Lieyinggu Valley (Falcon Valley) Scenic Area in Yulong County, Lijiang

Overview of Falcon Valley

Falcon Valley Scenic Area is adjacent to Lijiang Ancient Town, Shuhe Ancient Town, and Baisha Ancient Town, the birthplace of Dongba Culture.

The valley is fascinating and beautiful, and the stream is sloppy. The mouth of the valley corresponds to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain of the prominent civilization. It is natural and simple, with mountains and rivers, and beautiful scenery. It is a unique place of eagle hunting culture. The Falcon Valley has a vast expanse of green grass, alpine meadows and awe-inspiring earthquake rift in the Falcon Valley.

Lieyinggu Valley (Falcon Valley) Scenic Area in Yulong County, Lijiang

What to see in Falcon Valley

The Falcon Valley has fresh air, green trees, flowers and plants, squatting under the blue sky and white clouds, listening to the whistling of the original Falcon of Naxi and the mysterious hunting dance of the Naxi Dongba to sacrifice god. The soft and romantic synchronization, mysterious and passionate coexistence, here is the dreamy “Xiangbala” where everyone experiences the beauty of the landscape, the national customs and the Naxi falconry culture and historical heritage. At the same time, it integrates the natural landscape and the human landscape, and forms an eco-cultural tourism scenic spot where people and eagle, heaven and people are united. The Falcon Valley is also a place for artificial prey breeding, where you can experience the ancient civilization of falconry and experience the thrill and fighting of hunting.

In the scenic area, there are ” Hunting Performance”, “Hunting Sacrifice”, “Hunting Dance”, “Hunting House”, “Hunting Experience”, “Hunting Exhibition Hall”, “Pistol Shooting”, “Shotgun Flying Saucer”, “Dongba Prayer”, “Watching the Eagles”” Tusi Hunting Grounds, “Prey Picnics” and other projects. It is the best place for Naxi’s unique falconry, hunting culture experience. It is the best choice for sightseeing and leisure.

Falcon Valley historical and cultural development

Lieyinggu Valley (Falcon Valley) Scenic Area in Yulong County, Lijiang

Since the ancient Northern Eagles migrated southward, they passed the Yulong Snow Mountain and flew over Lijiang. The beasts gathered in the mountains around the Falcon Valley. More than 800 years ago, the sages of Naxi migrated to the beautiful land of Lijiang. The ancestral Kublai Khan passed here, “Crossing the Jinsha River With Leather Case” , and brought the nomadic culture and hunting customs of the prairie to this mysterious snow-capped mountain in northwest Yunnan between the meadows. Since then, hunting has become an indispensable element of survival here. Therefore, the Naxi people rely on the unique geographical conditions of the Falcon Valley, falcons, training falcons, relieving falcon, and long-term hunting activities here, thus creating a unique Naxi falconry culture and hunting culture.

The Falcon Valley is a place where the Naxi ancestors hunt, falconry, and catching the beasts. Today, the ancient wisdom civilization of hunting culture has gradually disappeared into the long river of history, and the hunting of this precious human sensational heritage, which is rare and even less known and loses its integrity. We cannot simply use hunting as a cultural symbol of original production, but as a kind of human civilization wisdom, which requires us to explore. Therefore, the Falcon Valley Ecological Scenic Area has carried out excavation, sorting, inheritance, protection, research and display of the falconry culture.

How to get to Falcon Valley

Get to Lijiang Old Town

From Kunming

By Bus:

  Departure Time Ticket Price Duration
West Bus Station 09:30 – 21:00 CNY 184 / CNY 202 / CNY 217 8 hours
 

By Train: Kunming Train Schedule
Take fast trains from Kunming Railway Station. It takes around 7 to 10 hours. Then change bus no. 16 to get off at Qixing Street Station, or bus no. 18 to White Dragon Square Station. It costs around CNY 40 by taxi.

By Air: Kunming Flight Schedule
Take plane from Changshui Airport. It takes around 40mins. Upon arrival, visitors can take airport shuttle bus to reach Lantian Hotel in the downtown area. Bus fare is around CNY 20. It takes around 30 minutes. Then they can walk around 1 kilometer (1,100 yards) to reach there. Or they can take bus no. 27 and get off at Zhongyi Guangchang. If taking a taxi from Lijiang Airport, taxi fare should be around CNY 80 to 100.

From Dali

By Bus:
Take bus from Tourist Bus Station near the South Gate of Dali Ancient Town, Dali North Bus Station or Dali Express Bus Station to Lijiang Bus Station in the Lijiang Old Town.

By Train:
Take fast trains from Dali Railway Station. Train ticket prices are CNY 34 for a hard seat, CNY 69.5 for a hard sleeper and CNY 104. 5 for a soft sleeper. It takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours. After arriving, use local public bus to reach the old town.

Get to Falcon Valley

There is a special bus to take from the Lijiang Ancient Town.

Accommadation

People can choose different places to stay with your tour, for the valley is near many places. 

Recommended Accommodation

1.Inter Continental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort(丽江和府洲际度假酒店)

Located in the southern of Lijiang Old Town, the InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort is the international five-star conference and resort which combines modern luxury, traditional Naxi architectural, and the local representative landscape. Hotel has 274 spacious rooms and suites, 4 restaurants and bars, Spa and Fitness center. It is a 10-minute walk from Sifangjie (Market Square), a 30-minute drive from Lijiang Airport.

2.Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town(丽江古城英迪格酒店)

Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town is located in Lijiang Ancient Town. It features a wellness center, an indoor pool and a fitness center. The luxurious rooms offer free wired internet. At Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town you will find a la carte restaurant and buffet restaurant. Breakfast can be served in the comforts of guests’ rooms. 

3.Lijiang Wangfu Hotel(丽江王府饭店)

Lijiang Wangfu Hotel is located in the South Gate Square in Old Town. Featuring colorful traditional Chinese architecture and décor, it offers rooms with flat-screen TVs and free internet. Guest can enjoy Naxi bonfire party every Friday. The hotel provides car rental and concierge services. A tour desk can help with travel and sightseeing arrangements.

4.Manty House(漫庭美宿酒店)

Situated in Lijiang, this inn is within a 15-minute walk of Mu Family Mansion, Dayan and Wang Gu Lou. It features a restaurant, a bar/lounge and coffee/tea in a common area. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include dry cleaning, a 24-hour front desk and tour/ticket assistance.

5.Lijiang International Hotel(丽江国际大酒店)

Lijiang International Hotel is located in Lijiang, 400 m from Wangu Pavilion and 600 m from Square Street Dayan Ancient Town. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and is fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. You will find a coffee machine in the room. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes and slippers.

Lieyinggu Valley (Falcon Valley) Scenic Area in Yulong County, Lijiang

Travel Tips

1. Pay attention to some local folk customs and respect the folk customs of local ethnic minorities so as not to cause unnecessary disputes.

2, Mainly with some commonly used cold medicine, gastrointestinal drugs, anti-mosquito dew water, heatstroke drugs, seasick motion sickness drugs.

3, It is best to travel with you, especially at night. It is best for single women or children to be prepared to write the necessary defense tools.

4, The camera is essential, you should also choose whether you need sunscreen and other supplies according to the specific conditions of the destination.

5, Lijiang is a high-profile southwest monsoon climate, the temperature is low, the temperature difference between day and night is also very large. Before coming, it is best to check the Lijiang weather forecast.

6, Lijiang sunshine, strong UV. For long periods of time outdoors, wear a sun hat and apply anti-frost to protect your skin.