Caoxi Temple (曹溪寺) is located in the northwest of Anning City (安宁市), Kunming (昆明市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It was originally built during the Song Dynasty (宋朝) and was reconstructed in an ancient style during the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty (清光绪, 1875–1908).
Architectural Layout
Caoxi Temple sits facing east, following a traditional temple layout that ascends the mountainside with tiered steps. The symmetrical arrangement includes a mountain gate, the Weituo Hall (韦驮殿), the Main Hall (大殿), and the Back Hall (后殿). To the sides, there are the Bell Tower (钟楼), Drum Tower (鼓楼), Zen rooms (禅房), and guest halls (客堂).
The Main Hall features a double-eaved hip roof, measuring five bays wide (12.3 meters) and five bays deep (11 meters), constructed in a bracket structure style. The eaves exhibit a sturdy, spacious design characteristic of the Song Dynasty (宋代). The outer eaves are adorned with cross-braces, while the inner lower eaves showcase a five-section heavy arch.
The temple houses various cultural relics, including a wooden sculpture from the Southern Song Dynasty (南宋) depicting the Three Saints of Nanhai (南海三圣像: Guanyin (观音), Wenshu (文殊), and Puxian (普贤菩萨)), a Ming Dynasty (明代) sculpture of the Three Saints of the Western Paradise (西方三圣像: Amitabha (阿弥陀佛), Guanyin, and Da Shizhi (大势至菩萨)), and bronze statues from the Qing Dynasty (清代) of Mahakala (大黑天) and the Three Saints of Nanhai.
Additionally, the temple features inscriptions by prominent scholars, such as Yang Shen (杨慎), a top scholar of the late Ming Dynasty, and Fan Chengxun (范承勋), a governor of Yunnan and Guizhou during the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty (清康熙, 1662–1722). These inscriptions are known for their elegant language and exquisite calligraphy.
Historical Background
Caoxi Temple was initially built during the Song Dynasty. The temple has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, suffering damage during the Tongzhi era (同治, 1869) due to warfare. It was reconstructed in an ancient style during the Guangxu era (1875–1908).
Cultural Heritage
On the back wall of the Back Hall, there is a “Three Uniques Stele” (三绝碑) dated to the twelfth year of the Jiajing era (嘉靖十二年, 1533). The stele, titled “Record of the Reconstruction of Caoxi Temple” (重修曹溪寺记), was composed by Yang Shen and features the running script of the famous Tang Dynasty (唐代) calligrapher Li Yong (李邕). This stele is praised for its literary quality, calligraphy, and craftsmanship.
Within the temple grounds, there are also remnants of a red plum tree (红梅) and plants from the Yuan Dynasty (元代), which, after being damaged during warfare in the late Ming period, sprouted anew in the early Qing Dynasty (清初). To the north of the temple lies the Golden Toad Sacred Spring (金蟾圣泉), also known as the Holy Water of San Tide (三潮圣水). The temple features numerous inscriptions from the Ming and Qing periods, including a large inscription of “Pine Wind and Water Moon” (松风水月) penned by Emperor Chongzhen (崇祯).
Unique Features
Generally, in most Buddhist temples, the statue of Maitreya (弥勒) is positioned behind a statue of Weituo (韦驮). However, in Caoxi Temple, the statue of Guanyin is placed behind the Maitreya statue. This unusual arrangement is said to be due to a leaking hexagonal pavilion that originally housed the Guanyin statue. To protect the clay Guanyin statue, it was moved to the Weituo’s position, while the bronze Weituo was relocated to the pavilion.
Another account suggests that since the bronze Weituo statue is more valuable than the clay Guanyin, the monks feared it might be stolen and decided to keep it inside the hexagonal pavilion, while the clay Guanyin was placed in the outer Heavenly King Hall (天王殿).
Pathways and Buddhist Statues
To reach the inner courtyard, visitors can ascend along two pathways flanking the sides, where twelve Buddha statues are arranged against the walls. When combined with the thousand-handed and thousand-eyed Guanyin statue from the hexagonal pavilion, they collectively represent the Twenty-Five Universal Bodhisattvas (二十五圆通). Here, “圆” symbolizes the fulfillment of enlightenment, while “通” represents a thorough understanding of the Dao. These bodhisattvas exemplify the ideals of complete awakening and realization, transcending ordinary human achievement.
Conservation Efforts
On May 25, 2006, Caoxi Temple was officially designated as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit (第六批全国重点文物保护单位) by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国国务院).
