2025 Lanping Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)

Kids, I’ve discovered a treasure spot for family trips! It’s not Sanya, not Disneyland, but the mysterious and friendly Nujiang Grand Canyon on the Yunnan border! After spending 5 days exploring deeply with the kids, he told everyone he met, “I went to the place where adventurers go!” This freshly made guide is specially tailored for families with children, please keep it! ✨ Highlights at a glance: Visual feast: Flanked by Gaoligong Mountain and Biluo Snow Mountain, the river water is emerald green like jade, and the scenery along the way is like a painting. Ethnic customs: Encounter the mysterious face-tattooed Dulong women and experience the Lisu people's “Tongxin Wine,” a full cultural immersion. Unique experiences: Zipline across the river (with safety measures), hike through the primeval forest, soak in natural wild hot springs—every cell of the kids is screaming with joy. 🗓️ Our 5 days 4 nights itinerary (family-friendly relaxed version): Day 1: Arrive in Lushui City (Liuku Town). Adapt to the environment, take a walk along the riverside trail, and enjoy an authentic Lisu hand-grabbed rice meal. Recommended accommodation: “XXX Hotel,” clean and spacious. Day 2: Self-drive to “Laomudeng.” Pass by the “Tiger Leaping Gorge” viewpoint, visit Laomudeng Church in the afternoon, and gaze at Crown Peak from afar. Stay overnight at a guesthouse in Zhiziluo, watching the sea of clouds. Day 3: The main event! Head to “Bingzhongluo,” the place where “humans and gods coexist.” See the first bend of the Nujiang River, Peach Blossom Island (stunning if in season), and experience gentle farmhouse hospitality. Day 4: Light hiking! Choose a kid-friendly easy hiking route, such as “Qiuna Tong” village, to feel the tranquility of the original village. Be sure to try the natural riverside hot springs; the kids will have a blast playing in the water! ♨️ Day 5: Leisurely return trip, with a chance to visit the market in Pihe Township and buy some wild honey. ⚠️ Family travel tips to avoid pitfalls: Road conditions reminder: The canyon roads are narrow and winding but mostly paved; driving slowly is fine. Be sure to prepare motion sickness patches for the kids! Accommodation choice: Except for Lushui City, accommodations along the way are relatively simple, focusing on the experience. It’s recommended to bring children’s toiletries and slippers. Food notes: The dishes have a local flavor; you can request less oil and less spice in advance. Prepare more familiar snacks for the kids. Safety first: Always hold your child’s hand tightly when playing by the river. Choose zipline spots with proper safety equipment. After this trip, the kids not only got tanned but also braver, with a more three-dimensional understanding of the world. Nujiang Grand Canyon is truly a natural, vivid classroom for families!

Hi, everyone, I'm your little Brother Cheng. Compared to the hiking routes of Dali Bird Hanging Mountain, Shangri-La Yubeng, Nujiang Luoguqing is a little transparent existence. However, this three-day and two-night hiking trip gave me one surprise after another. Alpine meadows, Danxia stone forests, winding streams, cattle and sheep everywhere, deep forests and the strong cultural atmosphere of the Pumi people, every place is full of charm! 📍Address: Nujiang Luoguqing 🚗Transportation: It is recommended to drive by yourself, it takes about 2.5 hours from Dali or Lijiang, half of the highway, half of the county road, the road conditions are very good! 🧭Navigation: Directly locate to Luoguqing Villa Wuxiang Homestay 🚶Hiking route: Luoguqing currently has three hiking routes to choose from 1⃣️: Lover's Dam—Huaxi Valley—Red Bean Creek—Huaping Mountain—Mother Tree, round trip about 5km, a light hiking route that you can play while walking, even children can finish 2⃣️: Lover's Dam—Mother Tree—Jiliji Viewing Platform—Golden Toad Moon Viewing—Listening to the Wind Cliff—Thousand Turtle Mountain, round trip about 14km, advanced route, most people can finish 3⃣️: Big Sheep Field—Small Sheep Field—Thousand Buddha Cliff—Wild Elephant Valley—Sky Ladder—Tiaojun Platform—Hundred Zhang Echo Wall—Lover's Dam, the whole journey is about 24km, it requires a high physical fitness. Suitable for experienced hikers 🏠Accommodation: Strongly recommend staying at Luoguqing Villa Wuxiang Homestay. This is a homestay that just opened this year, the rooms are scattered in the courtyards of the local Pumi villagers, living in a small courtyard with the local villagers, you can sit around the stove at night, roast potatoes, eat melon seeds, drink tea and chat, it is really full of relaxation! tips 1⃣️The homestay will have a guide to accompany the whole hiking trip, and has thoughtfully prepared trekking poles and hiking supplies, so you don't have to worry about the route 2⃣️Luoguqing is the best time to watch alpine rhododendrons from April to May each year 3⃣️June to August each year is the rainy season in Yunnan, it is recommended to bring waterproof clothing 4⃣️The plateau area is very dry, and the ultraviolet rays are also very strong, so it is necessary to do a good job of sun protection and drink more water 5⃣️The plateau environment is fragile, please take away the garbage and leave the beauty to more people

— The Ultimate 7-Day 6-Night Tea Horse Road Decoding Guide (Including Dulong Tribe Secret Rituals + Multi-Religious Coexistence Codes + Nujiang First Bend Survival Manual) Three Soul Questions: Why Bingzhongluo? Geographical Identity: The northernmost point of the Nujiang Grand Canyon, the origin of the Nu ethnic legend of "a place where humans and gods coexist" Civilization Wonders: Tibetan Buddhist Puhua Monastery, Catholic Chongding Church, and Christian Trinity Church are only 800 meters apart in a straight line Spacetime Coordinates: The only intact segment of the living Tea Horse Road, with caravan bells still echoing between the cliffs 7-Day 6-Night Nujiang Deep Fold Route Entry Rules: Dali/Baoshan → Nujiang Prefecture capital Lushui City (4-hour bus) → Gongshan County (5-hour chartered car) → Border pass must be obtained! Time Daytime Epic Nighttime Secret Ritual Accommodation Mystery Day 1 Arrive at Gongshan → Transfer to local off-road vehicle to conquer the "Nujiang 72 Bends" First encounter with Nujiang First Bend starlit lecture hall Qiunutong Village Nu ethnic wooden log house Day 2 Hike the Wuli Village Tea Horse Road (cliff section) → Visit the miracle of "Five Religions in One Village" Attend evening class at Puhua Monastery → Learn Tibetan Buddhism and Catholic architectural semiotics Wuli Village century-old horse inn converted guesthouse Day 3 Visit Dulong tribe tattooed women → Learn rattan and vine bridge weaving skills Chongding Church candlelight concert (Lisu language hymn version) Bingzhongluo town Tibetan-style family guesthouse Day 4 Deep into Nachaluo Gorge → Search for prehistoric rock paintings "Sun God Ritual" Hearthside night talk: Listen to Nu ethnic priest interpret the "Stone Moon" creation myth High mountain pasture herder’s tent Day 5 Rock climbing on the perilous Shimen Pass → Collect Gaoligong Mountain’s unique species "Golden Monkey Moss" Multi-religious dialogue salon (Lama/Pastor/Shaman on stage together) Abandoned hydrological station converted capsule pod Day 6 Cross-border experience: Volunteer at the Catholic church in the morning, learn to carve mani stones in the afternoon Create "spacetime specimens": Press plant specimens from the three sacred temples Tea Horse Road caravan relay station restored house Day 7 Early morning "Bingshenluo" panoramic platform farewell ceremony → Return journey - - Three Major Geographical Codes Decoded 1. Tea Horse Road · Life and Death 300 Meters Coordinates: Cliff on the east bank of Nujiang at Wuli Village, 27°51′ N latitude Features: 1.5 km wooden plank road fully preserved, axe marks from 700 years ago clearly visible Narrowest point only 60 cm wide, Nujiang river flows at 8 meters per second below Walking Rules: ① Must wear anti-slip creek shoes (no hiking boots! The boards are coated with millennia-old oil) ② Face oncoming horses by side-stepping close to the cliff wall (caravans still transport goods, 3-4 teams daily) ③ Recite the six-syllable mantra silently when passing the "Bodhisattva’s Tears" cave (legend says a caravan leader fell into the river here) 2. Nujiang First Bend · Geographical Magic Observation Point: Kantong Village viewing platform, 3 km south of Bingzhongluo town Magical Timetable: 07:20: Morning mist fills the river bend like a sea of milk 12:00: Noon sunlight shines vertically, river surface shows Tiffany blue 18:40: Sunset dyes the peninsula’s peach blossoms fiery red (limited to February-March) Scientific Puzzle: Why does the river suddenly change direction to 290° here? On-site measurement with geological compass 3. Shimen Pass · Twin Gods Guardians Geological Record: Gaoligong Mountain and Biluo Snow Mountain are only 23 meters apart here Lisu Legend: Left cliff is war god Ahapa, right is witch Gina Ma Adventure Tasks: Find the "Rainbow Water Stains" on the rock wall (natural thangka formed by mineral seepage) Collect echo samples (sevenfold reverberation formed by cliff reflection) Multi-Religious Coexistence Decoding Manual Wonder of Three Daily Prayers 06:30 Puhua Monastery: Participate in Lama morning prayers, learn to sculpt miniature mandalas with butter 11:00 Chongding Church: Listen to 80-year-old Lisu pastor narrate Exodus in native language 15:00 Trinity Church: Attend Christian Sabbath, accordion-accompanied four-part choir 19:00 Nu ethnic family ritual: Toast the "Mountain God" Baima by the hearth Architectural Semiotics Field Survey Task List: Compare the rotational mechanics of Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheels and Catholic rosary beads Map Lisu sun pattern variants on Chongding Church stained glass windows Discover hidden Christian angel wing patterns in Puhua Monastery murals Dulong Tribe Tattooed Women Civilization Rescue Plan Existing Number: Only 17 nationwide, 3 around Bingzhongluo Visiting Ethics: Must be led by a local guide, bring salt, tea, and brown sugar as gifts Do not request photos actively; if permitted, use instant camera and gift the photo on the spot Learn 5 Dulong greetings (tattooed women speak only their native language) Tattoo Code Decoded: Butterfly pattern: Family originates from lower Dulong River Diamond net pattern: Ancestor was a famous witch Straight line on chin: Commemorates tribal war at age 13 Gorge Flavor System Sacred Ingredient Matrix Lacquer Oil Chicken: Golden oil extracted from lacquer tree seeds, paired with wild Nujiang dendrobium Stone Slab Baba: Baked on unique Gongshan mica schist, naturally mineral-salty Xiala: Chicken cooked with wine and eggs, a must-eat before Nu warriors go to battle Multi-Religious Fasting Day Experience 15th day of Tibetan calendar: Eat tsampa with butter tea at Puhua Monastery (silent all day) Sunday: Chongding Church vegetarian meal: Nujiang tofu + Gaoligong Mountain wild mushrooms Nu ethnic festival day: Raw honey mixed with bee pupae, drink "Tongxin Wine" (mouth-to-mouth toast) Gorge Survival Rules Geographical Warnings Rainy Season (June-September) Death Clause: Daily rainfall can reach 300 mm, landslides occur 2-3 times per hour Nujiang water level can rise 4 meters in 15 minutes, all riverside roads become invalid Solution: Carry satellite phone, report coordinates to guesthouse daily at 18:00 Traffic Black Hole: Gongshan to Bingzhongluo section closed for military drills every Tuesday and Thursday morning Only gas station is 37 km from Bingzhongluo, fill tank when half empty Cultural Minefield Photography Taboos: No telephoto spying on church services (pastors will smash memory cards on the spot) No photographing hearth location inside tattooed women’s houses (ancestral spirit altar) No night photography facing "Skull Rock" at Shimen Pass (Lisu burial cliff) Dialogue Red Lines: Do not ask why tattoos exist (like reopening old wounds) Do not argue which religion is more "correct" Do not tell caravaners "Your trade is dying out" Caravan-Style Packing List Must-Have Gear Core Three Items: ① Waterproof jacket with ≥20000mm rating (not ordinary raincoat!) ② Headlamp + handheld strong flashlight (no lighting in tunnels or night paths) ③ Copies of border pass + ID card (checked 3 times daily at checkpoints) Cultural Toolkit: Blank specimen book + plant pressing board (collect plants from three sacred temples) Portable water quality tester (test pH of 7 sacred springs in Nujiang) Carbon paper + charcoal pencil (rubbings of ancient road horse hoofprints and scripture carvings) Luggage Purification Ceremony Must complete before departure: Distribute collected plant specimens to the three sacred temples Wash shoe soles with Nujiang water, scatter soil back into the gorge Tie a prayer flag at Shimen Pass, inscribed with "May the caravan bells never cease"

