he Tomb and Ancestral Shrine of Lan Mao (兰茂墓及兰公祠) is located in Nanjie Village, Laocheng Village Committee, Yanglin Town, Songming County, Kunming, Yunnan Province. This historical site honors the famous Ming Dynasty phonologist and physician, Lan Mao (兰茂) (1397–1470). It stands as a significant cultural and historical landmark in the region.
Lan Mao was renowned during the Ming Dynasty for his advancements in phonology and medicine. His contributions to traditional Chinese medicine and linguistic studies have left a lasting legacy, making him a celebrated figure in Yunnan’s history.
The Ancestral Shrine of Lan Mao (兰公祠) is divided into three parts: the front courtyard, the shrine hall, and the rear courtyard. The shrine was originally built in 1470, shortly after Lan Mao’s death. Throughout the centuries, it has been restored and renovated several times. During the Republic of China period, it was reconstructed into a siheyuan (四合院) courtyard-style complex, comprising a main hall, east and west wing rooms, and a gate tower. In 1988, the provincial, municipal, and county governments invested 122,000 yuan to rebuild the shrine on its original site, maintaining its historical appearance.
The Tomb of Lan Mao (兰茂墓) is located in the rear courtyard of the ancestral shrine. It is a circular earthen mound with a curved stone structure. The tomb has a diameter of 4.7 meters and stands 2 meters high. The tombstone features an inscription authored by Yuan Jiagu (袁嘉谷), a prominent scholar.
In 1985, the Lan Mao Memorial Museum (兰茂纪念馆) was established within the ancestral shrine complex. The museum collects and organizes a wealth of academic materials related to Lan Mao’s life and work. It includes three exhibition rooms dedicated to his biography, offering visitors an in-depth look at his contributions to phonology and medicine.
In 1983, the site of Lan Mao’s tomb and ancestral shrine was officially listed as part of the second batch of provincial-level key cultural relics protection units in Yunnan Province. Later, in 1998, the shrine was designated by the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee and the provincial government as a provincial patriotism education demonstration base.
This site serves as an important educational and cultural location for those interested in the life and work of one of Yunnan’s most influential scholars of the Ming Dynasty.
Fulintang (福林堂), located at No. 31, Guanghua Street, Wuhua District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, is one of the oldest surviving pharmacies in Yunnan, originally established in 1857. Covering an area of about 210.4 square meters with a building area of approximately 464.3 square meters, Fulintang consists of a shop, staircase, and medical rooms. The pharmacy, shaped by its unique pharmaceutical craft, stands as a significant representation of traditional Chinese medicine culture in Yunnan.
In 1990, Fulintang’s old store on Guanghua Street was designated as a “Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit” by the People’s Government of Panlong District, Kunming City. In May 2003, the same store was declared as a fourth-batch city-level cultural relic protection unit by the People’s Government of Kunming City. On March 5, 2013, the State Council of the People’s Republic of China listed Fulintang as a national key cultural relic protection unit.
Fulintang is located at No. 31, Guanghua Street, Wuhua District, Kunming City (云南省昆明市五华区光华街31号). The site is approximately 28.5 kilometers from the Kunming Municipal Government, and it takes around 57 minutes to drive there.
Fulintang has undergone three major development stages:
During the late Qing Dynasty in 1857, Li Yuqing established Fulintang on Guanghua Street. By the time of the Republic of China, the pharmacy had expanded its scope, selling both medicinal herbs and prepared medicines, with famous doctors providing consultations on-site. The pharmacy gained a strong reputation for its quality herbs, comprehensive selection, and outstanding efficacy, becoming one of the most renowned traditional Chinese medicine shops in Kunming.
In 1999, Fulintang was approved as Yunnan’s first pharmaceutical chain pilot enterprise by the Yunnan Provincial Economic and Trade Commission. By 2007, the Fulintang chain had grown to over 150 stores, not only in Kunming but also expanding into other regions, including Guizhou and East China. Fulintang, a century-old Yunnan brand, successfully ventured beyond the red earth plateau.
In 2021, the cultural relics department of Wuhua District initiated a protection and restoration project for Fulintang.
Fulintang’s structure is composed of a shop at the street intersection, a staircase, and medical rooms. The shop is fan-shaped, built in accordance with the street layout. The staircase and medical rooms are connected to the east, forming a straight line in their plan. The shop features an eight-sided roof, typical of the three-story wooden structures in Kunming’s traditional corner buildings. The total area of the property is about 210.4 square meters, with a total construction area of approximately 464.3 square meters.
The attached buildings are connected to the east gable of the main building and include a three-story staircase and two-story medical rooms. The total construction area of these structures is about 250 square meters, all adopting a brick-wood structure with traditional Kunming architectural features.
The first floor houses the reception area and the pharmacy. The walls are decorated with advertisements that read: “Famous doctors write good prescriptions, famous stores dispense good medicine.” Photos of famous doctors and staff members are also displayed.
