Chinese Name: 昆明市西山龙门索道
English Name: Dragon Gate Cableway of Western Hills in Kunming

The Dianchi West Mountain Cableway uses advanced cable car equipment produced in France and Italy, with half of its length spanning across the surface of Dianchi Lake. It is a rare cableway that crosses both water and mountains. Riding the cableway is one of the popular activities for most tourists in Kunming.

You can take the cableway at No. 16 Hubin Road (near Longwang Temple). The ride feels like stepping into a marvelous viewing corridor, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Dianchi Lake. Along the way, you can capture expansive views of the lake. Beneath your feet is Dianchi Lake, while above you are the majestic Western Mountains, making the cableway a convenient way for tourists to explore the scenic areas of Dianchi Lake and the Western Mountains.

Hilights

Scenic Views

• The cableway provides breathtaking panoramic views of Dianchi Lake, Kunming city, and the surrounding landscapes. The lush greenery of the Western Hills and the expansive lake create a picturesque backdrop.

Historic and Cultural Significance

• The Western Hills are home to several historic and cultural sites, including ancient temples and the famous Dragon Gate (Longmen), which is carved into the cliffs. The cableway offers a convenient way to access these significant landmarks.

Elevated Experience

• The cableway ascends the Western Hills, offering a unique aerial perspective of the terrain. As you rise above the landscape, you’ll enjoy views of the rugged hills, dense forests, and charming old temples.

Convenience

• The Dragon Gate Cableway is a comfortable and efficient way to reach the top of the Western Hills, avoiding the strenuous climb and allowing visitors to enjoy the journey as part of the experience.

Natural Beauty

• The route passes through lush forests and over scenic valleys, providing an immersive experience in nature. The changing views as you ascend add to the overall enjoyment.

Photography Opportunities

• The cableway offers numerous opportunities for capturing stunning photographs of the landscape, the lake, and the architectural features of the Dragon Gate.

Related Attractions

• Dianchi Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan Province and is known as the “Pearl of the Plateau.” In the past, the areas surrounding the lake often experienced flooding. As early as 1262, the Songhua Dam was built on the Panlong River, and in 1268, the Haikou River was excavated to increase the outflow of Dianchi Lake, alleviating flooding in the surrounding areas. After 1955, a total of over ten medium and large-sized reservoirs were built on the upstream rivers of the lake, and dozens of power drainage stations were constructed along the lake, helping to alleviate flood disasters and ensuring irrigation for farmland as well as water for urban industrial and residential use. The lake is home to various fish species, including carp, crucian carp, and money fish.
• Longwang Temple (Temple of Dragon King), located in the western part of Haigeng Park in the Dianchi Lake tourist resort area in Kunming, facing the famous Xishan Longmen across the lake. The Longwang Temple was once an important site for fishermen and indigenous residents around Dianchi Lake to pray for wind and rain, wishing for plentiful harvests and national peace. Inside the temple, deities such as the Central Lord Huanglong Wang, Liuwang (the son-in-law of the Dragon King), Dragon Princess, Wanjian God, Maritime General, and both Civil and Military Wealth Gods, along with Shrimp Soldiers and Crab Generals, were once worshipped.
• Xishan (Western Mountains) is located 15 kilometers west of Kunming City in Yunnan Province. It consists of Huating Mountain, Taihua Mountain, Luohan Mountain, and others. The mountain range stretches over 40 kilometers, with elevations ranging from 1,900 meters to 2,350 meters. According to legend, a phoenix once rested here, and those who saw it did not recognize it, calling it Biji (literally “Green Chicken”), which is why it is also known as Biji Mountain. Additionally, because its shape resembles that of a reclining Buddha, it is referred to as卧佛山 (Wofoshan or Reclining Buddha Mountain).Xishan features dense forests and flourishing flowers and grass, offering a tranquil and beautiful environment with excellent scenery. In ancient times, it was praised as “the finest scenic spot in central Yunnan.”

How to Arrive There

By Bus & Subway

Option 1 (Recommendation)

Total duration: 1 hour 14 minutes, 15.29 kilometers
Bus No. 73, 17 stops, Walk 2.32 kilometers, Board at Jinmafang

Option 2

Total duration: 55 minutes,14.43 kilometers
Metro Line 5 Route transfer to 94 East Line or Route 94
20 stops, Walk 1.25 kilometers, Board at Wuyi Road

By Driving

Option 1 (Recommended)

Total duration: 33 minutes, approximately 13.6 kilometers

Option 2

Total duration: 36 minutes, approximately 16.7 kilometers

Option 3

Total duration: 36 minutes, Approximately 21.2 kilometers

Chinese Name: 海晏村

English Name: Haiyan Ancient Village

Location: the west side of Dayu Street in Kunming

Overview

Haiyan Village is located on the eastern shore of Dianchi Lake. It is the only traditional village that is adjacent to Dianchi Lake and has retained the architectural style of Old Kunming from the Qing Dynasty, along with the cultural characteristics of fisheries in the area, preserving the last memories of the old Kunming people who relied on the lake for their livelihood. I have visited this place three times, and it is currently undergoing development led by the government.