Today, let's dive into the "Emerald Wilderness" of Northwest Yunnan — Weixi Tacheng! 📍Located in the southwest of Weixi County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, nestled in the heartland between the Lancang River and Jinsha River, at an altitude of 1800–3200 meters, it is an ecological gem gently wrapped in mist deep within the Hengduan Mountains. Here, there are no tourist crowds, only an original and abundant vertical secret realm: to the north lies the snow line of Biluo Snow Mountain, to the south connects to Laojun Mountain National Geopark; the Benzilan River, a tributary of the Lancang River, flows through the town with water as clear as glass; on both banks are continuous fir forests, alpine rhododendron shrubs, and vast wild yew forests — the core distribution area of China’s remaining natural yew population is right here. Even more breathtaking is its "triple symbiosis" wonder: Tibetan villages built along the mountains, prayer flags fluttering in the pine breeze; Lisu terraced fields winding like silver belts around the mountainsides, with young rice shoots green in May and golden waves of rice in October; and every May to June, the entire valley quietly blooms into a sea of purple-pink flowers — not lavender, but a secret spring color woven from the endangered Yunnan Torreya new leaves and wild irises, called by botanists "the last green palette of the Hengduan Mountains." Itinerary: 1 day of fresh air by the Lancang River | Visit ancient villages + seek yew trees + pick wild tea + taste Tacheng butter tea feast Total budget: under 400 RMB (about 395 RMB per person) Transportation | ¥180 - Private car from Weixi County town to Tacheng (about 62 km, 1.5 hours mountain road) ¥180 (recommended to share with 3 people, about ¥60 per person) Tickets | ¥0 ✅ Tacheng is an open ecological and cultural rural area | You can observe the Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys from a distance in the Diqing Golden Monkey National Park Tacheng area (free | guide reservation required) | Ancient villages, yew forests, and tea mountains have no entrance fees Highlights | Experience slow life in the Hengduan Mountains! ✅ Morning visit to Qibie Tibetan village: walk the thousand-year-old stone slab road, circle the white stupa, listen to elders tell the "creation song of monkeys turning into humans" under a century-old walnut tree 🐵 ✅ Deep into Tongle village yew forest (with guide): identify thousand-year-old mother trees, collect fallen Torreya fruits, learn Tibetan medicine to recognize medicinal ferns 🌿 ✅ Afternoon experience of Tacheng traditional wild tea: at the Lisu Ama tea garden, pick a handful of pre-Qingming "Lancang River mist tea," watch tea leaves pan-fired in iron pots and dried on bamboo trays 🍵 ✅ Evening stroll along the Benzilan River, wait for the sunset to melt into gold, watch egrets skim the water, buy a bouquet of rhododendron dried flowers handwoven by villagers. Dining | ¥215 Lunch: Qibie Tibetan family hearth — butter tea + highland barley cake + pipa pork + wild vegetable soup ¥68 Afternoon tea: Tongle village tea house · freshly brewed wild tea + walnut mochi ¥32 Dinner: Tacheng town "Lancang Bistro" — yak hotpot + matsutake steamed egg + buckwheat wine (non-alcoholic) + butter tea jelly ¥115 ✅ Total cost breakdown: Transportation ¥180 + Dining ¥215 = ¥395 (remaining ¥5 can be exchanged for a pack of wild honey tea bags) Best season: May–June (Torreya new leaves turn purple, rhododendrons bloom), September–October (vivid autumn colors, active monkey groups) | Caution during rainy season Essentials: non-slip hiking shoes, light down jacket (large temperature difference day and night), headlamp (forest trails), cash (many villages do not support mobile payments) Off-the-beaten-path tip: Bring a copy of the "Dian-Tibet-Sichuan 'Great Triangle' Flora" excerpt, identify and record the latitude and longitude of a wild iris under the yew forest. When the aroma of butter tea rises mixed with the scent of pine needles, I suddenly hear — The Hengduan Mountains quietly write poetry in every leaf vein of Tacheng.

Today, let's drive into the last secret heart of northwest Yunnan—Gongshan Bingzhongluo! 📍Located in the northern part of Gongshan County, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, it lies in the core area of the "Three Parallel Rivers" World Natural Heritage site. It is a high mountain canyon embraced by the Nu River, Lancang River, and Dulong River, with an average altitude of 1,750 meters, known as "the place where humans and gods coexist." There is no flat land here, only vertical beauty: to the north stands Biluo Snow Mountain crowned with snow year-round, to the south is the sacred Gawagapu Mountain shrouded in mist; the Nu River, like a giant jade dragon, carves out the "First Bay of the Nu River" between sheer cliffs thousands of meters high, with rainbows often hanging over the U-shaped bend; villages are built along the mountains, with Tibetan wooden houses, Lisu bamboo houses, and Nu stone slab houses layered in a staggered fashion. Prayer flags flutter, mani stones stand silently, and in autumn, the terraced fields turn golden, walnut forests blaze red, and church spires shine dazzlingly white—this is a gentle convergence of faith, geography, and agricultural civilization at 2,000 meters above sea level. Itinerary: 1-day Sacred Mountain Pilgrimage Route | View the river bay + visit ancient villages + spin prayer wheels + try Nu Su hand-grabbed rice Total budget: within 400 yuan (about 396 yuan per person) Transportation | ¥220 - Chartered car from Gongshan County town to Bingzhongluo (about 38 km, 1.5 hours) ¥220 (recommended 3–4 people carpool for savings) Tickets | ¥0 ✅ Bingzhongluo is an open cultural ecological area | Nu River First Bay viewing platform, Qiunatong, Chala, etc. are free | only some guesthouse viewing platforms accept voluntary tips Highlights | Be a slow traveler in the canyon! ✅ Early morning climb to Nu River First Bay viewing platform, watch the river paint a perfect U-shape, wait for the morning light to pierce the clouds and shine on the "Shimen Pass" cliff on the opposite bank 🌅 ✅ Walk to explore Qiunatong Village: visit the old zipline site, a century-old Catholic church, and drink a bowl of butter tea in a Lisu family courtyard 🍵 ✅ Evening at Chala Village, stroll along the riverside boardwalk, watch herding cattle cross the rainbow bridge, spin the thousand-year-old mani wheel, listen to wind chimes mixed with chanting 🔔 ✅ At the Nu grandmother’s house at the entrance of Bingzhongluo town, gather around the fire pit to eat hand-grabbed rice: pipa meat, lacquer oil chicken, stone slab pancakes, buckwheat wine (non-alcoholic version optional) 🍖🌾 Meals | ¥176 Lunch: Qiunatong Tibetan family courtyard — butter tea + highland barley cake + yak meat stew with radish ¥68 Afternoon tea: Chala Village honey walnut candy + roasted corn ¥22 Dinner: Bingzhongluo town Nu Su flavor restaurant — hand-grabbed rice set meal (includes 3 kinds of meat + 3 kinds of vegetables + buckwheat wine) ¥86 ✅ Total cost breakdown: Transportation ¥220 + Meals ¥176 = ¥396 (balance ¥4 can buy a bouquet of dried wildflowers) Best season: September to November | rich autumn colors, stable weather, frequent sea of clouds | avoid rainy season landslide areas Essentials: non-slip hiking shoes, light down jacket/windbreaker (temperature difference over 15°C between morning and night), power bank, cash (weak signal, limited mobile payment) Off-the-beaten-path tip: bring a copy of excerpts from "Jiao Ye Chen Meng" and read the poems Chen Quzhen wrote on the eve of crossing the no-man’s land by the Nu River When the prayer flags brush past your ears, I suddenly understand— Bingzhongluo is not the destination, but the bend where the heart finally agrees to stop.

Today, let's step into a poetic secret realm above the clouds—the Laomudeng Christian Church! 📍Located in Pihe Township, Fugong County, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, it sits halfway up Biluo Snow Mountain at an altitude of about 1,800 meters, approximately a 40-minute drive from the Nujiang Grand Canyon. Here, the church is backed by lush green mountains and faces the rushing Nujiang River, with mist swirling around the forest all year round, like a floating village suspended between heaven and earth ☁️🕊️. The church was built in the early 20th century by Western missionaries and local craftsmen. With its red roof, white walls, and wood-and-stone structure, it is simple yet solemn, resembling a small Alpine town church "air-dropped" into the deep mountains of western Yunnan ⛪. The mountain breeze brushes past the bronze bell, its clear chime echoing through the valley for a long time. When the sunset falls, golden light shines through the stained glass, illuminating the devout faces of the Lisu believers 🌅. In the morning, the sea of clouds surges like a dream; at night, when darkness falls and all is silent, only the Milky Way stretches across the sky, cleansing the soul completely 🌌. This is a pure land where faith and nature blend, and one of the rare places in China where multiple ethnic Christian cultures coexist. Listen to an original Lisu hymn, and you will hear the soul of the mountains singing 🎵. Itinerary: 2 days 1 night | Visit the church + watch the sea of clouds + stay in a unique guesthouse + hike the ancient trail + photograph the starry sky and sunrise Total budget: under ¥800 (about ¥780 per person) Transportation｜¥360 Take a township bus or carpool from Liuku to Laomudeng ¥80 (about 2.5 hours on mountain roads) - Round-trip carpool fee about ¥160 ÷ 2 people = ¥80/person, flexible adjustment - Walking + short motorcycle rides inside the scenic area ¥20 Accommodation｜¥200 ✅ Laomudeng Village boutique guesthouse (scenic room) ¥100/night × 2 nights = ¥200 (includes breakfast | most rooms face the sea of clouds) Meals｜¥240 Day 1 lunch: farmhouse stewed native chicken + boiled bamboo worms + wild vegetable soup ¥60 Day 1 dinner: stir-fried cured meat with matsutake tips + corn rice + hot and sour fish ¥80 Day 2 breakfast: butter tea + baked baba cake ¥15 × 2 days = ¥30 Day 2 lunch: self-heating meal or simple meal ¥40 Supplies: bottled water ¥10 | fruit ¥10 | snacks ¥10 Entrance fee｜¥0 ✅ Church free to visit | maintained voluntarily by villagers | please respect the faith and keep quiet Highlights｜Be a traveler above the clouds! ✅ Wait for the sunrise and sea of clouds at Crown Mountain early morning, where light and shadow change like a divine miracle 📸🌤️ ✅ Visit the century-old Laomudeng Church and listen to Lisu hymns 🎶 ✅ Hike the 8-km Zhiziluo Memory Corridor (old prefecture site) and travel through a time tunnel 🚶‍♀️ ✅ Night photography of the Milky Way arch, enjoy a starry sky free of light pollution 🌌✨ ✅ Total cost breakdown: Transportation ¥360 + Accommodation ¥200 + Meals ¥240 = ¥800 exactly (precisely controlled!) Best season: October to May (many sunny days | frequent sea of clouds | comfortable temperature) Essentials: warm jacket, hiking shoes, camera, cash, small gifts (stationery for children recommended) Off-the-beaten-path tip: Ask a village elder woman to teach you a Lisu love song and record the original harmony on your phone 🎤❤️ When the bell tolls through the sea of clouds, I believe that poetry and a place like this truly exist in the world.

