Lushi Ancient Town

As the most important town of the Ancient Tea Horse Caravan Road in the past, Lushi Ancient Town is situated in the northeast of Fengqing County, about 84 km from the county seat. With a population of more than 2,300, Lushi is the co-inhabited by nationalities such as Chinese Han, Yi, Miao and Bai etc, among whom Yi is the “aboriginals”. Lushi Ancient Town is known for its long history and profound culture. The street was expanded a lot because of the contacting caravans. The local architectures were influenced by the traditional residences of Bai ethnic minority and Nanzhao Kingdom. Lushi Ancient Town is the important place for the discovery of Ancient Tea and Horse Caravan Road.

Why is Lushi Ancient Town so special?

As the first town of western Tea and Horse Caravan Road, Lushi Ancient Town is one of the top three mysterious ancient towns. Lushi Ancient Town is known for its long history and profound culture. It has been listed into the book “Chinese Famous Old Towns” as one of the “100 Chinese Old Towns”.

2002, Provincial Key Protection Unit
2006, Provincial Historical and Cultural Town
2012, one of the 201 featured towns in China
2013, National Cultural Relics Protection Unit

How to get to Lushi Ancient Town?

Lushi Ancient Town is 82 km from the county seat of Fengqing County. Travelers can drive for 150 minutes to Lushi Town. Most parts of the road to Lushi are asphalt roads. It enjoys the good condition.

Introduction os Lushi Ancient Town

History of Lushi Ancient Town

Lushi Old Town is known for its long history and profound culture. It has been listed into the book “Chinese Famous Old Towns” as one of the “100 Chinese Old Towns”. In the ethnic language of the Yi People, “Ah Lu” means “a small town”. In 1598, an “Ah Lu Si” (governmental office) was established. When it came to the Republic of China (1911-1949), “Ah Lu Si” had been renamed into “Lu Shi” which remains the same till today. There is an ancient passage in Lushi Old Town that came into being in the early 14th century. The passage used to serve as the linkage between the inland of China and the frontier areas in Southwest Yunnan. To the north, it can connect Kunming Area while to the south it is a passage for access into Myanmar and the Southeast Asian Countries via Shunning and Zhenkang. In the Tang and Song dynasties, Lushi was an important part of the South Silk Road and had developed into a dak on the Ancient Tea-Horses Trail (Road) in the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China.

Trade on the Ancient Tea and Horse Road

Lushi Town, because of the history of the Ming and Qing Dynasties before the opening of Myanmar, Thailand commerce and the ancient Silk Road, is ideal for business. The reason for regime change and war, the mainland officials, tycoons, businessmen, artisans constant movement frontier, in the light of the history of Lu climate and environment in the strategic advantages, they then choose to settle here. Mainland people Laji bring advanced technology and social civilization, and promoting the history of Lu local construction, textile, food and handicrafts and the development of religious, cultural prosperity.

Lushi Town, 800 meters long, 538 meters wide north-south, with a total area of 430,000 square meters. The Lancang River and Lu Shun Ningfu a history of the town at two halves, the history of the Mainland officials to send flow Shun Ning, or all-Zhuguan to the Mainland, can only rely on Mang Kaito, rhino from the ferry crossing. Qing Emperor Qianlong 26 (1761) Governor Liu Jing Shun Ning Zhifu soil in the construction of Tsing Lung Bridge Akiko found that Kinmen and Matsu on the Lancang River at the foot of the mountain, this is the first grand Shun Ning Qing Dynasty architecture, but also in the Lancang River has three Old Bridge still preserved the only steel bridge.

Tsing Lung Bridge, upon completion, traffic has been further development, and promoted Lu to the prosperity of the local economy. Silk fabric foreign yarn, cotton cloth, salt and other products and the local tea, walnut, fungus and other native products were sent to the distribution center for the transaction. 

Main Routes Passing Tea and Horse Caravan Road

There are three main lines of Tea-Horse Trade Caravan Road from Lincang City:
1. Fengqing (Shun Ning) – Lu shi – Weishan – Shimonoseki – Lijiang – Zhongdian – Tibet
2. Fengqing (Shun Ning) – Lu shi- Shimonoseki – Kunming – Foreign;
3. Dali – Shimonoseki – Weishan – Lu History – Feng Qing (Shun Ning) – Hong town – Gengma – Myanmar.

What to See

Located in the northeast of Fengqing County, Lushi, called as the Alusi beafore, evolved from the history of indigenous ethnic languages. Lushi Ancient Town is one of the ancient buildings with relatively preservation and large scale in western Yunnan. Generally speaking, the layout of the street and the style of construction of the houses have strong religious and cultural characteristics. Enjoying the long and profound history, the caravans frequented the town for business. The expanding street formed a unique layout, with Sifang Streer as the center.

The residential building is mainly based on the courtyard of the north of China and the style of the south of Yangtze River. Influenced by diverse architectures, most houses enjoy the courtyard, garden and many traditional decorations like couplet and poems.

