qianhu Mountain
A fairy story goes like this, once a fairy was prinking here, but she broke her mirror by accident, all the fragments fell into the valley then they were changed into numerous lakes. It is perhaps the greatest concentration of alpine lakes in Yunnan with nearly 300 alpine lakes in Qianhu Mountain area, centering on Sanbihai Lake and Daheihai Lake.

The Origin of Jisha Village
Jisha Village is the only way to go up the mountain. “Jisha”is a changed pronunciation of “Jishan” in Tibetan language. “Ji” means water, “Shan” means blood, so“Jishan”means watery blood. It is said that once the King Gesar riding a horse passed by Qianhu Mountain area, seeing such beautiful scenery, the horse was so exited soon one of its hoof print became a magical milk well, if the man drank the water in this well who would have a prolong life. Later, the magistrate Mu knew the news occasionally, so he paid a visit to the well. The local Tibetan people put the chicken blood and goat blood into the well in order to protect this well from being robbed by magistrate Mu. When magistrate Mu saw the water in the well he was so disappointed, and said,”The water is no longer the milk but blood.” Hence this village got its name Jisha Village. At present, there is no milk well any more.

Natural Resources

Qianhu Mountain scenic area has a diverse, one-of-a-kind alpine ecosystem which has been so far has been left intact. You can find here Alpine meadows filled with Cuckoos, a unique fir tree forest. You can also find the rare Yellow Cuckoo, Black Neck Cranes, and other rare and precious flora and fauna in the area.

The eco-region is the transition area between Yunnan Plateau and Qinghai-Tibet Plateau with temperate conifer forest (Pinus densata, Pinus armandi) and sclerophyllous forest. The fauna in the sub-unit belongs to the oriental realm; however, many species of the palearctic realm can be found in the sub-unit.

How to Get to Qianhu Mountain?

Tourists can take the shuttle bus to Tiger Leaping Gorge and Lijaing at Shangrila Bus Station and get off at Shaji Village. Another way is to rent a car to.

Main Attractions

Qiyuhu Lake(祈雨湖)
It is one of the important scenic spot in Qianhu Mountain Area surrounded by verdant forest and stone hills far away, it is so beautiful like a crystal tear reflecting with white clouds and blue sky. It is said that you can’t make much noise here, or it will rain and sleet at any time even in sunny days. Around the lake you can see some hanging bags tied with yellow strings, they are impetrated from the living Buddha, the local Tibetan people used these bags to pray for rain. It is a holy lake for the local Tibetan people, the water in the lake can be used to drink, so you are not allowed to wash in the lake, or trash litter around the lake.

Amazing pillar(神柱)
It is another fantastic place made by nature. When you standing on the top of the pillar you will find that you are the center of the sea of azaleas overlooking Qiyuhu Lake(祈雨湖), Shennvhu Lake(神女湖) and other splendid views.

Nearby Attractions

Dukezhong Ancient Town
Just like the meaning of its name in Tibetan, the “Castle built on Stone”, Dukezong Ancient Town is built on the mountain foot. As one of the largest and best-preserved Tibetan residence groups in China, the 1300-year-old Dukezong Ancient Town, not only plays an important role in the Old Tea – Horse Road, but also serves as a corridor connecting Chinese and Tibetan language, people, religion and cultures.

Songzanlin Monastery
Songzanlin Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple complex in Yunnan Province. It is called the Little Potala Palace. In 1993, it was listed as a Key Provincial Protection Unit of Cultural Relics by the government of Yunnan Province. It is said that the Fifth Dalai Lama decided the location though divination and gave the name—Gedansongzanlin. At its height, the monastery housed 2,000 monks. Now about 700 monks live there or around the region.

Pudacuo National Park
Pudacuo National Park is a 1,300-square-kilometre (500-square-mile) national park located in Shangri-La County, Yunnan. It is notable as the first national park in China to meet International Union for Conservation of Nature standards. As such they are part of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas World Heritage Site.

Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge is spectacular and crown as the deepest gorge in the world. Foreign backpackers started hiking in the area in the 1980s and now Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour has been one of the most famous hiking tour all around the world. From the top of Tiger Leaping Gorge, you can look down the steeply angled (70-90 degrees) mountain sides to the rushing Jinsha River with its 18 frothing rapids more than 200 meters below. 

Best Time to Go

The best travelling seasons are spring and autumn. Every year from May to June, there is the enchanting scenery of the azalea sea, and from September to October, there are colorful forests. July to October is the rainy season with poor road conditions, which is not recommended.

Useful Travel Tips

► The temperature of Qianhu Mountain is very low, and with pondings on the road. So a pair of comfortable and water-proof shoes is necessary.
► There is only residence of herdsmen on the mountain, and no shops. Hence, you are suggested to prepare enough food when you visit the Qianhu Mountain.
► Suggest you take a four-hour hiking or horse-riding tour here.
► Qianhu mountain is the god mountain of locals. Don’t shout at the lake. You can drink from the lake, but you can’t wash your hands, feet, sundries, etc. Don’t throw trash at will.
► Tourists have to hire a guide of villagers.

