travel : September 2012

Sunday, September 30, 2012

The Old Street Of Weixin

Houses in Weixin Old Street (Zhaotong Municipality) are all constructed
with wood. The prosperity of the Old Street in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)
could be sensed. Today, the street serves as a marketplace, but is
divided into a “slum” and an “affluent area”. In the “slum”, the
leaning wood houses are low, old and somewhat shabby; there are grocery
stores with beautiful pottery jugs, antiques and iron wares for sale.
The “affluent area” features mainly with French-style architectures,
delicate though passe; elegant arched doors and windows have already
been overtaken by various bill boards; most buildings have become
shops of daily necessities. Old as it is, the street appears to be a
hustle and bustle world on weekends and market days.

Luchong Scenic Area Of Chengjiang

The major scenic attraction of Lvchong in Chengjiang County, Yuxi Municipality,
is the Fuxianhu Lake which is the deepest freshwater lake in Yunnan Province.

Fuxian Lake, 5 km south of Chengjiang County, or one-hour’s drive from Kunming,
is one of renowned freshwater lakes of China. It has limpid water of superb quality,
and its deepest place is nearly 160 meters. The lake abounds in more than 20 species
of cash fish (or commercial fish) among which Kanglangyu fish (Schizothorax taliensis)
is most famous and is taken as a specialty from Chengjiang area.

Main scenic attractions there include Luchong Village, Jieyushi (the Rock Demarcating
Fishes of two lakes), Mingxing Area, Gushan Island, Haimen River and Xingyunhu
Lake etc.

Huilong Eco Park Of Yuxi

Huilong Eco Park is located in Dayingjie, the famous “No.1 Village” in Hongta
District of Yuxi Municipality. Covering totally 200,000 square meters, it has
become a state 4A-levl scenic attraction integrating vacation, leisure, conference
and hotspring bath etc.

The park has established a conference center that is capable of holding 2,000
people, a hotel that can accommodate 600 people and a catering center to serve
2,000 people at the same time. Besides, sport arenas have also been set up
including Water Playground, Indoor Hotspring Bathhouses, Grass-skiing Course,
football and basketball playgrounds etc.

De'hong, The Home Of Peacocks

De’hong Prefecture lies in West Yunnan and borders with Myanmar in
its west and northwest. Every inch of land in Dehong smells of fragrance
and provokes passionate love. De’hong is also the cozy home to Jingpo
and Dai who celebrate Munaozongge Carnival and Water Splashing Festival
to their hearts’ content. Wanding and Ruili are two state-level ports to get
access to Myanmar. Ruili, best known for its jewel business, is regarded
as “A Pearl Port” and “A City of Jewels” in Southwest China. It is the home
of peacocks; it’s De’hong.

Main scenic spots include the Mansion of Nandian Pacification Commissioner,
Jiele Grand Golden Pagoda, Da’ying River, Moli Tripical Rainforest, Yunnan
Jingpo Garden, Menghuan Grand Golden Pagoda, and Mengbanaxi Rare Treasures
Garden etc.

Chuxiong, The Cradle Of Human Beings In China

Chuxiong Yi Minority Autonomous Prefecture has for long been appreciated as the
cradle of Chinese primitives. Mountains range for thousands of miles and the climate
is amicable. Stepping on this magical land, you could not only see the best preserved
dinosaur fossils but also witness the living environment of Yuanmou Primitives dating
back to 1.7 million years ago, and sight-see the magical Yuanmou Earth Forest.

Main scenic attractions of Chuxiong include the Ten–month Solar Calendar Cultural
Park, the Black Well (Heijin) Ancient Town, Yuanmou Earth Forest, Yuanmou Primitive
Display Museum, Lufeng Dinosaur Valley, Miyilu Yi Village, Dayao Stone Goat Ancient
Town (Shiyang Town), Dayao White Pagoda, Wuding Lion Mountain and Yongren
Fangshan Mountain, etc.

Baoshan, The Land Burning With Passion

Located in West Yunnan, Baoshan covers 1 city and 4 counties; most parts of
Baoshan exhibit tropical and sub-tropical climates. Baoshan is adjacent to
Lincang and Nujiang in the east and north respectively.

Referred to as Yongchang in old times, Baoshan used to be a vital station as well
as the final stage on the South Silk Road, where commercial undertakings were
quite frequent and active. In the World War Two, Baoshan served as the front in
West Yunnan; the world-famous Yunnan-Myanmar Road also added to its fame a
lot. Baoshan is also home to 14 minority groups who have toiled and multiplied
on this land for centuries. Main scenic attractions include Tengchong Hot Sea Geo
Park, Yunfeng Mt., Martyrs’ Grave Yard, Heshun Ancient Town, and Bo’nan Ancient
Passage etc.

Dian Lake Scenic Region

With an area of 770 square kilometers, Kunming Dianchi (Lake Dian) Scenic
Region comprises the downtown of Kunming, Dianchi Lake Tourism and Holiday
Zone, many scenic spots, historic sites and parks include the famous national
historic and cultural city of Kunming itself, the West Hill Forest Park, the Golden
Temple, the World Horti-Expo Garden, Yuantong Temple, Huating Temple, Daguan
Park and the Black Dragon Pool Park etc. Well known at home and abroad, the
whole area is characterized by its peculiar and agreeable climate, beautiful landscapes,
numerous scenic spots and historic sites and strong flavor of ethnic customs. As the
capital city of Yunnan Province, Kunming has developed convenient communications,
accessible tourist facilities and enjoys the fame, “A City of Eternal Spring in China”.