Visitor Information
Address
Caoxi Temple is located in the northwest of Anning City (安宁市), Kunming (昆明市), Yunnan Province (云南省).
Transportation
By Public Transport: Take bus No. 18 from the Kunming Bus Company’s fifth company yard in the city center to the terminal stop.
By Car: Drive along the Kunming Ring Road (G56-X) to the hot spring exit or take the Hangu Highway (G56) to the Anning exit. It takes about one hour to reach the temple.
About the Sacred Lake
The Sacred Lake sits in the hillside of Shennv Mountain Peak, at a altitude of 4600m. It’s about 1500m above Yubeng Village and about 500m above Ice Lake, so rare people come here even the locals.
The Sacred Lake is small but clear and bright. The water reflects the blue sky and the white clouds of different shapes, which make people feel happy and relaxed. The Sacred Lake is an undeveloped attraction, few people have been there, it’s said that the roads are challenging without signposts, so some may be get lost. Thus treking to Sacred Lake with a guide is necessary.
Chinese Name: 神湖
English Name: The Sacred Lake
Location: sits in the hillside of Shennv Mountain Peak in Yubeng Village
Entrance Ticket：230RMB( including Jinsha River Big Bend, Wunongding Viewing deck, Feilai Temple viewing deck, Yubeng Village)
Opening Time: All Day
The Hiking Route
There is a path around a meadow in front of a temple in Yubeng Lower Village, which is leading to Sacred Lake. There is another small bridge leading to the opposite mountain. You can go up to the mountain along a path, and a notice board stands at the side of the path, it says no passing. This is the start point of Sacred Lake hiking route. The uphill road is very steep and would be slippery in a rainy day. You may go through a large scale of bamboo forest, then continue to go up along the path, you will arrive at a oak forest where there are lots of bushes almost without a big tree, at a altitue of 4000m. continue to trek further, it’s a highland meadow where there is a shabby stone house. Here is close to the Sacred Lake. Then continue to go up the slope, you will see two big chinese character piled by stones which means sacred lake. The Sacred Lake is over there.
It’s 20 kilometers to go there and back, it usually takes around 8 hours. Howerver, since the uphill roads hiking will exert a lot of energy, it’s suggested to depart in the early morning. Some relatively weak people may spend 10-12 hours to go there and back. You’d better not stay overnight on the mountain because the temperature may go down for 10℃ because of the high altitude. Once having the altitude stress or other emergencies, you would be helpless.
Chinese Name:昌宁县尼诺山
English Name: Ninuo Mountain and Ninuo Tea Plantation in Changning County, Baoshan
Ninuo Mountian(尼诺山),Changning County(昌宁县),has an average elevation of 1875 meters , the average annual temperature of 13.9 degrees centigrade ,and the annual rainfall is1650 millimeter,the soil type is yellow soil,and has a unique climate suitable for tea, thus forming a unique natural ecological environment of Ninuo tea(尼诺茶),the quality of Ninuo tea(尼诺茶)is superior quality ,is called “Dianlvzhenpin”(滇绿珍品), and one of the “eight famous tea in Yunnnan”(云南八大名茶), and the content of amino acids(氨基酸) is 40% higher than the same Big leaf kind of tea(大叶种茶)by analysing of Yunnan Tea Research Institute.
Yunnan’s Ninuo tea(尼诺茶)is named for its produced in the Ninuo Mountian(尼诺山)of Changning County(昌宁县),Baoshan(宝山) District.In 1987,when the professor Anthony audi, from the food and agriculture organization of the united nations,visited Changning and was full praise(赞口不绝) after drinking the tea.In 1988, Sri Lanka tea expert Goering came to Changning(昌宁),when he tasted it ,he called it “High quality tea”(茶中精品).
Planting history
Legend has it that as early as the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty(明代洪武年间) (1368-1398 AD), the monks and nuns (僧尼)of Biyun Temple(碧云寺) in Changning County planted tea with good quality ,Known as “Biyun Xian Tea”(“碧云仙茶”).In the Ming(明) and qing(清) dynasties,there was another development. an ancient tea tree in the hot spring town(温泉乡) near Nino Mountain(尼诺山),which has been cultivated more than 200 years . By the 1920s and 1930s, farmers began to grow tea ,but due to the inconvenience of transportation and backward technology ,lead to development is slow. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China(中华人民共和国), the people’s government gave full play to the advantage of suitable tea in 70% of the county and vigorously developed the production of tea. By 1990, the area of tea garden in the county had reached more than 110,000 mu(亩). In 1983, Changning County (昌宁县)was recommended to join the tea technology promotion network of seven provinces and cities. In 1985, it was listed as one of the four high-quality tea base counties in China, which are equally famous with Fuyang in Zhejiang(浙江富阳), Anxi in Fujian(福建安溪) and Yuexi in Anhui(安徽岳西).
