Fugong Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
Songzan Shiyue Mountain Residence Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
Deep in the Canyon|From Shiyueliang to Bingzhongluo.
From Shiyueliang to Bingzhongluo. Fortunately, the beautiful Nujiang Highway, which is the Nujiang section of the new National Highway 219, connects Bingzhongluo with the upstream and downstream destinations of the river. The road to Bingzhongluo has never been so smooth.
Starting from Baoshan, a major town in western Yunnan, and heading upstream along the Nujiang Grand Canyon, the Gaoligong Mountains that accompany you all the way become increasingly magnificent.
Awakening from the amazement of the 'high mountains and deep valleys,' a moon that will never set has already risen on the horizon—Shiyueliang Viewing Platform, a marble perforation on the cliff.
It stands guard at an altitude of more than 3,300 meters in the Gaoligong Mountains, looming in the mist, waxing and waning with the distance.
Shiyueliang is also a sacred place for the main ethnic group of Nujiang, the Lisu people. They believe that during the ancient great flood, their ancestors drew their bows and shot the Shiyueliang from the top of the mountains, causing the flood to recede.
Since then, the Lisu people have had a home to settle down, and later generations respectfully call Shiyueliang the 'Root of the Lisu.'
Regardless of the truth of such a Genesis-like legend, the majestic Gaoligong Mountains are indeed a sanctuary for countless living beings.
In the many days of exploring Shiyueliang, you can follow Songtsam into the hidden Yapin Nature Reserve, strolling through the primeval forests of the Gaoligong Mountains.
Yapin, meaning 'cliff' in Lisu language, is rarely visited, mysterious, and serene, with 'four seasons in one mountain, different weather every ten miles.' While encountering the four seasons of Nujiang, countless rare flora and fauna await your discovery.
You can also visit Laomudeng, a Nu village. Laomudeng means 'a place people like to come' in Nu language. If you happen to be there on a Sunday, you can enter the church to listen to the locals' hymns.
The four-part harmony, akin to the sound of nature, drifts through the valley, and newcomers to Nujiang are invariably moved by these devout and beautiful hymns.
Continuing along the beautiful highway, the Nujiang River rushes before you. After a quiet and elegant big bend, the Nujiang River is no longer 'angry.' When a vast rice field appears in front of you, you have arrived at Songtsam Bingzhongluo Lodge.
You can use the lodge as a starting point to continue northward, exploring the hidden depths of Bingzhongluo.
Waking up in the embrace of the Nujiang River, I find myself at the Songzan Stone Moon Mountain Lodge
Yunnan's last secret realm, I have found the answer. Nestled in the embrace of the Biluo Snow Mountain, at an altitude of 1760 meters, isolated from the world, this is the Songzan Stone Moon Mountain Lodge.
Staying at the Songzan Moon Mountain Lodge with friends, as you open the door, the magnificent spring view of the Nujiang Gorge is fully in sight. For photography enthusiasts, every spot here is an excellent location for shooting; sea of clouds, sunrise, mountains and rivers, every casual snap is a masterpiece. There are several tourist attractions around the hotel, such as the Stone Moon Viewing Platform, Laomudeng Village, Zhiziluo, and Moon Mountain.
The Most Beautiful Cloud-Top Hideaway Hotel - Songzan Stone Moon Mountain Residence
Some landscapes are destined to be reached through arduous treks and long journeys.
I would never have come to Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture if it weren't for Songzan. Nestled between canyons and secluded from the hustle and bustle, perched atop cliffs with the Nu River at its feet, the Songzan Stone Moon Mountain Residence is the latest in the Songzan series of hotels I've unlocked after the Nanga Bawa Mountain Residence.
To get to the hotel, I recommend flying directly to Baoshan Airport from other regions and arranging a hotel transfer. Those who drive themselves from Tibet and like the Songzan brand can consider staying for a day.
Songzan - Stone Moon - Mountain Residence. Upon arrival, the staff invites you to sit down and welcomes you with papaya honey water, biscuits, and a warm towel. The holiday atmosphere is strong, and in addition to the check-in area, the lobby has a reception area and a boutique shop with many carefully selected items. I recommend the essential oil soap, geranium essential oil soap, with a very healthy ingredient list consisting of geranium oil, coconut oil, and olive oil, which doesn't dry out the skin when used for washing the face or bathing.