Yangzong Lake Holiday Zone

Yangzong Lake Holiday Zone is located in Yiliang’s Yangzong Lake
between Kunming and the Stone Forest, about 30 kilometers away from
the downtown of Kunming. The lake is 1,770 meters above the sea
level and covers an area of some 30 square kilometers. “Yangzong”
is derived from “Qiangzong Tribe” who lived here in Dali Kingdom
Period (937-1253) of the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

As the 3rd largest freshwater lake in Yunnan, Yangzong Lake is known
for its limpid water and hot springs whose temperature is as high as
70 degrees Celsius. The famous Spring City Golf Club and Brilliant Spa
Resort are all situated in this area. In the vicinity of Kunming,
Yangzong Lake is an ideal place for leisure and entertainment.

Zhaotong, An Oasis In Northeast Yunnan

Located on the northern part of Yunnan and being a historic fort, Zhaotong is
the earliest developed area in Yunnan. Many relics, ruins and steles left behind
since the ancient times proved that Zhaotong has enjoyed a long history and
profound culture. It is a base for researching and exploring the ancient and modern
cultures of Yunnan, abounding in rich resources for ethnic culture-oriented tourism.
In the lofty Wumeng Mountain, varied waterfalls and lush forests are integrated
into a unity, picturesque, intoxicating and beckoning.

Zhaotong is an oasis on the plateau of Northeast Yunnan, full of life in the four
seasons of the year. Main tourist sites of Zhaotong include Huanglian River
Waterfalls and Daoshanbao Black-necked Crane Nature Reserve etc.

Tuoniang River Scenic Area

Located in Bo’ai Town of Funing County (Wenshan Prefecture), Tuoniang
River is at the boundary line between Yunnan Province and Guangxi Zhuang
Autonomous Region. It is 102 km from Funing county seat and 73 km from
Baise City of Guangxi.

Covering 130 square kilometers, Tuoniang River Scenic Area consists of
Tuoniang River, Guichao Old Town of Funing County, and Niaowang Mt,
boasting more than 35 scenic spots. Known for its elegance, exoticness,
serenity, and even agreeable weather conditions, this area is also famous
for Karst caves, historical sites and ethnic cultures. It is an ideal
place eight for carrying out scientific speculation or tourism.

Xishuangbanna Rainforest Park

Situated in Menglun division of Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve and near Mengyang Nature Reserve, this park features tropical landscapes. With a hanging corridor, though a bit shorter and lower than that of the China Meranti Park in Bubeng, it still presents rainforest wonders such as plants strangling, tree fern, buttress roots, rattans, antiaris (upas tree) etc.

Mingxing Fishing Cave Scenic Area

Located on the west shore of Fuxian Lake, Mingxing Fishing Cave Scenic Area
is a state 2A-level tourist site. This area was famous due to the fishing methods
of the local people. There is a kind of fish locally called “anti-wave fish”
(Schizothorax taliensis). It swims against current to the caves around the lake
shores. Local fishermen discovered this unique habit of the fish and dug ditches
to attract and catch fish by drawing water using waterwheels.

Lincang, Hometown Of Wa Minority

Lincang Municipality is located in Southwest Yunnan. It has a total population of
about 2 million, consisting of 8 counties. Its name is derived from Lancang River
(Mekong River) in its east part. Lincang's Cangyuan County is one of the major
Wa-inhabited areas in Yunnan Province. The culture of Wa Minority in Lincang is
the biggest appeal to the outside world.

Main attracions include Cangyuan Cliff Paintings, Wengding Wa Primitive Village,
Daxueshan Mt., Qinglong Bridge, Nanting River, Nangun River Natural Reserve
and Fengqing Confucian Temple etc.

Nujiang, The Oriental Great Canyon

Being the longitudinal valley in the south-stretching part of Hengduan Ranges of
Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture is adjacent to Myanmar
in its west, Tibet in its north and Diqing, Lijiang, Dali and Baoshan in its southeast.
The boundary line is as long as 450 kilometers.

Nujiang Prefecture is a place of mountains and rivers. Dulong River, Nujiang River,
and Lancang River (Mekong River) run on parallel from west to east; Dandanglika
Mountain, Gaoligong Mountain, Biluo Mountain and Yunling Ranges go from north to
south, giving birth to three valleys, deep, long and mysterious and thus dubbed as
“Nujiang Great Canyon” or “the Oriental Great Canyon”. Major scenic attractions
include Binzhongluo Village, Danxia (reddish sandstone) landform of Luoguqing,
Pianma Port, Mysterious Dulong Secret Land, Tu’er Chieftain’s Mansion, Liuku
Chieftain’s Mansion, the First Bend in Nujiang River, Gaoligong Mt., and Flower
Ridge etc.