Place of production
Ninuo Mountian (尼诺山) is located in the low latitude plateau mountains ,with fresh air ,abundant sunlight,overlapping ranges of high mountains,more mist and the fog period is long.When rain is rare in the late autumn and early spring,the valley area around the Ninuo Mountain (尼诺山) are mostly covered with white fog.This land is fertile ,sandy yellow soil(沙质黄壤), loose structure, ventilated and permeable, thus forming a unique ecological environment of Ninuo tea(尼诺茶).Ninuo tea(尼诺茶) is made from the Big leaf tea(大叶种茶) grown in Ninuo Mountain(尼诺山).
The quality characteristics
Ninuo tea(尼诺茶) is carefully selected spring tea “one bud and two leaves”(“一芽二叶”) of fresh leaves, it is elaborately made by various procedures .According to identification, the amino acid(氨基酸) content of Ninuo tea(尼诺茶) is 382.9 mg/g, about 40% higher than that of the same big-leaf tea(大叶茶), the water extract(水浸出物） is 48.41%, Catechin(儿茶素) is 145.8 mg/g.Drinking Ninuo tea(尼诺茶) can produce saliva and quench thirst(生津止渴), excitement and refreshing(兴奋提神), regulate blood pressure(血压), promote fat digestion, prevent nitrite(亚硝酸) synthesis in the human body;can digest food and strengthen stomach(消食健胃), clear eyes and clear heart(明目清心),it is known as “fitness and beauty tea” (“健身美容茶”.
Translated by Li Yin/李胤
Qinglong Gorge (青龙峡) is located in the northwest of Anning City (安宁市), approximately 29 kilometers away from the urban area of Anning and 20 kilometers from hot springs. The gorge has convenient transportation access, with the Anfu Road (安富公路) passing through it and a station on the Chengkun Railway (成昆铁路) nearby (Qinglong Station, 青龙站). The total area of Qinglong Gorge is about 19 square kilometers and features ancient forests and beautiful waterfalls. Minority groups have lived in this region for generations.
Overview
- Chinese Name: 青龙峡
- English Name: Qinglong Gorge
- Location: Kunming City (昆明市), Yunnan Province (云南省)
- Area: 19 km²
- Opening Hours: Year-round, Monday to Sunday, 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Main Attractions
The scenery within Qinglong Gorge is characterized by dense forests, well-preserved vegetation, ancient vines, babbling streams, cascading waterfalls, spinning waterwheels, sunlight casting warm hues, and simple local customs. The attractions are distributed across five main zones:
- Drifting Adventure Zone: Qinglong Gorge’s drifting experience is known as “the best drift in central Yunnan” and is the most engaging tourist activity. This area includes 17 attractions, such as:
- Cattle Returning Home (牧牛归耕)
- Fragrant River Crossing (禾香渡)
- Flower Valley (群芳坞)
- Ancient Forest Exploration Zone: This area features 20 attractions, including:
- Ancient Vine Swing (古藤荡秋千)
- Streamside Pavilion (溪山草亭)
- Ancestral Ruins (先人遗址)
- Stream and Valley Sightseeing Zone: Here, you can explore 12 attractions, including:
- Waterfront Mountain Lodge (水踞山房)
- Serene Stream (芳溪静流)
- Valley Exploration (溪谷探源)
- Minority Group Village Scenic Area: This zone showcases 6 attractions and recreational activities, such as:
- Yi Village Scenery (彝寨风光)
- Archery Hunting (弓箭狩猎)
- Horse Riding (骑马)
- Flower Adventure Zone: This area consists of 9 attractions, including:
- Exquisite Flower Realm (玲珑花界)
- Spring Flowers by the Stream (花溪春早)
- Fragrant Pavilion (染香亭)
The gorge also offers facilities such as restaurants, parking lots, guest rooms, and camping tents. Visitors who stay overnight can participate in ethnic-themed bonfire parties.
Geographical Environment
Qinglong Gorge is located in the northwest outskirts of Anning City (安宁市), approximately 29 kilometers from the city center and 20 kilometers from nearby hot springs. It has favorable transportation links, including the Anfu Road (安富公路) and the Chengkun Railway (成昆铁路) with a station (Qinglong Station, 青龙站). The total area of the scenic area is about 19 square kilometers.
