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.
Why is Wengding Wa Ethnic Village so special?
Wengding Wa Ethnic Village is one of the best- preserved ancient Wa ethnic communites in China today, also the intangible culture heritage protection unit and historical village of Yunnan Province. The Village was list as the third batch of national famous tourism villages with characteristic landscape by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Rural Development and National Tourism Administration. It is also one of top 10 beautiful village of Lincang City. It is known as the last tribe of China.
Where is Wengding Village？
Wengding Village(翁丁村) , is located in the southwest of Lincang, Yunnan province. It is 17km away from the township government and 39 km from the seat of Cangyuan county.
How to get to Wending Village?
The traffic there is very convenient and the roads to country side are laid with asphalt. It is about 40 km from Cangyuan County. It takes you 1 hour to drive to the Wending Village.
Profile of Wending Village
Follow the path to inside of the village, the thatched cottages and the livestock shed are next to each other. Women in Wa national costume weaving cloth in the courtyard, children playing and have fun together. The ox are around everywhere. Talking a Walk to local village’s home, the hospitable villagers will treat you with black tea and dialect. A branch with green leaf hanging in the entrance of the house means that a home born with a new life. You will have a commanding view of the village on the top of the hill ,smoke is curling up from the cottages, everything looks serenity and peaceful.
People beat the drum and sing happily to express their warmly welcome to guest. Wengding Wa Village has been published in the list of national intangible cultural heritage by the people’s Government of Yunnan province in 2006 because of the unique cultural phenomenon in Wengding Wa Village has preserved well. Wengding Wa Village attracts visitors all around the world and also transfer its culture to the rest of world.
Taking a random walk inside the village, the very first thing comes into your sight is the aged village and tall Banyan trees, guarding the villages for hundreds years. At the same times, you may shocked by the bull head hunging on the village entrance, and it is looks mysterious and amazing.
For centuries, Wengding still remains the railing architectural style, there are two types of cottages: those that single and lonely old people are live in the oval low cottage; those that two –story railing design enable people using the ground floor for feeding livestock and the upper for accommodation. In addition, local villagers will build a storage room without lock near the cottages to keep food. The Wa people believe that the woods besides the village can not be cut for guard the village, so the whole village is surrounded by lush tree.
What to See
Wengding Wa Ethnic Village enjoys the charming landscape and traditional architectures etc. It is a approving place to discover the traditional Wa culture.
Village Pillars and Heart of Village- Pray for Happiness (寨桩寨心 祈愿求福)
Village pillars, the village heart and Sigangli(a wooden stick) are the most mysterious power of the village. The three items stand in the middle of the village and they were believed to be the core of the village. It is a wonderful gathering place with a heavy flavor of life where is suitable for kinds of activities, such as playing ground for children, date for the young, leisure for the elder and worship for local people.
Village pillars, as the core of the village, they believe that as long as you have a sincere heart for pray, your dream will come true. Above the pillars there placed a lot of daily necessities such as crop stick, it is s pray for the rich harvest. From the bottle to top of the pillars, there are 13 layers in total with tripod, iron pot, pot circle and others, which means the reproduction of human beings. There is a bamboo stick and crop-made wreath standing at the highest of the pillar. The wood boat is the source of life in Sigangli tale, the wood bird standing at the boat to help herd and the wood fish swimming under the boat.
There is a public room, 5 m away from village heart, which provide for the young has date and those temporary stopover.
Huotang Culture (火塘)
Huotang, a Chinese style fireplace, is one of holy custom to Wa people. Wa people light the fires in their new home and they will not extinguish the fire. The fire means harmony and prosperity for home and family.
Monihei Carnival (摸你黑节)
“Monihei Carnival” (making you black) is a mud smearing carnival of the Wa ethnic group. It is originated from the folk custom that people smear the pot ash, ox blood and mud on their faces to frighten the evils and seek peace. The Monihei Carnival is held in late April or early May each year in Cangyuan County, one of the only two Chinese Wa autonomous Counties in southwest China’s Yunnan Province.
The activities of the “Monihei Carnival” of Wa ethnic group mainly involve a grand opening ceremony of song and dance performance, ethnic arts tour, a crazy and passionate “making you black” activity with thousand of people’s participation, ancient cliff painting worship, songs about life in Washan Mountain, campfire party and Wa songs concert.
Tourists can use natural paints to smear each other and pray for each other. “Monihei Carnival” has attracted more and more tourists both from home and abroad to join the activity.