• Historical Layout & Architecture:
  Many old areas maintain the original urban layout established during the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty. Buildings in these districts—such as traditional courtyard houses—exhibit features like red brick walls, black-tiled roofs, and narrow alleys that have withstood the test of time. Residents often feel a deep attachment to these streets, which hold personal and collective memories spanning several centuries.

• Cultural Relics:
  The old districts house numerous historical landmarks and culturally significant sites, including heritage buildings like family courtyards (for example, Family Ma’s Yard), former residences of notable figures (such as Nie Er’s Former Residence), and monuments commemorating events like the Anti-Japanese War. These sites are tangible links to Kunming’s dynamic past and offer insights into how local lifestyles have evolved.

• Local Markets & Traditional Crafts:
  These areas are not only repositories of history but also vibrant centers of local life. Traditional markets, where one can sample Yunnan delicacies (like Crossing Bridge Rice Noodles cooked in clay pots) and browse ethnic handicraft shops (offering unique jewelry and artisanal works), are common. Streets such as Wenming, Jingxing, and Qianwang are well-known examples where modern-day vendors coexist with century-old architecture.

• Blend of Ethnic & Central Plains Influences:
  Old Kunming Areas reflect a unique mix of the indigenous ethnic cultures—particularly those of the Bai and Yi groups—with influences from the broader Central Plains of China. This cultural blend is evident in both the physical structures and the everyday life of the area, enriching its historical narrative.

Prominent Old Areas in Kunming

• Kunming Old Street (昆明老街):
  This is the most celebrated historic district in the city. Stretching from Zhengyi Road in the east to Guanghua and Yunruixi Roads in the west, and bounded by Jingxing Street in the south and areas near the Confucius Temple in the north, Kunming Old Street retains buildings that date back as far as 900 years. It’s known for its traditional courtyard houses, stone-paved alleys, and preserved cultural relics. Landmarks in this area include:

  • Family Ma’s Yard: A well-preserved example of residential architecture that dates back to the early Republic period, featuring a typical quadrangle layout.

  • Nie Er’s Former Residence: The birthplace of the composer of China’s national anthem, which now serves as an exhibition hall.

  • Historical Markets & Food Streets: Such as Nanqiang Street Night Market where visitors can taste local snacks and experience the everyday culture of Kunming residents.

  (Source: Kunming Official Tourism Website and GoKunming)

• Other Notable Districts & Streets:
  Apart from the central Kunming Old Street, several other adjoining streets like Wenming, Jingxing, Qianwang, and Confucian Temple Streets contribute to the “old town” atmosphere. Many of these streets still host residential and business establishments that reflect historical building styles, and together, they form the last vestiges of old Kunming in a city that is rapidly modernizing.

Preservation Efforts

In recent years, significant attention has been paid to the restoration and adaptive reuse of these old areas to maintain their historical ambiance while making them accessible and functional for modern residents and tourists. Renovation projects aim to protect ancient facades, restore traditional interiors, and create spaces that celebrate Kunming’s heritage. These efforts ensure that the old districts remain not only as monuments to the past but as living neighborhoods where history and everyday life intertwine.

Conclusion

Old Kunming Areas offer a unique window into the city’s rich history and cultural diversity. By wandering through these centuries-old streets, visitors can experience the timeless charm of traditional architecture, sample local culinary delights, and witness the seamless blend of ethnic and historical influences that make Kunming so distinctive. These neighborhoods are essential for anyone wishing to understand the soul of the “City of Eternal Spring.”

Why is Cizhong Catholic Church So Special?

Cizhong Catholic Church is a model which combines the architecture features of both western countries and China’s Tibet, Han and Bai ethnic groups. The church and its wing-room, gate, cellar and grape yard were well preserved by local government. It was listed as the key national cultural protection relics by the State Council in 2006. 

Where is Cizhong Catholic Church – Location

The Cizhong Catholic Church is located in Cizhong Village of Yanmen Township, 80 kilometers from the south of Deqin County in southwest China’s Yunnan Province. 

History and Culture

Cizhong Catholic Church was first constructed at Cigu Village in 1867 (the 6th year of the Tongzhi Reign in the late Qing Dynasty), and was torched to ashes in 1905 during the Movement of Expelling Western Religions; it was reconstructed from 1909 to 1921, employing a great deal of labor, quantities of materials and huge amounts of money. It is a model which combines the architecture features of both western countries and China’s Tibet, Han and Bai ethnic groups. Once the church was reconstructed, it became the major church of the Yunnan Parish; and a school and convent were built with it successively. Nowadays, its former houses and dormitories have been preserved and undergone renovations sponsored by the Government in 1989. It was listed as the key national cultural protection relics by the State Council in 2006.

How to Get There?

At the bus station of Deqin County, there are coaches running to Cizhong Church. Or tourists can rent a car to from Deqin or Feilaisi.