As you enter the village and step onto the smooth, polished stone path shaped by time, you can touch the weathered earth walls, admire the uniquely carved door frames, and see the horse tie post embedded in the earthen walls. These elements all evoke a sense of the once-thriving fishing village’s past prosperity.

Haiyan Village can be considered the most beautiful place to watch the sunset in Kunming. By passing through the village and arriving at the old wharf of Haiyan Village, which faces Dianchi Lake and overlooks the Western Mountains, it is the best spot to enjoy the panoramic view of Dianchi Lake and watch the sunset.

Hilights

Rich Cultural Heritage

• Haiyan Ancient Village boasts a history that reflects the traditional lifestyle and customs of the local fishing communities. The village’s architecture represents the unique styles of the Qing Dynasty, showcasing the historical essence of Old Kunming.

Scenic Views

Located on the eastern shore of Dianchi Lake, the village offers stunning panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding landscape, including the picturesque Western Mountains. This picturesque setting makes it an ideal spot for photography and nature enthusiasts.

Old Wharf

The old wharf in Haiyan Village is a popular attraction. It serves as a perfect vantage point for watching sunrises and sunsets over Dianchi Lake, providing a serene atmosphere that captures the charm of the area.

Traditional Architecture

The village features well-preserved traditional structures, including weathered earth walls, intricately carved door frames, and other architectural elements that highlight the artistic craftsmanship of the time.

Cultural Activities

Visitors can experience local cultural activities, including traditional fishing practices and local festivals, which offer insights into the lifestyles of the village’s inhabitants.

Government-led Development

Initiatives to preserve and appropriately develop the village emphasize balancing modernization with the conservation of cultural heritage, making it an evolving yet historically rich destination.

Tranquil Environment

Compared to more commercialized tourist spots, Haiyan Ancient Village offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty and heritage without the crowds.

How to Arrive by Care

Option 1(Recommended):

• Total Duration: 44 minutes
• Distance: Approximately 39.3 kilometers
• Estimated Taxi Fare: About 102 RMB

Option 2:

• Total Duration: 54 minutes
• Distance: Approximately 45.8 kilometers
• Route: Passes through: Kunming Ring Expressway, Kun-Mo Expressway
• Estimated Taxi Fare: About 119 RMB

Related Attraction

• Dianchi Lake,  the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan Province and is known as the “Pearl of the Plateau.” In the past, the areas around the lake frequently experienced floods. As early as 1262, the Songhua Dam was built on the Panlong River, and in 1268, the Haikou River was excavated to increase the outflow of Dianchi Lake and reduce the flood risks around the lake. After 1955, ten large and medium-sized reservoirs were built on the rivers upstream of the lake, and dozens of power drainage and irrigation stations were constructed along the lake to eliminate flood disasters and ensure irrigation for farmland as well as water for urban industrial and domestic use. The lake is home to fish such as carp, crucian carp, and money fish.
• Xishan (Western Hills) located 15 kilometers west of Kunming City, Yunnan Province. It consists of several mountains including Huating Mountain, Taihua Mountain, and Luohan Mountain. The range stretches over 40 kilometers with elevations between 1,900 meters and 2,350 meters. Legend has it that in ancient times a phoenix rested here, but those who saw it did not recognize it and called it the “Green Rooster,” hence the name “Green Rooster Mountain.” It is also known as “Reclining Buddha Mountain” due to its shape resembling a reclining Buddha. The Western Hills are densely forested, with abundant flowers and plants, and are known for their serene and beautiful scenery. In ancient times, it was praised as the “finest scenic spot in central Yunnan.”

What is Puer Tea?

You’ve probably heard of the true teas such as green, white and oolong teas that are made from the Camellia sinensis plant, but you may not have heard of pu-erh tea. Pu’er tea or pu-erh tea, known as “black tea” in the Far East part of the world, is a variety of fermented tea produced in the Yunnan and is named after the market town (now Pu’er City) in which it was first developed. Puer tea is made from the broad leaf variety (camellia sinensis var. assamica) of the tea plant camellia sinensis which are ancient trees with mature leaves that are said to be between 500 and 1000 years old. These trees are usually grown the Southwest region of Yunnan China, believed to be the birthplace of tea. Over 1200 years ago, the people of the area began cultivating “tea gardens,” open areas, mostly in the high mountains, where tea trees are grown, coexisting with the native plants and ecology. Although they can be harvested year-round, the opportune time to harvest is in mid-spring. Various conditions and environmental factors can impact the flavor profile of puer, resulting in a rich experience for the tea drinker’s palate of this bold tea that can be smooth, fruity, peaty, grassy, musky, herbal and earthy.

While most teas, by and large, are best consumed soon after production to retain both their flavor and antioxidant value, Puer can be aged and refined like wine. It is post-fermented, which means that the tea leaves go through a microbial fermentation process after they have been dried and rolled, causing the leaves to darken and change in flavor. This process allows the teas to not only improve with age like a fine wine, but many pu-erhs are able to retain their freshness for up to fifty years!  Depending on the conditions and environment of aging, the taste can transform through various stages of being fruity, nutty, grassy, herbal and earthy.