Yuxi, An Emerald In Central Yunnan

In history, Yuxi was one of the main passages between Dian (Yunnan) and
other parts of China. The typical bronze ware of “Bull-tiger Bronze Table”
shines the wisdom of ancient Dian people in the Han Dynasty. This land has
nurtured the soul of Chinese folk music; it is the hometown of Nie’er
(1912-1935), the composer of PRC national anthem, and Qu Huanzhang,
the inventor of Yunnan Baiyao Medicine. Yuxi is also the foundation of the
biggest tobacco industry enterprise-Hongta Group.

Main scenic attractions of Yuxi are Nie’er Park, Huixi Park, Fuxian Lake in
Chengjiang, Xiushan Mt. Park in Tonghai, Ailao Mt. Natural Reserve, and
Flowery Dai Eco-cultural Village in Xinping etc.

Pu'er, A Tea Producer

Pu’er Municipality is located in the southwest of Yunnan. It borders with Laos,
Vietnam, and Myanmar. Pu’er was an important part of the Ancient Tea and Horse
Trail and the South Silk Road. Since dominated by sub-tropical monsoon, Pu’er
exhibits superb natural conditions for tea plantation; it has been noted as one
of the major tea producers in China and is especially famed for the “Pu’er Tea”.

Main scenic attractions in Pu’er include Meizi Lake Park, Caiyang River Forest
Park, Large Banyan Tree of Jinggu, Tea and Horse Trail Area, China’ Pu’er Tea
Culture Expo Garden and Park for Tropical of Cancer in Mojiang etc.

Tangdui, A Black Pottery Village

Tangdui in Nixi Township of Shangri-la County is a small Tibetan
village nestling along the popular adventure route from Shangri-la
to Deqin in Northwest Yunnan. Tangdui Village is the most “Shangri-la”
part of Shangri-la. As a tiny village standing by green grassland on
which flocks of yaks, sheep and horses graze, it gives a sense of
timeless tranquility. However, Tangdui Village is best known for its
traditional black pottery, a miracle among Tibetan handicrafts.

About 70 percent of the families in the village are engaged in
pottery-making that has a long history in Tibet Area (it can date
back 4,000-5,000 years ago). What they make here are mostly household
wares such as pots, jars, stoves, basins and even soap dishes. Thanks
to the fine quality, even people from Tibet travel here to get black
potteries. Nowadays many visitors would always make a stopover here,
perhaps buying some wares or just watching how the locals deal with
their ancient art.

Nuohei, A Stony Village In Shilin County

Included on the tour line of Shilin (Stone Forest)-Jiuxiang Underground Cave-A’lu Ancient Cave, Nuohei Village is 30 km from Shilin county seat or 2 km from Haiyi Town in East Shilin.

Nuohei Village nestles among mounts and lakes. It’s a world of stones, composed of roads paved with polished stones, slate houses, rocky mounts and karst lakes. Most of the residences are built from stratified stones, using thick slates as walls and thin ones as roofs. Enjoying the fame as “the most famous stony village with Karst terrains”, Nuohei has developed couple of farmhouse inns for visitors.

"Nuohei” is a word from the language of the Sani People (a branch of the Yi ethnic minority in Shilin County); it means “monkey pond”. In 2009, the 16th conference of IUAES (the International Union of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences) designated Nuohei as an outdoor inspection site.

Lijiang, A World Cultural Heritage Site

Lijiang is located in the center of Three Parallel Rivers, a world natural
heritage by UNESCO. Lijiang is especially noted for Naxi’s Culture whose
Dongba hieroglyphic words are the only existing of its kind in the world.
Alongside the attractive Lugu Lake, the matrilineal society of Mosuo
people is unique and the custom of “walking marriage” is mysterious to
the outside world. Since 1997 when Lijiang Old Town was listed as a
world cultural heritage site by UNESCO, Lijiang has enjoyed an increasingly
broad fame.

Main scenic spots include Lijiang Old Town, the Jade Dragon Snow Mt.,
the First Bend of Yangtze River, the Tiger-Leaping Gorge, Lugu Lake,
Danxia (Reddish Sandstones) of Laojun Mt., Baisha Frescoes, the Black
Dragon Pool, Suhe Old Town and Lashi Lake etc.

Diqing, Everlasting Shangri-la

Diqing, referring to an auspicious place in Tibetan, is situated in Northwest Yunnan.
Thanks to its geological location in the southeast part of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and
at the center of Three Parallel Rivers Area, Diqing principally exhibits landscapes
and sceneries of snowy mountains, grasslands, valleys, alpine lakes, virgin forests
and even ethnic cultures, forming a multifunctional tourist destination. Further
more, most of major snow-capped mountains of Yunnan distribute in Diqing. It is
home to 13 nationalities including Tibetan, Han, Naxi, Yi, Bai, and Hui etc, each
of whom is noted for its own ethnic custom and culture.

Shangri-la, the center of Diqing, was mentioned as early as 1933 by James Hilton
in his novel Lost Horizon. Shangri-la is a word from Tibetan dialect of Zhongdian
(the former name of Shangri-la), meaning the Sun and Moon in Heart. In the minds
of Tibetans, Shangri-la is the most ideal habitat and the most sublime realm in the
world. Main scenic attractions of Diqing include Gandan-Songzanlin Monastery,
Gandan-Dongzhulin Monastery, the Tiger Leaping Gorge, Pudacuo National Park,
Meili Snow Mountain, Shika Snow Mountain, Napa Lake, Haba Snow Mountain and
Jiantang Ancient Town etc.