Travel Guide
The climate in Kunming (昆明) is mild throughout the year but has distinct wet and dry seasons. January and February are particularly pleasant, making them ideal for travel. Late July marks the “Torch Festival” celebrated by the Yi, Bai, Nala, and Mongolian ethnic groups, and visitors can explore nearby Stone Forest (石林) while enjoying the festival festivities.
From July to August, most regions in China experience intense heat, while temperatures in Kunming range between 20-25°C, making it a perfect summer retreat. Kunming is suitable for tourism throughout the year.
Driving Directions
To reach Qinglong Gorge from downtown Kunming, follow this route:
- Kunming City Center → Dongfeng East Road → Baita Road → Chuncheng Road → Fude Interchange → Second Ring South Road → Guannan Interchange → Hangrui Expressway → Kun’an Expressway → Mingbo Interchange → Biji Pass Tunnel → Xiaohubian Tunnel → Anchu Expressway → Anfengying/Yimen Exit → G320 → Luping Line → C717 → Longchuan Street → Anfu Road → Qinglong Gorge Scenic Area.
Zones Overview
- Zone 1: Drifting Adventure
- Zone 2: Ancient Forest Adventure
- Zone 3: Stream and Valley Adventure
- Zone 4: Minority Group Village Adventure
- Zone 5: Flowers Adventure
A big-leaf banyan tree make this amazing One Tree Forest. Such forests are common in tropical areas like Xi Shuang Ban Na. Besides the trunk, these large banyan trees also have many branches that can plunge into the soil and serve as a trunk of another new tree, thus forming a forest from one tree. Although One Tree Forest can be seen in some other places of Xishuangbanna, but the one in Daluo Town is the most amazing.
● Chinese Name: 勐海打洛独树成林风景区
● Keywords: One Tree Forest Ticket, Daluo River, Banyan Tree, Tropical Forest
● Location: Daluo Town, Menghai County, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan,China
● Scenic Area: 2000 square meters
● Admission Fee: 50 RMB for adult ticket, 25RMB for children or students
● Opening Hours:8:00~18:00
‣ About One Tree Forest
The One Tree Forest is a landmark scenic spot of Daluo town. It is located in the developing area of Daluo Town, 4 kilometers from town government and one kilometer from 218-219 boundary marker between China and Burma. It looks like a green forest from a distance, but it is actually a giant banyan. With an age of more than 1000 years old, the banyan tree itself makes a green forest with a tangle of branches and prop roots, looking gorgeous. It measures over 50 meters tall, with the main trunk sending off countless aerial roots, which vertically plunge deep into ground and grow into thick trunks, some even are distinguishable from the main trunk.These straight aerial roots stand in lines like the soldiers who protect their motherland at the frontier, which makes people respectful.
One Tree Forest breaks up the idiom ”one tree does not make a forest”. Walking in the park, you can enjoy the sights of the tree, taking photos, riding on an elephant and so forth.
The One Tree Forest scenic spot was rebuilt since March 2012 with a standard of national 4 A’s scenic spot. The spot new added pagodas, 220 boundary marker between China and Burma, and a China-Burma Temple which is built on the boundary, and a China-Burma Grand Theater which is the most splendid and lavishest among southeast of Asia. There are also some handicraft article of nationality and Jewelry & Jade Exhibition Hall. You also can experience the cultural custom of china-myanmar border and Dai ethnic culture. It is suggested to take around 2-3 hours to visit the spot.
‣A brief introduction of Daluo River , the boundary river between China and Burma
Daluo River, a branch of Lancang River with a width of more than 30 meters, divides the Daluo Town into two parts, and then gently flows into Mekong River which eventually empties into Pacific Ocean. It nourishes people along it. There are five big villages in Daluo Town. Five villages are: Mengbang, Manchan, Manzhang, Longli and Daluo. Buddhist Temples can be found in every village.
● Cruise the Daluo River
By cruising the Daluo River, you actually can enjoy the sights of two countries. Along the Daluo river, villages, countryside scenery, blue sky, white clouds make up a picturesque landscape.
● Visit Beautiful Villages along the Daluo River
There are several beautiful villages distributed along the Daluo River, such as the Meng Jinglai Village. Near the village gate stands a cluster of splendid pagodas. They look like bamboo shoots. When wind blows, the bells on the spires jingle melodiously. Rambling in the village, bamboo houses are visible in bamboo grove. Towering banyan trees, coconut trees and other plants make you feel like going into a tropical botanical garden. Besides, traditional handcrafts of Dai people can be seen in the village, such as dyeing, pottery, wine-making, papermaking, etc.