Pu-erh tea, a prestigious and traditional Chinese tea, originates from the lush and mountainous Yunnan Province in southwestern China. Renowned for its unique fermentation process and remarkable aging potential, Pu-erh tea is not only a beverage but also a cultural and historical artifact. Yunnan’s diverse climates, rich soils, and ancient tea trees provide an ideal environment for cultivating this exceptional tea.

Historical and Cultural Background

Pu-erh tea’s history dates back over a thousand years to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD). Initially, it was consumed by locals and later became a valuable trade commodity along the ancient Tea Horse Road, which connected China to Tibet, India, and beyond. This trade route was crucial in spreading Pu-erh tea’s popularity across Asia.

Named after Pu’er County, a key trading hub where teas from various regions were collected and distributed, Pu-erh tea has significant cultural importance. In Yunnan, it is a staple of social gatherings, traditional ceremonies, and daily life, symbolizing hospitality, respect, and tradition.

Unique Production Process

The production of Pu-erh tea involves several intricate steps that significantly influence its flavor and quality. These steps include:

1. Harvesting: Leaves are picked from ancient tea trees, some of which are hundreds or even thousands of years old. These trees, native to the subtropical forests of Yunnan, contribute to the distinctive characteristics of Pu-erh tea.
2. Withering: Freshly picked leaves are spread out to wither, reducing their moisture content and preparing them for further processing.
3. Kill-Green (Shaqing): Leaves are pan-fired to halt the natural oxidation process, preserving their green color and fresh flavors.
4. Rolling: The withered leaves are rolled to break down cell walls, releasing essential oils and initiating the fermentation process.
5. Fermentation:
   • Sheng (Raw) Pu-erh: Leaves undergo natural fermentation over time. This aging process can last from a few years to several decades, gradually developing complex and rich flavors.
   • Shou (Ripe) Pu-erh: To accelerate fermentation, a controlled process similar to composting is used. This involves piling the leaves, adding moisture, and turning them regularly. The result is a darker, richer tea that can be enjoyed sooner than sheng Pu-erh.
6. Drying: The fermented leaves are sun-dried or oven-dried to reduce moisture content and halt further fermentation.
7. Pressing: The dried leaves are often compressed into various shapes, such as cakes (bing), bricks (zhuan), and nests (tuo), which makes them easier to store and transport.
8. Aging: Proper storage is crucial for aging Pu-erh tea. It should be kept in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Over time, the tea continues to mature, developing deeper and more intricate flavors.

Types of Pu-erh Tea

Pu-erh tea is broadly classified into two categories:

• Sheng (Raw) Pu-erh: Known for its fresh, astringent taste when young, sheng Pu-erh mellows with age, acquiring a richer, smoother profile. It often has a lighter color and can range from sweet and floral to vegetal and earthy, depending on its age.
• Shou (Ripe) Pu-erh: This type has a rich, dark color and a smooth, earthy flavor from the start, thanks to the accelerated fermentation process. It is often described as having notes of chocolate, wood, and dried fruits.

Health Benefits

Pu-erh tea is celebrated for its numerous health benefits, including:

• Digestive Aid: The fermentation process creates probiotics and enzymes that can aid in digestion and promote a healthy gut.
• Weight Management: Some studies suggest that Pu-erh tea can help reduce body fat and assist in weight management.
• Heart Health: Regular consumption of Pu-erh tea is associated with lower cholesterol levels and improved cardiovascular health.
• Antioxidant Properties: The tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

Aging and Storage

One of the most distinctive aspects of Pu-erh te a is its ability to age well. Proper storage is essential for the aging process, which can enhance the tea’s flavor and complexity. Ideal conditions for storing Pu-erh tea include:

• Temperature: A consistent, cool environment.
• Humidity: Moderate humidity levels to prevent mold growth while allowing slow fermentation.
• Air Circulation: Good ventilation to avoid stale air and odors.

Cultural Significance

In Yunnan, Pu-erh tea is more than just a beverage; it is an integral part of local culture and heritage. Tea-making and tea-drinking practices are passed down through generations, reflecting the region’s rich history and traditions. Pu-erh tea ceremonies are common, emphasizing the social and ceremonial importance of tea in Chinese culture.

History of Puer Tea

Puer tea has a recorded history of more than 1,700 years. Trade in Pu-erh tea began in the Tang Dynasty, became famous during the Ming Dynasty and was popularized in the Qing Dynasty. As the fame of the tea spread through trade and traveling merchants, its popularity increased in neighboring regions as well as distant kingdoms. Puer was transported by mules and horses in long caravans along established routes that became known as the Tea Horse Roads. By the end of the Ming dynasty (1368 to 1644) and early part of the Qing dynasty (1644 to 1911) the production and export of Puer tea had reached a historical peak. Cakes and bricks from the Six Famous Tea Mountains of Xishuangbanna and Simao were being transported throughout China, Japan, Tibet, Southeast Asia, and on to the west along common trade routes.