Recommended Tours
1 Day Cangyuan Wa Ethnic Culture Tour
4 Days Cangyuan Wa Ethnic Minority Discovery Tour
4 Days Cangyuan Monihei Carnival Tour
5 Days Wa Ethnic Minority’s New Rice Festival Tour
Nearby Attractions
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
1. Best time to visit: Travelers can visit the Wengding Wa Ethnic Village during April 29 to May 1, you can enjoy the local carnival in this period and discover more traditional culture.
2. Acoommodation: Travelers can accommodate at the home of villagers. It is relative cheap to eat and stay in their home.
3. Respect the local custom of Wa people, especially their believes.
About Ailao Mountain Range and Damoyan Peak
Ailao mountain(哀牢山), located in the central part of Yunnan, is the southern extension of Yunling(云岭). It is the dividing line of the Yunnan-Guizhou plateau and the Hengduan mountains(横断山脉), and the watershed of Yuanjiang River(元江) and Amojiang River(阿墨江). Ailao mountain extends from northwest towards southeast with a total length of 500 kilometers. The highest peak of Ailao mountain is the Damoyan peak(大磨岩峰) in Shuitang town, Xinping county(新平县水塘镇), which is 3166 meters above sea level. In Honghe Yuanyang, the south foot of Ailao Mountain, ethnic minorities such as Hani, Yi, Miao, Zhuang and Yao, have been living for generations. With their wisdom and sweat, Hani people created Hani Rice Terrace that shocked the world.
Ailao Mountain Nature Reserve, with an area of 50,660 hectares, is located at the junction of the five counties in Yunnan province, including Xinping County. Established in 1986 with the approval of the people’s government of Yunnan province, and promoted to national nature reserve in 1988, the main protected objects are evergreen broad-leaved forest and wildlife.
Features
Ailao mountain is the most well-preserved area of the same latitude biodiversity and the same type of plant community. Across the tropics and subtropics, Ailao mountain forms a “corridor” for animal migration and a “gene bank” for biological species. Ailao Mountain Nature Reserve is located at the upstream of Red River, complete with water conservation function. Its geographical location, biological species, retained forest area and intact ecosystems play an important role in natural evolution of protecting, exploring, developing and rationally utilizing biotic community, as well as the economic and ecological benefits of forest resources.
1. Nature Resources
A. Vegetation
Ailao mountain nature reserve is the largest wet evergreen broad-leaved forest area in China, with a forest coverage rate of 85.1%, the highest altitude of 3166 meters and the lowest altitude of 800 meters, which is a treasure house biological resources. The main protected objects in this area are the subtropical wet evergreen broad-leaved forest ecosystem and precious wild animals such as gibbons and green peacocks. The vegetation types in the protected area are various and the vertical zonation is complete.
B. Animals
There are 460 kinds of wild animals, 46 kinds of amphibian reptiles and 26 kinds of key national protected animals. National first class protected animals include black gibbons, black langurs, gray langurs, slow loris and Bengal tigers. National second class protected animals include pangolin, golden cat, black muntjac, otter, leopard, green peacock, mandarin duck, forest musk deer, tufted deer and so on. The dense virgin forests and humid climate in the reserve are ideal places for habitat, activity and reproduction of wildlife.
2. Tourism Resources
Ailao mountain is rich in tourism resources. In Xinping county(新平县), the hometown of Huayao Dai minority(花腰傣之乡), there is Ailao mountain national nature reserve. In the nature reserve, there are Nanen waterfalls(南恩大瀑布), Shimen gorge(石门峡), tea-horse ancient road, Jinshan mountain virgin forest(金山原始森林), Damoyan peak(大磨岩峰), Tusi Mansion土司府(listed as “national cultural relic protection unit” in 2014) and other attractions. Damoyan peak is the main peak of Ailao mountain range, 3166 meters above the sea level.
A. Main Attractions in Ailao Mountain Range
Tea-horse Ancient Road
Tea-horse Ancient Road Scenic Spot is located at the heart of Ailao mountain, Qianjiazhai Village千家寨. There are historical sites like “Ma Ta Shi Chuan(马踏石穿)”, “Qianjiazhai Village Walls(千家寨寨墙)”, “Iron-fining Furnace” and so on. On this ancient road, there are rough Yi minority, graceful Huayao Dai minority, unrestrained Hani minority and enthusiastic Wa minority.
Shimen Gorge石门峡
The clear stream from the Ailao mountains runs through nearly 1 km of rocky canyons. The rocky canyon is the one-line-sky topography. The water is crystal clear and the surrounding forest is lush with endless green, which make people feel relaxed and happy.