The second floor contains consultation rooms named after famous doctors such as Shizhen (时珍) and Simiao (思邈), where patients receive treatment. The walls feature the four traditional diagnostic methods of Chinese medicine: “Inspection (望), Smell (闻), Inquiry (问), and Palpation (切).” Nearby is the medicine dispensing hall for patients.
The third floor is used as a medicine warehouse, with restricted access to unauthorized personnel.
The shop, fan-shaped with an eight-sided wind-resistant roof, is a three-story wooden structure typical of brick-wood corner buildings. The roof is a single-eave green-tile top, with two intersecting ridges that meet at a right angle, forming a characteristic “umbrella” shape. The central support pillar, known as the “umbrella handle,” holds the main load-bearing beams. This innovative design maximizes interior space.
The staircase area connects to the medical rooms. The medical rooms consist of five bays with an overhanging second-floor gallery supported by carved columns. The buildings maintain the traditional green-tiled gable roofs and are characteristic of Kunming’s local architectural style.
The name “Fulintang” (福林堂) is inspired by the legend of Dong Feng (董奉), a famous doctor from the Three Kingdoms period who treated the poor without charging a fee. Instead, cured patients would plant apricot trees in his courtyard. Over time, his courtyard became a flourishing apricot forest, symbolizing the benevolence of medical practice. Li Yuqing named the pharmacy “Fulintang,” meaning “a blessed apricot forest,” to honor Dong Feng’s virtuous deeds.
Fulintang is renowned for its adherence to the traditional Chinese medicine processing techniques outlined in the pharmacy’s motto: “Prepare decoction pieces according to the law, and skillfully combine them into pills, powders, and plasters.” The pharmacy prioritizes quality, craftsmanship, and the efficacy of its medicines, and the experienced staff are knowledgeable in the four natures of medicine: cold, heat, warmth, and coolness, as well as the five flavors: pungent, sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. These skills, along with precise weighing methods, have made Fulintang a representative of Yunnan’s traditional Chinese medicine culture.
In 1990, Fulintang’s old store was designated as a cultural relic protection unit by the People’s Government of Panlong District. In May 2003, it was recognized as a fourth-batch city-level cultural relic protection unit. On March 5, 2013, the State Council of the People’s Republic of China listed Fulintang as a national key cultural relic protection unit.
In 1994, Fulintang was awarded the title of “China Time-honored Brand” by the Ministry of Domestic Trade.
When the Second Sino-Japanese War broke out between China and Japan in 1937, Peking University, Tsinghua University and Nankai University merged to form Changsha Temporary University in Changsha and later National Southwestern Associated University (Lianda) (traditional Chinese: 國立西南聯合大學; simplified Chinese: 国立西南联合大学; pinyin: Guólì Xīnán Liánhé Dàxué) in Kunming and Mengzi, in Southwest China’s Yunnan Province. After the war, the universities moved back and resumed their operation. What was left behind in Kunming became the National Kunming Normal University which later emerged as the Yunnan Normal University.
By summer 1937, the Imperial Japanese Army had bombed Nankai University to the ground in Tianjin and occupied areas including the campuses of two of the country’s leading universities in Beijing: Peking University and Tsinghua University. These three universities, which were some of the country’s most prestigious, modern institutions of higher learning and research, with the agreement of those who led the institutions — men of high standing who had been educated abroad — retreated to Changsha, the capital city of Hunan province (about 900 miles away from Beijing) to unite. By the middle of December 1937, many students had to leave to fight the Japanese when the city of Nanjing fell to enemy forces.
As the Japanese forces were gaining more territory, they bombed Changsha in February 1938. The 800 staff faculty and students who were left had to flee and made the 1,000 mile journey to Kunming, capital of Yunnan province in China’s remote and mountainous southwest. It was here that the National Southwest Associated University (commonly known as ‘Lianda’) was formed. In these extraordinary wartime circumstances for eight years, staff, professors and students had to survive and operate in makeshift quarters that were subjected to sporadic bombing campaigns by the Imperial Japanese forces. There were dire shortages of food, equipment, books, clothing and other essential needs, but they managed to conduct the running of a modern university. Over those years of war (1937-1945), Lianda became famous nationwide for having and producing many of China’s most prominent scientists and intellectuals, including the Nobel Prize laureates Yang Chen-Ning and Tsung-Dao Lee.
When the war ended with victory over the Japanese, the Lianda community, which had entered the war fiercely loyal to the government of Chiang Kai-shek, emerged in 1946 as a bastion of criticism of China’s ruling Kuomintang party. Within three years, the majority of the Lianda community had returned to their north China campuses in Beijing and Tianjin.