Architectural Style

Cizhong Church complex is set on the mountainside with lush vegetation and companied by local residences, thus presenting peculiar views of culture and nature. The church complex is centering on the church while compactly fitted with gate, front and back yards, garden of flowers and vegetables, cellar, and vineyard etc, all of which contribute much to its grandiosity. Facing eastwards, Cizhong Catholic church is mainly constructed with brick and stone structures of French (Gothic) style; and its profile goes on a cross basis. At the entrance is a girdle-free stony staircase, 1.3 meters high; the arched porch is made of slab stones and is 6 meters long and 3 meters wide; above the porch is a three-storey belfry (watchtower), 20 meters high. The upper part of the belfry is a pavilion style with wooden pinnacles, employing 4 inner pillars and 12 outer pillars to support the ridge beams; and banisters are further built between the inner and outer pillars. When being in the watchtower, one gets the chance to have a bird-eye view of Cizhong Village and enjoy as well the sceneries in the mountains around.

The gate is composed of a couple of plank doors both of which are 2.72 meters high and 0.74 meter wide. The nave (or the chapel) is 22 meters long and 12.7 meters wide; there are 6 stone columns in two rows supporting the ridge; on the two sides of the navel, a vestry and bathroom are set respectively. The roof of the church is made from glazed tiles, so this grand building looks extremely seductive under the sunshine.

Inside, the church is quite austere, but for its ceiling which is painted in different shades of blue and decorated with a mixture of floral and Taoist motifs. Naive paintings showing the different stages of the Way of the Cross hang from the walls with Chinese characters underneath, telling the story. The church benches, which are raised no more than 20 centimetres from the floor, are uncomfortably low for Westerners, unused to squatting, and the sight of the prayer books in Chinese lining them seems incongruous to our eyes.

Best Time to Go

The Feast of the Assumption in August and the Christmas in December are the most lively times for the Cizhong Church. Villagers, whether religious or not, flock to the church to participate in the activities. Every year in the mid-September, the villagers start to make wine. If you like, you can taste the new wine at this time. If you come on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, you will also experience mass. 

Accommodate at Cizhong Catholic Church

In the past, the church was able to accommodate tourists, but due to the poor living conditions, it is cannot provide commodation for tourists. So tourists can choose the hostels and inns around the church in Cizhong Village or back to Deqin for overnight.

Attractions Nearby

Meili Snow Mountain
Meili Snow Mountain is one of the most sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism. In the 1930s, they were praised by American scholars as the most beautiful mountains in the world. Meili Snow Mountain boasts numerous snow-clad ridges and peaks, thirteen of which are more than 6,000 meters above the sea level. The highest peak Kawagebo, which rises to 6,740 metres, has never been summited.

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.

Useful Travel Tips

►The church has a large vineyard and the villagers have their own wine. Tourists can have a taste if interested.

► There is no ticket for the church, but you have to pay RMB 10 to get to the top of the building.

Tours including Cizhong Catholic Church

15 Days Three Parallel Rivers Overland Adventure with Dulongjiang River Valley and Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking

9 Days Shangri-La Circle Tour and Three Parallel Rivers Adventure (Depart from Lijiang)

13 Days Three Parallel Rivers Circle Adventure with Tiger Leaping Gorge and Yubeng Village Hiking Tour

Lishui Jinsha is a grand tourism Performance of Lijiang. It makes full use of modern art and manifestation skill, through the beautiful dance vocabulary, exciting music tunes, colorful ethnic costumes, stereo grand dance scene and superb lighting effects to greatly enhance the performance force of the folk dance and create the new manifestations of folk dance, which gives a strong artistic impact and shocking to the audiences.

Lishui Jinsha chooses to take the most representative images of all ethnic cultural in the form of poetry and dance performance, becoming another bright spot of Lijiang. Lishui Jinsha” is divided into four fields: “order”, “water”, “mountain “and “love.” With forms of poetry and dance, Lishui Jinsha Grand Performance mixed shows the unique Plateau ethnic culture of Northwest Yunnan, and the immortal absolute cultural treasures of ancient Naxi kingdom, choose to take the most representative of all ethnic groups in Lijiang cultural image, all-round Lijiang show unique and broad national culture and national spirit, Which gives a comprehensive showing of Lijiang’s unique and broad national culture and national spirit.

In Lishui Jinsha Grand Performance, act I–“water”, leisurely Dai girl with water tenderness, let you into the peaceful and harmonious paradise; Act II –“mountain”，demonstrate beautiful ethnic style with multi-angle and multi-dimensional；Act III, “love”, the performance of the most representative of Lijiang marriage culture, Marriage Custom of “living with mother’s family”.

Lishui Jinsha Grand Performance is a wonderful show to understand the interesting facts about the ethnic groups in Lijiang. A foreign professor of Beijing Dance Academy once praised that Lishui Jinsha is China’s “Broadway”. You should not miss the show if you travel to Lijiang.

Show Time:

The performance lasts about 1.5 hours, and it is usually showed 4 times a day, the times are 15:20; 17:40; 19:30; 21:20 respectively.

Venue:

Lijiang International Ethnic Cultural Exchange Centre

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