Nanen Waterfalls南恩瀑布
Nanen falls are close to the Enshui highway恩水公路, the whole falls are spread over huge rock slabs at a greatest width of more than 10 meters, with a drop up to 100 meters.
Azalea Lake杜鹃湖
Azalea lake (formerly known as Xujiaba徐家坝) is a rare artificial lake with high elevation. Its total storage capacity is of 6.52 million cubic meters and the lake area is 0.6 square kilometers. Named for the various azalea surrounding it, azalea lake is a green pearl deeply embedded in the Ailao mountain range.
B. Nearby Attractions
Yuanyang Hani Rice Terrace元阳哈尼梯田
Located at the south Ailao Mountain of Yuanyang County in Yunnan province, Yuanyang Rice Terrace is a masterpiece left by Hani people from generation to generation. The terraced fields reclaimed by Hani people changed with the terrain of mountain, and adjust to local conditions. Yuanyang terraces are grand and magnificent, stretching along Honghe county, Yuanyang county, Luchun county and Jinping county in the whole south bank of Red river. There are 170,000 mu rice terraces in Yuanyang county, which is the core area of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces.
How to Get There
There are 6 non-stop buses a day from Kunming to Xinping County. Then another 2 hours and a half drive needs to spend from Xinping county to Ailao Mountain Scenic Spot.
Kunming-Xinping County
Departure Time: 8:30, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 14:10, 16:30
Ticket Price: 73 CNY
Distance: About 180 kilometers
Consume Time: About 2.5 hours
The Best Time to Visit
Tour is suitable all-year-round, but the best time to sightsee is from July to October.
Recommended Hotels around Damoyan Peak of Ailao Mountain
Here are several recommended hotels in Xinping.
1. Shiguang Xiaozhu(Golden Time) Hotel新平时光小筑酒店
Address: Jiaxia Avenue, Jiasa Town, Xinping County, Yuxi玉溪新平县戛洒镇戛洒大道
Tel: 18887730188
Starting Price: 115 CNY
2. Nature Outdoor Villa新平大自然户外农庄
Address: Daha Liangzi, Daha Village, Jiasa Town, Xinping County, Yuxi玉溪新平县戛洒镇达哈村达哈梁子
Tel: 15758024198
Starting Price: 93 CNY
3. Xinping Ailao Mountain Hotel新平哀牢山酒店
Address: The Middle of Jiasa Avenue, Jiasa Town, Xinping County, Yuxi玉溪市新平县戛洒镇戛洒大道中段
Tel: 0877-7393878
Starting Price: 111 CNY
Useful Travel Tips
1. Dressing
Located on Ailao mountain in Xinping County, the temperature difference at Damoyan Peak is large. You are supposed take coats to prevent a cold because of the large temperature difference from daytime to night.
2. Safety
Mountain area is prone to natural disasters, so try not to go out in heavy rain.
3. Sunscreen
There are strong ultraviolet rays at Damoyan Peak of Ailao Mountain Range during sunny days, so protect yourself from the sun.
4. Ticket
The price of ticket package is 60 yuan, including Shimen gorge, Tea-horse ancient road and Jinshan virgin forest.
Introduction of Shadian Grand Mosque
Grand Mosque of Shadian was originally built in the year of 1684. After several restorations and reconstructions, the new Grand Mosque of Shadian is built into a large-scaled mosque with a construction area of 18,000 square meters. It is able to hold a capacity of 10,000 people to do prayers at a time.
Grand Mosque of Shadian is consisted by main buildings of prayer hall, vault and four minarets. This grand mosque has inherited the decoration style for its galleries, arches and pillars from Nabawi Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia. What attracts most of this mosque is its grand vault which has an inner diameter of 20 meters and a height of 42 meters. In the middle of the vault there is a large dome surrounded by four small domes in the four directions, while at the top of the dome there featured an Islamic styled crescent.
Attractions in Shadian Grand Mosque
Four Minarets
There are four magnificent minarets standing in the four corners of the mosque. They are splendid to have a height of 93 meters. The intricateness of this mosque also lies in the characteristic that there are gorgeous arched galleries to connect the prayer hall, domes and minarets, which makes the three parts an integral combination. The hall of the mosque is decorated with stone carved Quran and golden decorations. The eight huge pillars inside the hall are veneered with marble materials. Grand Mosque of Shadian is a main place for Muslims in the area and it is a famous and must see Muslim attraction when for a Muslim tour in Yunnan Province.
Grand Mosque
Grand Mosque of Shadian was originally built in the year of 1684. After several restorations and reconstructions, the new Grand Mosque of Shadian is built into a large-scaled mosque with a construction area of 18,000 square meters. It is able to hold a capacity of 10,000 people to do prayers at a time.