More about The History of Puer Tea

Puer Tea Today

After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, renewed efforts were made to revive Puer tea production by exploring new areas for tea cultivation, opening new factories, and establishing special tea-research institutes. Today, pu-erh continues to be regarded as a highly prized commodity. Even in modern society, a well preserved pu-erh still maintains its value and remains a household treat.

Puer Tea Plantation Areas in Yunnan

Yunnan, renowned for their climates and environments, which not only provide excellent growing conditions for Puer tea, but also produce unique taste profiles in the produced Puer tea. Pu’er tea is produced in almost every county and prefecture in the province. The best known Puer tea areas are the Six Famous Tea Mountains, a group of mountains in Xishuangbanna. Many other areas of Yunnan also produce Puer tea. Yunnan prefectures that are major producers of Puer tea include Lincang, Dehong, Simao, Xishuangbanna, and Wenshan. Region is one factor in assessing a Puer tea, and Puer from any region of Yunnan is as prized as any from the Six Famous Tea Mountains if it meets other criteria, such as being wild growth, hand-processed tea.

More about Tea plantations in Yunnan

Processing Methods of Puer Tea

What separates pu-erh from the other tea types is its processing–it’s not important which tea plant cultivar produces the leaves. Puer tea is typically made through the following steps:

• Green/raw 熟普: sun fixation杀青 – rolling 揉捻 – sun drying 晒干
• Dark/ripe 熟普: sun fixation 杀青 – rolling 揉捻 – Wo Dui (piling) 渥堆 -sun drying 晒干
• Aging: green and dark pu-erh can be compressed/shaped into cakes and aged. Both sheng and ripe pu’er can be shaped into cakes or bricks and aged with time.

More about Aged Pu-erh Tea

Varieties of Puer Tea

Varieties of Puer tea can be defined accoding to the processing methods, shapes of finished products, storages, nature of the tea plantations and types of the tee trees. Often Puer teas are referred to as aged teas. This is because, unlike white tea, green tea, black tea, and most oolong teas, which are highly perishable and have a short shelf life, well-made puer teas may be stored and aged for years of enjoyment.

Puer Tea Varieties by Processing Methods

Depending on the way Puer tea was processed, it can be divided into two types: raw Puer tea and ripe Puer tea. Both Ripe Pu-erh and Raw Pu-erh teas are made from a sun-dried tea called Saiqing Mao Cha. After fermentation and roasting, pu-erh tea is aged, often for many years, resulting in its dark color and bold, mellow flavor.

• Raw (sheng) Puer Tea: Raw Pu-erh is made from non-fermented green tea leaves that were picked, quickly roasted, sun-dried and then steamed to be compressed into round disks called cakes. After which the cakes are aged until the tea’s taste is properly transformed.
• Ripe (shou) Puer Tea:  Ripe Pu-erh  is made from black tea – the one that is fermented. At first, shou pu-erh goes through the exact same steps as the sheng pu-erh. However, at the stage of producing the cakes it undergoes a procedure called ‘wet piling’.

Read More:

• Organic Puerh Tea
• Pu-erh Loose Leaf Tea
• Two Types of Pu-erh Tea

Puer Tea Varieties by Shapes

Puer tea is compressed into a variety of shapes as follows. In recent years,  it is also compressed into the hollow centers of bamboo stems or packed and bound into a ball inside the peel of various citrus fruits.

How to Drink Puer Tea?

Besides the tea wears and quality of water, Puer tea brewing tricks can also effect the taste of the tea. Moreover, brewing it correctly can aid in enjoyment. First, you’ve got to get some leaves–using a knife or pick, break some leaves off of the cake as gently as possible, preferably from the side. The fewer broken leaves, the better the tea will taste. Traditional Chinese Gong Fu (to be described in a future post) preparation is ideal for Pu-erh, meaning that the tea leaves are only immersed in hot water for a short time before the tea is poured into another container. The best Pu-erh teas can be steeped up to 10-12 times before beginning to lose their flavor.

More about How to Drink Puer Tea

Where to Buy Puer Tea in Yunnan?

Tea Markets in Yunnan are thriving due to the booming development of Puer tea. If you plan to buy Puer tea in Yunnan, and wanna have a wide choice of tea products, tea markets in Yunnan are your good choices. According to the tea production areas, Kunming, Pu’er, Lincang and Xishuangbanna have the most concentrated tea trading centers, such as Kangle Wholesale Tea Market, Yunnan Jinshi Wholesale Tea Market, Yunnan Puer Tea Trading Center  and Menghai Tea Market , etc.

Read More

• Tea Markets in Yunnan
• Where to Buy Puer Tea in Yunnan

Keep Reading

• Puerh Tea Price
• Puerh Tea Taste
• Pu Erh Tea Caffeine
• King of The Tea Tree
• Yunnan Puer Tea Benefits
• The Most Expensive Puerh Tea
• Visum liquidambaricolum Hayata on Tea Trees
• Tea Ancestor Hall of China Puer Tea Exhibition Garden

Yang Liping (Chinese: 杨丽萍; pinyin: Yánglí Píng; born 10 November 1958) is a Chinese dancer and choreographer of Bai ethnicity. She is known across China for her creativity and her performance of the Dai peacock dance. Yang has been dubbed as the “Peacock Princess of China”. Yang was born 10 November 1958 in the Wen Qiang village, Cibihu town of Dali, Yunnan province. She the eldest of four children. Her parents and grandparents, members of the Bai ethnic minority, were farmers in a nearby village. Her grandmother was a singer in the village.