Wuli Village is a small settlement with only 54 households located by the Nujiang River. The villagers are mainly from the Nu ethnic group, with Lisu and Tibetan minorities. The village is built along the Ancient Tea Horse Road, hidden in the mist, resembling a fairyland. Rustic wooden houses, green fields, and clear streams form a beautiful pastoral landscape, earning it the reputation as "China's Most Beautiful Village." Wuli Village is backed by the foothills of Biluo Snow Mountain and faces the Nujiang River. It is divided into two parts by the Wuli River rushing down from the mountains. The village's geographical environment is relatively isolated, with no roads accessible to this day; entry is only possible on foot or by motorcycle and electric bike. A 1.5-kilometer section of the Ancient Tea Horse Road carved into a cliff on the north side of the village is the only transport route connecting Wuli Village to the outside world. To the south, the village connects to the outside via an iron chain bridge and a winding stone path, accessible only by foot. Although Wuli Village does not attract many travelers nowadays, its fame has long spread far and wide. It was selected by China National Geographic magazine as one of the 100 most beautiful scenic photography spots in Yunnan and is known as the "Little Switzerland of Nujiang." Such praise is truly captivating.

Today, let's explore the "first stop" of the Nujiang Grand Canyon—Liuku, Lushui, Yunnan! 📍Located in the southern part of Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, it is the prefectural seat, nestled in a narrow valley between Biluo Snow Mountain and Gaoligong Mountain. The Nujiang River rushes through, and National Highway 214 runs through the city, earning it the title "Gateway to the Canyon." This is not a traditional tourist city, but it boasts a rugged and stunning primitive beauty: steep cliffs rise on both sides, the river winds and roars like emerald, morning mist lingers, and evening sunset dyes the rock walls red. The entire city is built along the mountain in layers, like a three-dimensional painting embedded in the canyon 🌄🚠 Liuku is the starting point to understand Nujiang and a living window into Lisu culture. Walking the streets, you often hear the loud and clear "Lisu mountain songs" and see elders in ethnic costumes carrying bamboo baskets crossing suspension bridges. Here is the only Nujiang folk culture ecological museum in the country, as well as the thrilling Dengeng Zaotang Festival (Winter Hot Spring Festival), plus the remnants of a zipline crossing the Nujiang River and ancient tree clusters thousands of years old. The wild charm and culture intertwine, simple yet moving. Itinerary: 2 days 1 night | Walk the riverside trail + explore Lisu culture + soak in natural hot springs + capture canyon sunsets Total budget: under ¥800 (about ¥770 per person) Transportation｜¥360 Take a bus from the county or city to Liuku (e.g., from Baoshan ¥80 | about 3 hours) - No direct route from Kunming to Liuku, recommended to fly to Baoshan then transfer by car (airfare not included) - Within Liuku city, walk + tricycle rides ¥20, flexible and convenient Accommodation｜¥200 ✅ City economy hotel or river view guesthouse standard room ¥100/night × 2 nights = ¥200 (includes breakfast | mostly clean with windows) Meals｜¥250 Day 1 lunch: Lisu hand-grabbed rice + roasted pork skin + corn wine ¥50 Day 1 dinner: Nujiang fish hotpot + stir-fried bamboo shoots with cured meat + wild vegetable soup ¥80 Day 2 breakfast: Rice noodles + steamed bun with soy milk ¥15 × 2 days = ¥30 Day 2 lunch: Self-heating meal or snack stall simple meal ¥40 Supplies: Mineral water ¥20 | Fruit ¥30 | Snacks ¥40 Tickets｜¥0 Riverside Park, Nujiang Bridge, Dengeng Hot Springs (free soaking outside festival periods) are all free to enter! Highlights｜Live like a canyon resident! ✅ Stroll the beautiful Nujiang riverside trail, photograph the knife-cut canyon scenery on both sides 📸🌊 ✅ Visit the Lisu intangible cultural heritage center, listen to the "mouth harp" performance, learn the "Guake dance" 💃🎶 ✅ At dusk, climb the Hutoushan viewing platform to wait for a blood-red sunset to flood the Nujiang River 🌅 ✅ Soak in the Dengeng natural hot springs at night (free outdoor pools), watch the starry sky and heal your body and mind 🌌♨️ ✅ Total cost breakdown: Transportation ¥360 + Accommodation ¥200 + Meals ¥250 = ¥810 → Can be optimized to ¥790 (e.g., save ¥20 by carpooling) Best season: November to April next year (dry season | mostly sunny | best hot spring experience) Essentials: Sun hat, thermos, mosquito repellent, cash, non-slip shoes Off-the-beaten-path: Early morning at the old market, drink a bowl of "Chuju" rice wine, greet the aunties in simple Lisu language 👋🌾 When the hot spring water reflects the Milky Way, I hear the breath of the Nujiang.

When I first saw photos of the Nujiang Grand Canyon, I was deeply captivated by this place. Here you find the roaring Nujiang River, towering snow-capped mountains, secluded villages, and colorful ethnic cultures. As the only autonomous prefecture in China named after the Lisu ethnic group, Nujiang is like a forgotten pearl embedded in the land of northwest Yunnan. Some say this is a place "where humans and gods coexist," but I prefer to call it the last pure land of Yunnan. The Nujiang Grand Canyon is the wildest masterpiece of the Hengduan Mountains, the ultimate secret realm for adventurers and cultural travelers. The canyon reaches depths of up to 3,500 meters, with cliffs on both sides as sharp as knives, and the river rushing like thunder. Driving along the "Beautiful Highway," viewing platforms are scattered like pearls, each offering the shock of "high mountains, deep valleys, and the roaring river." Best time to visit: Spring and autumn (March to May, September to November) are ideal. Avoid the rainy season from June to August, when frequent rains can cause geological disasters like mudslides. Self-driving route: Depart from Kunming, take Kunmo Expressway, Chuda Expressway, Dali Expressway, and Nujiang Expressway to Liuku, about 600 kilometers and approximately 8 hours. Recommended duration: 1 day Dulong River is known as the "Natural Museum of Wild Plants," with emerald-clear waters reflecting the snow mountains. This is the homeland of the Dulong ethnic group, where the butterfly totem of the Wenmian women tells the ancient tribe’s secrets. Self-driving route: From Gongshan County, turn onto the Dulong River Road, passing tunnels and alpine forests to reach the area. Note: A permit must be booked in advance to enter Dulong River, with daily visitor limits. Accommodation recommendation: Several guesthouses in Dulong River Township, simple but clean. Recommended duration: 1 day 1 night Shiyueliang (Stone Moon) is located at the 3,300-meter peak of Gaoligong Mountain, a natural arch shaped like a full moon hanging in the sky. The Lisu people regard it as a divine miracle, and every year on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, a moon worship ceremony is held. Nujiang First Bend is a semicircular large bend formed where the river is blocked by the Danla Mountains in Bingzhongluo. From the viewing platform, you can overlook the magnificent scenery, known as the "Sapphire of the East." Self-driving route: From Liuku Town, drive north along Provincial Road S228 for about 120 kilometers, passing through Fugong County and Gongshan County. Recommended duration: 1-2 hours Bingzhongluo, located at the Yunnan-Tibet border, is a place where the Nu, Lisu, and Tibetan ethnic groups live harmoniously, with primitive religions, Tibetan Buddhism, and Christianity coexisting wonderfully. It is known as the "Pearl of Nujiang," where multiple religions and cultures blend. Main attractions: Puhua Temple, Chongding Church (built by French missionaries), Shimen Pass (cliffs on both sides of Nujiang stand upright like gates, spectacular and perilous). Accommodation recommendation: Many guesthouses in Bingzhongluo Town, with options facing the snow mountains. Recommended duration: 1 day Laomudeng Village is located on a gentle slope halfway up Biluo Snow Mountain, offering excellent views of distant mountains and nearby gorges. Here you can sit in front of the church overlooking the Nujiang Grand Canyon and watch the sea of clouds surge. Zhiziluo (about 20 minutes by car from Laomudeng) was the old capital of Nujiang Prefecture. It was abandoned in the 1980s due to predicted landslides and still preserves buildings like the octagonal tower, Xinhua Bookstore, and old auditorium, earning the name "City of Memory." Self-driving route: From Liuku, drive north along the Beautiful Highway, winding up the mountain road to reach Laomudeng Village on the Biluo Snow Mountain slope. Accommodation recommendation: Many homestays in Laomudeng; it is recommended to choose those at higher elevations with wide views for better sightseeing. Recommended duration: 1 day 1 night Wuli Village was rated by China National Geography as "China’s Most Beautiful Village." It is located at the foot of Biluo Snow Mountain, surrounded by the Nujiang River. Most villagers are Nu ethnic group, with wooden log houses as the main architecture. Farmlands, streams, and cooking smoke create a pastoral painting. Tea Horse Ancient Road: To enter the village, you must walk a section of the thousand-year-old ancient road carved on a cliff, with the roaring river below. Walking here feels like traveling through time. Self-driving route: From Bingzhongluo, drive north along the river for about 15 minutes to the opposite bank of Wuli Village, then a short hike is required to enter. Recommended duration: Half a day Recommended Nujiang Boutique Travel Itinerary Classic 5-day tour: Day 1: Arrive in Liuku, experience Lisu culture, and taste hand-grabbed rice. Day 2: Visit Laomudeng and Zhiziluo, experience life above the clouds. Day 3: Head to Bingzhongluo, visit Nujiang First Bend and Chongding Church. Day 4: Explore Wuli Village and the Tea Horse Ancient Road. Day 5: Visit Dulong River and explore Dulong ethnic villages. Outdoor hiking route: Nujiang Grand Canyon hiking trail, about 15 kilometers long, starting and ending in Bingzhongluo Town, with sights including Nujiang First Bend, Biluo Snow Mountain, and Stone Moon. Practical Information Transportation: By plane: Arrive first in Kunming, Lijiang, or other cities, then take a flight to Liuku Airport in Lushui City, Nujiang Prefecture. Self-driving: SUV recommended; some road sections are narrow and winding, drive cautiously. Supplies: Stock up on snacks, download offline maps, as signal on the road is rarer than shooting stars. Accommodation recommendations: Lushui Denggeng Hot Spring Mid-mountain Hotel: Lie in the hot spring pool and listen to the roaring Nujiang River. Laomudeng Homestay: Choose one with a high and wide view for better sightseeing. Bingzhongluo Guesthouse: Rooms facing the snow mountains are available. Food recommendations: Hand-grabbed rice: A Lisu specialty, rice served with cured meat, wild vegetables, and dipping sauce, eaten by hand. Lacquer oil chicken: Cooked with lacquer tree seed oil, fragrant and rich; locals believe it is nourishing and strengthening. Stone slab baba: Baked on unique stone slabs from Bingzhongluo, crispy and delicious. Notes: Respect local ethnic customs and avoid offense. The canyon terrain is complex; hike or explore in groups, do not go alone. Temperature varies greatly between day and night, and mountain weather is changeable; bring enough clothing. Signal is poor in some areas; download offline maps in advance. The charm of Nujiang lies in its preservation of a raw, uncarved vitality. This route connects canyons, snow mountains, villages, and ancient roads, as well as the stories of the Lisu, Nu, and Dulong peoples. Slow down, take a moment with a cup of butter tea, and feel the warmth and poetry of this land. When the thrill of zip-lining meets the rich aroma of lacquer oil chicken, and the wonder of Stone Moon reflects on the emerald waters of Dulong River, this secluded pure land will become the most soul-stirring coordinate on your travel map.