Xishuangbannan, Tropical Forest On The Tropic Of Cancer

Xishuangbannan, Tropical Forest On The

Tropic Of Cancer

Located in the southernmost of Yunnan, Xishuangbanna is an inviting destination
for tourists with its largest ecological system and best preserved tropical
rainforest in China. It was designated by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve
in 1993, in which there are abundant resources of fauna and flora forming colorful
natural landscapes. Entering the region, you feel yourself closer to nature and
blended with it in harmony while experiencing the wonderful scenery.

It’s believed that Xishuangban is an ideal destination for holidays and relaxation,
where you can fully enjoy the tranquil, refreshing tropical rainforest as well as the
distinctive, exciting ethnic cultures. Main scenic attractions include Manfeilong
White Pagoda, Dai Garden, Wild Elephant Valley Park, Jinghong Primeval Forest
Park, Daluo Primeval Forest Park, Menglun Botanical Garden and Jingzhen Octagonal
Pavilion etc.

Dali, Hometown Of Five Golden Flowers

Dali is one of the cradles where the Yunnan ancient civilization originated.
It was once the political, economical and cultural center of Yunnan in the
Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) Dynasties. It is the converging point
where the ancient South Silk Road and Tea Horse Trail met. Bai and other
nationality groups there have created a very unique and brilliant culture and
left with abundant cultural and historic relics. In between the silvery and hazing
hues of Cangshan Mt. and Er’hai Lake are the breathtaking natural landscapes,
among which the most famous ones are “Wind, Flower, Snow and Moon.”

Main scenic spots are Dali Ancient Town, Three Pagodas in Chongsheng Temple,
Butterfly Spring, Residences of Bai Minority in Xizhou, Mini Putuo Island, Nanzhao
Ancient Custom Island, Jizu Mt. in Binchuan, Weishan Old Town, Weibaoshan Mt.,
Shuimu Mt. in Xiangyun, Yunnanyi Ancient Post-house, Er’yuan Hot Springs, Shibao
Mt. in Jianchuan, Sideng Street in Shaxi, and Xinhua Village in Heqing etc.

Qujing, Origin Of Pearl River And Cuan Culture

Located in Northeast Yunnan, about 130 kilometers away from Kunming, Qujing
has been regarded as the key link between Yunnan and Guizhou for its manifold
geomorphologic features and unique ethnic customs. Visitors get opportunity to
appreciate the unique languages, costumes, customs, and beliefs of such minorities
as Yi, Zhuang, Miao and Yao etc.

Being the origin of ancient Cuan Culture, Qujing has various places of interest
including the Waterhead of Zhu River (the Pearl River) in Zhanyi, Duoyi River in
Luoping, the Nine Dragon Waterfalls Cluster in Luoping, Colorful Sand Forest in
Luliang and Huize Ancient Town etc.

Honghe, A Poetic Land

Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture is situated in South Yunnan, and
borders Vietnam in its south. It’s named after Honghe or the Red River, an
unceasing river running through Yunnan to Viet Nam. It features karst landform
in its north while the tropical sceneries in the south frontier are most intriguing.
Honghe exhibits diversified ethnic cultures of Yi, Hani, Yao, Dai and Miao
minorities etc.

Major scenic attractions include the Swallow Cave, A’lu Ancient Cave,
Yunnan-Vietnam Railway, Jianshui Ancient Town, Jianshui Confucian Temple,
Family Zhu’s Garden, the Former Customs House of Mengzi, Bise Railway Station
and Hani Terraced Fields etc.

Jingpo Ethnic Eco Cultural Village Of Guangshan

Guangshan Jingpo Eco Cultural Village is located in Guangshan Village of Zhangfeng
Town, Longchuan County. It’s a vital part of Yunnan Jingpo Ethnic Garden.

The village is nestling among verdant vegetation that is highlighted by banyan trees
and bamboo groves. Houses of the Jingpo People disperse traditionally around the
entire community. Every family here is girdled by banana trees, green trees and
flowers etc, which appears extremely pastoral as a country scene in China.

All of the villagers belong to the Jingpo ethnic minority. They have well kept the
traditional Jingpo ethnic culture. When in Guangshan Village, you can try the “Green
Banquet”, enjoy Jingpo cultural show, experience Jingpo traditional wedding ceremony
and join Jingpo people for their folk sport games etc. Since its opening to outside world
in 2001, Guangshan Village has received numerous visitors from home and abroad,
who are deeply impressed with the simplicity, zeal and hospitality of the Jingpo people.

Tu'e Chieftain's Mansion In Lanping

The Mansion of Tu’e Chieftain is situated in Jiexi of Tu’e Township,
Lanping County. It was initially erected in 1922 and covers 990 square
meters, consisting two major halls and three courtyards. Tu’e Chieftain
belonged to Bai minority; he was the descendant of Luo Ke, the Chieftain
(Tuzhizhou in Chinese) of Lanzhou bestowed by the Ming Court in 1382. In
Yongzheng Period of the Qing Dynasty, Luo Ke was degraded as Tushe, an
official subordinate to a chieftain in the Qing Dynasty and moved o Tu’e.
When it came to the Republic of China, Luo Xing, descendant of Luo Ke,
had been the last chieftain of Tu’e.