‣A brief introduction of Daluo Town
Daluo Town, a frontier town and an open port along Daluo River, is located in the south tip of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture and borders Burma. It is 133 kilometers from Jinghong City and 70 kilometers from Menghai County. It is small, though, lives a number of people of minority nationalities such as Dai, Blang, Hani, offering a strong sense of ethnic atmosphere. Tropical plants flourishingly grow in and near the villages, to see nothing of the One Tree Forest.
● History of Daluo Town
Daluo in Dai language means a port of the public. Daluo town as a port has a long history of border trade. It has been an important passageway since Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties. At the turn of 20 century, the widely known Pu’er tea was exported via Daluo. Today, Daluo is a frontier scenic spot at the end of Kunming-Daluo Road, and also a window for foreign trade. The national gates of China and Burma can be seen here.
‣ Attraction Transportation
You can take a regular bus in Jinghong Bus Station to Daluo Town, CNY 32 per person, needs around 2 hour. Then take mini bus to One Tree Forest.
‣ Best Time to Visit
Belonging to tropical rainforest climate, Xishuangbanna’s dry season is from November to April the next year and rainy season is from May to October. With annual average temperature of 21c, it has long summer and no winter. With cool and pleasant four seasons, the best time for traveling Xishuangbanna is from October to June the next year.
‣Tips
The road leading to Daluo town is twisted, which easily causes carsickness. Prepare personal medicine if you are easy to motion sickness .
Chinese Name: 镇沅县金山丫口风景区(哀牢山)
English Name: Jinshan Mountain Pass Scenic Area in Zhenyuan County, Puer
Link: http://www.pezytv.com/a/chawangshijie/jingqujingdian/2016/0225/8839.html
Yunnan tea-horse ancient route passes through here. The pass locates in Ailao Mt. with blooming Rhododendrons. Gold mine pass was formerly known as the watershed pass, due to the discovery at the bottom of the gold reserves connecting with the famous Zhenyuan gold mine it’s now named as gold mine pass.
Chinese Name:镇沅县者东乡者干河
English Name: Zheganhe River in Zhenyuan County, Puer
Zheganhe River is located in Zhedong Town of Zhenyuan County, Puer.
Zheganhe River runoff area obtains beautiful scene and unique Karst cave landscapes. Zheganhe drifting facility is constructed 50 km away from Zhenyuan Downtown, 12 km from Majiayuan Fork. Quiet surrounding environment is suitable for passers-by to take a break. And it also provides services to self driving tourists such as information inquiry and so on.
Chinese Name: 腾冲和顺滇缅抗战博物馆
English Name: The Museum of Yunnan-Burmese Anti-Japanese War in Tengchong County, Baoshan
Yunnan-Burmese Anti-Japanese War is very important part of the Second World War (often abbreviated as WWII). The Museum of Yunnan-Burmese Anti-Japanese War is located at where used to be the headquarters of Chinese Expeditionary Force when they took Tengchong down. This museum is the first one that was funded and constructed all by local people; it is an Anti-Japanese theme museum with private collections.The museum opened to the public on 7th July, 2005. It holds at least 6000 pieces of antiques and more than 1000 pictures which truly reproduces the unforgettable history of Anti-Japanese War.