Today, I'll take you on a journey through time – into Laomudeng-Zhiziluo, Yunnan, a "City of Memories" hidden in the clouds! 📍Located at the junction of Fugong County and Gongshan County in Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, nestled on the mountainside of Biluo Snow Mountain, at an altitude of about 1900 meters, approximately 120 kilometers from Liuku. This was once the seat of the Nujiang Prefecture government before the 1970s. Later, due to administrative division adjustments, it was "forgotten," but this also preserved the era of the 80s🎞️ Zhiziluo retains its mottled post and telecommunications building, old cinema, and state-run canteen, as if time has been paused; while Laomudeng Village at the foot of the mountain is a Lisu settlement, backed by Huangguan Snow Peak, facing the Nujiang Grand Canyon, with clouds and mist swirling like a fairyland☁️🏔️ Opening the window in the morning, you see mountains surging like a sea, sunlight illuminating the valley inch by inch, and distant snow-capped peaks shining brightly; in the evening, church bells ring, echoing over the Nujiang River, and villagers softly sing ancient Lisu songs by the fire pit🎵 Laomudeng means "good place," and it lives up to its name: it has one of China's most beautiful Christian churches – Laomudeng Church⛪, a viewing platform overlooking the 800-li Nujiang River, as well as the Millennium Rhododendron King, high-mountain tea fields, and remnants of rattan ropeways. Staying in a log cabin guesthouse, you can look up at the Milky Way at night, as if you could reach out and pluck the stars🌌 Itinerary: 2 Days 1 Night | Travel through a time-capsule town + Photograph cloud seas and snow-capped mountains + Stay in a guesthouse next to a century-old church + Listen to Lisu folk songs Total Budget: Within 800 RMB (approx. 780 RMB per person) Transportation | ¥360 -From Liuku Bus Station, take a township shuttle bus to Laomudeng-Zhiziluo ¥40 (approx. 3 hours mountain road) -Round-trip carpooling from Liuku is more flexible, ¥160 per person -Mainly walking within the scenic area, no extra transportation needed Accommodation | ¥200 ✅ Laomudeng Village characteristic guesthouses (e.g., Nusuli, Yinfu Guesthouse) Standard room ¥100/night × 2 nights = ¥200 (includes breakfast | some with views) Dining | ¥240 Day 1 Lunch: Lisu Hand-Grabbed Rice + Roasted Piglet ¥50 Day 1 Dinner: Cured Meat Stewed with Wild Mushrooms + Sour Cabbage Soup + Corn Wine ¥60 -Day 2 Breakfast: Butter Tea + Tsampa + Steamed Buns ¥15 × 2 days = ¥30 -Day 2 Lunch: Self-heating meal or simple farmhouse meal ¥40 -Supplies: Mineral water ¥20 | Fruit ¥30 | Snacks ¥30 Highlights | Be a time traveler! ✅ Ascend Laomudeng Viewing Platform to photograph the western foothills of Huangguan Snow Peak + Nujiang First Bend🌅📸 ✅ Explore the abandoned old town of Zhiziluo, check in at the "Octagonal Building" and old streets🎞️ ✅ Participate in fire pit singing at night, listen to villagers play mouth harps and sing "Baishi" ✅ Visit Laomudeng Church, experience the fusion of faith and nature⛪ ✅ Total Expense Breakdown: Transportation ¥360 + Accommodation ¥200 + Dining ¥240 = ¥800 exactly (precise budget control!) Best Season: March–May | September–November (more sunny days | frequent cloud seas) Essentials: Assault jacket, non-slip shoes, camera, mosquito repellent, cash (no signal) -Niche Activity: Bring a film camera to shoot a set of retro cinematic blockbusters at the Octagonal Building As the wind passes through the window frames of the old post office, I hear the echo of 1980.

The self-driving distance from Lushui to Fugong is about 136 kilometers, with a driving time of 2.5-3 hours. Travel along National Highway G219 (Nujiang Scenic Highway), passing through key attractions such as Tiger Leaping Gorge, Laomudeng Village, Zhiziluo Village, and Shiyueliang. Figures 1-4, Nujiang’s natural barrier - Tiger Leaping Gorge (Lamaden), located in Chenggan Township, Lushui City along the Nujiang River. Here, the river narrows to about 20 meters, with overlapping peaks on both sides, bizarre rock formations, and sheer cliffs. In the middle of the river lies a giant 2-meter square boulder resting across the riverbed. Water cascades down both sides of the boulder, splashing waves, with roaring waves crashing against the shore, creating a deafening sound echoing through the gorge. “Lamaden” is a Lisu word, also known as “Lakualuo” or “Lamadenpei.” “Lama” means tiger, and “den” means leap, together meaning Tiger Leaping Gorge. According to legend, a tiger once jumped across the river here, giving the gorge its name. It is also regarded by the Lisu’s Tiger Clan as their place of origin. The Nujiang Grand Canyon runs north to south and suddenly narrows here, revealing its magnificent grandeur and forming the “Lamaden” landscape, with the narrowest point only 10 meters wide. The gorge’s peaks tower on both sides, with cliffs as sharp as blades, some rising into the clouds; bizarre rocks of various shapes lie low in the river. Figures 5-6, Feilai Stone is located 90 kilometers from Liuku, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, at an altitude of 1300 meters, on the east bank of the Nujiang River inside Pihe Nationality Middle School. It weighs over 500 tons, stands more than 3 meters tall, and has a diameter of over 2 meters. At around 2:30 a.m. on March 19, 1983, a tremendous explosion sounded like the sky and earth splitting. A giant stone fell from the sky, standing proudly in the small courtyard of the teachers’ dormitory at Pihe Nationality Middle School in Fugong County, occupying about 40 square meters. It landed perfectly in the center, only damaging a corner of the eaves on the north side. The rock body was close to the wall, and the dozen or so teachers sleeping in the dormitory were completely unharmed. The next morning, people searched everywhere for signs of the stone’s fall but found no traces on either side of Biluoxueshan or Gaoligongshan. Thus, the stone’s descent from the sky remains a mystery, and local people still tell many magical legends about it. Figures 7-13, City of Memories - Zhiziluo, a forgotten small town. It was once the prefectural capital of Nujiang Prefecture and an important post on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. In the early 1980s, geological forecasts predicted a major natural disaster. Overnight, it became a ghost town, and Zhiziluo’s time has been frozen for 40 years. In Lisu language, “Zhiziluo” means “good place.” It is located on a ridge at 2023 meters altitude in Biluoxueshan and was once the capital of Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture and the original seat of Bijiang County. Once a prosperous county seat and the capital of Nujiang Prefecture, it is now often sadly called the “City of Memories” or “Ghost Town.” P7-P8, Nu Ethnic Museum (Octagonal Building): This is a landmark building in Zhiziluo, once a library and a newly built but never used structure. Although it is not open to the public now, you can climb the stairs to overlook the entire Zhiziluo Village and the distant Biluoxueshan, offering an excellent view. P10, Crown Mountain in the northern section of Gaoligongshan is quite famous, named for its crown-like shape. It stands out among the mountains and can be viewed from the Laomudeng viewing platform. Figures 14-20, Laomudeng Village in Fugong County, meaning “a place people like to come” in Lisu, is at an altitude of 1850 meters with very high oxygen content, known as a natural oxygen bar. It lies east of Biluoxueshan and west of Gaoligongshan, with the Nujiang River rushing southward between the two mountains at its feet. P14-P17, Laomudeng Christian Church: This red and white church built on the edge of a cliff is a landmark of Laomudeng. It has no fancy decorations, only blue brick walls, red-painted wooden windows, and long benches, but it is full of pure faith. If the timing is right, be sure to listen to the sacred songs sung in Lisu, a four-part a cappella that is ethereal and powerful, truly wonderful. The church holds services every Sunday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 8 p.m.

Today, let's venture into the secret realm of the Hengduan Mountains—Yunnan Biluo Snow Mountain! 📍Located within Lanping County, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, it serves as the natural watershed between the Nu River and Lancang River. To the east, you can see Jade Dragon Snow Mountain; to the west, Gaoligong Mountain. It lies at the heart of the "Three Parallel Rivers" World Natural Heritage site🏔️ Here, the elevation rises sharply from 2,000 meters to over 4,000 meters, where primeval forests, alpine meadows, glacial relics, and Tibetan and Lisu villages intertwine. With sparse population and wild nature, it is known as the "Undisturbed Sacred Mountain Corridor"🌲❄️ In the early morning, the sea of clouds surges, and the snow peaks appear and disappear as if floating in the air; in the afternoon, sunlight bathes the rhododendron slopes, pink and white like snow, stretching for miles; at dusk, the golden afterglow coats the ridges with a holy light, as if a divine realm has descended🌅 Mountain streams are crystal clear, ancient trees and vines entwine, occasionally wild sheep leap over cliffs, and birdsong echoes through the valleys. Along the way, you can see mani stone piles, prayer flag arrays, and century-old temples (such as Jinding Temple), where faith and nature blend in quiet solemnity🕊️ Especially in autumn, the forests are ablaze with color, and the colorful woods reflect in the lakes, breathtakingly beautiful. This is not a popular tourist spot, but it hides the most pristine poetry of northwest Yunnan. Itinerary: 2 days 1 night｜Light trekking exploration + photographing snow mountains and sea of clouds + staying in a high mountain village + experiencing Lisu culture Total budget: under ¥800 (about ¥790 per person) Transportation｜¥380 Bus from Kunming to Lanping County ¥180 (about 6 hours) - Shared car round trip from county town to Biluo Snow Mountain foot villages (such as Tongdian, Jinman Village) ¥200 (advance booking recommended) Entrance Fee｜Free ✅ - Undeveloped scenic area, no entrance fee｜Respect local customs when entering villages Accommodation｜¥200 ✅ Standard room in a high mountain Lisu or Pumi family guesthouse ¥100/night × 2 nights = ¥200 (includes breakfast and kang heating) Meals｜¥240 - Day 1 lunch: potato rice + small portion of roast suckling pig ¥50 Day 1 dinner: cured meat stewed with matsutake mushrooms + wild vegetable soup + corn wine ¥70 Day 2 breakfast: butter tea + tsampa + steamed bun ¥15 × 2 days = ¥30 Day 2 lunch: self-heating meal on the way ¥40 Supplies: bottled water ¥20｜snacks ¥30 Highlights｜Be a mountain dweller for a day! ✅ Hike 3 kilometers into the mountains, check in at alpine pastures and high mountain lakes 📸🏞️ ✅ Early morning climb to photograph the snow mountain sunrise and rolling sea of clouds 🌅 ✅ Visit a century-old Tibetan Buddhist small temple, spin prayer wheels and pray for blessings ✅ Learn to sing Lisu mountain songs with villagers, experience crossbow hunting (cultural experience) ✅ Total cost breakdown: Transportation ¥380 + Accommodation ¥200 + Meals ¥240 = ¥820 → can be optimized to ¥790 (negotiate shared car price or save ¥30 on supplies) Best seasons: May–June (rhododendron bloom)｜September–October (stunning autumn colors) Essentials: windbreaker, non-slip hiking shoes, headlamp, camera, cash, altitude sickness remedies Safety tips: Mountain roads are steep, do not venture alone, follow guide instructions When the prayer flags flutter in the wind, I hear the heartbeat of the snow mountain.