Grand Mosque of Shadian is consisted by main buildings of prayer hall, vault and four minarets. This grand mosque has inherited the decoration style for its galleries, arches and pillars from Nabawi Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia. What attracts most of this mosque is its grand vault which has an inner diameter of 20 meters and a height of 42 meters. In the middle of the vault there is a large dome surrounded by four small domes in the four directions, while at the top of the dome there featured an Islamic styled crescent.
Characteristics of Architectural Style
Shadian Grand Mosque architecture belongs to elegant style. Hui people have a rich life, be faithful to the teachings of Islam. There is A rich atmosphere of religious etiquette. Part of the inheritance of traditional Chinese architecture. The mosque is symmetrical along the axis and consists of the main hall, the minarets, and the lecture hall.
How to Get there?
You have two ways to get to Gejiu, long-distance bus and train. As for airplane, it is not available up to now.
1. By Long-distance Bus
There are 11 non-stop buses a day from Kunming East Station to Gejiu Bus Terminal. Here below are main bus terminals in Gejiu City.
a. Gejiu Bus Terminal (个旧汽车客运站)
Address: No.4, Gejin Road, Gejiu City
Tel: 0873-2132982
2. Xinguan Bus Terminal (新冠客运站)
Address: No.90, Xinguan Road, Gejiu City
3. Datun Bus Terminal (大屯客运站)
Address: No.62, Kunhe Road, Datun Town, Gejiu
Kunming-Gejiu
Price: 117 CNY
Departure Time: 8:30, 10:00, 11:00, 11:45, 12:15, 13:50, 14:20, 15:30, 17:15, 18:15, 20:00
Distance: 279 kilometers
Consume Time: about 4 hours
Tips: The price and time are for reference only, specific with actual condition. More prices and departure time, you can ask for details at bus terminals.
2. By Railway
Gejiu Station was out of service for a very long time. Therefore, there is no railway station now in Gejiu, you can’t reach to Gejiu directly by train. If you want to take train, you are suggested to transfer in Mengzi City.
Kunming Station-Mnegzi North Station-Gejiu
You will spend about 3 hour and a half on the train from Kunming to Mengzi, then around 0.5 hour from Mengzi to Gejiu. The starting price of train ticket is 40.5 CNY. Every day, there are at least 4 trains from Kunming to Mengzi.
3. By Air
At present, there is no airport in Gejiu, you can’t go to Gejiu by plane. Mengzi airport, Mile airport, Yuanyang airport and Luxi airport in Hong Prefecture are under plan and construction. In the near future, you may spend less time on the way to Gejiu.
If you Plan to Gejiu and want to book tickets, please contract us.
Photo Number: +86-871-63511469
Email Address: contact@YunnanExploration.com
Recommended Tour Routes
Touring with us will make your time well-spent well spent and your trip in Shadian Grand Mosque with a unique experience. Join us in the following tours:
6 Days Kunming Shadian Muslim Tour with Yuanyang Rice Terraces and Jianshui Old Town
7 Days Yunnan Muslim Culture Tour with Shadian Mosque and Yuanyang Rice Terraces
13 Days Yunnan Muslim Culture Discovery Tour
Travel tips
1. The mosque is free to visit.
2. Take off your shoes before you come in.
3. Ladies should wear headscarves when she comes in Shadian Grand Mosque.
4. Non-Muslims can’t enter the hall.
Why is Menghuan Golden Pagoda So Special
It’s the best place to have a bird-eye view of Mangshi and those picturesque Dai villages around. Being 73 meters high, the pagoda is a three-storied octagonal but hollow one. The ground floor is the most impressive. With an area of 2,000 square meters, it’s spacious enough for nearly 2,000 pilgrims to pray at the same time. Enshrining in the hall are mainly Buddhist figures, such as Sakyamuni in the east, Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) in the south, Medicine Buddha in the west, and Maitreya (the Future Buddha) in the north, etc. all of which are made from Myanmar white marble to present grandeur and magnificence. Menghuan Golden Pagoda was started from June 30, 2004 and completed in June, 2007. The whole frame is eight-square hollow pagoda, opened with four gates. In the middle of the audience hall, circling the peak columns is four statues of Buddha made by natural white marble. The Menghuan Golden Pagoda is the first golden pagoda in China and the first hollow pagoda in Asia.
Where is Menghuan Golden Pagoda-Location
Menghuan Golden Pagoda is located at Leiyarang Mountain in the southeast of Luxi City(Mangshi), the capital city of Dehong Prefecture.