The Technology Geology Museum in Kunming University of Science (昆明理工大学矿物数字博物馆) is one of the most comprehensive museums in China, housing an extensive collection of global rock, mineral specimens, and paleontological fossils. With an exhibition area of about 700 square meters, the museum features 110 display cabinets in its rock and mineral hall and paleontology hall, showcasing rare fossils, precious rocks, minerals, and geological specimens with a unique Yunnan characteristic. Each year, the museum not only welcomes domestic and international scholars but also serves as an important base for student quality education and science popularization, regularly hosting visits from primary and secondary school students from Kunming and other regions. It also provides support for scientific research.
The museum’s rock and mineral collection boasts over 10,000 precious specimens from more than 50 countries and regions, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Norway, Russia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Australia, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Japan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. These exhibits showcase the chemical composition of the Earth’s crust. Among the treasures are over 1,200 varieties of minerals, some of which were acquired from the United States during the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China period. These minerals and paleontological fossils form one of the most complete collections in China, making them highly valuable from scientific, educational, and historical perspectives.
Some particularly rare specimens include:
The paleontology section houses a wealth of fossil specimens that date back millions of years, including fossils that provide insight into the ancient life forms that once roamed the Earth. These fossils offer an unparalleled glimpse into the past and are key resources for scientific studies on evolution and geology.
Supported by the Ministry of Education’s Science and Technology Department, the museum has embarked on the construction of a digital platform—the Kunming University of Science and Technology Mineral Digital Museum. This initiative leverages modern network technologies to present rare mineral specimens in a vivid and accessible manner to the public. The first phase of the project, which involves the digitalization of 1,000 “world rock and mineral specimens,” has been successfully completed.
In the future, the Technology Geology Museum aims to become a comprehensive mineral website, featuring over 4,000 discovered minerals. This platform will reflect the advanced level of mineralogical research in China and showcase both domestic and international treasures to the world. The project aims to create a vibrant and visually stunning online exhibit, contributing to the development of the geological sciences and providing an exciting “landscape” for the field.
The museum will continue to serve as a scientific and educational hub, promoting a deeper understanding of Earth’s geological history and resources.
The Wu Mayao Museum of Anthropology (云南大学伍马瑶人类学博物馆) is located at No. 2, Cuihu North Road, Kunming City (昆明市翠湖北路2号), beside the east gate of Yunnan University (云南大学). It officially opened on April 10, 2006, as part of a sub-project for the construction of the ethnology discipline at Yunnan University. The museum was generously funded with a donation of $700,000 from the renowned Hong Kong entrepreneur Mr. Wu Daguan (伍达观) and his wife, Ms. Wu Mayao (伍马瑶).
The museum serves multiple purposes: it acts as a support unit for the teaching and research of ethnology and anthropology at Yunnan University, serves as a base for quality education, and functions as a window for external publicity and display. It plays an active role in promoting the academic traditions of Yunnan University, enriching campus cultural life, conducting relevant research and teaching, and disseminating knowledge of the humanities to society.
The Wu Mayao Museum of Anthropology has developed significantly, currently housing nearly 3,000 artifacts and welcoming approximately 3,000 visitors annually. The museum features four permanent exhibitions:
The museum also encompasses an audiovisual anthropology laboratory, one of the earliest established in domestic universities for teaching and research in this field. It has created the first anthropological audiovisual archive in domestic higher education institutions, providing on-demand content that includes classic international documentaries, early ethnographic films from China, series featuring ethnic folk artists, and interviews with anthropologists, totaling nearly 1,000 audiovisual pieces.
The Wu Mayao Museum of Anthropology hosts dozens of academic lectures annually. The audiovisual laboratory regularly organizes audiovisual anthropology salons. It has published a catalog of its collections, featuring photographs of selected artifacts with Chinese and English descriptions. Looking ahead, the museum aims to leverage the Ethnology and Sociology Institute to prepare for new exhibitions, striving to become an important institution in Yunnan that promotes interaction, communication, and integration among ethnic groups, while reinforcing the consciousness of the Chinese national community.
Bajiang River (巴江), also known as Banqiao River (板桥河), is a first-level tributary of the Nanpan River (南盘江) on the left bank of the Pearl River (珠江) system.
The river originates from the Shanshen Temple Peak (山神庙峰) in Shilin County (石林县), flowing from north to south through the county seat of Shilin and merging into the Nanpan River at Lufeng Village (禄丰村) in Yiliang County (宜良县). The total length of Bajiang River within Shilin County is 57 kilometers, with a drainage area of 810 square kilometers.
Bajiang River serves as a multifunctional waterway, providing irrigation, flood control, power generation, and urban ecological environment regulation for Shilin County. Along the banks, four townships and two towns host a population of approximately 120,000.
Bajiang River is revered as the mother river of the people of Shilin, nurturing countless generations with its vast and generous waters. However, rapid economic and social development has led to significant environmental challenges:
In June 2003, the county committee and government decided to invest 212 million yuan in four phases to initiate the largest environmental remediation and protection project in Shilin’s history. The goals are to:
By the end of 2004, the first two phases of the project, which included 2,200 meters of river length and 115,300 square meters of green space, had been completed with a total investment exceeding 68 million yuan. Construction of a sewage treatment plant is set to begin.