Nujiang | A secret realm you must visit once in your lifetime, or you’ll regret it! Dear friends, if you’re tired of the same old popular spots, you must come to Nujiang! Here you’ll find the most pristine natural scenery and the richest ethnic customs. It’s truly a hidden paradise, and every corner will touch your heart with its beauty! Now, let’s embark on this Nujiang journey together 🚗 Preparation ● Documents: ID card, and other documents that might be needed at some scenic spots (such as student ID). ● Clothing: Nujiang has a large temperature difference between day and night, so bring a warm jacket, lightweight long-sleeve and short-sleeve clothes. If you’re going to the mountains, prepare waterproof outdoor clothing. ● Medicine: Cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness pills, insect bite remedies, etc. ● Others: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, water bottle, power bank. Best Travel Time The best time to visit Nujiang is from October to April of the following year. During this period, there is less rain, the weather is clear, and the river water is crystal clear, making it perfect for travel. Transportation Guide ● External transportation: You can first arrive in Kunming, then take a plane or long-distance bus to Nujiang. The long-distance bus from Kunming to Nujiang is quite convenient, with a travel time of about 8 to 10 hours. ● Internal transportation: Locally in Nujiang, you can choose to charter a car, rent a car, or take public transportation. Chartering a car offers more freedom and allows you to stop anytime to enjoy the scenery, but it’s relatively more expensive; public transportation is more economical but may not run very frequently. Must-Visit Attractions Nujiang Grand Canyon This is one of the longest, most mysterious, most beautiful, perilous, and most primitive grand canyons in the world! Standing at the edge of the canyon, you will be overwhelmed by its majestic momentum. The river rushes endlessly, and the peaks on both sides soar into the clouds, like a natural landscape painting. You can stroll along the riverside trail to appreciate nature’s craftsmanship or take a boat ride to admire the canyon’s beauty up close. Dulong River Dulong River is known as the “Natural Museum of Wild Plants.” It is home to the Dulong ethnic group, who have a unique ethnic culture. When you enter Dulong River, it feels like stepping into a paradise. The primeval forest is lush, and the clear streams flow gently. You can visit Dulong villages to learn about their traditional customs and lifestyle, and also see the Dulong women with facial tattoos (though these tattooed women are now very rare). Bingzhongluo Bingzhongluo is a place where humans and gods coexist. It features spectacular snow-capped mountains, deep canyons, and peaceful pastoral scenery. Attractions like Gongdang Sacred Mountain, Nujiang First Bend, and Peach Blossom Island are all concentrated here. In spring, peach blossoms bloom, surrounding the entire village in pink, as beautiful as a fairyland; in autumn, golden rice fields and colorful forests complement each other, creating a stunning pastoral painting. You can stay here for a few days to experience a leisurely rural life and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature. Laomudeng Village Laomudeng Village is a Nu ethnic settlement located halfway up Biluo Snow Mountain. From the village, you can overlook the magnificent scenery of Nujiang Grand Canyon. The village also has the Laomudeng Christian Church, which, though small, is filled with a strong religious atmosphere. Every Sunday, villagers gather here to sing hymns, and the melodious singing purifies the soul. Food Recommendations ● Lacquer Oil Chicken: This is a traditional Nu ethnic dish. Lacquer oil is a local specialty cooking oil with a unique aroma. The chicken is tender and juicy, infused with the fragrance of lacquer oil, creating a very distinctive flavor. ● Stone Slab Baba: Baked on local special stone slabs, it has a crispy texture and a faint stone slab aroma. It can be eaten with honey or local special sauces for a unique taste. ● Sour Bamboo Vegetable: A specialty wild vegetable of Nujiang, it has a sour and appetizing taste and is known for its heat-clearing and detoxifying effects. It’s delicious whether stir-fried or cooked in soup. Accommodation Suggestions ● In Bingzhongluo and Laomudeng Village, there are many guesthouses to choose from. Most of these are run by local villagers, affordable, and allow you to experience the local lifestyle. The rooms are clean and tidy, and you can enjoy beautiful views. ● In Nujiang city, there are hotels of various grades available. If you seek comfort and convenience, you can choose a hotel in the city. Notes ● Some areas of Nujiang are high-altitude regions, so be mindful of altitude sickness and avoid strenuous exercise. ● Respect local ethnic cultures and religious beliefs, and do not casually violate local taboos. ● When traveling in mountainous areas, pay attention to safety, follow the rules of scenic spots, and do not enter undeveloped areas without permission. Dear friends, the beauty of Nujiang cannot be fully described in words; only by experiencing it yourself can you feel its charm. Hurry up, pack your bags, and embark on a spontaneous Nujiang trip! 💖

Drive eight hundred miles just to meet Peacock Mountain’s golden autumn! From the Lancang River Valley at 2000 meters elevation to the nearly 4000-meter mountain pass, red leaves, firs, pine forests, and grasslands intertwine—off the beaten path yet stunning. This guide tells you all about the joy of self-driving plus hiking! 1. Self-Drive Route 🚘 Peacock Mountain is hidden at the border of Diqing and Nujiang, with the Degong Highway running through it, known as Yunnan’s “Bingchacha.” - Starting from the hot dry valley of the Lancang River in Yunling Township, Deqin, the elevation quickly rises. At the No.4 hairpin turn, you can overlook the majestic Baima Snow Mountain; - Continuing forward, you’ll unlock the surprise of fifty miles of colorful forests, with snow mountains reflecting in streams, colorful forests surrounding waterfalls—every snapshot is a romantic autumn scene; - Before the entrance to the Peacock Mountain Tunnel, turn left onto the old road and reach Peacock Mountain Pass (hiking start point) in 10 minutes; descend the mountain along the old winding road, the red leaves on the Gongshan side are equally eye-catching. After another 15 minutes, you’ll reach the tunnel exit, from where you can return to Deqin County or continue toward Nujiang·Gongshan. 2. Hiking Route 👣 Park your car at Peacock Mountain Pass and set off along the trail beside the prayer flags! - Along the way, you’ll encounter several shimmering small lakes called the “Tianxing Twelve Lakes” by locals. On sunny days, the lakes reflect the jagged rocky mountains, like stepping into a real-life Zelda—hidden yet magnificent; - Climb the mountain trail beside the lakes, pass through alpine rhododendron forests, and enjoy panoramic views of the Tianxing Twelve Lakes, as well as the spectacular Biluo Snow Mountain and Gaoligong Mountain; - The round trip is 4.5 km with an elevation of 3800+ meters. The first kilometer has a slight uphill, then the terrain levels out. Walking slowly is easy, even beginners can handle it. It’s recommended to download the route map in advance or follow the tire tracks to avoid getting lost. 3. Trip Combinations 💡 - Easy version: Combine Peacock Mountain with Cizhong Church and Guzha Hot Springs for a day of diverse scenery; - In-depth version: After visiting Baima Snow Mountain/Meili Snow Mountain/Yubeng, travel along the Degong Highway to Bingzhongluo/Dulong River/Nujiang Grand Canyon to capture all the beauty of western Yunnan. 4. Accommodation Guide 🏡 For an immersive experience of the scenery around Peacock Mountain, we recommend staying at the well-known nearby guesthouse “Deqin Jixiashan·Meili SUNYATA Hotel,” which is close to the self-drive route. You can enjoy a wild luxury lodging experience and conveniently start your next day’s journey. 5. Other Notes ⚠️ - Viewing time: The colorful forest and red leaf season is from late October to late November, with early to mid-November being the best viewing period; the southern slope (Gongshan side) is warmer, so the red leaf season is slightly later there; - Photo tips: Peacock Mountain faces west, so the afternoon light on sunny days is best for shooting colorful forests and snow mountains; - Driving safety: The Degong Highway has many curves and narrow roads, so slow down when driving; the old road at Peacock Mountain Pass (Gongshan side) is in poor condition with large potholes, so novice drivers are advised to use the Deqin side both ways; in rainy or snowy weather, the old road may be closed due to thick snow and slippery conditions, so the tunnel is safer.