Recommended Tours

6 Days Lincang Minority Discovery Tour with the Ancient Villages in Fengqing and the Wa Ethnic Culture of Cangyuanu

Accommodation

Lushi Ancient Town is a well-preserved ancient town, without a large-scale and complete commercial tourism. There are no luxury and star-level hotels. You can live in a hostel or farmhouse in the ancient town. The price is relatively cheap, and the local residents are very enthusiastic.You can also return to Fengqing County for accommodation.

Useful Travel Tips

Please respect local custom of the ethnic minorities.

Please protect the environment and the old architectures.

If you want to stay in high-quality hotels, please get back to Fengqing County or Lincang City.

Chinese Name:禄丰县广通文庙
English Name: Guangtong Confucius Temple in Lufeng County, Chuxiong

Cangyuan Cliff Painting

Cangyuan Cliff Painting (沧源岩画), the oldest cliff painting of China, enjoys the history of 3000 years. It is painted with red paint with fingers or feathers. Pigments may be made from animal blood and hematite powder. The cliff paintings mainly describe the hunting activities, production activities and entertainment activities etc. There is also a war triumph, a picture of the bamboo house and the people who hold the weapon and get back with victory. The rough and simple painting is an important material for studying the history of the ancient nationalities of south of China.

Why is Cangyuan Cliff Painting so special?

Cangyuan Cliff Painting is the oldest cliff painting of China, which is the important materials for studying on ancient ethnic groups. Nowadays the paintings have already been designated as the key historical relic protection unit at the provincial and national level. The cliff paintings in Cangyuan County are known for the long history, dense distribution, rich content, complete memorabilia system, and majestic promenade-style cliff-like pictures.

How to get to Cangyuan Cliff Painting?

Cliff Painting Valley is a developed place for appreciate cliff painting. It takes about 30 minutes to drive to it from Cangyuan County. Travelers had better to rent a car or drive to it since there  is no shuttles.

Introduction

The cliff paintings of Cangyuan is said to take on different colors as the time, weather and humidity change. According to the proverb of the local Wa and Thai people that the cliff painting changes three times a day: in the morning the color is red, at noon lighter and purple in the evening. Nowadays the paintings have already been designated as the key historical relic protection unit at the provincial level.

Up to now, eleven painted cliffs have been found to scatter in the villages of Menglai, Dinglai, Mankan, Heping of Cangyuan County and the village of Mangguang of Dima County etc. Called Randianmu which means the paintings on the rocks in the local Wa language, these reddish brown ancient paintings were basically drawn on the grey limestone at the elevation of about 1, 500 meters. Measuring somewhere between one to thirty square meters, these primitive masterpieces are normally two to ten meters above the ground and include the images of animals, architectures, trees, boats, heavenly bodies like the sun or the moon, mountains and many abstract symbols etc.

Human figures and lively life scene are also the important themes of these artistic works on the sharp cliffs. The eyes, nose and other facial details of the human face are normally omitted; the painters instead paid more attention to the depiction of the human body and limbs. Apart from artistic meanings and value, many important life activities of these human ancestors such as hunting, dancing, recreation and sacrifice rituals and suchlike are vividly displayed and recorded, which seems to bring the viewers back to those mysterious and remote prehistoric ages.

Purpose of Painting

The creative motives of Cangyuan Cliff painting are not single, and various genres may have different creative purposes. In summary, there are two aspects, religious and the original notes.

Religion Belief

1. Witchcraft: People believed that the painting can make their wish come true like the hunting picture giving them the successful hunting.
2. Pray for a good harvest: The picture of the flock of herds stands for the wishes for the reproduction of animals. A big party means their celebration for good harvest.
3. Worship and Sacrifice: The figures of god and goddess are the symbols of their believes.

Record of Life

1. Record of big events: The paintings of the second place are not serious, reflecting the sights of daily life.
2. Record of legendary: The legendary carries on their best wishes to life.

Recommended Tours

1 Day Cangyuan Wa Ethnic Culture Tour

5 Days Wa Ethnic Minority’s New Rice Festival Tour

Nearby Attractions

Wengding Wa Ethnic Village

Wengding Wa Ethnic Village(翁丁佤寨) is an over 400 year-old Wa ethic village. Wengding means where the clouds are floating since mists often cloak the mountains throughout the year. People who live there have been called“ the last tribe of China’’,it has preserved the typical style of Wa residential architecture and primitive folk customs. Surrounded by lush trees, the village consists of 98 households with over 400 residence Of Wa people. The local elder stated that the woods protect the safety of the village. Inside of village has the best preserved cottages, totem, the woods, Village pillars and worship places, which reflects the splendid history and culture of Wa people. Black is auspicious color of Wa people. The elder, men and women, prefer holding tobacco pipe when they are free.