滇缅抗战博物馆是我国第一个民间出资建设、民间收藏、以抗战为主题的博物馆。滇缅抗战博物馆馆址是当年远征军反攻腾冲指挥部的旧址，在云南保山市腾冲县和顺镇 。
展厅布置
6000多件文物、1000幅老照片，不乏珍品、绝品。其中39件曾作为中美友谊的见证随江泽民访美。博物馆分山河破碎、悲壮远征、沦陷岁月、剑扫烽烟、日月重光五个部分：。通过大量老照片、纪录片、史实资料、油画、连环画等，和馆藏文物一起，真实再现了那段历史。
滇缅抗战博物馆2005年7月7日开馆，原中国国民党党主席为博物馆题词，央视《面对面》栏目破例在这里制造了三期节目。接待了五十余位当年参加过滇缅抗战的美国老兵。在全国产生了广泛的影响。
发展历史
滇缅抗战是世界反法西斯战争的重要组成部分，是中国远征军和中国驻印军与美、英盟军歼灭日本侵略者的战场，是中国人民在近现代史上第一次将侵略者赶出国门的战斗。
1942年2月至1945年1月，我国西南边疆的保山、临沧、德宏、怒江一带，爆发了一场以保卫滇缅国际通道、维护国家领土主权为目的的抗日爱国战争，这就是闻名于世的滇西抗战。它是我国8年抗战中最早向日寇发起的战略性反攻，同时，也是第二次世界大战亚洲抗日战场从失败走向胜利的转折性战役之一。这场战争的胜利，彻底粉碎了日军对我国实施东西突击，最终称霸亚洲太平洋地区的梦想。在这场关系重大的决战中，中国远征军、美国盟军、爱国华侨和滇西各族人民团结一心，以伤亡20多万军民的代价，谱写了一曲爱国主义和国际主义的史诗。
保山，作为滇西抗战的主战场，当地市委、市政府顺势而谋，精心打造“二战文化之旅”，主要的景点为龙陵松山战役遗址、腾冲滇西抗战博物馆、腾冲国殇墓园。另外，保山正在争取各方支持，加强与缅甸、印度的合作，努力开通保山——缅甸密支那——印度雷多的旅游线路，这也是著名的史迪威公路。在这块曾经烽火连天的土地上，海内外游客除了感受二战文化之外，还可以体验“中国生态SPA康乐园之旅”、“高黎贡山生态之旅”、“南方丝绸古道之旅”。
这是我国第一个民间投资、民间收藏的抗战博物馆。该博物馆由柏联集团投资建设，展品为段生馗先生20多年收集和保存的3500多件二战文物，包括中国远征军、中国驻印军、美英盟军、民众抗战等方面的文物。博物馆馆址设在至今保存完好、当年中国远征军20集团军司令部旧址。
参观信息
地理位置
保山市腾冲县和顺古镇内
开放时间
8:00-18:00
门票
包含在和顺古镇门票内
交通
腾冲县城至和顺4公里，有面包车直达，票价3元；乘坐出租车的话车费10元左右。博物馆即在和顺古镇内，可持古镇门票前往。
Islamic Town, 5 km from Ludian county seat of Zhaotong City, was opened on 16 April, attracting numerous visitors. It features Islamic architecture and Chinese gardening, while highlighting the Hui ethnic culture; and it is one of the characteristic tourist sites in northeast Yunnan. Covering an area of 334 mu, Islamic Town combines the unique natural environment with the culture of Hui ethnic people. “one axis and five area” is the overall layout of the Islamic Town. The central axis length is 1000 meters. Except for the square at the entrance, there are religious culture exhibition area, demonstration area, waterplay areas and shopping area in north-south distribution.
Islam is the second largest religion in the world after Christianity, with about 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide. Muslims worship one, all-knowing God, who in Arabic is known as Allah. Followers of Islam aim to live a life of complete submission to Allah. They believe that nothing can happen without Allah’s permission, but humans have free will. By Friday, believers go to the mosque for worship, and everyone must take a bath before the worship.
Menggu Town is the southern gateway to Qiaojia County. It used to be a famous town for copper culture. Today, the ancient giant trees weathering through the passage of time stand there quietly, telling stories of the Menggu people. It is the first town in the grand canyon of western China, and is also a historic town of great military importance, whose name means a place easier to defend than to attack. It is the starting point of ancient waterway transport of copper, and an important witness of China’s neolithic history and culture.
Daguan Grand View of Dongchuan Red Land (红土地大观) is located in Xiaohua Section of Hongtudi Town (红土地镇), Dongchuan District (东川区), Kunming City (昆明市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is one of the most spectacular red earth landscapes in the world and a prime example of the combination of red landforms and agricultural culture. This attraction ranks among the top 100 most beautiful sights in China and is one of the four major colorful tourism paradises in the country.
View of Dongchuan Red Land from Daguan is magnificent and thrilling. You will have different experiences in different time. When the sun gradually goes down, the land is covered by the light of sunset, which shows a more stereo scene of the terraced fields. You can also see a dragon tree of thousands of years that has been dead for three years and sprouts again. the locals considered it as “sacred tree” which blesses the villagers in the areas.
Overview
Daguan Grand View covers an area of approximately 116 square kilometers. Key attractions within the site include:
- Jinxiu Garden (锦绣园)
- Colorful Slope (七彩坡)
- Musical Score Hollow (乐谱凹)
- Dama Kan (打马坎)
- Falling Sunset Valley (落霞沟)
- Millennium Old Dragon Tree (千年老龙树)
- Wafang Liangzi (瓦房梁子)
- Spiral Bay (螺丝湾)
- White Mud Pond (白泥塘)
- Red Land Grand View (红土大观)
- Duoyi Tree (多依树)
The red earth in this area has developed under the high-temperature and high-rainfall climate conditions typical of Dongchuan, Yunnan. The soil is rich in iron and aluminum, resulting in heavy and sticky soil with a vibrant red color, creating a unique red landform.
