Gongdang Holy Mountain in Gongshan County, Nujiang

Attraction Overview

Located in the southwest of Bingzhongluo, Gongdang mountain is one of the top ten holy mountains in Bingzhongluo. There are two observation platforms in the middle of the mountain, from one of which can one have the panoramic view of Bingzhongluo town and from the other can overlook the magnificent first bay of the Nu river.

Attraction Type: Mountain

Chinese Name: 贡当神山(Pinyin: Gongdangshenshan)

Recommended Visiting Time: 1-2 Hours

Open Hours: All the Day

Admission Fee: Free

Location: southwest of Bingzhongluo Town, Gongshan County, Nujiang Prefecture, Yunnan Province

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🔍 Signature Features

Geology & Name Origins

This majestic mountain is formed from milky-white nephrite marble, known for its translucent glow under sunlight. Its silhouette resembles a reclining lion, inspiring its traditional name in the Nu and Lisu languages:
“Bala Sengenggebu” — The White Lion Mountain.

• Shaped by Quaternary glacial movements, the mountain peaks at around 2,700 meters, with a sharp northern face and a gentle southern slope.

Spectacular Views

• The First Bend of the Nujiang River: From the summit, you can gaze down upon a peninsula coiled by the river, shaped like a millennia-old turtle, framed by Wangqi Mountain to form what locals call a “half-body giant” in the landscape.

• Double Sunrise Phenomenon: Around the winter solstice, the sun rises twice within half an hour, briefly hidden behind the mountain before re-emerging—a rare astronomical spectacle seen in only a handful of places globally.

• Mystical Sea of Clouds: From 7:00 to 9:00 AM in autumn and winter, fog streams through the Nujiang canyon like a silver ribbon, creating an unforgettable visual of clouds drifting across snow-capped peaks.

🌸 Ecology & Seasons

• Spring & Summer Flower Bloom (May–June): The hills erupt with rhododendrons and cosmos, forming a purple-pink sea of flowers against the mountain’s white marble backdrop.

• Alpine Forests: Above 2,400 meters, cold-hardy fir and spruce forests flourish, preserving a rare and intact alpine ecosystem.

📜 Cultural Significance

Gongdang Mountain is revered by the Nu and Lisu peoples as one of the Ten Sacred Mountains of Bingzhongluo, believed to bridge the human and divine realms.
At the summit viewing platform, multilingual signboards point out 16 surrounding cultural and natural landmarks, making this not just a scenic peak but a spiritual compass.

🚶 Hiking Routes

Main Trekking Path

• Trailhead: Qiukedang Village (foot of the mountain)

• Route: 2.3 km stone-paved trail to summit viewing deck

• Duration: Approx. 40 minutes moderate ascent

🌅 Tip: Start your hike before sunrise to witness “Golden Light on Snow Peaks” and the cloud sea spectacle from the summit.

Combined Experience

Plan a half-day circular route that includes nearby sites like Shimen Pass and the pastoral villages of Bingzhongluo Basin.

🧭 Visitor Information

💎 Highlight Experiences

Stand atop the summit deck to witness the rare double sunrise →
Capture the clouds pouring over Turtle Peninsula through your lens →
Run your hand along the marble cliffs and feel the pulse of ancient geology