The mansion was constructed on Liangling Mt. and is a typical Bai
traditional architecture: compound with houses on four sides and
courtyards on four corners. The complex has been well protected;
one could easily see its delicate workmanship and vivid colorful
paintings in it. Two century-old Chinese toon trees grow verdantly
in front of the screen wall; they are regarded as “Yin and Yang Trees”
or Fengshui Tree by the locals. In 1998, Tu’e Chieftain’s Mansion
was listed as one of key relics of Yunnan Province.

La Ying, A Village Shared By Two Countries

La Ying, a village situated between the boundary tablets No. 50 and No. 51 at the
border line between China and Myanmar, used to be important passage on the South
Silk Road. It’s called “Foreigners Street” by either Chinese or Burmese. The east part
of the village belongs to China and the west part to Myanmar; so people vividly call
it “a village shared by two countries” (Yi Zhai Liang Guo).

A huge banyan tree is growing in the middle of the village that is “divided” by bamboo
fences, roads and earth ridges. The villagers from two countries share water from one
river, share one street, share one temple and yet share one holy tree.

Xishuangbanna Nature Museum

Xishuangbanna Nature Museum is China's unique Rainforest-themed Museum.
Covering 2,200 square meters and invested with 4 million RMB, it is a
science popularization base and also a scenic spot in Xishuangbanna Prefecture.

By using audio and visual equipments, the museum displays the mysterious
and exotic tropical rainforests. It altogether consists of 9 halls,
collecting 2,300 specimens and over 270 pictures. Besides scientifically
expounding the situation of tropical rainforest and wild (Asian) elephants,
it's aimed to arouse public awareness to protect tropical rainforests.

Tips:
Add: No. 6, Galanbei Rd., Jinghong

Pianma Port

Pianma is the only one provincial-level port in Nujiang Prefecture,
Northwest Yunnan. It’s situated in the hinterland in the west part
of Gaoligong Mt. Natural Reserve.

Located in the west of Lushui County and adjacent to Myanmar in the
south, north and west, Pianma is only 200 km from Myityina (Mizhina),
the capital city of Kachin State, Myanmar. As a frontier tourist
destination of China, Pianma exhibits dense and lush primeval forest
and pastoral landscapes; it also notably features vegetation distribution
on the basis of vertical “stereoscopic” climate.

The Wreckage from Hump Flights

In the 1940s, the armies of China and the USA combated with Japanese invaders
in the skies of West Yunnan. The Hump Flights thus were given birth from
Yunnan to Dinjan (India), bringing into action of over 2,000 planes. People
also call these flights “the Death Flights”. In the service period, the
Hump Flights airlifted as much as 800,000 tons of war materials; 609 aircrafts
crashed; and nearly 2,000 pilots died at their posts.

Wreckage can still be found today in Gaoligong Mt. area. On 30 monuments for
3,300 aviation martyrs, one can find the names of 2,200 American pilots whom
the Chinese people will revere for ever.

Picture: the wreckage found in Gaoligong Mt. is housed in Anti-Britain Museum
in Pianma Town of Lushui County, Nujiang Prefecture. Pianma is 180 km from
Liuku, the capital city of Nujiang.

Yunnan Tin Museum

Yunnan Tin Museum was founded by Yunnan Tin Industry Group, the biggest
tin business in China and even in the world.

Gejiu has enjoyed a long history of as long as 2,000 years for tin exploiting;
it is regarded as the "Tin Capital" of China and plays an important role in
China's tin industry. Being a 4-storey concrete building and covering 5,760
square meters, the museum is situated inside Yunnan Tin Industry Group, and
consists of a display hall and auxiliary function area. On the way from Jianshui
to Yuanyang, one can drop by at the museum.

Tips:
Add: N0.121, Jinhudong Rd., Gejiu City, Honghe Prefecture

Banqiao, A Town On The South Silk Road

Situated in Longyang District of Baoshan Municipality, Banqiao used to
be an important town on the South Silk Road. It has many a place of
interest such as Qinglong Street, Longwangtang Park, Reclining Buddha
Temple, Beiyue Lake (Reservoir), Xizhuang Temple and Guangzun Temple
etc.

(1): Guangzun Temple is the biggest religious architecture complex in
Baoshan. As a place where one can experience three kinds of religions
(Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism), it was listed in 2003 among
key protected cultural relics in Yunnan. (2): Xizhuang Temple,
referred to as Zhubajie Temple by locals, is the unique temple in
China to enshrine Zubajie (Zhubajie-the Pig in Pilgrimage to West
Paradise-was once a general in the heaven but was degraded and
incarnated into a Pig due to his obscenity to Ms. Chang’e-the
Moon Beauty). (3): Zhuli (Bamboo Groves) Hotspring, covering 10 Mu
(Chinese acre) and containing wholesome minerals in its water, is
the most famous hotspring in Banqiao Town; its water temperature
stays between 41 to 47 degrees Celsius.

