Nujiang Grand Canyon

Introduction The Nujiang Grand Canyon is located in Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. It is one of the core areas of the World Natural Heritage "Three Parallel Rivers" (Jinsha River, Lancang River and Nujiang River). It originates from the southern foot of Tanggula Mountain on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, flows through Tibet and Yunnan, and is called the Salween River after flowing into Myanmar, and finally flows into the Andaman Sea in the Indian Ocean. The Nujiang Grand Canyon in Yunnan is about 300 kilometers long, with an average depth of 2,000 meters. The deepest point is 3,500 meters in Gongshan Bingzhongluo, making it the second largest canyon in the world. The canyon is quiet and deep, the Nujiang River is roaring, and on both sides are the towering Gaoligong Mountains and Biluo Snow Mountains, with steep mountains and overlapping peaks. There are more than a dozen ethnic minorities living in the canyon, including the Lisu, Dulong, Nu, and Pumi, who have preserved their ancient folk customs. Travel Tips • Best time to visit: Spring and autumn (March to May, September to November) are the best seasons. In spring, the temperature is moderate, the mountains are full of flowers, and it is suitable for bird watching; in autumn, the climate is pleasant, the sky is blue, and the valleys are colorful, which is a good time for photography. Avoid the rainy season from June to August, when rainfall is frequent and landslides and other geological disasters are more likely to occur. • Transportation: ◦ Plane: You can first arrive in Kunming, Lijiang and other places, and then take a plane to Liuku Airport in Lushui City, Nujiang Prefecture. Nujiang Prefecture also has flights to Dali, Baoshan, Pu'er and other places to choose from. ◦ Self-driving: Starting from Kunming, take the Kunming-Mozhou Expressway, Chuda Expressway, Dali Expressway, and Nujiang Expressway to Liuku. The whole journey is about 600 kilometers and takes about 8 hours. Starting from Liuku Town, drive north along Provincial Road S228 for about 120 kilometers, passing through Fugong County and Gongshan County, to reach Bingzhongluo Town. Please note that some sections of the road are mountainous, with many bends and complex road conditions. It is recommended to drive a four-wheel drive vehicle and control the speed. ◦ Public transportation: First go to Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture (there are many buses from Kunming to Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture), and then take a bus from the prefecture to the scenic area; you can also go to Liuku (the capital of Nujiang Prefecture and a transportation hub) first, and then transfer to the Nujiang Scenic Area. • Main attractions: ◦ The First Bay of Nujiang River: Located near Fugong County, it is the starting point of the canyon. The Nujiang River forms a huge "U"-shaped bend here. Standing on the observation deck, you can overlook the magnificent scenery. It is known as the "Sapphire of the East". There is also a hydropower station nearby. ◦ Stone Moon: Located in the middle of Nujiang Grand Canyon, it is a natural rock shaped like a bright moon. The rock is hard and has peculiar patterns. This place has profound historical and cultural connotations, and there is a moon worship ceremony on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month every year. ◦ Qiunatong Village: An ancient village with a long history. Most of the houses are wooden structures with roofs covered with tiles or thatched roofs. The villagers wear traditional costumes and are famous for their handicrafts such as bamboo weaving, wood carving and embroidery. ◦ Dulongjiang Township: The main settlement of the Dulong people, with rich ethnic culture and natural landscapes. The villages are nestled in the mountains and by the water, where you can experience the unique customs. However, some roads are rugged, so you should understand the road conditions in advance and respect local customs. • Tour route: ◦ Classic route: Liuku - Fugong - Gongshan - Bingzhongluo, where you can enjoy the style of the prefecture, the first bay of Nujiang River and other attractions, as well as the Dulong culture and the paradise scenery of Bingzhongluo. ◦ Hiking route: The Nujiang Bay Hiking Route is about 15 kilometers long, with the starting and ending points both in Bingzhongluo Town. Along the way, you can enjoy the views of the Nujiang Bay, Biluo Snow Mountain, Stone Moon, etc. The Nujiang Grand Canyon Hiking Route is also about 15 kilometers long, passing through Wuli Village, Qiunatong and other attractions, where you can enjoy the natural scenery and explore historical and cultural relics. • Accommodation suggestions: ◦ Accommodation: There are various hotels, B&Bs, and youth hostels along the Grand Canyon. Such as Lushui Denggeng Hot Spring Half Mountain Hotel, CCCC Yilamila Yunju Hotel, Nujiang Hilton Garden Hotel and other high-end hot spring resort hotels, you can relax in the open-air hot spring pool when you are tired of playing. ◦ Food: The food is mainly of the Lisu, Nu and other ethnic characteristics. Food such as pilaf, lacquer chicken and stone slab baba are worth a try. • Notes: ◦ The canyon has a complex terrain. You should hike or explore with a companion and not alone. If you drive, be sure to control your speed and pay attention to the road conditions. ◦ Purchase travel insurance to prepare for unexpected events. ◦ The temperature difference between day and night and the mountain climate are changeable, so bring enough clothes. ◦ Respect the cultural customs of local ethnic minorities and avoid offending them. ◦ Signals are poor in some areas. Download offline maps in advance and inform your friends and family of your itinerary. ◦ Protect the environment and do not litter.