After seeing countless autumn scenes in Dali, it wasn’t until I visited Peacock Mountain that I realized there is such a golden autumn secret in western Yunnan! Drive through valleys and mountain passes, hike to lakes and snowy peaks—this guide will help you make the most of it~ 1. Self-Driving Route 🚘 Peacock Mountain is located at the border of Diqing and Nujiang, and the Degong Highway is known as the "Yunnan Bingchacha," with absolutely stunning scenery along the way! - Start at "Yunling Township, Deqin," in the Lancang River dry-hot valley, beginning at 2000 meters elevation. When you reach the No.4 hairpin turn, the silhouette of Baima Snow Mountain suddenly appears—super breathtaking; - The next fifty kilometers are full of surprises: red leaves cover the hillsides, fir trees dot the landscape, and streams flow through the colorful forests. Every stretch feels like walking through a painting; - Don’t rush into the "Peacock Mountain Tunnel" entrance. Turn left to take the old road for 10 minutes to Peacock Mountain Pass (a must for hiking). Descend the old road, and the red leaves on the Gongshan side are just as beautiful. After 15 minutes, you’ll reach the tunnel exit, where you can return to Deqin or explore toward Nujiang·Gongshan. 2. Hiking Route 👣 Peacock Mountain Pass is the starting point for hiking. It’s easy and scenic, perfect for families or beginners! - Follow the trail beside the prayer flags, and you’ll soon see the "Tianxing Twelve Lakes." These small lakes are nestled in the mountains, reflecting strange rocks on sunny days. Every photo looks like a masterpiece—no wonder it’s called the "Zelda of the human world"; - From the lakeside trail, hike uphill through alpine rhododendron forests (even out of bloom, they’re wild and charming). You’ll get a panoramic view of the Tianxing Twelve Lakes and see the continuous snowy peaks of Biluo Snow Mountain and Gaoligong Mountain; - The round trip is 4.5 km, at over 3800 meters elevation. The first kilometer has a slight climb, then the path is mostly flat. Take your time, it’s very manageable. Remember to download the trail map in advance or follow the tire tracks to avoid getting lost. 3. Itinerary Combinations 💡 - One-day tour: Peacock Mountain + Cizhong Church + Guzha Hot Springs. See the colorful forests in the morning, visit the church in the afternoon, and soak in the hot springs at night—fulfilling and relaxing; - Multi-day tour: First explore Baima Snow Mountain / Meili Snow Mountain / Yubeng, then drive along Degong Highway to Peacock Mountain, and finally head to Bingzhongluo / Dulong River / Nujiang Grand Canyon for a deep experience of western Yunnan’s autumn charm. 4. Accommodation Guide 🏡 Recommended stay: the nearby luxury wild-style guesthouse "Yubeng Wild Language YEYU Hotel." Although it’s a bit of a drive from Peacock Mountain, the hotel is in a superb scenic location where you can experience the wild charm of the mountains and forests. It’s ideal for families wanting to deeply experience western Yunnan’s natural environment, and the drive to Peacock Mountain is smooth. 5. Other Tips ⚠️ - Best viewing time: Late October to late November is the colorful forest season, with the most vibrant leaf colors in early to mid-November. The Gongshan side is warmer, so the red leaves fall a few days later than on the Deqin side. If you want to avoid the crowds, choose here; - Photography tips: Peacock Mountain faces west, so on sunny afternoons the light is soft, with no harsh shadows on the colorful forests, snowy mountains, or lakes—perfect for photos; - Driving reminders: Degong Highway has many curves and narrow roads, so drive carefully. The old pass road (Gongshan side) has big potholes—beginners should avoid it. It’s safer to go round trip via the Deqin side. The old road may be closed in rain or snow, so taking the tunnel is more reliable. Safety first!

Nujiang Prefecture Three Days Two Nights Travel Guide (Budget 5000 RMB) Theme: Canyon Secrets · Lisu Ethnic Style and Nujiang Natural Hazard Suitable for: Outdoor enthusiasts/photographers who prefer pristine nature and ethnic minority culture 💰 Budget Allocation (Total cost for 2 people) Item Cost (RMB) Description Transportation 2500-3000 Round-trip charter/self-drive (Dali → Liuku 5 hours) or flight (Kunming → Lushui 1.5 hours) Accommodation 600-800 Two nights in canyon guesthouses/county hotels Meals 400-600 Qi You chicken, hand-grabbed rice, Xiala wine Tickets/Experiences 200-300 Zipline experience, Laomudeng Church, etc. Others 300-500 Guide fees, photography equipment rental, etc. ⛰️ Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Liuku Town · Nujiang Starting Point Morning Drive/charter to Liuku (about 5 hours from Dali, charter fee 800 RMB/day including fuel). Visit Denggeng Zaotanghui Ruins (free): ♨️ Experience outdoor wild hot springs (bring swimwear), watch Lisu "spring bathing" custom (peak from December to February). Noon Lunch: "Lisu Family" (50 RMB per person), must-try Qi You chicken (allergy caution), buckwheat pancakes. Afternoon Nujiang Bridge Viewing Platform (free): 🌉 Photograph V-shaped canyon and suspension bridge, feel the "Nujiang’s Most Dangerous Spot." Baihualing Church (free): 🎵 Listen to four-part Lisu language hymns (Sunday service at 10:00). Evening Stay in Liuku: choose "Nujiang Grand Hotel" (about 300 RMB/night), river view room to listen to the waves. Day 2: Laomudeng · Cloud Village Morning Drive to Laomudeng (3 hours on mountain roads): ☁️ Crown Mountain Viewing Platform (free): Capture panoramic views of Nujiang Grand Canyon in morning mist, occasionally meet Lisu shepherds. Noon Lunch: Laomudeng "150 Inn" (40 RMB per person), try ham fried matsutake mushrooms (seasonal dish). Afternoon Zhiziluo Memory City (free): 🕰️ Explore the abandoned 1980s county town, slogan walls, octagonal building for nostalgic photos. Zipline experience (50 RMB/person): 🪂 Traditional Lisu river crossing method; timid can choose "sightseeing zipline" (gentler). Evening Stay at Laomudeng guesthouse: recommend "Sisters Inn" (about 200 RMB/night), drink Xiala wine by the fire pit. Day 3: Bingzhongluo · Where Humans and Gods Coexist Morning Shiyueliang Viewing Platform (free): 🌙 View natural mountain cave from afar, origin of Lisu creation legend. Nujiang First Bend (free): 🌀 Climb Gongdang Sacred Mountain to overlook the Ω-shaped river bend, 40-minute hike required. Noon Lunch: Bingzhongluo "A Bai’s Home" (50 RMB per person), try stone slab pancakes and butter tea. Afternoon Qiunutong Village (free): 🏡 The last village at the Yunnan-Tibet border, visit Catholic church and Tibetan wooden houses. Pre-departure shopping: 🛍️ Dulong rugs (200-400 RMB each), wild mushroom dried (100 RMB/bag, best in September-October). 💡 Practical Tips Transportation Warning: Nujiang roads have many cliffside sharp turns; hiring a local driver (about 600 RMB/day) is recommended, drive cautiously if self-driving! Safety Notice: Landslides are common in rainy season (June-September), check weather before travel; always wear safety harness on zipline. Photography Guide: Best lighting: sunrise at First Bend (7:30), sunset at Shiyueliang (18:00). Total Cost Reference: About 4500-5000 RMB for two people, brave the "Oriental Grand Canyon"! 🌊 (If time allows, add "Dulong River Exploration" or "Biluoxueshan Hiking," extending to 5 days)

Theme Explanation: Breaking away from the conventional Kunming-Dali-Lijiang route, this journey focuses on the Nujiang Grand Canyon and Lancang River basin in northwest Yunnan. In late October to early November, the deep autumn here presents the most vibrant colors and the most tranquil atmosphere of the year. With the theme of "Double Rivers Autumn Scenery and Ethnic Secrets," we will take you through the turbulent Nujiang River and the gentle Lancang River, visit the divine-human cohabited Bingzhongluo, stroll through the millennium-old salt fields soon to be submerged by a reservoir, immerse yourself in the golden ginkgo village, and delve into little-known ethnic minority villages, experiencing an original in-depth journey combining magnificent landscapes, cultural wonders, and autumnal serenity. Trip Highlights: · Best Season: Avoiding summer and National Day crowds, enjoy crisp autumn air, colorful forests, and emerald-green river waters. · Ultimate Scenery: Experience the majestic and rugged Nujiang River alongside the rustic pastoral Lancang River. · Cultural Secrets: Visit the Dulong ethnic facial tattoo women (if luck permits), Lisu villages, and experience diverse ethnic cultures. · Exclusive Experiences: Listen to the heavenly four-part a cappella choir at Laomudeng Church, reminisce in Zhiziluo "City of Memories," and make ham in the ancient village of Nuodeng. Itinerary: Day 1: Arrival in Kunming – Liuku, Nujiang Prefecture (Gathering) · Arrive at Kunming Changshui Airport from various locations; it is recommended to take an afternoon flight or high-speed train to Baoshan or directly drive to Liuku (about 4-5 hours by car). · Overnight in Liuku; after arrival, take a walk along the Nujiang River, feel the night atmosphere of the canyon city, and taste Lisu hand-grabbed rice to prepare for the deep canyon exploration tomorrow. Day 2: Liuku – Laomudeng – Zhiziluo (Cultural and Spiritual Shock) · Head north along the beautiful Nujiang highway, enjoying the grandeur of Gaoligong Mountain and Biluo Snow Mountain, and the magical "zip line" over the river (now mostly a safe experience activity). · Arrive at Laomudeng Village, visit the cliffside Laomudeng Christian Church; if it happens to be Sunday, listen to the Lisu four-part a cappella choir praised as "heavenly sound." · Hike up to Zhiziluo, the "City of Memories," a frozen-in-time 1980s county town with abandoned buildings and slogans full of strong era vibes and photographic charm. · Overnight in Laomudeng, enjoy the sunset over Crown Mountain from the guesthouse terrace, and savor the canyon’s tranquility. Day 3: Laomudeng – Stone Moon – Gongshan – Bingzhongluo (Land of Divine-Human Cohabitation) · Continue north, admire the Stone Moon wonder—a Dali karst cave in the peaks of Gaoligong Mountain. · Arrive at Gongshan, then transfer to a small vehicle to Bingzhongluo. Pass by the First Bend of the Nujiang River, where the river forms a perfect "Ω" shaped grand curve, magnificent in scale. · In the afternoon, stroll through the fields of Bingzhongluo, the essence of the Nujiang Grand Canyon, with post-harvest terraces, scattered villages, and distant snow-capped mountains forming a stunning picture. · Overnight in Bingzhongluo. Day 4: In-depth Exploration of Bingzhongluo (Qiunatong/Wuli Village) · Early morning, if weather permits, enjoy the sea of clouds over Bingzhongluo. · Visit Qiunatong Village, the last village at the northern end of the Nujiang Grand Canyon, primitive and peaceful, with autumn colors decorating Tibetan-style wooden houses. · Hike to Wuli Village (also known as Wengli Village), crossing an ancient Tea Horse Road; this riverside terrace village feels like a secluded peach blossom land. · Overnight in Bingzhongluo. Day 5: Bingzhongluo – Yunnan Golden Monkey National Park – Lancang River Canyon – Tacheng (From Nujiang to Lancang River) · Bid farewell to Nujiang, drive over Biluo Snow Mountain into the Lancang River basin. This section is long but with changing scenery. · Visit Yunnan Golden Monkey National Park, where under a guide’s lead, you can observe the national treasure known as the "Snow Mountain Spirit"—the Yunnan golden monkey (viewing time needs prior confirmation). · Arrive in Tacheng Town by evening, located by a tributary of the Lancang River, with gentle scenery. · Overnight in a characteristic guesthouse in Tacheng. Day 6: Tacheng – Tongle Lisu Village – Millennium Salt Fields (Nuodeng/or other well-preserved salt fields in the area) – Yunlong · In the morning, visit Tongle Lisu Village, built on a mountain with closely packed wooden houses, a living fossil of Lisu dwellings. · In the afternoon, head to the millennium-old salt fields by the Lancang River (such as the Nuodeng ancient salt wells or other well-preserved salt fields). These salt fields use the ancient "well frame" salt drying method, sparkling under the autumn sun, a paradise for photography enthusiasts. · Then check into Yunlong County or a nearby characteristic ancient town. · (Optional/Highlight): If time permits, visit the "Millennium Bai Village" Nuodeng to witness the birthplace of Nuodeng ham featured in "A Bite of China" and enjoy a ham feast. Day 7: Dali Weishan Ancient Town/or Eryuan West Lake – Return (Peaceful Ending) · To avoid the bustle of Dali Ancient Town, choose to visit Weishan Ancient Town, the birthplace of the Nanzhao Kingdom, more original and peaceful, with autumn streets perfect for slowly savoring food and history. · Or visit Eryuan West Lake, take a small boat through Bai ethnic villages on the lake, enjoying the last quiet moments of the water town. · In the afternoon, depending on flight time, head leisurely to Dali Airport or train station, concluding this rich and profound late autumn secret journey in northwest Yunnan. Travel Tips: · Some sections of this route are mountainous with many curves; it is recommended to charter a car or hire a local driver familiar with the roads. · Late October to early November in northwest Yunnan has a large temperature difference between day and night; prepare warm clothing such as windbreakers and light down jackets. · Respect local ethnic customs; please ask for permission before photographing people. · The itinerary can be slightly adjusted according to actual weather, road conditions, and personal interests. This journey is not only a visual feast but also a spiritual cleansing. In Yunnan’s late autumn, stepping into these secret realms guarded by mountains and rivers, you will gain unparalleled tranquility and awe.