As home to Han and other nationalities such as Hui, Yi, Bai and
Man etc., Banqiao Town turns out to be a bustling world where people
from near and afar join in traditional festivals and temple fairs.

Zhangfeng Guanyin Temple

Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) Temple is situated in the middle
of Laozhai Village in the west of Zhangfeng Township,
Longchuan County. It is a famous scenic spot in the
remote frontier of Yunnan and is especially known for
《the Chinese Tripitaka》 housed in it.

On entering Guanyin Temple, one will be greeted by the
flying eaves at the gate top. Exploring ahead, you
can see a big incense-burner erecting on a platform in
the courtyard of the temple. Pilgrims frequently pay visits
to Guanyin Temple and usually burn incenses as sacrifices.
The incense-burner, 1 meter high, is a tripod similar to
Simuwu Rectangle Tripod (14th-11th century B.C) unearthed
in 1939 in Henan Province.

A garden has been cultivated behind the platform. It’s
planted with chrysanthemums and thrifty pine trees. A century-old
cypress can be seen growing on the left part of the garden.
Though “aged” and “emaciated”, it still perseveres to
uphold its large and luxuriant canopy. In the middle
of the garden two unnamed trees are flourishing with symmetrically
twisting branches.

The scriptorium, an exquisite and dainty pavilion with flying
eaves, is seated on a flat-roofed building. It houses
《The Chinese Tripitaka》, a Buddhist canon codified in the
Tang Dynasty when Master San Zang (602-664) journeyed to
Ancient India for Buddhist scriptures. Presented by the
Education Fund of Taiwan Financial Group,《The Chinese Tripitaka》
includes 577 booklets in 7 parts with a total weight of 1,500 kg.
It consists of: (1)-Sutra-Pitaka (the collection of sutras);
(2)-Vinaya-Pitaka (the collection of Buddhist precepts);
(3)-Abhidhamma-Pitaka (the collection of Buddhist theories).

At the end of the garden are the Majestic Hall (Da Xiong Bao Dian)
and Chanting Hall (Nian Jing Tang), both of which are traditional
pavilions connecting to each other thus giving birth to another
spectacular scene in the temple. Inside the Majestic Hall, the
Three Bodies of Sakyamuni are enshrined, all of whom are vividly
sculpted with benignant looks and radiant smiles. In front of the
Three Bodies, several mini-sized Buddha figures are inlaid in
orderly-arranged frames. Besides Buddha figures, the Majestic
Hall is also equipped with a huge bell and a drum for Buddhist
sacrificial ceremonies.

At the center of the Chanting Hall, the Goddess of Mercy in a Zen
gesture (palms together) is seated on a pedestal. In front of her
is Vairocana (Sakyamuni or Buddha) that is flanked by two
Bodhisattvas: Bodhisattva Samantabhadra (Puxian) and Bodhisattva
Manjusri (Wenshu). Puxian and Wenshu are said to be two junior
sister apprentices of the Goddess of Mercy. Both of them are
in Zen gesture too and have respectively a white elephant and a
lion as their rides. What’s more, at the left front, a monk
statue looking like Tang Seng (Master San Zang is nicknamed
“Tang Seng” in the story of “Pilgrimage to West Paradise”)
is holding a bowl and Buddhist stick.

Travel Tips
Traffic: Over-night sleeper bus available from Kunming to Longchuan
Route: Kunming-An’ning-Chuxiong-Dali-Baoshan-Longling-Luxi-Longchuan
Hotel: Available in county seat of Longchuan.

Luoshui, A Mosuo Village By Lugu Lake

Luoshui is a Mosuo (Mosuo is a branch of the Naxi Minority in Lijiang) village
on the western shore of Lugu Lake in Ninglang County. It consists of Shangluoshui
and Xialuoshui Villages, most of whose residences are traditional wooden house of
the Mosuo people.

Logs and planks are used to make walls and roofs of these houses that function well
as cozy homes for the Mosuos, keeping it cool in summer and warm in winter and
sheltering the dwellers effectively from earthquakes. You can not find any nail is used
for the construction of the entire building.

Most villagers have opened inns, stores and bars etc to gear to the booming tourism
sector that brings a great number of visitors to Lugu Lake each year. When in Lugu
Lake Area, one gets chance to take a look in the Grandmother Chamber (Zu Mu Fang)
which, in the matriarchal society, remains a mystery to the out-comers. It’s a good
idea to try Sulima liquor and enjoy the romance of “Axia Marriage” (Walking Marriage).
Besides, Lugu Lake is also a perfect place to bask in the sunshine.

Luoguqing Scenic Area Of Lanping

Luoguqing scenic area is a vital part of Laojun Mt. (Laojun is the
deified Taoist God, Laozi). It features mainly Danxia landform
(Danxia, reddish sandstone).

Luoguqing lies in Desheng Village in Tongdian Township of Lanping
County. The whole scenic area is composed of Luoguqing Valley,
Cuiping Mt., and Fuhe Mt etc. Major sights include alpine pasture,
Lover Basin, Guniang Mt., Mother Tree, and Echoing Wall etc.