Gaoligongshan Tunnel or Gaoligong Mountain Rail Tunnel (Chinese: 高黎贡山隧道) is a tunnel between Nujiang Station and Longling Station on Dali–Ruili railway in Yunnan, China. It crosses through the whole territory of Longling County and then into Mangshi. Gaoligongshan Tunnel is the key project of Yunnan–Burma railway between Dali and Ruili. The length of tunnel is 34.586 km, it makes Gaoligongshan Tunnel to be the longest single-track railway tunnel under construction in China, also is the longest mountain railway tunnel of Asia and the 7th longest tunnel of the world.

Gaoligongshan Tunnel start construction at 1 December 2015, the planned date of completion at 31 May 2022, the total contract cost is 3.628 million Yuan. The tunnel boring machine “Colorful Cloud No.1″(Chinese: 彩云一号) start work on 28 August 2017, it marked the tunnel entering the comprehensive construction phase.

The Gaoligong Mountain Tunnel (高黎贡山隧道) is located in Longling County, Baoshan City, Yunnan Province, China. It is a key part of the Dali-Ruili Railway, designed for speeds of up to 140 km/h. This tunnel spans a remarkable length of 34.538 kilometers, making it one of the longest railway tunnels in the world. Once completed, it will become the longest railway tunnel in Asia and China.

The tunnel cuts through the Gaoligong Mountain on the west bank of the Nujiang River, in the far western part of the Hengduan Mountain Range (横断山脉).

Construction Timeline

• End of 2015: The construction of the Gaoligong Mountain Tunnel began as a vital segment of the Dali-Ruili Railway.
• November 24, 2017: The Robbins tunneling machine was introduced for the guide tunnel construction, which progressed until April 22, 2018.
• February 1, 2018: The Caiyunhao (彩云号) hard rock tunneling machine started working on the main tunnel, achieving smooth progress.
• September 27, 2019: The first vertical shaft reached a depth of 762.59 meters, breaking a record for the deepest railway vertical shaft in China.
• May 20, 2020: The second vertical shaft reached a depth of 640.36 meters.
• July 2022: The main tunnel construction reached 16.71 kilometers, covering nearly half the total length.
• December 1, 2023: Full-scale construction moved to regular operations.
• May 28, 2024: The Caiyunhao and other machines completed the first section of the main tunnel lining.
• October 5, 2024: The underground mixing station for the tunnel was completed.

Geographic Location

The Gaoligong Mountain Tunnel is located on the west bank of the Nujiang River within the Hengduan Mountain Range. It stretches 34.5 kilometers through the rugged terrain of the Gaoligong Mountain.

Design and Construction

The tunnel is one of the most complex engineering feats in China, spanning 34.5 kilometers and incorporating one inclined shaft and two vertical shafts. These shafts are key to the construction process:

• The inclined shafts are 3850 meters and 3870 meters long, making them the longest of their kind in China.
• The first vertical shaft is 762.59 meters deep, and the second is 640.36 meters deep, setting a record for the deepest railway vertical shafts in China.

Two major tunneling machines, the TBM (Tunnel Boring Machines), played a critical role in advancing construction.

Geological and Environmental Challenges

The Gaoligong Mountain Tunnel passes through challenging geological conditions, including:

• 18 different rock formations and 19 fault zones, creating technical challenges.
• High geothermal energy with temperatures reaching 102°C in some areas.
• High ground stress, with the tunnel being 1155 meters underground in places.
• Active seismic activity in a region affected by the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.

Construction and Technological Features

The tunnel has become a testing ground for new technology:

• The use of Caiyunhao and Caiyun 1 tunneling machines has significantly improved construction efficiency.
• Advanced mechanized systems have streamlined the drilling, blasting, and concrete pouring processes.
• Record-breaking achievements in vertical shaft construction, such as the 762.59-meter deep vertical shaft, have demonstrated the tunnel’s engineering prowess.

Significance

The Gaoligong Mountain Tunnel will not only be one of the longest and deepest railway tunnels in the world but will also dramatically improve transportation in southwest China. Upon completion, travel between Dali and Ruili will be reduced from 6-7 hours to about 3 hours. The tunnel is crucial for the China-Myanmar International Railway, enhancing bilateral trade and fostering regional development.

The Gaoligong Mountain Tunnel stands as a major milestone in railway engineering, contributing to China’s infrastructure and international connectivity.

The 12.3-kilometer Xinhua Tunnel, part of the Dali-Lincang Railway, was successfully connected on Tuesday. This is the first tunnel of such length to be constructed in the Hengduan Mountain Range in Southwest China’s Yunnan Province, the Xinhua News Agency reported. An expert said the project will be hugely beneficial to local economic development.