Shimen Pass in Nujiang, a must-pass route on the ancient Tea Horse Road from Yunnan to Tibet, has Biluo Snow Mountain on the left and Gaoligong Mountain on the right, with the Nujiang River rushing down from Shimen Pass. Outside Shimen Pass, Wuli Village across the Nujiang River can only be accessed by crossing a suspension bridge to the opposite bank, then walking along the plank road to enter. There are two suspension bridges to enter the village: you can enter from the southern bridge and exit from the northern suspension bridge near the Red Bridge. Wuli Village, where humans and gods coexist, is a small village hidden deep in the clouds and mist, like a paradise on earth, peaceful and serene. The village is home to dozens of indigenous households of Tibetan, Nu, and Lisu ethnic groups, with old stone slab houses and stilted buildings preserving their original appearance.

Who would have thought! After 50 trips to Yunnan in 10 years, I finally discovered this "time-hidden secret" in Nujiang! The moment I saw it after climbing 37 hairpin turns, it completely overturned all my ideas about "vacation"—this isn’t a hotel at all, it’s like living inside a National Geographic photo frame 😭 🚗 Transportation Guide: The Ritual of Heading to the Secret Realm • Arrival: First get to Baoshan Station/Baoshan YunDuan Airport, self-driving is recommended (the view of the Nujiang Gorge along the way is absolutely stunning!) • Entering the Village: Navigate to "Nujiang Love Secret Bay Hotel" (Fugong County, National Highway 219), then you have to cross an "ancient suspension bridge" on foot to get there, the ritual feeling is off the charts! 🏨 Hotel Highlights: Once you stay, you won’t want to leave! 🌿 Architectural Aesthetics: Houses "grown" from the earth • The designer truly understands "seclusion"! Using rammed earth walls, old wooden beams and columns, handmade green tiles, built along the mountain shape, it feels like it’s merged with Biluo Snow Mountain and Nujiang River • Each room features a "floating design," with a full wall of floor-to-ceiling windows framing a 270° river view. Lying in the bathtub, you can watch the river cut through the mountains, and during the rainy season, mist drifts in through the window cracks! ✨ Must-Experience Divine Features • Private Hot Spring Bath: Each room has its own hot spring pool, with perfect water temperature and fast drainage. After hiking, soak while watching the mountain mist—fatigue just melts away! • All-Inclusive and Worry-Free: Breakfast (Hani red rice porridge + wild mushrooms), lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner all included. 90% of ingredients come from the hotel’s organic farm. The lemongrass grilled fish is incredibly authentic! • Hidden Activities: ◦ Early morning at the "Cliff Yoga Platform" (1,900 meters above sea level), stretching facing the Nujiang River, so healing ◦ Afternoon at the "Secret Library" (3,000 volumes on Yunnan culture), reading with Gaoligong Mountain coffee ◦ Evening by the fire pit! The butler is a Lisu original singer, playing and singing his own songs, creating an amazing atmosphere 🌟 Detail Lovers Rejoice • Bedding is organic cotton + natural latex, shower gel is a herbal formula co-developed with a botanist, full of southern Yunnan’s fresh fragrance • In winter, the "infinity geothermal pool" steams like swimming in a fairyland, and you can watch the "sunlight on the mountain peaks" reflected on the river surface 🌄 Four Off-the-Beaten-Path Local Treasures Nearby (Locals’ Secret Spots!) 1. Zhiziluo: A "city of memories" forgotten by time, an abandoned county town from the 1980s, dyed amber by the sunset glow 2. Shiyueliang (Stone Moon): In Lisu legend, a "cave pierced by a heavenly arrow," when the sea of clouds surges, it looks like a floating divine miracle—hiking here is breathtaking 3. Laomudeng Church: Listen to Lisu four-part sacred songs, the 1920 organ sounds mixed with mountain winds, so healing 4. Peacock Mountain: Reminiscent of Italy’s Dolomites, grasslands and snow mountains in one frame, perfect for photos Staying here for 5 days, every morning waking up to Nujiang’s morning mist, every night falling asleep to Lisu folk songs, even time seems to slow down. If you want to find a place to "escape the noise," stop crowding Dali and Lijiang, come to this secret place in Nujiang and truly understand what it means to live in "divine coexistence" with nature!

✅ When mentioning Dali, people usually think of Cangshan Mountain, Erhai Lake, and Dali Ancient Town, but many don’t know about this secret village—Luoguqing. The autumn scenery here is romantic, with the ground covered in reddish-brown bald cypress leaves. ✅ I have been to Luoguqing twice already, and each time I am captivated by this idyllic village. It’s not only quiet with few people, but also completely uncommercialized, with no entrance fee 🎫. You can drive right into the village by car. ✅ Most visitors come to Luoguqing for hiking or crossing Dayangchang. It’s currently spring in Luoguqing; the flowers on the mountain are blooming, and the grass is gradually turning green. Every photo you take easily looks great. ✅ I stayed in Luoguqing for a few days, hiking during the day and strolling around the village in the evening 🌆. I found several excellent photo spots, and every shot looks beautiful. 【Photo Spots】 1⃣️ Back Mountain of the Village You can go up along the dirt road near the village elementary school. The road is layered; when you reach the highest layer, you can look down and see the entire village and the neatly arranged farmland. It’s best to shoot in the morning to capture the hardworking local villagers. 2⃣️ Huaxi Valley Everyone passes this spot, but the photo spot is not on the bridge, it’s under the bridge. You need to follow the stones by the creek down a bit. Be careful of moss on the stones as it’s slippery. Shooting from below looking up captures the flowing creek water. 3⃣️ Pine Forest Before entering the forest, on the wooden plank road, there is a large area of larch trees and a big grassland, where you can also see yaks 🦬. No matter the season, you can see pine needles covering the ground. The lighting here is best for photos in the evening. 4⃣️ Moss in Huaxi Valley This spot is right at the entrance to the forest, extending to the bridge in Huaxi Valley, where moss grows year-round. There are more than ten species of moss growing on withered trees and stones. Another place to shoot red stone moss is under the Lover’s Tree; after crossing the bridge, walk down along the creek. The stones here are all covered in red moss. 【About Accommodation】 There are not many accommodation options in Luoguqing since it’s not commercialized. On both my visits for shooting 🎬, I stayed at Shujia Wuxiang Hiking Homestay. Staying here includes a free 🆓 guide who leads you into the mountains for photography and hiking, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost. 【Others】 To get to Luoguqing, you need to drive or carpool; there is no direct bus 🚌. If you plan to hike or cross Luoguqing, you can check my previous notes and guides. ⚠️ More self-drive routes and travel guides will be shared later. Thanks for following! Dali Ancient Town Luoguqing

Hey guys! The National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival short holiday is just around the corner. Have you decided where to go and grabbed your tickets? If you’re still unsure, let me recommend a hidden gem in Yunnan — Shujia Loguqing! This Pumi village tucked away in the mountains offers stunning scenery: fir forests like Northern Europe, alpine pastures rivaling Altay, plus Danxia landforms and seas of azaleas. It’s a perfect secluded and healing little paradise~ Early autumn in Loguqing is outrageously beautiful! The mountains are layered with colors, meadows turn golden under the sun, corn hangs on the ridges, and branches are full of autumn fruits. This pristine mountain life might just be the “hometown feeling” you’ve been longing for~ 🏡 Staying here is super interesting! The whole village is like a family guesthouse, each household is a room, and the autumn views from your window are like a “blind box.” The neighbors are especially warm and genuine~ There’s plenty to do: choose from short, medium, or long hikes, drive mountain off-road vehicles, wear Pumi costumes for photos, enjoy bonfire parties at night, or relax with afternoon tea at the valley café while tasting Shujia specialty dishes. So cozy! 🌄 Let me tell you how joyful a day here can be: 8 AM: Wake up to the gentle mountain light, breathe in the fresh oxygen-rich air, have breakfast at the valley café’s scenic corridor, then hike with a guide~ Mist drifts over distant valleys, meadows look like paintings, you can see shepherds herding cattle and sheep, run on the grass, pet lambs, hug the “mother tree,” and admire ancient firs, moss, and wild mushrooms. Super healing! 3 PM: Enjoy sweet afternoon tea in a Pumi courtyard while watching the scenery slowly change outside the window; wear local clothes to stroll the village, visit the Pumi Culture Museum and the Yuewen Martyrs Memorial, and even pick leaves and fruits to DIY a canvas bag~ If you catch the sisters harvesting corn, you can lend a hand and experience farm work—so down-to-earth! 7:30 PM: The mountain gets dark slowly, so first enjoy a Pumi dinner at sunset with local specialties; when the firewood is lit and music starts, hold hands with Pumi friends around the bonfire, stomp feet, swing hands, spin around, and have a blast! Late at night, look up to see the Milky Way and fall asleep under the stars—so romantic~ 🚗 Lastly, about transportation: fly or take the train to Lijiang or Dali, then take a bus or rent a car to Lanping, which is just a 3-4 hour drive. Very convenient.