Travel Tips: 56 km from county seat of Lanping

Kunming Botanical Garden

(Picture: Maple trees of KM Botanical Garden in autumn)

Kunming Botanical Garden is 12 kilometers away from downtown of Kunming. It is adjacent to the Black Dragon Pool Park, where ancient trees grow luxuriantly to form a famed scenic resort.

Covering a total area of 40 hectares, the garden was first built in 1938 for the purpose of cultivating rare and precious flowers, medicinal herbs, major trees and endangered floral species etc. It has collected some 4,000 species of plants and established 10 special plant gardens and experimental districts.

Theme Gardens
(1)-Camellia Garden
Covering 150 Mu (Chinese acres), it has been planted with more than 15,000 camellia trees of 200 kinds, including Camellia reticulate, Camellia japonica, Camellia sasanqua, and Camellia nitidissima, etc.

(2)-Azalea Garden
There are nearly 10,000 azalea trees of 100 kinds including Rhododendron simsii, Rhododendron delavayi, and Rhododendron irroratum Franch, etc.

(3)-Greenhouse Area
Greenhouse Area includes halls of Orchids, Foliage plants, Begonia, Tropical Plants, Palm tree, Cactus, and Succulent plants, etc.

(4)-Arbor Trees Area
Arbor Area includes Magnolia Garden, Rosaceae Garden, and Bamboo Garden etc. rare plants inside are delavay magnolia, michelia chartacea, Manglietia insgnis, and Magnolia campbellii, etc.

(5)-Ferns Garden　　
Ferns Garden covers 50 Mu. There are nearly 400 kinds of ferns planted with it including tree fern, brake fern, Cheilosoria hancockii (lip fern), adiantum, Coniogramme intermedia, Allantodia megaphylla, Cyclosorus interruptus, and Asplenium ensiforme (sword-leaved spleenwort), etc.

Longwangtan Park In Baoshan

Longwangtan Park is located at the foot of Longxi Mountain in Banqiao
Town of Baoshan Municipality. As early as in the Jiajing Period (1522-1566)
of the Ming Dynasty, Yan Shitai, the governor of Yongchang, sponsored to
develop the springs here for irrigation. This area has developed into a scenic
attraction covering 500 Mu and including Qiushui (Autumn Water) Cave,
Longwang (King Dragon) Temple and Gongzhu (Princess) Spring etc.

Zhoucheng, A Bai Village

Composed of 1,500 families, Zhoucheng is the largest Bai village in Dali. It is 23
kilometers to the north of Dali Old Town.

Most of the residences in Zhoucheng are designed in Bai traditional style: compounds
of Houses on Three Sides and a Screen Wall in the East. Being wood-earth structure
with delicate carvings and flying eaves, these houses look extraordinarily beautiful and
compact, and embody the ethnic characteristics of the Bai People.

Zhoucheng has enjoyed a broad fame for its traditional Bandhnu (tie-dying) craft that
can date back to the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Integrating
ethnic culture and art, Bai Bandhnu appears modern as well.

Memorial Of Ms. Yang Likun

Ms. Yang Likun, an artist and member of Yi ethnic group, was born on
April 27 of 1941 in Mo’hei Town of Ning’er County in South Yunnan’s
Pu’er Municipality, and passed away on July 21 of 2000 in Shanghai.
She got reputed in the world by starring in Five Golden Flowers and
Ah Shi Ma, two films based respectively on the lives or stories of Bai
and Yi People in Yunnan’s Dali and Stone Forest. She successfully
portrayed Jinhua (Golden Flower), a Bai lady and the leading role in
Five Golden Flowers and Ah Shi Ma, a Yi lady and the leading role in
Ah Shi Ma, both of whom have contributed much to the fames of the two
films as masterpieces in China’s film industry. Yang hence has become
the screen idol of generations for over half century, and is the Goddess
of Beauty in the minds of audience.

The former residence of Yang Likun is located in Mo’hei Town of Ning’er
County. It is the place that Yang was born and spent her childhood. First
built in 1893, the house was out of repair and badly damaged. Fortunately,
Ning’er Government sponsored the restoration in May of 2009 and it took a
brand-new look in October of 2010, covering a total area of 1,250 square
meters (with 600 being architectures). The memorial is designed in a
wood-and-earth architectural style of “a Courtyard with Three Houses
and One Screen Wall”, flying eaves and tile roofs etc. The memorial also
functions to exhibit the life stories and artistic achievements of Ms.
Yang Likun.

(Film: Ah Shi Ma)

(Film: Five Golden Flowers)

Kedu Red Army Memorial

In April 1935, Mr. Mao Zedong (1893-1976), Zhou Enlai (1898-1976) and
Zhu De (1886-1976) etc led the Red Army enter Xundian County and stationed
at Dangui Village of Kedu Town to plan for the onwards ferrying across the
Jinsha River. In April 1936, Mr. He Long (1896-1969), Ren Bishi (1904-1950)
and Xiao Ke (1907-2008) etc led the Legion II and Legion VI of the Red Army
into Xundian County again and won the battle at Liujia repulsing the
Kuomintang army. The two legions further conquered 10 counties northwards
and eventually ferried across the Jinsha River at Shigu Town of Lijiang.

