Stone Gate Pass in Bingzhongluo, Nujiang

Attraction Overview

Shimen pass is the only passageway between the northern Nujiang river and the ancient tea horse road in Tibet, Biluo snow mountain on the left and Gaoligong mountain on the right. Nujiang gushes out of the Shimen pass and flows down, magnificent and spectacular.

Chinese Name: 石门关(Pinyin: Shimenguan)

Open Hours: All the Day

Admission Fee: Free

Location: Bingzhongluo Township, Gongshan County, Nujiang Prefecture, Yunnan Province

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Coordinates: ~3km North of Bingzhonglu Town, Gongshan County, Nujiang Prefecture, Yunnan. Intersection of G219 Highway & the Ancient Tea-Horse Trail.
Elevation: 1,800 m
Keywords: First Pass on the Nujiang, Throat of the Tea-Horse Trail, Pinched Between Biluo & Gaoligong Mountains, “Nayi Qiang” – Where Even Immortals Struggle!

I. Location & Best Time to Visit

Landscape: Witness the dramatic confrontation where the Biluo Snow Mountains (East) and Gaoligong Mountains (West) squeeze the roaring Nujiang River. The river has carved a passage through 500m high cliffs, creating a natural stone gate only 90m wide. The cliff tops are home to the world’s only unique palm species.
Climate: Distinct vertical climate. Average annual temperature: 16°C. Significant temperature variation with altitude.

Best Seasons:

March-April: Photographer’s paradise! Peach, pear, and cherry blossoms burst into color along the Nujiang River Valley.

September-November: Post-rainy season clarity turns the river emerald green. Ideal for driving and trekking.

July-August (Caution): Rainy season brings high landslide risk. Travel cautiously if essential.

II. Getting There (From Kunming)

Flight + Car: Kunming → Lijiang/Diqing (Shangri-La) Airport → Private/Shared Car to Bingzhonglu.
Duration: ~10 hours total.
Cost: Approx. ¥300-400 per person per leg.
Tip: Rent a car at the airport; consider one-way drop-off in Shangri-La or Deqin.

Long-Distance Bus: Kunming West Bus Station → Liuku → Gongshan → Bingzhonglu.
Duration: ~14 hours.
Cost: Kunming-Liuku ~¥258 (sleeper); Liuku-Bingzhonglu ~¥100.
Tip: Only 1 direct bus Liuku→Bingzhonglu daily; book tickets well in advance.

Self-Drive: Kunming → Chuxiong → Dali → Liuku → Fugong → Gongshan → Bingzhonglu (G219).
Distance/Duration: ~850 km / ~12 hours driving.
Cost: ~¥1000 (fuel + tolls).
Tip: Paved but winding, narrow roads. Night driving is dangerous; overnight in Liuku or Fugong.

Bingzhonglu-Chayu (Bingchacha) Route to Tibet: Bingzhonglu → Shimen Guan (Stone Gate Pass) → Wuli Village (Wuli Cun) → Qiunatong Village (Qiunatong Cun) → Chawalong → Chayu → Ranwu.
Duration: 2-3 days.
Cost: ~¥2,500-3,000 per vehicle (charter).
Tip: Requires a Border Permit (apply in advance). Best in Sept-Nov.

III. Must-See Activities & Itinerary Ideas

Sample 2-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Bingzhonglu Town → First Bend of Nujiang Viewing Platform (glass platform for panoramic views) → Puhua Temple → Shimen Guan (Stone Gate Pass).

Day 2: Shimen Guan (Stone Gate Pass) Morning Mist → Wuli Village (Wuli Cun) (trek ancient Tea-Horse Trail, cross suspension bridge) → Qiunatong Village (Qiunatong Cun) (Tibetan border marker) → Return.

Shimen Guan (Stone Gate Pass) Core Experience:

Viewing Platforms: Face the imposing 80m vertical cliffs and watch the Nujiang’s powerful rapids crash against the shore.

Cliff Carvings: Discover ancient Tibetan Buddhist mantras carved into the rock face over 300 years ago – legend says they subdued a river monster.

Easy Trek: Descend ancient stone steps down towards the river’s edge (~20 min one way) to truly feel the “immortal-struggling” narrowness of the pass.

Nearby Gems:

Wuli Village (Wuli Cun): Ranked among China’s most beautiful villages. Capture iconic views of suspension bridges, water mills, rice paddies, and snow-capped peaks. Allow ~1 hour for the round-trip trek.

Qiunatong Village (Qiunatong Cun): The last Yunnan village before Tibet. Explore Nu ethnic wooden houses, a unique Catholic church, and stunning sunset views over the gorge.

Gongdang Sacred Mountain Viewing Platform: Witness breathtaking sunrise cloud seas and panoramic views of the Nujiang’s Great Bend.

IV. Culture & History

Tea-Horse Trail Legacy: Since the Tang Dynasty, Shimen Guan (Stone Gate Pass) has been the vital choke point on the Yunnan-Tibet route. Caravans exchanged salt, tea, and medicinal herbs here.

Modern History: In 1950, the People’s Liberation Army marched north through here to enter Tibet. Look for fading ink slogans on the cliffs from that era.

Local Legend: The Nu name “Nayi Qiang” means “a pass even immortals struggle to cross.” Folklore tells of a giant serpent guarding the riverbed, later subdued by a Tibetan lama’s carved mantras.

V. Stay, Eat & Gear Up

Stay:

Bingzhonglu Town: Mid-range/High-end Guesthouses (¥300-600/night) like Cloudnest, Hidden Mountain Retreat; Budget Homestays (¥80-150).

Wuli Village (Wuli Cun): A few exquisite boutique options (e.g., Wuli Homestay, Waiting for the Wind) – Book well ahead!

Eat (Must-Try Local Flavors):

Stone Slab Baba (flatbread cooked on heated stone), Lacquer Oil Chicken, Nujiang Cold Water Fish, Pipa Pork (preserved).

Recommendations: Shimen Guan Farmhouse Restaurant (river view terrace), “Aluo Kitchen” in Wuli Village (Wuli Cun).

Essential Gear:

Sun Protection: Intense UV! Pack SPF 50+, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat.

Warm Layers: Significant day/night temperature swings. Fleece + waterproof/windproof jacket essential.

Trekking: Sturdy, grippy hiking boots, trekking poles, lightweight rain jacket/packable poncho.

VI. Essential Travel Tips

Tickets: Shimen Guan (Stone Gate Pass) is FREE! Wuli Village (Wuli Cun) & Qiunatong Village (Qiunatong Cun) also have no entrance fees.

Phone Signal: China Mobile & China Telecom generally ok. China Unicom has more blind spots.

Cash is King: Small shops/stalls in Wuli Village (Wuli Cun) & Shimen Guan (Stone Gate Pass) often only accept cash.

Protect Paradise: This gorge ecosystem is fragile. Pack out ALL your trash.

Safety First: Beware of falling rocks during rainy season (June-Aug). Avoid night driving on mountain roads.