How to Get Menghuan Golden Pagoda
Visitors shall come to the foot of the Leiyarang Mountain by taxi, then get to the top of the Leiyarang Mountain on foot.
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Menghuan Silver Pagoda is from October to April of following year.
Other Unique Pagodas in Yunnan
Nearby Attractions
Menghuan Silver Pagoda
he Menghuan Silver Pagoda is located on the top of Leiyarang Mountain, southeast of Mangshi, at an altitude of 1,079.6 meters.Legend has it that “Sakyamuni” lived here when he was reincarnate as a golden pheasant. After hundreds of years the Nirvana of the Sakyamuni, in order to spread the doctrines of Buddhism, his disciples “Zhaohanda” made practices in the mountain. In order to make a better environment to make practices for “Zhaohanda”, all the weeds and the thorns get out of the way, so it is called the Leiyarang Mountain, which means the place where the weeds get out of the way. Later, a pagoda was built in this mountain. It has been recognized as one of the Buddhist holy places since ancient times.
Tours Including Menghuan Golden Pagoda
- 4 Days Jingpo Ethnic Minority’s Munao Zongge Festival Tour
- 11 Days Western Yunnan and Myanmar Border Cycling Tour
- 15 Days China Ledo Road Study Tour
- 39 Days Yunnan 25 Ethnic Minorities Discovery and Photography Tour
Useful Travel Tips
- Tourists are not allowed to touch the statues of Buddhas to show your respect.
Why is Tree-Wrapped Pagoda and Pagoda-Wrapped Tree So Special
The Pagoda Wrapped in the Tree is miraculous and unique. Its body is like an arhat standing with a stately air. A grand bodhi tree protects the top of the Tower like a huge opening umbrella. The thickset crown reaches up to the sky like arms. The bronze-coloured trunk twists and wraps the body of the Padoda tightly. Leaves and branches reach down and water the foundation of the Pagoda like a waterfall. The tree wraps the Pagoda and the Pagoda embraces the tree. They depend on each other for existence, and therefore form a marvellous spectacle known throughout west Yunnan and southeast Asia.
Where is Tree-Wrapped Pagoda and Pagoda-Wrapped Tree-Location
It is located in East Side of Middle Section of Tourism Pedestrian Street, Youyi Road, Mangshi Town(芒市镇友谊路旅游步行街中段东侧)
How to Get to Tree-Wrapped Pagoda and Pagoda-Wrapped Tree
For it is in the downtown of Mangshi, visitors can walk or take a taxi which will cost you 5 yuan.
History of Tree-Wrapped Pagoda and Pagoda-Wrapped Tree
The 15th tusi (native chieftain) built the Jielie Stupa to remember a triumph. It is said that there was a God sprinkling a piece of seed into the stupa. After 200 years, this seed amazingly grow into a tall banyan tree. Therefore, the rare view “Tree-wrapped pagoda and Tower-wrapped Tree” comes into being. The Tree-wrapped pagoda and Tower-wrapped Tree was formerly called Tiecheng Pagoda. The pagoda is a solid tower made of bricks. It is wrapped and covered by tree roots, and is thus called Tree-wrapped pagoda and Tower-wrapped Tree. It is the earliest pagoda built by local Dai people.
Legend of Tree-Wrapped Pagoda and Pagoda-Wrapped Tree
One disciple of Sakyamuni asked him, “ How can we express our true piety for you?” Sakyamuni thought for a while, spread his gown on the ground, put his begging bowl upside down on the gown, and placed his buddhist wand on the bowl. His disciples were suddenly enlightened. Later, the gown became the square foundation of the pagoda, the bowl became the body of the pagoda and the wand, the top of the tower. This is how the Pagoda-wrapped Tree came into being.
Best Time to Go
It is warm here in winter. So winter (the dry season) is a perfect season to visit there, but Dehong’s scenery is attractive all year round.
Nearby Attractions
Menghuan Golden Pagoda
Menghuan Grand Golden Pagoda is located at Leiyarang Mountain in the southeast of Luxi (Mangshi), the capital city of Dehong Prefecture. It’s the best place to bird-eye view the town of Mangshi and those picturesque Dai villages around. Being 73 meters high, the pagoda is a three-storied octagonal but hollow one. The ground floor is the most impressive. With an area of 2,000 square meters, it’s spacious enough for nearly 2,000 pilgrims to pray at the same time. Enshrined in the hall are mainly Buddhist figures such as Sakyamuni in the east, Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) in the south, Medicine Buddha in the west, and Maitreya (the Future Buddha) in the north, etc. all of which are made from Myanmar white marble to present grandeur and magnificence.