The Most Beautiful Cloud-Top Hideaway Hotel, where the houses are built on the cliffs, offers a stunning visual effect. The ecological vegetation is very good, and the climate is also suitable for living.
The hotel has an infinity pool. In the morning, the entire hotel is usually shrouded in clouds. When the weather is good, sitting outside reading, looking at the local village opposite, listening to the birds and smelling the faint scent of plants, every breath of air is very sweet. There are huge walnut trees. The distant Gaoligong Mountains. I stayed in a deluxe room with an area of 62 square meters, with a balcony view that is very direct, facing the Nu River and Stone Moon. Every Songzan guest room has a book called 'The Secret Door' on the desk.
The room is equipped with a B&O Bluetooth speaker, the bedding is soft and comfortable, and there are two fans on the bed. The mineral water used is 5100, and a special goodnight drink is delivered during the night bed service, with rice wine on the first day and silver ear red dates wolfberry on the second day.
The kettle used is Delonghi, the room fridge is free, and the tea bags are a co-branded version of Songzan and chali. The bathroom is very spacious, with double sinks and a large round bathtub, with a separate dry and wet area. The bath salt for soaking is Himalayan salt. The bath products are from the Thai brand Erb, and the soap is geranium essential oil soap, which I really like. The staff turns on the aromatherapy humidifier every day. There is a heating rod on the washstand, a small detail that guests like, so there's no need to worry about washed clothes not drying.
At night, looking out from the room, the village outside twinkles like fireflies. If the weather is good, you can see the sky full of stars.
The restaurant is on the second floor, and breakfast is also served here. You can order a la carte, and the dishes are consistently good in taste and presentation. The black truffle dumplings are delicious, the hand-grabbed rice is special, and the stinky tofu with cured meat is the most recommended dish, with the chef's understanding of it being spot-on. The desserts and ice cream are good, consistently performing well.
The hotel has a SPA and wellness center on the third floor, and Songzan seems to be in deep cooperation with La Mer. The view from the spa room is good, but I feel the prices for facial and body SPA are a bit high.
Staying at Songzan, each room comes with a double afternoon tea, which is served at the bar on the first floor.
The overall experience is still very good, and there is room for improvement in service. Some staff members are very enthusiastic, and choosing this place is more about the scenery and environment.
Settling into the Secret Realm of Nujiang | Songzan's First Canyon Hotel
hello, I am serena🌍 who is determined to live all over the world
Received a tip that Songzan is having a trial run of their mountain residence at Shiyueliang
Immediately rushed over from Dali by car🚗
This is the 6th Songzan hotel I have stayed at
Brass, raw wood, and rock slices are familiar ingredients
But there are more elements of the Lisu people in the details
Rich color blocks and pastoral-style fabrics are traditional extensions
I really like the contrasting woven baskets and fans in the room
Immediately went to the lobby's 'Songzan Features' to shop👓
The color tone of the mountain residence is like a girl from Renoir's paintings
Warm and delicate as jade under the sunlight, exquisite and elegant
The slender infinity pool holds the sea of clouds and morning mist
The entire hotel naturally integrates with the village
The Gaoligong Mountains and the Biluo Snow Mountain stand tall and face each other
The room faces the canyon directly, and you can quietly watch the clouds roll from the balcony
The scenic bathtub is super big, the view while bathing is jio beautiful
The distant Shiyueliang is really mysterious and unique 🌙
Super happy to encounter the Qilin batch manager who had guided me before at the hotel
And Teacher Cili who I learned yoga with in Shangri-La🧘
Coming to Songzan feels like coming home💖
I will give a proper review of the hotel in the next article!!
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Zhiziluocun Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
Zhizi Luo, an ancient village in Yunnan for summer retreat
Nestled between the raging Nu River, Biluo Snow Mountain, and Gaoligong Mountain in the Nu River Grand Canyon lies a forgotten 'abandoned city,' also known as the City of Memory by locals. It is a village located more than 2000 meters at the foot of the Biluo Snow Mountain, once the seat of the Nujiang Prefecture, called Zhizi Luo Village. It is high in altitude, cool in summer, and a perfect place to escape the heat, where you can see a sea of clouds during the summer.