Sigangli Cave 

Sigangli Cave in Cangyuan (沧源司岗里溶洞) is 3 km from Menglai Village of Cangyuan County. Sigangli means coming from the cave in Wa language. Geological evolvement for numerous years forms plenty of hall in the hole, stalagmites in the hall, stalagnate in different poses and with different expressions, and rich spectacle combination. Some of them seem petty monkey playing around, lion squatting, tiger looking for food etc. Especially, there is a stalagnate, about 20 m high, 1.6 m root thick, standing upright between heaven and land. The stalagnate is small at the upper part but big at the lower part, decorated with stone pattern on it which looks like one by one stone towers, clean and white, acclaimed as the acme of perfection.

Useful Travel Tips

Please take care of yourself when discover the cliff painting.

Do not climb the cliff for appreciating or taking photos.

Protect the cliff painting and do not paint on the cliff.

Chinese Name:镇远千家寨风景区
English Name: Qianjiazhai Scenic Area in Zhenyuan County, Puer
Qianjiazhai Scenic Area in Zhenyuan County consists of Qianjiazhai Village and Qianjiazhai Ancient Tea Forest.

Qianjiazhai Village

Zhenyuan Qianjiazhai Scenic Spot covers an area over 991.71 ㎡ centering Qianjiazhai Village, including Jiujia, Zhedong, Heping. Tourism resources distribute in banded structure. The area contains 39 scenic spots, as the major part of the tourism industry in Zhenyuan.

Qianjiazhai Wild Tea Tree

King of wild tea trees is 25.6m tall and its diameter at breast is 0.89m, known as #1 Shangba. According to experts’ opinion, this tree is over 2700 years old, it’s the oldest wild tea tree known so far thus it’s ca[FS:Page]lled the King of wild tea trees, won the Guinness World Records in 2001.

Qianjiazhai Dadiaoshui Waterfall

The waterfall locates between two peaks cascading out into three drops, total height reaching 100m, overflowing 5~15m wide. The waterfall flow wrapped with water mist divide into two streams, falls directly into the pond below.

Qiaojiazhai Xiaodiaoshui Waterfall

The waterfall falls along the steep rocks, separate in fan-shape, total height reaching 50m. The waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation and wildflowers. It’e better to travel with a cool feeling in summer.

Qianjiazhai Duluhe River

Dulu in Dai language means river in forests. Duluhe River flows among the virgin forest, along it grows ancient trees and represents exquisite scenery.

Jiujia Sha Drama

In Jiujia Town, Zhenyuan County there is a kind of drama callede Sha for the action plays. Sha dramas are usually played in Spring festivals and the 5th lunar month, praying for harvest of corps. After the founding of PRC, Sha dramas could only be seen in Guoji Village in Jiujia, Zhenyuan and Nanong Village in Huashan, Jingdong.

    In Qianjiazhai seats the retreat site of Li Wenxue after his uprising, the conference hall site remains not far from the nature reserve. The Wild Tea Tree of 2700 Years grows in Qianjiazhai, the streams fall down from peaks covered in vegetation, bringing calm and peace to tourists. 

    Qianjiazhai locates in Jiujia County, 90 km away from the downtown, with no food nor room nearby.

Wild Tea Tree of 2700 Years

    King of wild tea trees is 25.6m tall and its diameter at breast is 0.89m, known as #1 Shangba. According to experts’ opinion, this tree is over 2700 years old, it’s the oldest wild tea tree known so far thus it’s called the King of wild tea trees, won the Guinness World Records in 2001. 

Qianjiazhai Dadiaoshui Waterfall

   The waterfall locates between two peaks cascading out into three drops, total height reaching 100m, overflowing 5~15m wide. The waterfall flow wrapped with water mist divide into two streams, falls directly into the pond below.

Why is Ruilijiang River Square So Special

Ruilijiang River Square is the largest cultural and leisure place in Ruili City. It is built along Ruilijiang River. The grass looks like a green carpet in the square. The huge trees stand tall. The roads paved by cobblestone are in twists and turns among the trees. The buildings with the rich ethnic characteristics stand tall in the square. The Zhiqing Monument at the entrance stands tall. Visitors can hear the oracle of Buddhist texts on the south side of the square. There are three bridges on the artificial lake on the side of the square: the Baobo Bridge, the Poshui(Splashing) Bridge, and the Munao Bridge, which symbolize the friendship between China and Burma, the long-lasting friendship, the joyful Songkran Festival, and the tens of thousands of people dancing with Munao Zongge. Every year, for the China-Myanmar Baobo Carnival and the Splashing Festival, Ruilijiang River Square will be used as the main venue for festivals to accommodate tens of thousands of people.

Where is Ruilijiang River Square

Ruilijiang River Square is located in Ruili City.

How to Get Ruilijiang River Square

• By Bus
  After arriving in Ruili City, it is convenient to take buses to get to the Ruilijiang River Square, such as No. 10, 9 and 5 Buses.