A memorial for the Long March of the Red Army was erected in 1977 in Dangui
　Village. It consists of (1): the former site of the Headquarter Station
of the Red Army; (2): the former Residence of Mr. Mao Zedong; (3): the
Office Area.

(Beidaying Meadow)

Travel tips:
1-Xundian is a Hui (Muslim) and Yi Autonomous County;
2-Traffic: The Red Army Memorial is situated in Dangui Village, 72 km
from Xundian county seat. You can join tours organized by Travel Services;
or take bus at Kunming North Bus Station to get Xundian county seat first;
3-Major scenic spots of Xundian: Zhongling Mountain Eco Cultural Garden,
Beidaying Meadow etc;
4-Relevant tour route: Black Dragon Pool (Kunming)-70km-Kedu Town-41km-Tangdian
Town-21km-Zhuanlong Town-36km-Jiaozi Snow Mountain;
5-Hotel: there are several hotels in the county seat of Xundian such as
Jin Shi Ji Hotel (3-Star);
6-Food: most restaurants in Xundian serve both Chinese and Muslim food;
the popular delicacies there are mutton soup, dried beef, roast goat,
stewed potato, rice cooked with potato and buckwheat pancakes etc.

Taian Township Of Lijiang

Taian Township is in the vicinity of Yulong County, Lijiang Municipality. It's known for canola and potato flowers, and has become another popular destination for sightseeing in the outskirts of Lijiang. From March to April, one always gets chance to feast his/her eyes on these flowers.

The Former Residence Of Mr. Zhu De

Mr. Zhu De (1886-1976) is one of the major founders and leaders of PRC.
He is also one of the "Great 10 Marshals of PRC". The former residence
of Zhu De can be found in two places in Honghua Alley and Xiaomeiyuan
Alley in Huashanxi Road of Kunming.

The Residence has functioned as a theme exhibition hall themed "Zhu De
in Yunnan". There are more than 20 duplicate articles displayed in the
Residence and wooden furniture and utensils of Zhu De. With the stories
of Zhu De who spent 13 years in Yunnan as the background, the Residence
garners over 100 historic photos and 33 plaques multiply revealing the
legendary life of Zhu De.

In 1987, the Residence was listed as one of the protected cultural relic
units in Yunnan and was further renovated in 1994.

Travel tips:
(1)-Location: No. 4 Honghua Alley/No.3 Xiaomeiyuan Alley, Huashanxi Rd.,
Kunming (Near the Green Lake Park);
(2)-Nearby: Green Lake Park; Jingxing Bird & Flower Market; and former
site of Yunnan Military Institute etc;
(3)-Hotels: Major hotels/hostels in downtown;
(4)-Restaurants: Many choices near the Green Lake such as Blue Bird Cafe
and Shiping Gild House (Shiping Huiguan) etc.

Yunnan Folk Custom Museum

Yunnan Folk Custom Museum is adjacent to Yunnan Nationalities
Village, about 8 kilometers from the downtown of Kunming.
Covering over 20,000 square meters, the museum is a two-storeyed
building.

The first floor
Showcasing original Yunnan elements, the first floor exhibits
as many as 2,000 cultural articles concerning seven themes,
namely Religion, Porcelain, Ethnic Musical Instruments,
Horse-caravan Culture, Ethnic (Folk) Arts, Ethnic Costumes,
and Bronze Wares.

The second floor is flexibly set for different kinds of
exhibitions.

Travel tips:
(1)-The museum is near Yunnan Nationalities Village;
(2)-You can take Public Bus No. 24, 44, 73, 94, 135, 172, A1, A4,
A9
(3)-Nearby: Haigeng Park (Lake Dian), Yunnan Nationalities Village,
West Hill;
(4)-Accommodation: Kunming Gucheng (Old Kunming) or Downtown;

Islam Tourism Zone Of Ludian

The Islam Tourism Zone Of Ludian

Ludian County has a total population of 400,000, 60 percent of whom
belong to the Hui Minority. The Hui People there mainly live in the
townships of Wenping, Taoyuan and Ciyuan etc. They have preserved
integral culture and custom of their own. The Islam Tourism Zone of
Ludian is located in Taoyuan Township, some 6 kilometers from the
county seat of Ludian.

With Tuogu Mosque (originally built in 1730) as its centre, the zone
includes such scenic spots as Islam Castle, Cultural Corridor and
Food Street of Hui Minority etc. The tourism zone has become an
arena for displaying the Hui ethnic customs and the Islamic Culture
in Yunnan Province.

(Tuogu Mosque)

Leiding Eco Tourist Village

Leiding Village is situated in Yuanmou County of Chuxiong Prefecture.
Leiding is the transliteration of a Dai word meaning “a village at
the foot of a mountain”. The entire village is composed of 48 families.

What astonishes visitors is that there are over 1,000 indigenous tamarind
and kapok trees among which a 1,600-year-old tamarind tree is locally
regarded as "Tamarind King" because it needs 6 adults to encircle.
In 2010, Leiding Village was listed into the third batch of "special
tourist villages" of Yunnan Province.

(A tamarind sign at the entrance to Leiding Village )