Historically, it was also an important transit point on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, where a post station and market once made it a bustling place.
Transportation: Departing from Liuku Town, the seat of Nujiang Prefecture, and traveling along National Highway 219, it takes about two and a half hours to reach Laomu Village, and then about another 10 minutes to get there. The road conditions are good, with many winding mountain roads.
Yunnan Nujiang Prefecture, Fugong County, Zhizi Luo Village Admission is free
There is a parking lot at the tourist center, free of charge
Main attractions: Octagonal Tower, former site of the government office area
The Octagonal Tower, which was once the library here, has now been converted into the Zhizi Luo Museum
Accommodation: You can stay in Laomu Deng Village, where there are many homestays for around 200 yuan. It's very quiet, and you can stay for a few days.
The 'City of Memory' known as Zhi Zi Luo
The 'City of Memory' known as Zhi Zi Luo (also referred to as the 'Abandoned City', but it is currently revitalizing, this name has become a thing of the past).
Once the capital of Nujiang Prefecture and Bijiang County, it was evacuated overnight due to a mudslide forecast, leaving nearly a hundred buildings from the 70s and 80s, everything remains as it was over twenty years ago, as if time has frozen here.
For many years, it has been safe and sound, and now many residents have spontaneously returned. Many brick and wood structures have fallen into disrepair due to age, but a large number of reinforced concrete buildings from government departments are sturdy and durable, becoming a temporary residence for people.
Seeking the memory of time - Zhiziluo Old Town
The Lisu language calls 'Zhiziluo' a 'good place', located on the ridge of the Biluo Snow Mountain at an altitude of 2023 meters. It was once the capital of the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province and the location of the former Bijiang County. In the 1970s, due to inconvenient transportation, the state government moved away first. In the 1980s, because it was predicted that there would be a major earthquake and landslide, the county moved. The residents of the county had to evacuate, and overnight it became a deserted city. More than 30 years have passed, and there has been no earthquake or landslide. So some mountain people moved in one after another. Zhiziluo still retains the small town border style of the 60s and 70s, so it is called the 'City of Memory'. In the old city of Zhiziluo, you can feel the traces of time. It is a good place for nostalgia, climbing and overlooking the Nujiang Valley scenery leisure tourism.
Laomudeng Village Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
The gods and humans dwell together in Bingzhongluo
Angry River originates from Tibet, flows through Yunnan into Myanmar, and finally empties into the Indian Ocean. The section in Tibet is called 'Nachu River', and in Myanmar, it is known as 'Salween River'.
We traveled north along the Angry River for three days, from Lushui City to Laomudeng Village in Fugong County, and then to Bingzhongluo in Gongshan County.
On the third day, we arrived at Bingzhongluo in Gongshan County.
G219 is well-maintained, with a cycling lane provided all the way, offering an experience of a section of Bingzhongluo. After crossing the Yunnan-Tibet border into Linzhi Chayu County, the road turns into a dirt track. Vehicles coming from the Tibet section to Yunnan are covered in mud. Landslides, falling rocks, and debris flows are the norm here, and it is really not recommended to visit during the rainy season.
Here, villages are called 'XX Luo' or 'XX Tong', depending on whether the Nu, Lisu, or Tibetan ethnic groups are the majority in the village; some are called 'Luo' and some 'Tong'. Trek through the ancient tea-horse road of Wuli Village, Qiunatong, overlooking the first and second bends of the Angry River. This place is known as where gods and humans dwell together, probably referring to the peaceful coexistence of multiple ethnicities and religions.
"The Most Beautiful Village" Laomudeng
When I arrived at Laomudeng, it was already evening. I put down my luggage and hurried out to take a few pictures.
The sun was setting, but it was exceptionally clear. The sky was filled with a blue background, reflecting the twinkling clouds on the western horizon. The snow mountain was also illuminated, especially beautiful and healing!
The entire village was gradually lit up by lights, extending up the slope.
After a round, it was almost seven o'clock. The lights in the church were also on, reflecting on the lake surface, as flat as a mirror, and my heart became quiet.