In the early morning and evening, the 3,300-meter-long Bajiang linear park exudes tranquility and beauty, featuring:
The scenery resembles an unembellished ink wash landscape painting, attracting an increasing number of domestic and international tourists.
Bajiang River is not only a vital water source but also a tourist link, enriching the cultural and recreational landscape of Shilin County:
After the comprehensive management of Bajiang, Shilin County has introduced a new highlight for tourism and leisure: the Bajiang River Linear Park. The town of Shilin has transformed, allowing the river to flow through the city, creating a harmonious environment where the river and urban life intertwine.
In the early morning and evening, the serene riverbanks are adorned with scenes of fishing, net casting, swimming, and laundry, resembling an exquisite ink wash painting. Visitors can stroll along winding paths by the river, enjoying lush green lawns, clear waters, blooming flowers, shady trees, and refreshing breezes, allowing for relaxation and a reconnection with nature.
The rejuvenated banks of Bajiang have become a popular choice for residents to relax and take walks after meals. As evening falls, the sounds of frogs fill the air, and crowds are often seen enjoying the gentle, colorful lights along the river. The improved water quality and ecological environment have led to an increase in fish and shrimp, with the sight of fish leaping from the shimmering waters adding to the enjoyment. The successful designation of Shilin as a national-level garden city is closely tied to these positive developments.
Plan your Kunming Ethnic Villages Tour to Kunming? Visit Hemo Village in Shilin County, Kunming which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages in Kunming. Explore the local folk ethnic culture including History, Food and Dining, Clothing, Customs and Traditions, Architecture, Festivals, Crafts, Religion, Language of local ethnic people in Hemo Village in Shilin County, Kunming.
Chinese Name: 石林县石林街道林口铺村委会和摩村
English Name: Hemo Village in Shilin County, Kunming
Location:
Moon Lake (月湖) is situated at an elevation of 1,906 meters, spanning 1,500 meters in width and averaging a depth of 18 meters, making it the largest lake within the “Lunan Stone Forest” (路南石林) plateau fault lake area.
The lake has a crescent shape, with a wide surface that is not very deep, which allows it to be abundant in fish. Anglers can expect a fruitful catch when fishing at Moon Lake. The rocky shores are home to various marine fossils, including corals, snails, and clams.
To the south of Moon Lake lies limestone cliffs, where newly exposed rocky spires and peaks create a breathtaking spectacle. The northern shore features lush green lawns, while the eastern shore is characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and the picturesque scenery of Yi villages (彝村). Small mountains surrounding the lake are adorned with green pines and cypress trees, with reeds flourishing along the banks.
Moon Lake maintains a serene demeanor year-round, never becoming too wild in summer nor too sparse in winter. It nourishes the surrounding green mountains and farmland with its waters, fostering the rich and diverse ethnic culture of the Yi people (彝族). The people here have endless stories to tell, songs to sing, and strength to share.
Where can one find spring in the midst of winter? At Moon Lake, where the bright and lively spirit of spring prevails.
Moon Lake is located within the Stone Forest scenic area and is named for its crescent shape, being the largest lake in the Stone Forest area. The lake comprises various smaller bodies of water that connect, allowing fish to traverse between them. The area features remarkable karst landforms, with jagged rocks surrounding the lake.
Estimated Time to Visit: 1-3 hours
Transportation: Take a direct tourist bus to the Stone Forest scenic area from the Eastern Kunming Bus Station to reach the lake.
Admission Fee: Free (included in the admission ticket to the Stone Forest scenic area).
Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00 (January 1 – December 31, Monday to Sunday)
Location: Yuehu Village, Shilin Town, Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Yunnan Province (云南省石林彝族自治县石林镇月湖村).
Chinese Name: 石林冰雪海洋世界
English Name: Stone Forest Ice and Sea World in Shilin County, Kunming
Stone Forest Ice and Sea World (石林冰雪海洋世界) is a high-standard marine park that combines interaction, marine science education, and entertainment. Located adjacent to the core area of the Stone Forest Scenic Area (石林风景区), the park spans an area of 300 acres and includes attractions such as an indoor ski resort, a snow park, an ocean world, a royal circus, five supporting projects, and a family-friendly hotel.
Shilin Ice and Snow Ocean World is located on Shilin Avenue and comprises a polar area, an ocean aquarium, and a dolphinarium. You can see all kinds of marine animals at Shilin Ice and Snow Ocean World. There are also exciting performances such as mermaid and dolphin shows. This is a great place to visit with children. See polar animals in the polar area: penguins, beluga whales, sea lions, seals, and more!
Yunnan’s ice and snow ocean is a good place for everyone to go. There are Mermaid performances in the ocean hall, deep-sea fish and corals in the submarine tunnel. Two lovely sea lions and two beautiful dolphins perform in the dolphin house. The Polar Pavilion has lovely penguins and Arctic wolves. It’s a good place to bring children. There’s a gourmet square where juice is squeezed, and there’s delicious ice cream with eggs.