From September to December each year, the crops on the red land reach maturity. Some areas are plowed and prepared for planting, while others have already been sown with green barley, wheat, and various other crops. This creates a striking contrast with the red soil, resulting in a brilliant display of colors. Coupled with the blue sky, white clouds, and ever-changing beams of light, these elements compose spectacular views that captivate visitors.
Visitor Experience
At Daguan Grand View, tourists can appreciate the unique landscapes of the red earth and experience the charm of agricultural culture. Additionally, they can learn about the formation and evolution of the red land, gaining knowledge and broadening their horizons. There are also many other attractions nearby, such as the Old Dragon Tree (老龙树) and Falling Sunset Valley (落霞沟), which are worth a visit.
Niulanjiang River (牛栏江), also known as Tanglang River (堂琅江) and Chehong River (车洪江), is a significant tributary of the upper Yangtze River (长江), specifically on the right bank of the Jinsha River (金沙江). It originates in Kunming (昆明), Yunnan Province, flowing a total length of 423 kilometers with a drop of 1660 meters, and has a drainage area of 13,320 square kilometers. The river generally flows from south to north, traversing the eastern part of Yunnan Province and Weining County (威宁县) in Guizhou, eventually merging with the Jinsha River in Zhaotong (昭通).
Overview
The river features several major tributaries, including Malong River (马龙河), Xize River (西泽河), Hala River (哈喇河), and Xiaochang River (硝厂河). Niulanjiang River has substantial hydropower resources, with a theoretical storage capacity of 1841.2 MW, of which 1669.9 MW (90.7% of the total) is found in the main stream. Key hydropower stations along the main river include Eluojiaoping (额罗家坪) and Hongshiyan (洪石岩). Notable inter-basin water diversion projects include the Niulanjiang-Dianchi Lake (滇池) water supply project.
General Information
- Chinese Name: 牛栏江
- Other Names: 牛洪江 (Niuhongjiang), 牛栏河 (Niulanhe)
- Ancient Name: 堂琅江 (Tanglangjiang)
- River System: Upper Yangtze River, right bank tributary of the Jinsha River
- Regions: Eastern Yunnan Province, Western Guizhou Province
- Source: Kunming City (昆明市), Yunnan Province
- Course Through: Kunming, Qujing, Zhaotong, Weining, Guizhou
- Mouth: Tianba Mahao Village (田坝麻耗村), Zhaoyang District (昭阳区), Zhaotong City
- Total Length: 461 kilometers
- Drainage Area: 13,320 km²
- Drop: 1660 m
Main Stream Overview
The main stream of Niulanjiang is 423 kilometers long, with a total drop of 1660 meters and a drainage area of 13,320 square kilometers. It flows generally from south to north through various counties and cities in Yunnan Province, including Songming County (嵩明县), Malong County (马龙县), Xundian County (寻甸县), Qilin District (麒麟区), Zhanyi County (沾益县), Xuanwei City (宣威市), Huize County (会泽县), Qiaojia County (巧家县), Ludian County (鲁甸县), and Zhaoyang District (昭阳区), finally emptying into the Jinsha River in Zhaotong City.
In Songming County, the upper reaches of the Niulanjiang were originally known as Chehong River, with two sources: Guoma River (果马河), which is the main source at an elevation of 2320 meters, and a secondary source from Xundian County’s Jinshuo Township (金所乡) that flows south into Songming County, joining with the Duolong River (对龙河) and becoming Niulanjiang.
The primary tributaries include:
- Guoma River (果马河)
- Pusha River (普沙河)
- Miliang River (弥良河)
- Duolong River (对龙河)
- Yanglin River (杨林河)
- Kuanglang River (匡郎河)
- Malong River (马龙河)
- Xize River (西泽河)
- Xiaochang River (硝厂河)
- Hala River (哈喇河) in Guizhou Province
- Yulong River (玉龙小河) in Guizhou Province
Detailed Course Characteristics
Niulanjiang flows northward from Songming County, crossing through Xundian County for approximately 70 kilometers before entering Huize County. In Huize County, the river spans 175 kilometers, with a drainage area of 708 square kilometers and an annual water yield of 3.1 billion cubic meters.