• By Taxi
  It is convenient to take a taxi to get to Ruilijiang River Square at the price of 10 Yuan.

• By Self-driving
  With the development of economy, cars are the necessity for people. After arriving in Ruili City, it only takes about 13 minutes to get to Ruilijiang River Square.

Best Time to Go

The periods of all kinds of festivals are the best time to visit Ruilijiang River Square, such as Munao Zongge Festival on January 22th, Splashing Festival on April 15th and the Baobo Festival of China- Myanmar on September 1st-7th. For these important festivals, there are many activities in the Ruilijiang River Square.

Nearby Attractions

One-Tree Forest
In fact, One-Tree Forest is a large banyan tree, which has a history of more than 900 years, with 32 earial roots streight pinning into the earth. Banyan is a special and unique landscape in Ruili, it’s everywhere no matter in the vallies or villages or on the sides of the roads. people value banyan as holy tree, so they only plant these trees but don’t cut them. The big Banyan is in the one-tree forest park, and it’s 28 meters, what makes it more precious is that it has been standing there for over 200 years. The tree has many aerial roots hanging down from above, and they are interwined with one another, ending in the root. there are also so many aerial roots hanging down and they took roots in the earth, forming a forest that makes up of pillar-like roots, thus one-tree forest is shaped. It’s a very attractive and magical natural scenery. One-tree Forest has become a scenery that tourist must go, and it’s one of the hottest sceneries in Ruili. 

Zhaduo Waterfall
Moli Waterfall is located in Moli Valley, also called Zhaduo Waterfall, and hides in deep mountains and forest. the clean water falls from 40-meter cliff, it’s like a white silk flying and dancing in the wind, you can hear the falling sound of water far away. There is a small brook flowing under the waterfall. The whole part of the waterfall is the soul of the scenic area, it’s very enjoyable to watch and feel the waterfall in the morning when the sun rises. It’s also very worthy to go there in summer, you can feel splashes from the waterfall and splash on your face, it’s very nice and cool.

Moli Tropical Rainforest
Moli Tropical Rainforest, is known as its tropical rainforest view and Buddhist holy land, the whole scenic area is 1.5 kilometers long. Moli, also known as Zhaduo, refers to a grand waterfall. Moli is known as a natural oxygen bar, which is healthy for people.

Travel Tips

• Comply with local folk customs;
• Respect local religious beliefs;
• Protect the public environment, do not throw garbage at random;
• Do not take pictures or video at random;
• Please take care of the safety of tourists with children and the elderly.

Why is Taobaochang So Special

Ruili is in the same mineral belt as the world-famous Burmese gemstones. It has been widely circulated that the local residents have gotten gemstones with high value. In 1998, a gem-rich mine was newly discovered on the side of this mineral belt in China. Through the census of the Fourth Geological Brigade of the Yunnan Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources and the general survey of the mine sites, it was proved that there are rubies, garnets,blue corundum and other gemstones. The samples taken were processed and identified by the Gemological Research Office of the China Geological Museum and the Gemological Research and Appraisal Office of the Ministry of Geology and Minerals. From the 1km² area of the evaluated mining area, the flood alluvial deposits are larger in scale, and gem minerals are found in the gravel layer, especially in the middle section of the river (now the location of Taobaochang), which has the highest content of various gemstone minerals. According to the discovery, with the approval of the relevant departments, Ruili City has launched the only special tourism new project in China, which is lucky and participatory, Taobao. Visitors can participate in Taobao, use the prescribed tools to pick up the gemstones, and the precious gemstone ore that can be picked up can be identified by the Myanmar gemstone processor, and processed into a ring, necklace, bracelet and other gemstone products. The hidden opportunities in Taobao make it possible for participants to become lucky at any time. The joy of participation and the surprises made this tour have received attention and welcome from all walks of life.

Where is Taobaochang

It is located in Nongdao Town, Ruili City, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture.

History and Culture of Taobaochang

Ruili Taobaochang is located in the west of Nongdao Town, Ruili City, about 35 kilometers from the urban area and covers an area of 60 hectares. It is a world-famous gemstone metallogenic belt. The Ruili Taobaochang, which stretches for more than 10 kilometers along the clear Nangu River, is one of the most concentrated areas in the gemstone belt. The Taobaochang is located in the border area of China and Burma. It is more than ten kilometers long and is a small tributary of Nanwan River. The upper reaches of the Nangu River is a gemstone belt on the Chinese border, which is part of the Sino-Myanmar gemstone belt. In the past 100 years, dozens of gemstone fields of various sizes have been established. Due to the dispersion of precious stones, the mining cost is extremely high and the mining value is lacking. However, as the landscape washed away, many large and small gemstones are washed into the river, sinking in the riverbed, and mixed in the sand. Because of the large amount, as long as they go to the scouring, they all have something to get.

How to Get Taobaochang

There are no public transportation and other public facilities near Taobaochang. You can only drive or charter a car to get there.

Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Taobaochang is from September to May of the following year. During these months, travelers can avoid the hot and humid seasons.

Nearby Attractions

One-Tree Forest

In fact, One-Tree Forest is a large banyan tree, which has a history of more than 900 years, with 32 earial roots streight pinning into the earth. Banyan is a special and unique landscape in Ruili, it’s everywhere no matter in the vallies or villages or on the sides of the roads. people value banyan as holy tree, so they only plant these trees but don’t cut them. The big Banyan is in the one-tree forest park, and it’s 28 meters, what makes it more precious is that it has been standing there for over 200 years. The tree has many aerial roots hanging down from above, and they are interwined with one another, ending in the root. there are also so many aerial roots hanging down and they took roots in the earth, forming a forest that makes up of pillar-like roots, thus one-tree forest is shaped. It’s a very attractive and magical natural scenery. One-tree Forest has become a scenery that tourist must go, and it’s one of the hottest sceneries in Ruili. 

Zhaduo Waterfall

Moli Waterfall is located in Moli Valley, also called Zhaduo Waterfall, and hides in deep mountains and forest. the clean water falls from 40-meter cliff, it’s like a white silk flying and dancing in the wind, you can hear the falling sound of water far away. There is a small brook flowing under the waterfall. The whole part of the waterfall is the soul of the scenic area, it’s very enjoyable to watch and feel the waterfall in the morning when the sun rises. It’s also very worthy to go there in summer, you can feel splashes from the waterfall and splash on your face, it’s very nice and cool.

Moli Tropical Rainforest

Moli Tropical Rainforest, is known as its tropical rainforest view and Buddhist holy land, the whole scenic area is 1.5 kilometers long. Moli, also known as Zhaduo, refers to a grand waterfall. Moli is known as a natural oxygen bar, which is healthy for people.

Travel Tips:

• Comply with local folk customs;
• Respect local religious beliefs;
• Protect the public environment, do not throw garbage at random;
• Do not take pictures or video at random;
• Please take care of the safety of tourists with children and the elderly;
• Participate in water activities, please wear life jackets as required, and follow the instructions of the staff;
• Do not go beyond the safety warning line; do not go out alone.

Why is Jiele Great Golden Pagoda So Special

Jiele Great Golden Pagoda is situated at Jiele Village, 7 kilometers away from Ruili City and close to No.320 National Highway. It has a long history and has experienced the destruction and reconstruction for eight times. The pagoda now was modeled in the early 1980s at its original style. It is honored as the first Buddhist pagoda in Dehong. It enjoys the same prestige as Mandele Buddhist Pagoda in Myanmar and is one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in Southeast Asia.

Where is Jiele Great Golden Pagoda-Location

Jiele Great Golden Pagoda is situated at Jiele Village, 7 kilometers away from Ruili City.

History and Culture of Jiele Great Golden Pagoda

The Jiele Great Golden Pagoda was built in the 17th century. It consists of 17 pagodas. The pagoda is covered with golden tiles. In addition to the main pagoda, there are 16 small pagodas painted with golden color. The tower base was built with rectangular bluestone. The pagoda group is a steel-concrete structure. The main pagoda is 39.5 meters high. The pagoda body is a regular octagonal shape. It has a cone shape and is covered with golden ceramic tiles. There are a umbrella made of anodized aluminum and weather vane with hundreds of wind chimes. Looking from afar, the golden glare of the golden pagoda is hidden in the forest. The breeze blows, and the bells are pleasing to the ear, reflecting the architectural ideas and artistic achievements of the Dai nationality craftsman hundreds of years ago. This pagoda is one of the famous pagodas in Southeast Asia, surrounded by Buddhist temples. Every year, the Water-Sprinkling Festival, it is necessary to hold a three-day grand Buddhist meeting, which is very lively.

How to Get to Jiele Great Golden Pagoda

• After arriving in Ruili City, it is convenient to take a taxi to get there at the price of 15 Yuan.
• In urban area of Ruili City, visitors can take No. 5 Bus to get there.

Best Time to Go

It is suitable to visit the Jiele Great Golden Pagoda at any time. Every season, visitors can have different feelings for the different views.

Nearby Attrations

Jiegao Border
“Jiegao” is a Dai Language, meaning “the old town”. It is said that Sinan King of Luchuan built his capital here in the late Yuan Dynasty or the early Ming Dynasty. Thus the town got such a name. During the Anti-Japanese War, Jiegao was a very prosperous town. American planes frequently came here, carrying military supplies. It lies 4 kilometers away from Ruili, and is the only part of Ruili Town on the southeastern bank of the Ruili River, known as “shatoujiao” or “Tianyahaijiao” in the southwest of China.