Construction work for the entire project started at the end of December 2015, and it is expected to be completed by the end of June 2021. After completion, Lincang will finally be connected to the country’s rail network. It will take just three hours to reach Lincang from Yunnan’s capital Kunming, improving the overall transportation system in the remote central and western parts of Yunnan. The railway will improve transportation connections between China and adjacent countries.

Transportation will be of great significance to the local economy in Yunnan, especially by connecting the province to neighboring economies that are part of the Belt and Road Initiative, Tian Yun, a vice director of the Beijing Economic Operation Association, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

The entire Dali-Lincang Railway is 202 kilometers long with a top speed of 160 kilometers per hour. It is a national I-class electrified railway. Located in Nanzhang county, the Xinhua Tunnel is one of the most difficult projects along the route. Obstacles during the construction process included high water pressure, high geothermal heat, high seismic intensity and high ground stress.

The tunnel passes through three faults, and temperatures inside the tunnel can exceed 40 C. To ensure the safety and normal operation of construction machinery, two 370-kilowatt super-powerful fans and about 10 tons of ice were used daily to reduce the heat.

Dali–Ruili railway or Darui railway (simplified Chinese: 大瑞铁路; traditional Chinese: 大瑞鐵路; pinyin: dàruì tiělù), is a single-track electrified railroad under construction in Yunnan Province of Southwest China. The line is slated to run 336.39 km (209 mi) from Dali in central Yunnan to Ruili in southwestern Yunnan on the border with Myanmar. The line traverses rugged terrain, and bridges and tunnels will account for 75% of the total track length, including the 36 km Gaoligongshan Tunnel through the Gaoligong Mountains. Construction began in May 2011 and was scheduled to take six years. However, this has been repeatedly delayed, and as of 2019 the railway is scheduled to open only in 2022. Cities and towns along route include Dali, Yangbi Yi Autonomous County, Yongping County, Baoshan, Mangshi and Ruili.

History[edit source]

As early as 1938, the British planned to build the Yunnan–Burma railway to connect British rule in Burma with Yunnan Province, but were unable to complete the project.

Originally, the Chinese government proposed a rail connection between Kunming, China and Kyaukpyu, Myanmar. The railway was planned to follow the route of the existing Sino-Myanmar pipelines. After protests in Myanmar, the part of the railway in Myanmar was cancelled. Only the Chinese part of the line between Dali and Ruili will now be constructed.

Construction on the Darui Line began in 2008. In August 2012, the project received an additional investment of ¥5 billion, owing to the difficulty of tunneling through the rugged terrain. The huge rivers and geology have given the corridor the monikor World’s Most Difficult Railway.

Trans-Asian Railway

The Dali–Ruili railway may some day form the western route of China’s rail link with Southeast Asia, part of the Trans-Asian Railway. The authorities of the two countries considered the possibility of connecting it with the railways of Myanmar. In 2018, another agreement was signed between the two countries’ railway agencies for a feasibility study for a 431 km long railway connection from Mandalay to Muse (the Burmese town opposite Ruili).

Vientiane–Boten Railway (often referred to as the China-Laos Railway) is a 414 kilometres (257 mi) 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 ¹⁄₂ in) standard gauge railway under construction in northern Laos, between the capital Vientiane and the small town of Boten on the border with China.

In the north the line is connected to the Chinese rail system in Mohan, linking it to Kunming via the Yuxi–Mohan railway and Kunming-Yuxi railway. In the south it meets the existing metre-gauge railway in Thanaleng, linking it via Nhong Khai in Thailand to Bangkok. A high-speed, standard gauge extension to Bangkok is also under construction. When finished, the Vientiane–Boten railway will from an important part of the Kunming–Singapore railway.

The railway will be majority-owned by China, financed by Chinese funds, and built by China Railway Group.

Background

Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, which hinders trade of goods. A railway link through Laos would greatly reduce cargo transit times and transportation costs between Laos and China. The railway would also be a link in the Kunming–Singapore railway network, as well as a program within the One Belt One Road Initiative.

History

The first talks about the railway linking Laos and China were in 2001, Laotian and Chinese politicians both confirmed the plans in 2009. After the corruption scandal of China’s minister of railways Liu Zhijun, the start of construction was delayed until early 2016.

Construction began at Luang Prabang on December 25, 2016. At the end of 2017, the construction phase was 20% completed, and in September 2019 progress was reported as 80% completed.

Financing

The cost of the project is estimated at 5.95 billion US dollars, to be financed 12% by Laos directly, 28% by China, with the remaining 60% being financed by loans.

Infrastructure

47% of the railway will be in tunnels and 15% will pass over viaducts, spread over 75 tunnels and 167 bridges. There are 32 planned stations along the route. The final station would be Thanaleng railway station, not Vientiane Station (under construction). Full construction details superimposed on a satellite map can be seen at Design for Conservation (slow website).

The railway is to be built to China’s GB Grade 1 standard (suitable for 160 km/h passenger and 120 km/h freight trains).

A new bridge will be constructed by 2023 from Thanaleng to Nong khai to connect the high speed rail network into Thailand.