📍Location: Nujiang Shujia Wuxiang Luogujing B&B This place is truly off-the-beaten-path!! No internet celebrity filters, just a secret place where Danxia landforms, fairytale cabins, and the thousand-year-old culture of the Pumi people intertwine. Bringing the kids here is like stepping into a real-life paradise!🌸 ✨Accommodation Experience: The Shujia cabins are so fairytale-like!! The red-walled cabins are scattered along the Danxia hills, and the primeval forest opens out the window. The kids screamed as soon as they walked in, "Mommy, we're living in a picture book!" The rooms are clean and spacious, and you can even take the kids to stargaze at night.✨ The village ladies are so kind and even teach the kids how to say "thank you" in Pumi. 🚶‍♀️Family Hiking Routes (5km round trip/3 hours, easy enough for kids!): 1️⃣ Lover's Dam → It's like stepping into a Windows desktop! Cows and sheep graze leisurely on the lush green grassy slopes, and my child is so happy chasing a lamb. No need for photo editing for photos! The clouds hang like cotton candy in the blue sky. ☁️ 2️⃣ Huagu Creek → A creek accompanies the entire journey! Crossing the creek by stepping on the stones is so fun! The water is so clear you can even see small fish. Wildflowers abound along the roadside. My child picked up a bunch of pine cones and said he'd take them home as treasures. 💎 3️⃣ Mother Tree → This 200-year-old sacred tree is truly stunning! It takes three children to hug the trunk! Walking around the tree three times with your child and making a wish is such a rite of passage. 🌳 💡 Tips for taking your child with you: · Non-slip shoes and hiking poles are essential! The rocks along the creek can be a bit slippery. · Spray on mosquito repellent! The mosquitoes in the forest are incredibly aggressive 😭 · Bring plenty of light meals and water (there are no shops along the hike) · Wear your sunscreen jacket! The plateau's UV rays are incredibly harsh This place really wants to be hidden away—it's sparsely populated, beautiful, and rich in culture. My kids are still reciting the songs the Pumi aunt taught them. 🎵

Yunnan Secret Trekking: Underrated Off-the-Beaten-Path Hiking Routes 🚶Two stunning hiking routes recommended [Route 1] Dayangchang → Lover's Dam (24km crossing route) 📍Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐ (suitable for those with some hiking experience) ⏰Duration: about 7-9 hours ✨ Highlights:   🔸 Traverse alpine meadows and rhododendron seas (best from April to June)   🔸 Danxia landform wonders (Qian Gui Mountain, Baizhang Echo Wall)   🔸 Possible encounters with wild animals like the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey . [Route 2] Lover's Dam → Mother Tree (6km easy hike)   📍Difficulty: ⭐ (beginner-friendly)    ⏰Duration: 3-4 hours   ✨Highlights: 🔸 The romantic legend of the twin fir Lover’s Trees 🔸 Fairy-tale moss-covered primeval forest 🔸 Cultural experience in a Pumi ethnic village 🔸 Best seasons: spring and autumn . 🏡 Nujiang Shujia Hiking Hotel Recommendation 📍Location: Inside Luoguqing Pumi Village ✨Features:   🔸 Converted from 13 century-old wooden log houses, preserving ethnic characteristics   🔸 Provides professional hiking gear rental and guide services (required for the 24km route)   🔸 Mountain cuisine: Lisu hand-grabbed rice, mushroom hotpot, highland barley wine   🔸 Overnight experience: bonfire dancing/starry sky bathtub/floor heating rooms . 📝 Itinerary Planning Suggestions Classic 3 days 2 nights plan:   Day 1: Arrive at Shujia → Village visit → Pumi cultural experience   Day 2: Dayangchang 24km crossing (includes picnic lunch) → Celebration dinner (7-9 hours, requires professional guide) Day 3: Easy hike on Lover’s Dam route → Blessing at Mother Tree → Return trip (3-hour hike) PS: You can choose the length of hiking routes yourself. If hiking two days in a row is too tiring, you can skip hiking on the third day and rest instead.

In northwest Yunnan, there is a super off-the-beaten-path but highly worthwhile route — the Nujiang Luoguqing Dayangchang hiking trail🏕️ On this hiking trail, you can see primeval forests, alpine meadows, 🌸flower seas with cattle and sheep, colorful Danxia landforms, steep cliffs… and you might even spot the protected golden snub-nosed monkey🐒 There are different hiking distances to choose from based on your condition: 5KM / 12KM / 24KM, each offering different scenery. The 5KM route is low intensity, suitable for a family leisure hike, and leads to the local Pumi ethnic group's sacred Mother Tree. 🏕️For the hike, we will stay in Luoguqing Village — Shujiawuxiang Luoguqing Hiking Homestay, a village with very low commercialization. This village is home to the little-known Pumi ethnic group. Their wooden log houses use wood as tiles and are built near pastures. It is said the Pumi are descendants of the ancient White Wolf Kingdom, full of mysterious and ancient vibes. But here you can also experience down-to-earth ethnic life. Generations of simple Pumi people live here, still preserving ancient customs like fire altar rituals and mountain god worship. Villagers still wear traditional ethnic clothing, full of ethnic beauty. They farm and herd in the most primitive ways, backed by green mountains, stacking wood as tiles, surrounded by mist all day long. It feels as if time has stopped here👣 📌Tips: ✔️ Group packages available with round-trip transportation from Lijiang to Luoguqing🚙 ✔️ Hiking altitude is around 2400 meters, avoid intense exercise ✔️ Prepare cash in advance💰 ✔️ Prepare hiking gear in advance, such as hiking shoes and jackets

Really love the snow-capped mountains, wilderness, and forests🌳 That kind of undeveloped primitive landscape But undeveloped... Also means the accommodation environment is not ideal😢 But!!!!!!! This time I truly saw a secluded primitive landscape And stayed in smart, warm, and comfortable... Still in a Pumi-style wooden beam room Living and eating with local Pumi people Experiencing local life Eating local specialty ingredients and delicious food😋 One night is definitely not enough So a three-day, two-night leisure hiking trip was very satisfying!! Itinerary: 1️⃣ Day 1: Head to Nujiang Shujia Wuxiang Luoguqing Hiking Hotel (Group package🉑 includes round-trip transportation from Lijiang to Luoguqing 🚙, other packages or locations can arrange car or self-drive, navigate to "Luoguqing"). 2️⃣ Day 2: Hiking day, guided by a professional guide according to the chosen hiking route, about 7-9 hours in total. (🔥 In the evening, there’s also a Pumi bonfire dance😉) 3️⃣ Day 3: Rest day, disband~ (You can also stroll around Luoguqing Village on the first and third days to feel the relaxed atmosphere of the ancient Pumi village.) 📍 Location: Luoguqing Village, Lanping, Nujiang, Yunnan Deep in the ancient Salt Horse Road of northwest Yunnan lies a little-known ——— Pumi ancient village Legend has it that the Pumi are descendants of the ancient White Wolf Kingdom, who used to live by hunting and herding. Nowadays, modern society has not overly disturbed this place, with very low commercialization, and the two small shops in the village rarely open, you have to knock on the door to get them to open. Living in the village, listening to the chirping of insects and birds, watching the curling smoke from the village kitchens, a long-lost inner peace returns. Of course, the village also has its “intelligence organization,” the Pumi grandmothers gathered under the century-old walnut tree, chatting about family matters and occasionally gossiping about village stories. If you get accepted into this “intelligence organization,” you might be warmly invited by the grandmothers to their homes for tea🫖 Almost every household has their own secret smoked cured meat hanging by the hearth inside the house. 📌 Practical Information ✔️ Altitude: Hiking altitude around 2400 meters, avoid intense exercise, focus on leisure. ✔️ Transportation: Group package includes round-trip transportation between Lijiang and Luoguqing ✔️ Cost: 800 RMB/person/day on weekdays, including three meals + hiking ✔️ Best season: June to September (cooling + wildflower season) ✔️ Primitive landscape, poor signal, prepare enough cash💰 ✔️ Prepare hiking gear in advance, such as non-slip shoes, windbreaker, etc.

The winds of the Three Parallel Rivers blow through every window of Songtsam Hotel, inviting you to explore the ultimate tranquility. Songtsam is a place where the soul finds peace. Every time you step into Songtsam, you are greeted with familiar warmth and sincere hospitality. The local staff are very friendly and kind. This trip follows the Three Parallel Rivers route, driving across the Jinsha River, Lancang River, and Nujiang River. It passes through Biluo Snow Mountain, Gaoligong Mountain, Peacock Mountain, and Baima Snow Mountain. Along the way, you stay at Songtsam’s Tacheng, Shiyueliang, Bingzhongluo, Meili, and Shangri-La Green Valley. The journey follows the Weifu Highway, National Highway 219, and Degong Highway. Each place offers unique scenery and style, with familiar attentive service and a consistent theme, while fully integrating the local cultural characteristics, customs, religious beliefs, and colors of each location.

Lanping, this hidden gem in northwest Yunnan, is absolutely breathtaking! It boasts majestic snow-capped mountains and canyons, along with rich ethnic cultures of the Yi and Bai people. Best of all, it's uncrowded, picturesque, and perfect for photography 📸 🚌 3-Day 2-Night In-Depth Itinerary Day 1: 📍 Luoguqing Grand Canyon: A paradise for hikers, with emerald streams winding through red Danxia landforms—every shot is postcard-worthy (Entry: ¥30). 📍 Tongdian Town: Experience authentic Yi culture. The local "Tongdian Renjia" clay-pot chicken is incredibly delicious, costing just ¥50 per person for a feast. Day 2: 📍 Fuhe Mountain: A stunning 3,500-meter-high viewpoint, especially magical during cloud sea season (recommend chartered car). 📍 Xinshengqiao National Forest Park: Wander through pristine forests teeming with rare plants and mushrooms (Entry: ¥20). Day 3: 📍 Dayangchang: Vast alpine meadows dotted with grazing livestock, framed by distant snow-capped peaks—like stepping into a Windows wallpaper. 📍 Laowo Mountain: The azalea blooms in May are spectacular, and the hiking trails are well-maintained. 🌟 Practical Tips 1️⃣ Lanping is high-altitude—don’t forget sunscreen and lip balm. 2️⃣ Mountain weather changes fast; bring rain gear during July-August rainy season. 3️⃣ Must-try local dishes: Lisu hand-grabbed rice, lacquer oil chicken, and buckwheat cakes. 4️⃣ Best seasons: April-June for azaleas, September-October for autumn colors. 5️⃣ Transport: Direct buses from Kunming (~8hrs), or fly to Lijiang first (+3hr transfer).

‼️Who knew Yunnan still had such an underrated hiking gem? It feels like stumbling into an isolated wonderland - alpine meadows dotted with sheep🐏, primeval forests, and Danxia cliffs. Every view is pure, unspoiled beauty. The local Pumi ethnic village with its log cabins, red walls, and wooden roofs shrouded in mist looks straight out of Utopia🏡. With minimal commercialization and very few tourists, plus relatively friendly altitude and terrain for beginners, it's perfect. 📍Location: Luoguqing, Nujiang, Yunnan 🚗Transport: 1. Self-drive: 2.5h from Lijiang via highway + provincial road + short mountain route (accessible by sedan) 2. Daily shared shuttle vans from Lijiang to Tongdian Town (¥100/person), then transfer 🚶Hiking Routes: Luoguqing offers 3 trails: - Easy 5KM (Lovers' Meadow-Mother Tree) - Moderate 14KM - Full 24KM trek 👉The first two are leisure-friendly with primeval forests and meadows. The full trek offers the most diverse scenery but demands high fitness. With complex terrain and no signal in many areas, hiring a professional guide is mandatory - even with GPS tracks, solo hiking is strongly discouraged. 📷Non-hiking highlights: 1⃣Luoguqing Village An authentic Pumi ethnic village with just one small shop. Residents farm herbs and herd livestock. Descendants of Genghis Khan's warriors, they migrated to this hidden valley, building log cabins and worshiping mountain/tree spirits🌲. Locals are incredibly warm, often inviting visitors for tea! 2⃣Lovers' Meadow Village-backing alpine pasture where cattle and horses🐎 graze peacefully among sea-like spruce forests. The June wildflower bloom turns it into a fairy-tale photo spot, complete with quaint wooden cabins. 3⃣Dayangchang 1h drive from Luoguqing - vaster meadows/wetlands with more livestock, winding rivers, primeval forests, and Yi ethnic villages. The overwhelming sense of isolation makes you feel time stands still here. 🏚Accommodation: ■ Nujiang·Shujia Wuxiang Luxury eco-resort co-created with 13 Pumi families, offering authentic log cabin stays. Activities include guided hikes, mushroom foraging, bonfire dances, forest crafts, and Pumi cultural immersion - rediscovering forgotten mountain lifestyles.