One-Tree Forest
In fact, One-Tree Forest is a large banyan tree, which has a history of more than 900 years, with 32 earial roots streight pinning into the earth. Banyan is a special and unique landscape in Ruili, it’s everywhere no matter in the vallies or villages or on the sides of the roads. people value banyan as holy tree, so they only plant these trees but don’t cut them. The big Banyan is in the one-tree forest park, and it’s 28 meters, what makes it more precious is that it has been standing there for over 200 years. The tree has many aerial roots hanging down from above, and they are interwined with one another, ending in the root. there are also so many aerial roots hanging down and they took roots in the earth, forming a forest that makes up of pillar-like roots, thus one-tree forest is shaped. It’s a very attractive and magical natural scenery. One-tree Forest has become a scenery that tourist must go, and it’s one of the hottest sceneries in Ruili. 

Zhaduo Waterfall
Moli Waterfall is located in Moli Valley, also called Zhaduo Waterfall, and hides in deep mountains and forest. the clean water falls from 40-meter cliff, it’s like a white silk flying and dancing in the wind, you can hear the falling sound of water far away. There is a small brook flowing under the waterfall. The whole part of the waterfall is the soul of the scenic area, it’s very enjoyable to watch and feel the waterfall in the morning when the sun rises. It’s also very worthy to go there in summer, you can feel splashes from the waterfall and splash on your face, it’s very nice and cool.

Moli Tropical Rainforest
Moli Tropical Rainforest, is known as its tropical rainforest view and Buddhist holy land, the whole scenic area is 1.5 kilometers long. Moli, also known as Zhaduo, refers to a grand waterfall. Moli is known as a natural oxygen bar, which is healthy for people.

Tours Including Jiele Great Golden Pagoda

11 Days Western Yunnan and Myanmar Border Cycling Tour
39 Days Yunnan 25 Ethnic Minorities Discovery and Photography Tour
17 Days Yunnan Ethnic Minorities Festivals Tour around Chinese New Year

Why is Suspension and Rope Bridges So Special?

It is a typical and primitive transportation vehicle in the Nujiang area which is still in common use today. In the past, it is a major transportation tool for the ethnic minorities living in Nujiang Grand Canyon which shows their courage and tenacity. Today there are more and more bridges across the Nu river, but the Liusuo is still there and some have become tools for local people to exercise and play.

Origin of Suspension and Rope Bridges

Legend has it that a pair of cross-strait Lisu lovers in the distress of not being able to meet, were inspired by the rainbow, and pulled up the first line on the Nu river. Since then, such a convenient means of transport has been extensively used by people on both sides of Nu River. 

Types of Suspension and Rope Bridges

There are two types of  Liusuo(Suspension and Rope Bridges): flat slip and steep slip. The zipline of flat slip is the same height at both ends, horizontally across the river surface and one can slip forth and back. But after slipping over the midline, you have to use your arms to climb to the opposite bank. The zipline of steep slip has a certain degree of inclination, one high, one low, briskly slide to the opposite bank.

Steep slip usually has two lines tilting in the opposite direction which is very labor-saving at back and forth. For safety, there is a slip board made of hardwood or bamboo and a rope tied at the waist in addition to the slip line itself. It takes courage to cross the river by a line. When tie your life to a line that is not too thick, cross a valley that is faint at the sight of it, hear the deafening roar of the river beneath it, you’ll be a little bit scared. 

Rattan lines wear out easily, so they need to be replaced over time (a couple of months, up to a year). Today the rattan lines have become steel cables, and the slip boards have been replaced by pulleys, which are getting safer.

Useful Travel Tips

► The Spring Festival period is the best season to travel.
► Choose the liusuo(溜索) carefully. There are all kinds of Liusuo and we need to choose a right angle to go. Don’ t forget that we need a two-way liusuo so that we can get back.
► Tools we need: pulley and rope (there is no company provided liusuo services), or visitors can choose to slide with the local people, the price is negotiable.
►This is a dangerous activity, we need the assistance of the professionals.
►Before the activity, we need to fasten our shoelaces, don’t carry the superfluous things, it may drop out along the way, in addition, girls with no skirt.

Why is First Bend of Nujiang River So Special?

When flowing near Ridan village of Bingzhongluo in Gongshan County, the river encircles a small area of land while turning 180 degrees in only a few hundred meters, with beautiful high cliffs providing a vantage point for sightseers. The river surface has an elevation of 1710 meters above sea level, having a relative fall over 1000 meters comparing with the mountains along the banks of the river, looking from above, the N0 1 turn of the Nu River presents a U-shaped arc with steep terrain and extraordinarily magnificent scene, the whole scenario has a thunderbolt momentum and is nominated as a national level grade 1 attraction. There is a village in the middle of the Bay called Kantong village.

How is the First Bend of Nujiang River formed?