Kunming 2020 Convention on Biological Diversity will be held in Kunming in 2020. After the the conference, you can take Kunming City Tour to The Stone Forest (1 Day Tour), Kunming City Highlights Tour (1 Day) and then plan 7 days tour to Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La as well as 4 Day Tour to Jianshui and Yuanyang Rice Terraces.
Open the links for the popular tours in Yunnan for Kunming 2020 Convention on Biological Diversity:
1 Day Kunming City Discovery Tour
https://yunnanexploration.com/tours/1-day-kunming-city-discovery-tour
1 Day Kunming Stone Forest Tour
https://yunnanexploration.com/tours/1-day-kunming-stone-forest-tour
2 Days Dongchuan Red Land Photography Tour
https://yunnanexploration.com/tours/2-days-kunming-dongchuan-red-land-photography-tour
6 Days Kunming Jianshui Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces Photography Tour
https://yunnanexploration.com/tours/6-days-kunming-yuanyang-jianshui-photograph-tour-with-honghe-hani-rice-terraces
8 Days Yunnan Classic Tour by High Speed Bullet Train
https://yunnanexploration.com/tours/8-days-kunming-dali-lijiang-and-shangrila-tour-by-high-speed-train

The news was updated on January 21, 2020. 

Construction on the world’s largest span suspension bridge, the Jin’an-Jinsha River Bridge, ended Wednesday in Southwest China’s Yunnan province, marking the completion of the key main structures of the bridge, Jan 15, 2020.

Construction of the world’s largest span suspension bridge, the Jin’an-Jinsha River Bridge, was successfully finished in Southwest China’s Yunnan province on Wednesday, marking the completion of the key main structures of the bridge and laying a solid foundation for the completion of the Huaping-Lijiang Expressway.

The construction of the steel truss suspension bridge, an important part of the Huaping-Lijiang Expressway project, was made with highly technical difficulty due to the area’s high earthquake risk and high altitude.

The main span of the bridge is 1,386 meters, and the vertical difference between the bridge surface and the river’s surface in the valley below is 330 meters.

The cable crane has a span of more than 1,000 meters, which is the world’s largest cable crane for mountain bridge construction.

It is reported that after the project is completed, it will fill the gaps in the east-west layout of the expressway networks in Lijiang city and Panzhihua city, making travel between Yunnan and Sichuan more convenient, and at the same time promoting the export of industrial crops and tourism in Lijiang.

During bridge construction the team faced many difficulties, according to the project leader from the Second Harbor Engineering Company.

The construction site is located in a canyon, with high wind speeds, which posed great safety challenges to build the superstructure. The team used a centralized control system to monitor variables at any time to ensure safe construction at every step.

Source from http://english.yunnan.cn/html/2020/latestnews_0121/18695.html

The news was updated on January 5, 2020. 

The silver-inlaid black copper is a traditional Chinese handicraft unique to Yunnan. It has a history of more than 300 years.

The objects are inlaid with either gold or silver, but the silver-inlaid black copper is more popular because of the sharp contrasts. In the past, most silver-inlaid black copper objects were stationeries. 

Today, craftsmen have created curios, ornaments, accessories and objects for daily use that are hailed by customers. In 2011, silver-inlaid black copper was inscribed on the third list of national intangible cultural heritage. 

Source from http://english.yunnan.cn/html/2020/craft_0115/18644.html

The news was updated on January 15, 2020. 

“Wooden beams, pillars and rafters; wooden doors, windows and floor slabs; wooden houses easily catch fire, so the owners must not be careless…” Zhao Fukun sang, accompanied by a three-stringed instrument. He was wearing the traditional costume of the Bai ethnic group and singing a song about fire safety.

Living in Xizhou, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Zhao Fukun has adapted many other Bai ethnic Daben ballads. By combining fashionable contents with traditional tunes, he has blazed a path for passing on the singing and story-telling art of the Bai ethnic group.

“Daben ballads are unique to the Bai ethnic group,” Zhao Fukun said. “The balladeers tell stories in the Chinese language and sing in the Bai language.”
“I can adapt the Daben ballads because of my father Zhao Piding,” said Zhao Fukun. Modern media such as television and the internet have had a huge impact on Daben ballads, so he and his father had to think of a way to preserve this folk art.

In their village, government notifications and policies were often read out in the Chinese language, which was not well understood by the villagers. To solve the problem, Zhao Piding and his son began to convert some notifications and policies into Daben ballads. In 2016, when Dali City was trying to curb the pollution of Erhai Lake, Zhao Piding created two new Daben ballads, titled Erhai Lake of the Past and Protecting Erhai Lake, which soon became popular among the villagers.

The Bai ethnic group traditionally celebrates the Gwer Sa La Festival with Daben ballads. In 2008, after this festival became a Chinese national intangible cultural heritage, Zhao Piding was designated as its representative successor.