Menghuan Silver Pagoda
he Menghuan Silver Pagoda is located on the top of Leiyarang Mountain, southeast of Mangshi, at an altitude of 1,079.6 meters.Legend has it that “Sakyamuni” lived here when he was reincarnate as a golden pheasant. After hundreds of years the Nirvana of the Sakyamuni, in order to spread the doctrines of Buddhism, his disciples “Zhaohanda” made practices in the mountain. In order to make a better environment to make practices for “Zhaohanda”, all the weeds and the thorns get out of the way, so it is called the Leiyarang Mountain, which means the place where the weeds get out of the way. Later, a pagoda was built in this mountain. It has been recognized as one of the Buddhist holy places since ancient times.
Travel Tips:
- Climate: The region enjoys a subtropical monsoonal climate without winter chills nor intense summer heat. It has clear dry and humid seasons, with good rainfall. Its annual average temperature is around 18-20℃ (64.4-68℉). Temperatures vary greatly during the day, and it can reach 25℃ (77℉) in daytime during winter.
- Tourists are not allowed to touch the statues of Buddhas to show your respect.
Why is Jiegao Border So Special
“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.
Where is Jiegao Border-Location
It is located in the downtown of Ruili about 4 km southeast of the Ruili River, with a total area of 2.4 square kilometers closely linked to the state level port—Mujie(Muse) of Myanmar in the East, south and north.
How to Get to Jiegao Border
- It is convenient to get to Jiegao Border by chartering cars at the price of 300-500RMB, which includes some attractions, such as, Jielei Golden Pagoda, One-Tree Forest and Moli Tropical Rainforest.
- It is convenient to take No. 3 Bus to get to Jiegao Border.
- There are a lot of taxis to go to Jiegao Border in Ruili City. It is about 20 RMB by taxi. It will be cheaper to share a car with other at the price of 5 RMB.
History of Jiegao Border
During the Anti-Japanese War, a temporary airport was built here and there were very often takeoffs and landings of the U.S. aircrafts delivering munitions and supplies. It is located in the downtown of Ruili about 4 km southeast of the Ruili River, with a total area of 2.4 square kilometers closely linked to the state level port—Mujie(Muse) of Myanmar in the East, south and north.
In 1987 Jiegao became an important port where bilateral trade could be done. In 1991, “Jiegao Border Trade Economic Zone” was set up. China and Burma have built China-Burma Street, which is now filled with stores and shops. Since 1992 the imports and exports from Jiegao have accounted for 50% to 60% of the total imports and exports of the border trade of the province, and over 30% of the imports and exports of the border trade from the inland ports throughout the country. Jiegao Bridge across the Ruili River links Ruili with Jiegao. The bridge is now the longest road bridge in Yunnan and on the boundary line in the Southwest of China. In a word, the booming Jiegao has become a newly- developing business town and border resort with typical ethnic features and modern facilities.
Best Time to Go
Spring and fall are the best time to visit Jiegao Border.
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.
Tours Including Jiegao Border
11 Days Western Yunnan and Myanmar Border Cycling Tour
4 Days Jingpo Ethnic Minority’s Munao Zongge Festival Tour
39 Days Yunnan 25 Ethnic Minorities Discovery and Photography Tour
The Dalongdong Cave is located on Jiulong mountain, 10 kilometers northern suburb of Zhaotong city, which has 13 peaks and 9 mountain valleys, with overlapping peaks and green forests. Inside the deep valley under the mountain foot is a big cave, from which a pool of clear water flows out, known as “Dalongdong cave(big dragon hole)”. On the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, when the moon rises, it will be reflected in Longquan(dragon spring), and the moon in Longquan will be reflected on the rocks in the cave, forming a unique natural landscape of “three moons”. It is one of the eight sceneries of Zhaoyang district of Zhaotong city, named “Longdong Xiyue(dragon hole sucking moon)” or “Longquan Yingyue(dragon spring reflecting moon)”.
It is a natural forest park and a summer resort for sightseeing, playing, boating and fishing. There are many ancient architectural communities, with carved beams, painted platform, and colored pavilion. Inside the cave built a Guanyin palace(观音殿), and theatrical stage outside the cave. Yingchun pavilion(迎春阁) and Suxin Garden(素馨园) stand separately at the south and north of the mountain. On every eighth day of the second lunar month, the locals will hold the traditional festival activity of “play in the dragon hole”.