Originally the Nu River winds down the mountains and valleys of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau from north to south, whereas when the Nu River flows near the Ridan village of Bingzhongluo Township, due to the barrier of the cliffs, the course of the river shifts from north-south to east-west direction, after the outflow of more than 300 meters, the river path is blocked by Danla Mountain, the river has to make a sharp U-turn from west to east again, forming an arc-shaped semi-circular path from north to west and then to south. Thus, the Nu River has to change its course for three times, forming three interconnected abrupt turns, therefore it becomes the No.1 turn of the Nu River. 

How to Get there

By Bus

There are a few alternatives to get to Nujiang Grand Canyon. From Kunming, one can catch a bus to various places in the Gorge.

Kunming – Fugong:

At least one sleeper bus winding all the way to Fugong in the middle of the gorge. The trip is about 14 hours(710km).

Kuming to Liuku: 

It’s 580km. Express and sleeper buses leaving from Kunming daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, 13hrs ride. There are also buses from Dali(8hrs) and Baoshan(4hrs) to Liuku.

Kunming to Gongshan:

A sleeper bus departing from Xiyuan Bus Station at 18:00 daily, 830km/ 18hrs.

Gongshan to Bingzhongluo:

It is about 45km from Gongshan to Bingzhongluo and there are irregular shuttle bus providing the transfer service.

By Car-rental

Renting a car to visit Nujiang Grand Canyon is more convenient. Yunnan Exploration Travel can provide the service for our clients with the good vehicle and skilled driver.

Best Time to Visit

From October to April is the best seasons to visit Nujiang Grand Canyon, especially in the spring time when the mountain flowers are in bloom. During every slack season or on holiday, people here go boating, go overhead cables over the river or sing and dance. The creek, still and soundless, is closed in by trees, hidden from the eyes of men.

Attractions Nearby

Shimen Pass(石门关)
In the north of Bingzhongluo, two cliff straight up along the river bank and form a large stone pass in the height of 500 meters and in the width of 200 meters hence the name ‘Shimen Pass’. Shimen Pass is a stunning landscape lying on a beautiful slope along the river bank. The local people call it ‘Nayiqiang’. It is the essential way to get into Yunnan-Tibet.

Kantong Village(坎桶村)
Kantong village is located in the center of the First Gulf of Nujiang River. It is a little village of Nu people and Kantong means a place of long bamboo. The village is planted with peach trees. Every Spring, the peach blossoms pervade the village so that the local people call it ‘Peach Blossom Island’. There is the only suspension bridge that connects the village to the outside world.

Puhua Temple(普化寺)
Puhua Temple, a Tibetan Buddhist temple, plays an important role in this place. Inside the temple, there are 11 frescoes and 2000 ‘Songji’ in total.

Useful Travel Tips

► Climb to the top of Gongdang Holy Mountain before the shadow of the mountain covering the river water, which is the best time to watch the first bend of Nujiang river. Yangziyuchang(羊脂玉厂) is the best watching spot.

► Qiunatong is a small village surrounded by snow mountains, which cars can not enter into. Walking from Zhongding village to Qiunatong village will cost about 4 hours.

Nangunhe River National Nature Reserve

The Wa Mountain of Cangyuan is also known for its gorgeous landscape. Numerous rivers flow through the pretty peaks forest which gives rise to the favorable local natural conditions: mild climate, rich rainfall and fertilized soil. A large variety of plants and wild lives live in this Shangri-La which is often quoted as the “Plants Kingdom” or “Animal Kingdom” of Yunnan. Nangunhe River National Nature Reserve established in 1980, in December 1994 approved as a state-level nature reserve. Area of 7,082 hectares, mainly targeted at the protection of Asian elephants and their habitats of tropical rainforest ecosystems.

Why is Nangunhe River National Nature Reserve so special?

Nangunhe River National Natural Reserve enjoys the rich natural resources, including over 400 species of higher plants and over 100 species of higher animals. It is an national nature reserve.

Where is Nangunhe River National Nature Reserve?

Nangunhe River National Nature Reserve is located in Lincang City. The reserve is a mountainous landscape of the Hengduan Mountains. The highest peak is 2302 meters above sea level, and the valley is 450 meters above sea level. The reserve is located in the upper reaches of the Nangun River.

How to get to Nangunhe River National Nature Reserve?

There are 3 ways to get to Nangunhe River National Nature Reserve
1.Self-driving tour, Lincang airport– G323(old)–G214– Xiaocang Road– Gengcang Road– Gengcang Second-class Highway– Nanli Road– Nangunhe River National Nature Reserve
2.Take the shuttle bus from West Coach Station to Cangyuan bus station (around 25 hours trip)
3.Take the flight from the new Kunming Changshui InternationalAirport to Awa Mountain airport, the we need to charter a local car to Nangunhe River National Nature Reserve

Introduction 

Plant Resources

There are over 400 species of higher plants. The reserve enjoys the vegetation quarter to a tropical rain forest, rainforest, and the monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forest, also many rare species like red vertebral, Manglietia, Ma pillars, Yunnan Gmelina aborea etc. 