Source from http://english.yunnan.cn/html/2020/ethnics_0115/18645.html

Yunnan Travel Guide

Things To Do

• Yunnan Overview
• Yunnan Attractions
• Yunnan Tours
• Yunnan Shopping
• Yunnan Culture
• Festivals and Activities

Travel Information

• Yunnan Travel Tips
• Yunnan Climate
• Yunnan Transportation
• Yunnan Maps
• Yunnan Photos
• Yunnan Dining
• Yunnan Accommodation
• Yunnan Education
• Yunnan Travel News
• Administrative Divisions

Create My Trip

You Might Like

• 1 Day Shaxi Old Town and Shibaoshan Mountain Tour from Lijiang
• 14 Days Yunnan Three Parallel Rivers Self-Driving Tour from Mohan (Laos) to Ruili (Myanmar)
• 19 Days Yunnan Camper Tour
• 1 Day Lijiang Cycling Tour from Lijiang Old Town to Shuhe, Baisha and Yuhu Village
• 4 Hours Yunnan Tea Culture Experience at Jufutang Tea Art Musuem
• 5 Days South Yunnan Porsche Self-Driving Tour from Kunming to XishuangBanna
• Shangri La Dukezong Old Town Night Tour
• 1 Day Shangri-La Lamaist Monasteries Tour

Article of Yunnan Tour, Yunnan Travel, Yunnan Travel Agency, Yunnan Trip, Yunnan Guide

Dragon Gate Cableway of Western Hills in Kunming

Chinese Name: 昆明市西山龙门索道 English Name: Dragon Gate Cableway of Western Hills in Kunming Address: No. 16, Hubin Road, Dianchi National Tourist Resort, Kunming Opening Time: 08:40am to 17:00pm (Last...

Attractions    Veiw

• Kunming
• Kunming Western Hills
• Xishan District

Haiyan Ancient Village in Chenggong District, Kunming

Chinese Name: 海晏村 English Name: Haiyan Ancient Village Location: the west side of Dayu Street in Kunming Overview Haiyan Village is located on the eastern shore of Dianchi Lake....

Attractions    Veiw

• Chenggong District
• Dianchi Lake Scenic Area
• Ethnic Villages in Kunming
• Kunming

Puerh Tea

What is Puer Tea? You’ve probably heard of the true teas such as green, white and oolong teas that are made from the Camellia sinensis plant, but you may not have...

Pu-erh Tea    Veiw

• Puer

Yang Liping from Yunnan

Yang Liping (Chinese: 杨丽萍; pinyin: Yánglí Píng; born 10 November 1958) is a Chinese dancer and choreographer of Bai ethnicity. She is known across China for her creativity and...

Celebrities in Yunnan    Veiw

• Dali
• Dali City
• Kunming

GaoliGongshan Tunnel-The Longest Railway Tunnel in China

Gaoligongshan Tunnel or Gaoligong Mountain Rail Tunnel (Chinese: 高黎贡山隧道) is a tunnel between Nujiang Station and Longling Station on Dali–Ruili railway in Yunnan, China. It crosses through the whole territory of Longling County and then int ...

Railways in Yunnan    Veiw

• Baoshan
• Tengchong

Construction of 12.3-km tunnel on Dali-Lincang Railway wraps up

The 12.3-kilometer Xinhua Tunnel, part of the Dali-Lincang Railway, was successfully connected on Tuesday. This is the first tunnel of such length to be constructed in the Hengduan Mountain...

Trans Asia Railway    Veiw

• Dali
• Lincang

Dali–Ruili Railway

Dali–Ruili railway or Darui railway (simplified Chinese: 大瑞铁路; traditional Chinese: 大瑞鐵路; pinyin: dàruì tiělù), is a single-track electrified railroad under construction in Yunnan Province of Southwest China. The line is slated to run 336.3 ...

Railways in Yunnan    Veiw

• Dali
• Dehong
• Ruili

Vientiane–Boten Railway

Vientiane–Boten Railway (often referred to as the China-Laos Railway) is a 414 kilometres (257 mi) 1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in) standard gauge railway under construction in northern Laos, between the capital Vientiane and the small town of Bote ...

Trans Asia Railway    Veiw

• China-Laos Railway
• Puer
• XishuangBanna

How to Arrange Yunnan Tour for Kunming 2020 UN Biodiversity Conference China

Kunming 2020 Convention on Biological Diversity will be held in Kunming in 2020. After the the conference, you can take Kunming City Tour to The Stone Forest (1 Day...

FAQ of Kunming 2021 CBD    Veiw

• 2021 United Nations Biodiversity Conference

Construction completed on world’s largest suspension bridge

The news was updated on January 21, 2020.  Construction on the world’s largest span suspension bridge, the Jin’an-Jinsha River Bridge, ended Wednesday in Southwest China’s Yunnan province, marking the...

Transportation News    Veiw

• Lijiang
• Yunnan

Silver-inlaid black copper gets ever more popular

The news was updated on January 5, 2020.  The silver-inlaid black copper is a traditional Chinese handicraft unique to Yunnan. It has a history of more than 300 years....

Travel News    Veiw

• Yunnan

Xizhou: Father and son revive Bai ethnic Daben ballad

The news was updated on January 15, 2020.  “Wooden beams, pillars and rafters; wooden doors, windows and floor slabs; wooden houses easily catch fire, so the owners must not...

Travel News    Veiw

• Dali
• Dali City
• Xizhou Ancient Town