Within Ludian County, the river serves as a boundary between Ludian and Qiaojia counties, flowing through Jiangdi Township (江底乡), Huodehong Township (火德红乡), Longtoushan Town (龙头山镇), Lehong Township (乐红乡), and Suoshan Township (梭山乡) for a total length of 110.7 kilometers, with a drop of 579 meters and an average gradient of 8.7‰, providing a hydropower capacity of 1.2 million kW.
The river enters Zhaoyang District, stretching 2.77 kilometers before flowing into the Jinsha River at Mahao Village in Tianba Township.
Geographical Features
The Niulanjiang region is characterized by complex geological structures featuring a mix of north-south and northeast folds, with wide and narrow folds alternating. The area experiences seismic activity with a basic intensity of 7 degrees. The basin is part of the northeastern plateau of Yunnan, with significant topographical variations. The upper reaches of the river, spanning 155 kilometers, flow through Songming and Xundian, characterized by extensive flatlands.
In the middle section, from Deze to the mouth of Shaba River (沙坝河), which stretches 199 kilometers with a drop of 590 meters and an average slope of 3.0‰, the river passes through canyons with elevations approaching 3000 meters on both sides, creating a high mountain gorge landscape. The lower section, from the mouth of Shaba River to the mouth of Niulanjiang, measures about 69 kilometers with a drop of approximately 550 kilometers, also characterized by steep mountains and gorges.
Based on natural conditions, Niulanjiang can be divided into three sections: upstream, midstream, and downstream.
Upstream Section
From the Deze Bridge (德泽大桥) to the mouth of Shaba River, this section spans approximately 155 kilometers with mostly gentle slopes and wide basins. Major agricultural areas are found here, with significant irrigation systems. During dry seasons, the river has low flow, making it unsuitable for hydropower development.
Midstream Section
Extending from Deze Bridge to the mouth of Shaba River, this section is about 199 kilometers long with a drop of 590 meters and an average slope of 3‰. It is the primary area for hydropower development, with reservoir projects such as Huangli Reservoir (黄梨水库) and Xiangbilin Reservoir (象鼻岭水库) being feasible. Concentrated drops allow for efficient water diversion development.
Downstream Section
From the mouth of Shaba River to the mouth of Niulanjiang, this section measures around 69 kilometers with a drop of about 550 kilometers and an average slope of 8‰. The canyon is deeply cut, with high mountains and steep slopes, suitable for water diversion hydropower stations, though development conditions are slightly worse than the midstream section.
The upstream area has convenient transportation with highways, county roads, and railways. Midstream transportation conditions are average, while the downstream area is less accessible, with fewer and lower-grade roads.
Major Tributaries
Key tributaries include Guoma River, Pusha River, Miliang River, Duolong River, Yanglin River, Kuanglang River, Malong River, Xize River, Xiaochang River, as well as Hala River and Yulong River in Guizhou Province.
Malong River
Malong River is a tributary of the upper Niulanjiang, originating from the northern ridge of Walnut Mountain (核桃大山) in Yuewang Township (月望乡), Malong County (马龙县). It flows through various regions, including Songxipo Reservoir (松溪坡水库), Xihai Lake (西海子), and the town of Malong, eventually merging with Niulanjiang in Xundian County.
Yanglin River
Yanglin River, formerly known as Yulong River, is located in the southern part of Songming County. It originates from Laoyeshan Mountain (老爷山) in Guandu District (官渡区) and flows northward from Tian Sheng Bridge (天生桥) to Dahuikou, merging with Guoma River and entering Niulanjiang. This river stretches 19.4 kilometers with a drainage area of 95.3 square kilometers.
Miliang River
Located in central Songming County, Miliang River’s name means “a clearing between the valleys” in the Yi language. It flows north from Liangwang Mountain (梁王山) to Jiali (嘉丽泽), merging with Duolong River. The river is 26.5 kilometers long and characterized as a mountain stream with an unstable riverbed.
Duolong River
Formerly known as Yunlong River during the Qing Dynasty, it was renamed due to its flow through Duolong Village (对龙村) in the Republican period. The river has two sources, with the primary one originating from the Laoba Jiu Li Chao area, flowing through Guandu District before entering Songming County and merging with Miliang River.
Kuanglang River
Previously known as Kuanlang River, it was renamed after flowing through Kuanglang (匡郎) and into the main river. The river is rich in local fish and shrimp species.
Xiaochang River
A primary tributary originating from Huangdonghe Village (黄栋河村) and flowing into Xize River. Xiaochang River is renowned for its beautiful scenery and clear waters, featuring deep pools and rapid streams.
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