 Animal Resources

There are more than 120 species of 55 families in the protected area, including more than 40 species beats of 22 families and more than 80 species of birds. The protected area is rich in economic animals, such as wild boar, red peony, scorpion, parrot, thrush, and sunbird.
The national first-class protected animals include Asian elephant, white-palm gibbons, gray langur, bee-nosed, bengal tiger, bison, leopard, clouded leopard, green peacock and so on.

Endangered Animals

(A) Asian elephant (亚洲象) – at the national level to protect animals 
The most significant feature is a long, can be curved, fleshy nose. Asian elephants live in tropical forests, grasslands, 10 ~ 30 for a group. Here the elephants not only individual is limited in quantity, low population density, age, sex ratio imbalance in the population structure. Plus the small size of protected areas, ecological balance is poor. Therefore, the protected areas elephants are in danger.

(B) White palm gibbons (白掌长臂猿)- at the national level to protect animals

Known locally as a flying monkey, it is one of the four types of human beings. The gibbons of the gibbons camp have little difference between male and female individuals. The plush is black and long, the upper arm is more than 60 cm long, the body is 40 cm long, and the tail is only 0.5 cm. When the gibbon moves forward, it moves with two upper arms clumsily. Gibbon feeds on fruits, shoots, and insects.

Nangunhe River National Nature Reserve can be used as marginal tropical situ conservation of biological diversity points.

Nearby Attractions

Wengding Wa Ethnic Village

Wengding Wa Ethnic Village(翁丁佤寨) is an over 400 year-old Wa ethic village. Wengding means where the clouds are floating since mists often cloak the mountains throughout the year. People who live there have been called“ the last tribe of China’’,it has preserved the typical style of Wa residential architecture and primitive folk customs. Surrounded by lush trees, the village consists of 98 households with over 400 residence Of Wa people. The local elder stated that the woods protect the safety of the village. Inside of village has the best preserved cottages, totem, the woods, Village pillars and worship places, which reflects the splendid history and culture of Wa people. Black is auspicious color of Wa people. The elder, men and women, prefer holding tobacco pipe when they are free.

Cangyuan Cliff Painting

Cangyuan Cliff Painting (沧源岩画), the oldest cliff painting of China, enjoys the history of 3000 years. It is painted with red paint with fingers or feathers. Pigments may be made from animal blood and hematite powder. The cliff paintings mainly describe the hunting activities, production activities and entertainment activities etc. There is also a war triumph, a picture of the bamboo house and the people who hold the weapon and get back with victory. The rough and simple painting is an important material for studying the history of the ancient nationalities of south of China.

Useful Travel Tips

· When travel in the river, if you meet the rise of water level, please do not swim in the river; meanwhile, do not play on the river bank, so as to avoid the precipitate flood.
· Please be careful when you swim in the river. It seems to be peaceful on the surface, but the situation under water is unnoticeable, if you get hurt in the river you are easy to be drowning.
· Please protect the environment of reserve, especially the rare species.

Dalangba Forest Park

The Dalangba Forest Eco-tourism Area is the Yunnan Provincial Forest Park. It is 36 kilometers away from the county seat. The 105,000 mu artificial Huashan pine and virgin forest are surrounded by five reservoirs, forming a unique resource landscape integrating mountain, water and forest. It has high ornamental value and scientific research value, pleasant climate and evergreen season, as an ideal destination for sightseeing, summer vacations and rest and recuperation. It has initially formed a tourist resort with a certain scale in Shuangjiang County, which is an important choice for some residents of Shuangjiang and even Lincang City.

Why is Dalangba Forest Park so special?

Dalangba Forest Park enjoys the temperature weather, charming landscape and fresh air. It is an ideal place to “suck oxygen and wash the lungs”, also the advisable place for summer holiday.

How to get to Dalangba Forest Park?

It is approving for travelers drive and cycle to this forest park. There are no shuttles to it.

Climate

The dry and wet seasons in Shuangjiang Autonomous County are distinct. The Tropic of Cancer crosses the county and has a three-dimensional climate. It belongs to the south subtropical warm and humid monsoon climate. With the mild climate, the annual average temperature is 20.2 °C, and the annual average rainfall is 1000 to 1200 mm. It is suitable for a variety of economic crops.

Natural Resources

Shuangjiang Dalangba includes the forest landscape, landform landscape and hydrological landscape. The greening rate of the resort area is 98.6%. The vertical spectrum and seasonal changes of the plants are obvious. There are various forest types: such as the Zhongshan wet evergreen broad-leaved forest, the warm-heating pine forest and warm bamboo forest, etc. The Dalangba Forest Park enjoys variety of biological resources, well-preserved natural ecosystems and high visibility and scientific research and development value. It offers 245 species of higher plants, 9 rare and endangered plants, 104 flower plants, 72 kinds of medicinal plants etc.

Useful Travel Tips

Protect the environment and do not litter.

It is recommended for travelers to visit this forest park in summer and get rid of the heat of other place.

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