It’s fun to accompany the children. They live in the Damei Parent-Child Hotel in the ice and snow ocean world. Next door is the gate of the scenic spot. It’s convenient to have a ticket for two days. Shell hall and ocean hall are very beautiful. They are more interesting than Haichao Hall in Kunming. They introduce a lot of ocean knowledge. Dolphins, sea lions, beluga whales, robots, mermaids, the Royal Circus is very good and worth seeing. The best place to play is the world of ice and snow. It’s not easy for children in the south to play skiing. When they see snow, they are overjoyed and deserve to take their children for a visit. By the way, it’s a good way to play in the Stone Forest Scenic Area. It’s on the same line.
In December 2022, Stone Forest Ice and Sea World was proposed to be recognized as a National 3A Tourist Attraction.
The park is situated close to the core area of the Stone Forest Scenic Area (石林风景区), covering a total investment exceeding 1 billion yuan. It was selected as a top travel project in 2016, part of Yunnan Province’s “Four Hundred” project and is a key project in the province, themed around ice, snow, and the ocean.
The park features various attractions, including:
A large, high-standard marine world has settled in Shilin, filling the gap of having no ocean-themed park in Yunnan.
Diving + Mermaids + Swimming with Thousands of Fish =?
Hainan Sanya?
NO!
Ocean World (海洋世界)
Experience the ancient ocean, tropical currents, deep-sea legends, coral kingdoms, dreamlike jellyfish, and underwater tunnels.
Focusing on the display of marine life and marine animal performances, the marine aquarium combines interaction, marine science education, and entertainment, establishing a high-standard facility.
Polar World (极地世界)
Polar wolves + Arctic foxes + Beluga whales + Penguins = The North and South Poles?
NO!
Simulating the polar world allows you to experience the animal life from the Arctic and Antarctic without fear of the cold.
The “leopard-spotted” Mr. Seal
…
And the spectacular beluga performance
Belugas are renowned for their melodious songs that can be heard miles away, earning them the title “canaries of the ocean.”
Dolphin Pavilion (海豚馆)
Dolphins performing hula hoops + sea lions dancing = Guangzhou Chimelong?
NO!
For the first time, a family of dolphins appears on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, having traveled all the way from the Pacific Ocean. Six dolphins will present an extraordinary show. Additionally, friendly neighbors, the sea lions and seals, will surely create delightful interactions. Come see for yourself!
Royal Circus in the Ice and Sea (冰雪海洋皇家大马戏)
Flying acrobats + exquisite dance + superb acrobatics = Spring Festival Gala?
NO!
We cannot filter out the chaotic street impressions, nor can we shield ourselves from mediocre programs and advertisements. Take your children to Stone Forest Ice and Sea World to witness a meticulously crafted super circus!
The Deyang Circus has focused on the circus industry for nearly a century, performing in over 30 countries abroad and putting on 30,000 performances internationally, with a total of 150,000 shows in China, attracting over 200 million viewers and collaborating with more than 5,000 foreign performers. Such a circus is truly worth seeing!
Their performances will redefine your perception of traditional circuses. Circus is not just a simple mix of acrobatics and animals! Real, top-notch circus is a fusion of film, stage, lighting, set design, and extraordinary skills.
Home + Family Love + Warmth + Comfort = ?
???
Nowhere to be found?
NO!
Stone Forest Beautiful Family Hotel (石林大美亲子酒店)
The Stone Forest Beautiful Family Hotel is the first family-themed leisure hotel in Yunnan Province. It allows families to enjoy warm and joyful moments outside their homes. The hotel incorporates family-friendly elements into its design and construction, featuring a western-style cartoon castle as its main structure, backed by the Ice and Sea World, with picturesque green fields and mountains as the view. The decor inside the rooms immerses guests in a beautiful ocean world.
The hotel offers luxurious suites, deluxe double rooms, garden family rooms, garden twin rooms, garden king rooms, standard rooms, and deluxe standard rooms, catering to the diverse needs of visitors.
Warm, joyful, playful, and comfortable.
Skiing + Snowball Fights + Snowy Scenery = Northeast China?
NO!
In the southern regions where snow rarely falls, experiencing spectacular snowy landscapes is a challenge, let alone skiing. But don’t worry! Ice and Sea World offers the only indoor ski resort and dreamlike snow park in Southwest China.
The indoor skiing activities, indoor ice skating, snow interaction entertainment, artistic ice and snow sculptures, snow park sightseeing, mysterious polar adventures, snow light shows, and snow float parades are all available.
Even if it doesn’t snow, we can still enjoy a joyful “winter” in Yunnan.