With a total length of 101 kilometers, Niulanjiang River in northeastern Yunnan Province is a large tributary of the Jinsha River in the upper reaches of the Yangtze river, originating from Jjialize(嘉丽泽), Songming county(嵩明县), Kunming city of Yunnan province. It is a river that crosses the Yunnan-Guizhou provinces, which enters Ludian county from a place in Jiangdi village(江底村), called “Laoxiongdong(老熊垌)”. The river acts as a demar- cation line for Ludian and Huize Counties.
Niulanjiang river gorge is high with deep valley; the river flow twists and turns with ravines and gullies criss-cross on both sides. The river beach is broad with slow flows at the gentle place and the river is narrow with turbulent waters at the steep. The average height difference between the mountains on the river bank is nearly 2000 meters, with obvious three-dimensional climate. The gorge has a very peculiar topographical features. The coastal mountains are overlapped in three levels: steep slope at the bottom one, vertical cliff in the middle and the raked mountains at the top. So the gorge forms a spectacle scenery of v-shaped valley bottom, squared middle and upside down Chineses character “八” top. Some scholars called it “the most magical canyon of the east”. At the river gorge, 6 ascade hydroelectric stations stand there, making the gorge more grandeur and poetic.
Located in the confluence of the new and old city center of Ludian county, Shushi Culture Square, built in October 2003, integrates the functions of culture, sports, leisure, entertainment, conference and assembly. The square covers a total area of nearly 50,000 square meters, of which the hardening area nearly 20,000 square meters, the green area nearly 16,000 square meters, the water area nearly 7,000 square meters, and the building of 6,000 square meters. It’s integrated with the pedestrian street, century avenue, the ancient town of Shushi, and the archaize street.
About the Bo People
The Bo People were a minority tribe that once inhabited the border between today’s southern Sichuan and northwestern Yunnan province, for their earliest home was an infestation of thorns and tigers and wolves. They went through all kinds of hardships to explore the wilderness and build their homes and were praised as the one who broke open a way through brambles and thorns. The Chinese character 棘(Ji), means brambles and thorns. So they add another Chinese character 人(Ren), which means people under the 棘. Thus it became 僰(Bo). When the Bo people died, they were neither buried nor cremated, but placed in coffins on the cliffs. In the mind of the Bo people, the spirits of the dead should live forever in the hearts of the posterity. The longer the forebears’ remains are preserved, the better they can sustain the prosperity of their descendants. Therefore, hanging coffin burial is a symbol of auspiciousness.
The Bo disappeared during the latter part of the Ming Dynasty, persecuted to extinction through military expeditions mounted by the Central Court. Some remnants of the tribe are believed to have infiltrated into other local tribes and may have survived secretly until today.
About the Hanging Coffin of Bo People
Through archaeological dating tests, the hanging coffins of Doushaguan belongs to Ming dynasty.The hanging coffins is located on the cliff at the south bank of Guanhe river(关河), Shimen village, Dousha town, Yanjin county, next to national highway 213. A stone crevice in the shape of “一”, was inlaid in the middle of the stone wall. The stone walls, which are four or five hundred metres high and more than a kilometre wide, are grey and black, all intact.
Hanging Coffins of Doushaguan, are the most preserved, the most intact ones located in the most precipitous place, known as the hanging coffin museum of “ancient remains, the world’s wonder”. In the 1930s, there were more than 40 hanging coffins, and since then, many of them have been destroyed by the curious and malicious. Now only about 10 hanging coffins stands here. The coffin was hollowed out with whole logs, about 2 meters long, 50 centimeters high, 41 centimeters wide, and the coffin lid was about 41 centimeters thick.
Why is Menghuan Silver Pagoda So Special
The Menghuan Silver Pagoda, known as the Menghuan Qianfo Silver Pagoda, is located on the hilltop opposite the Grand Silver Pagoda and a contemporary new-built Pagoda.The Pagoda is an important building of the Dehong Branch of Yunnan Buddhist College. It was built around 2010 and was completed in April 2012. The Silver Pagoda is smaller than the gold pagoda as a whole, but since the peak of the Silver Pagoda is about 20 meters higher than the golden pagoda, the height of the two pagodas is visually equivalent. After the completion of the Silver Pagoda, it faces up the Golden Pagoda across the mountain and forms a unique landscape. The tower is 66 meters high and 46 meters in diameter. It has become an iconic building in Mangshi.
Where is Menghuan Silver Pagoda-Location
It is located on the hilltop of Leiyarang Mountain, Southeast of Luxi City, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture
How to Get to Menghuan Silver Pagoda
Visitors shall come to the foot of the Leiyarang Mountain by taxi, then get to the top of the Leiyarang Mountain on foot.
