Yili River in Huize County, Qujing

Yili River in Huize County, Qujing
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💧 Discover Yili River: Where Wild Mountains Meet Emerald Waters

Nestled deep in the Wumeng Mountains of Yunnan, the 122-kilometer-long Yili River flows through Huize County like a sparkling emerald ribbon. Once Asia’s most vertical hydropower river, it’s now a refreshing paradise for eco-tourism and outdoor adventures — home to the “#1 Drift of Yunling Mountains.”

📍 Location & Coordinates

Yili River Scenic Area, Huize County, Qujing, Yunnan Province, China

Source: Ye-machuan, Daibu Town (elevation 3,080 m)

Route: Flows north through Jinzhong, Nagu, and Laochang towns

End Point: Joins Jinsha River in Qiaojia County

Access: 0–50 km from Huize town center. Just search “Yili River Scenic Area” on navigation apps for directions to each river section.

🕰️ From Ancient Rituals to Modern Retreat

Historical Origin: Once known as Yixi in Qing dynasty records, named after the local Yi people’s reverence for water.

Hydropower Legacy: Since 1956, four major cascade hydropower stations were built. Maojiacun Dam is now the world’s second-largest earth dam — 81 meters high, holding 553 million m³ of water.

Eco-Tourism Shift: Listed as a provincial scenic area in 1996. In 2020, with the decommissioning of the fourth station, it officially transitioned to an ecological tourism destination.

🌄 Highlights by River Section

Section Main Attractions Top Activities
Upper River – Maojiacun Reservoir Grand canyon lake views, sea of clouds, sunrise Camping, fishing, photography
Midstream – Shuicaozi Canyon 1,400 m drop over 46 km: “Yunling’s #1 Drift” 8 km rafting (open May–Oct)
Lower River – Nagu Valley Flower fields, countryside scenery, pear blossoms 20 km cycling route through flower corridor
Jinsha River Confluence Golden-green river convergence Drone photography of “Mandarin Duck River”

🏕️ Things to Do & How to Experience Yili River

⛺ Camping at Maojiacun Reservoir

Park at the dam → walk 2 km lakeside boardwalk → Moon Bay grassland

Bring your own tent or rent a “stargazing tent” for ¥150

🌊 Drift the “#1 Rafting Spot of Yunling Mountains”

Start: Shuicaozi Bridge → End: Nagu Town

Distance: 8 km / Drop: 80 m / Time: ~2 hrs

Price: ¥168 (includes insurance)

⚡ Hydropower Learning Tour

Dam-top viewing platform + VR experience of the underground plant

“Engineer for a Day” guided tour available (family-friendly)

🚴‍♂️ Flower Valley Cycling

Route: Nagu Town → Baiwu Village → Huize Old Town

Bike rental: ¥50/day

Best time: Spring pear blossoms / Autumn golden rice fields

🚗 Getting There

🚄 By Train + Bus

Kunming South → Qujing North: High-speed rail (~1 hr)

Qujing → Huize: 2 hr by coach

Huize → Dam area: 30 min by taxi

🚙 By Car

Kunming → Hangrui Expressway → Huize Exit → G213 National Road

Total: 230 km / ~3.5 hrs

🚌 Direct Shuttle

From Huize Old Bus Station to Maojiacun Dam

Departures: 09:00 & 14:30 daily

Fare: ¥50 round-trip

ℹ️ Practical Info

Entrance Fee: Free for the scenic area

Rafting: ¥168

Camping area: ¥20/tent spot

Opening Hours: Open daily; rafting 09:00–16:00 (closed during high water)

Accommodation:

Lakeside: Camping or local guesthouses ¥120–200/night

Huize Old Town: Boutique stays ¥260–400/night

Local Food:

Try Nagu river fish, copper pot ham & potato stew, or Huize-style rice noodles

Meals average: ¥40–60/person

Travel Tips:

Rainy season (June–Sept): River level may rise quickly — call ahead for rafting availability

Large elevation difference: Bring warm layers for chilly mornings/evenings

✨ Final Words

From the tranquil lakes of Maijiacun Reservoir to the adrenaline-pumping rapids of Yunling’s First Drift, Yili River is a breathtaking 122-km canvas where Huize’s bold landscapes and soft countryside beauty unfold. Come drift, camp, and chase the wind — the river is waiting.