Chinese Name: 宜良县耿家营彝族苗族乡
English Name: Gengjiaying Yi and Miao Ethnic Town of Yiliang County in Kunming
Puduhe River Nature Reserve (普渡河自然保护区) is located in Luquan County (禄劝县), covering an area of 11 hectares. Established in 1984, the reserve aims to protect the rare and endangered ancient plant Cycas panzhihuaensis (攀枝花苏铁).
Cycas (苏铁) is an ancient group of plants and one of the most primitive groups among seed plants. There is only one family with 110 species globally, primarily distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. In China, there is one genus with ten species. Puduhe Provincial Nature Reserve is one of the narrow and concentrated distribution areas of Cycas panzhihuaensis, which possesses significant scientific research and conservation value.
Kunming (昆明) is suitable for tourism year-round, with the best visiting period from March to October, as it showcases beautiful scenery and numerous festivals of ethnic minorities. It is also the season for abundant fruits and flowers. In early spring (March), one can still see the snow-capped mountains.
Kunming, known as the “Spring City,” has a temperate plateau humid monsoon climate, characterized by long sunshine hours and a mild climate throughout the year. Summers are not extremely hot, and winters are not harsh. This makes Kunming a favorable destination for tourism across all seasons. The annual average temperature in the urban area of Kunming is around 15°C, with the hottest months averaging between 19°C and 22°C, while the coldest months range from 6°C to 8°C.
The Puduhe Scenic Area (普渡河风景区) is located within Luquan County, covering an area of 11 hectares. The reserve aims to protect the rare and endangered ancient plant Cycas panzhihuaensis (攀枝花苏铁) and was established as a provincial nature reserve in 1984.
Puduhe River (普渡河) is a major tributary on the right bank of the Jinsha River (金沙江) located in central Yunnan Province. The river originates from Liangwang Mountain (梁王山) in Songming County (嵩明县) at an elevation of 2,600 meters. It flows through various districts and counties, including Guandu District (官渡区), Panlong District (盘龙区), Wuhua District (五华区), Xishan District (西山区), Chenggong District (呈贡县), Jinning County (晋宁县), Anning City (安宁市), Fumin County (富民县), and Luquan County, before merging with the Jinsha River one kilometer northeast of Heihe Xiaopengzi (黑区小河坪子). The total length of Puduhe River is about 380 kilometers, with a drop of approximately 1,850 meters and an average slope of about 4.9‰. The watershed area is approximately 11,090 square kilometers, with over 9,400 square kilometers within Kunming, accounting for about 85% of the Puduhe River watershed. Conventionally, Puduhe River is divided into four sections from upstream to downstream: Panlong River (盘龙江), Dianchi Lake (滇池), Tengchong River (螳螂川), and the lower section of Puduhe River.
The Puduhe Grand Canyon (普渡河大峡谷) is situated within Luquan County. However, the truly magnificent section is from Sanjingkou (三江口) to where it converges with the Jinsha River. The following description pertains to the large canyon area near Kazu Village (卡租村) in the Zehai Township (则黑乡). Opposite Kazu Village lies the renowned Jiaozi Snow Mountain (轿子雪山). Here, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the vast and deep Puduhe Grand Canyon, as well as the towering and majestic Jiaozi Snow Mountain, the undulating Mazong Ridge (马鬃岭), and the cliff-hanging road from Wumeng Township (乌蒙乡) to Xueshan Township (雪山乡). Kazu Village is approximately 140 kilometers from Luquan County and 13 kilometers from Zehai Township. The entire route is paved with asphalt and cement, taking about three and a half hours one way. The road from Zehai to Kazu Village passes through a vast forest area, providing a perfect spot for a short break.
After leaving the second-class road Ludao Highway (禄大公路) from Luquan to Sayinpan Town (撒营盘镇), travelers enter the narrow Sazhe Section (撒则段) road. The famous Banbi Rock (板壁岩) along this section is situated on steep slopes or cliffs, requiring cautious driving.
A distant view from the Dega Village Committee (德嘎村委会) overlooks the ridge leading from Malutang Township (马鹿塘乡) to Pufu Village Committee (普福村委会).
The small town of Zehai under blue skies and white clouds offers picturesque views, as does the distant Zehai Reservoir (则黑水库).
The cement road leading from the east side of Zehai Township to Kazu Village is very narrow. Especially when leaving the town, there might be traffic congestion in the village area. Travelers will also pass through the renowned ten-thousand-acre forest. Following the winding mountain road, visitors arrive at Fameke Village (法木克村) by the banks of the Puduhe River. Across from Fameke Village is the famous cliff-hanging road in Xueshan Township, where the grand Puduhe Grand Canyon appears even more spectacular, leading up to the renowned Jiaozi Snow Mountain.
Kazu Village (卡租村).
Jiayan Hydropower Station (甲岩水电站) dam.
Some villagers from Kazu Village occasionally like to come here to gaze across the grand canyon at the snow mountain town and Jiaozi Snow Mountain or simply to daydream.
A flock of sheep returns home led by a shepherd.