Introduction of Menghuan Silver Pagoda
The Menghuan Silver Pagoda is located on the top of Leiyarang Mountain, southeast of Mangshi, at an altitude of 1,079.6 meters.Legend has it that “Sakyamuni” lived here when he was reincarnate as a golden pheasant. After hundreds of years the Nirvana of the Sakyamuni, in order to spread the doctrines of Buddhism, his disciples “Zhaohanda” made practices in the mountain. In order to make a better environment to make practices for “Zhaohanda”, all the weeds and the thorns get out of the way, so it is called the Leiyarang Mountain, which means the place where the weeds get out of the way. Later, a pagoda was built in this mountain. It has been recognized as one of the Buddhist holy places since ancient times.
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Menghuan Silver Pagoda is from October to April of following year.
Nearby Attractions
Menghuan Golden Pagoda
Menghuan Grand Golden Pagoda is located at Leiyarang Mountain in the southeast of Luxi (Mangshi), the capital city of Dehong Prefecture. It’s the best place to bird-eye view the town of Mangshi and those picturesque Dai villages around. Being 73 meters high, the pagoda is a three-storied octagonal but hollow one. The ground floor is the most impressive. With an area of 2,000 square meters, it’s spacious enough for nearly 2,000 pilgrims to pray at the same time. Enshrined in the hall are mainly Buddhist figures such as Sakyamuni in the east, Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) in the south, Medicine Buddha in the west, and Maitreya (the Future Buddha) in the north, etc. all of which are made from Myanmar white marble to present grandeur and magnificence.
Tours Including Menghuan Silver Pagoda
11 Days Western Yunnan and Myanmar Border Cycling Tour
About Three Wells in Lijiang Old Town
Although Naxi ancestors lived in Lijiang Old Town with rich water resource, They still cherish a kind of original conception that make the best use of water in harmony with nature. Three Wells in Lijiang Old Town not only have local ethnic feature but also are scientific, sanitary, reasonable and convenient. According to the elevation difference, Naxi ancestors built three-graded wells and separated them into different application. Being the source of spring, the first well is used to daily drink. Water overflows from the first well and runs into the second well, which is used to wash dishes. Then the third well is used to wash clothes. Finally, water pours into the gutterway. Wherever the three wells are, small plaza and ancient trees are surrounded. Except for the people who come to carry water, wash dishes and wash clothes, many old men and children will come here to take a rest and play games, forming a special living scene in Lijiang Old Town.
Other Attractions in Lijiang Old Town
Mu’ Residence is a splendid ancient architecture first built in Yuan Dynasty, which not only reflects ancient architectural style in central plains of Ming Dynasty but also remains the lingering charm of Tang and Song Dynasty. Mu’s Residence was called the miniature Forbidden City. Looked from a far distance, it likes a grand imperial palace and it is famous for the grandness and architectural buildings.
Located on the top of Lion Hill, Wangu Tower is 32.8 meters in height with 123,000 dragon head of Naxi style on the top, which ranks the world’s greatest. Standing on the top of the tower, you can hace panoramic view of the whole Lijiang Old Town and rivers to the east, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the north and Naxi villages to the south, which is magnificent.
Black Dragon Pool Park, also called Jade Spring Park, is located at the foot of Elephant Hill. The well-arranged ancient architectures, exquisite temples, pavilions and bridges over the pool offers a spectacular landscape to the visitors. Standing on the white marble bridge, visitors can also have a view of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which is holy and pure.
Lijiang Dongba Culture Museum is located in the north of Black Dragon Pool Park, established in 1984. Built according to the traditional Naxi architectural style with four sets, the museum has more than 12,000 rare Dongba relics including unearthed cultural relics, paintings and calligraphy of all ages, Dongba scriptures and religious articles, etc.
Transportation
You can take bus No.2/13 to Parking Lot Station of Old Town, or take bus No.7 to Department Store Station then walk into the old town from the north gate. And you can take bus No.2/3/12 to South Gate Street Station and walk into the old town from the south gate.
Travel Tips of Three Wells in Lijiang Old Town
There are five large or small three-wells in Lijiang Old Town, among which the Three Wells of Malong Pool, Shiliu Well and Yican Well are the larger ones.
- Three Wells of Malong Pool is located in the Guangbi Alley, Guangyi Street, that is the entrance of southwest Lijiang Old Town.
- Shiliu Well and Yican Well is located in Qiyi Street and Mishi Alley, all belonging to the busy streets in Lijiang Old Town.
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