The road from Kazu Village ends here.
The sunset casts its glow on Shugu (书姑) and the majestic Mazong Ridge (马鬃岭).
In the evening light, the imposing Mazong Ridge appears even more magnificent.
The longer the road traveled, the less ostentatious one becomes. The longer the journey, the more experiences one accumulates, which allows one to feel their own insignificance. What is called maturity is a process of self-restraint. When you restrain your brilliance and hide your exuberance, you drift further away from extravagance and arrogance.
From the Jiaozi Snow Mountain direct line to the snow mountain township road section, this is the famous cliff-hanging road in Luquan Snow Mountain Township (禄劝雪山乡). On the left, the snow-capped mountains rise steeply, while on the right lies the Puduhe River valley. The road is situated 1,820 meters above the valley. From a distance, the road looks like a fine line wrapped around the cliff, precariously hanging on the sheer wall, threatening to fall at any moment, with a sheer cliff beside it. Here, photography isn’t just about taking pictures; it feels like aerial photography. If a car were to fall off the road, it would be like an air disaster. Driving through here feels like riding on clouds, leaving a lasting impression, almost like dancing on the edge of a cliff.
The road winds and spirals, flanked by steep cliffs and loose stones. A slight deviation towards the edge brings a feeling of floating in the clouds. A glance down can leave one dizzy and terrified if they have a fear of heights; this is truly a road for the brave.
After about three and a half hours of driving, we arrive at the junction of the Wumeng Township (乌蒙乡) and Xueshan Township (雪山乡) road. Here is a viewpoint that offers the best views of the grand canyon. The most dangerous places often reveal the most beautiful views, as the infinite scenery unfolds at perilous peaks. Layers of rocky strata and a steep cliff showcase the wonders of nature. Above are the towering cliffs known as Wangtiang Cliff (望天崖), and below lies the magnificent Lao Gu Rock (老姑岩).
Descending the steps to the viewpoint, one can see steep cliffs lining both sides of the canyon, with snow-capped mountains stretching endlessly. Despite the challenging mountain canyon terrain, several villages are scattered throughout this remote area. The turquoise waters at the canyon’s bottom reflect the beauty of Puduhe River, which flows into the Jinsha River, eventually heading toward the distant Pacific Ocean.
Half an hour later, we turn onto Shugu Village’s (书姑村) Caozi Road (草子路) towards the Jiayan Hydropower Station (甲岩水电站). It is only ten minutes away. The dam here is built with towering concrete, appearing solid and robust. On the banks of the river, we can see the dam constructed at the head of the Puduhe River.
After strolling along the river for about an hour, we can start preparing for dinner and camping. Camping under the stars, with the gentle sound of flowing water accompanying us, we can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of nature.
In the evening, we can gather wood to start a fire. The flickering flames dance and reflect off the river, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
In addition to the nature reserve, nearby attractions include:
The Taiwan Peasant Innovation Park (云南石林台湾农民创业园) was established on December 17, 2008, with the approval of the Ministry of Agriculture (农业部) and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council (国台办). It is the only Taiwan Farmer Innovation Park in Yunnan Province (云南省) and the fourth national-level park established in Kunming (昆明) following the High-tech Zone (高新区), Economic Development Zone (经开区), and Dianchi Tourism Resort Area (滇池旅游度假区). The park has been awarded honors such as “National Agricultural Industrialization Demonstration Base” (国家农业产业化示范基地), “National Agricultural Science and Technology Park” (国家农业科技园区), and “National Rural Science Popularization Demonstration Base” (全国农村科普示范基地). It has become one of the 11 Taiwan Innovation Parks approved by the state.
The core area of the innovation park is situated at the junction of the South Kun Railway (南昆铁路), National Highway 324 (324国道), and the Jiushi’aa Tourist Line (九石阿旅游专线), just 5 kilometers from the Shilin Scenic Area (石林风景区) and 78 kilometers from Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. The region is well-connected with railways and a convenient road traffic network.
Construction officially began on June 16, 2009, with an investment of 568 million RMB completed for the park’s infrastructure. This includes the expansion of the Tuanjie Reservoir (团结水库), 57.94 kilometers of park roads, 15.8 kilometers of power lines, five water supply pump stations, 27 water tanks, 143 kilometers of pipelines, and 3,906 acres of green space. Facilities such as the Investment Service Center (园区投资服务中心) and the park square (园区广场) have also been established.
Currently, there are 43 enterprises settled in the park (including 8 Taiwanese-funded enterprises), with 9 enterprises having investments over 100 million RMB, 9 projects in production, and a total agreed investment of 6 billion RMB. The park has begun to form modern urban farms led by enterprises like Wanjiahua (万家欢) and Yunyan Impression Technology Park (云烟印象科技园), a biotechnology park represented by Aishengxing Biotechnology (爱生行生物科技), a flower industry park led by Jinyuan Flowers (锦苑花卉), a specialty ecological breeding center represented by Longhui (龙晖), and health resort centers represented by Xinglin International Health Resort (杏林国际养生度假村), Shadoburg Auto Hotel (莎多堡汽车酒店), and Wangfu Hotel (王府酒店).
Leveraging the three advantages of Shilin’s tourism resources, culture, and location, the park aims to promote the organic integration of modern agriculture and tourism. The goal is to establish the Taiwan Peasant Innovation Park as a technology-leading agricultural technology cooperation experimental zone across the Taiwan Strait, a demonstration area for leisure and sightseeing agriculture, and a leading modern facility agricultural production experimental base in the western region with a distinct and fashionable leisure agriculture base radiating across the country.
Leaders at the central, provincial, municipal, and county levels highly value the park’s construction. A series of supportive policies and guarantees have been introduced, including the “Opinions on Promoting Agricultural Industrialization Development and Supporting Agricultural Leading Enterprises” by the Yunnan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (中共云南省委、云南省人民政府关于推进农业产业化发展扶持农业龙头企业的意见), “Opinions on Supporting Agricultural Leading Enterprises Development to Build Headquarters Economy” by the Kunming Municipal People’s Government (昆明市人民政府关于扶持农业龙头企业发展打造总部经济的意见), “Several Opinions on Promoting Taiwan Business Investment and Supporting Taiwanese Enterprises Development” by the Yunnan Provincial People’s Government (云南省人民政府关于促进台商投资扶持台资企业发展的若干意见), and “Preferential Policies for Kunming Shilin Taiwan Peasant Innovation Park” (昆明石林台湾农民创业园优惠政策).
All enterprises entering the park will receive “one-stop” approval services from the management committee from signing investment agreements to factory construction and production, ensuring investor safety.
The total area of the innovation park is 200,000 acres, with a planned area of 54,000 acres, including a core area of 12,000 acres. The overall planning area is designed in a conch structure, divided into “Three Hearts,” “Three Belts,” and “Seven Zones.”
The main focus is on agriculture, including off-season pollution-free vegetable bases, facility vegetable bases, organic vegetable planting demonstration bases, rare edible mushroom production bases, garden flower planting bases, quality fruit planting demonstration bases, agricultural production and research bases, and quality seedling breeding bases. The modern agricultural sightseeing tourism demonstration area employs a natural dispersed patch mixed design for ecological landscape forests, creating an artistic garden with high ornamental value.
The planned area of 42,000 acres will develop the following zones:
These zones will form a modern international agricultural industrialization system.
The following is a list of 31 key recommended projects in the Taiwan Peasant Innovation Park in Kunming:
he Tomb and Ancestral Shrine of Lan Mao (兰茂墓及兰公祠) is located in Nanjie Village, Laocheng Village Committee, Yanglin Town, Songming County, Kunming, Yunnan Province. This historical site honors the...
Introduction Fulintang (福林堂), located at No. 31, Guanghua Street, Wuhua District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, is one of the oldest surviving pharmacies in Yunnan, originally established in 1857. Covering...
When the Second Sino-Japanese War broke out between China and Japan in 1937, Peking University, Tsinghua University and Nankai University merged to form Changsha Temporary University in Changsha and later National Southwestern Associated Un ...
The Technology Geology Museum in Kunming University of Science (昆明理工大学矿物数字博物馆) is one of the most comprehensive museums in China, housing an extensive collection of global rock, mineral specimens, and...
The Wu Mayao Museum of Anthropology (云南大学伍马瑶人类学博物馆) is located at No. 2, Cuihu North Road, Kunming City (昆明市翠湖北路2号), beside the east gate of Yunnan University (云南大学). It officially opened...
Bajiang River (巴江), also known as Banqiao River (板桥河), is a first-level tributary of the Nanpan River (南盘江) on the left bank of the Pearl River (珠江) system. Origin...
Plan your Kunming Ethnic Villages Tour to Kunming? Visit Hemo Village in Shilin County, Kunming which is one of the most fascinating ethnic villages in Kunming. Explore the local...
Moon Lake (月湖) is situated at an elevation of 1,906 meters, spanning 1,500 meters in width and averaging a depth of 18 meters, making it the largest lake within...
Chinese Name: 石林冰雪海洋世界 English Name: Stone Forest Ice and Sea World in Shilin County, Kunming Stone Forest Ice and Sea World (石林冰雪海洋世界) is a high-standard marine park that combines...
Chinese Name: 宜良县耿家营彝族苗族乡 English Name: Gengjiaying Yi and Miao Ethnic Town of Yiliang County in Kunming...
Overview Puduhe River Nature Reserve (普渡河自然保护区) is located in Luquan County (禄劝县), covering an area of 11 hectares. Established in 1984, the reserve aims to protect the rare and...
Overview The Taiwan Peasant Innovation Park (云南石林台湾农民创业园) was established on December 17, 2008, with the approval of the Ministry of Agriculture (农业部) and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the...
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