At seven thirty, the shell of the cannon in front of the church began to ring, and the pure natural unaccompanied four-part chorus also echoed in the canyon (the hymn sung in Lisu language, remember it is 7:30, not 8 o'clock).
The unique peace of Lao Mudeng Village
Lao Mudeng Village is one of the tourist attractions of the Nujiang Grand Canyon, with beautiful natural scenery and rich cultural landscapes.
Lao Mudeng Village is located in the Nujiang Canyon, a place full of rich cultural atmosphere and natural landscapes. Across from Lao Mudeng Village is the famous Crown Mountain in the northern section of the Gaoligong Mountains, with steep mountains and majestic momentum, which makes people marvel at the wonders of nature. In Lao Mudeng Village, in addition to enjoying the magnificent natural scenery, you can also visit the Lao Mudeng Christian Church. This church is one of the largest Christian churches in the Nujiang area and an important place for local Christian faith. The architectural style of the church is unique, full of the fusion of Chinese and Western cultures, making people feel a different cultural atmosphere. Here, tourists can understand the development history of Christianity in the Nujiang area, and also feel the local people's faith and customs.
Lao Mudeng Village is a tourist attraction that combines natural scenery, cultural landscapes, and religious culture. If you want to experience a different travel experience, why not come here to explore!
Qianhu Mountain Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
The World of Alpine Rhododendrons, a Paradise for Spiritual 'I' People.
Due to the high requirements for their growing environment, rhododendrons are often found in beautiful, sparsely populated spring mountains. The unpretentious and unapproachable alpine rhododendrons resonate with spiritual 'I' people who are more focused on their inner selves and yearn to immerse themselves in tranquil nature.
During this grand rhododendron season, they bloom leisurely at tunnel entrances, along hiking trails, and on the roadside, easily capturing your gaze with just a glance.
Leave behind the complexities of daily life and immerse yourself in a sea of rhododendrons.
In April, in the Nujiang area where Songtsam Stone Moon Mountain Lodge is located, the road winds up the middle section of the Gaoligong Mountains along the west bank, with peach blossoms, cherry blossoms, and pear blossoms lining the road, creating a colorful floral path.
In May, Pudacuo National Park, located in the core area of the ' ' Natural Heritage in northwest Yunnan, enters the highland spring.
Clusters of pink bright-leaved rhododendrons bloom among the lake wetlands and forest meadows, weaving a dust-free floral carpet.
Not far away, at the Washbasin Pass in Shangri-La, slopes are covered with blooming rhododendrons, with the whole tree of red-brown rhododendrons displaying a brilliant crimson, creating a breathtaking scene.
Every year from May to June, Qianhu Mountain hides the most spectacular sea of rhododendrons in Shangri-La. Over 300 alpine lakes of various sizes and shapes each have their own charm.
Hike lightly along the primitive forest trails of Qianhu Mountain, surrounded by lush green trees, with pale yellow, light purple, and red alpine rhododendrons changing around you, a stunning scenery that can only be seen by delving deep into it.
In June, the Niding Primitive Forest near the Deqin Songtsam Benzilan Hotel is cool, moist, and verdant.
Walk along and admire the large patches of hanging moss, rhododendrons, irises, and streams along the way, with new and interesting vegetation constantly stopping you in your tracks.
Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
The gods and humans dwell together in Bingzhongluo
Angry River originates from Tibet, flows through Yunnan into Myanmar, and finally empties into the Indian Ocean. The section in Tibet is called 'Nachu River', and in Myanmar, it is known as 'Salween River'.
We traveled north along the Angry River for three days, from Lushui City to Laomudeng Village in Fugong County, and then to Bingzhongluo in Gongshan County.
On the third day, we arrived at Bingzhongluo in Gongshan County.
G219 is well-maintained, with a cycling lane provided all the way, offering an experience of a section of Bingzhongluo. After crossing the Yunnan-Tibet border into Linzhi Chayu County, the road turns into a dirt track. Vehicles coming from the Tibet section to Yunnan are covered in mud. Landslides, falling rocks, and debris flows are the norm here, and it is really not recommended to visit during the rainy season.
Here, villages are called 'XX Luo' or 'XX Tong', depending on whether the Nu, Lisu, or Tibetan ethnic groups are the majority in the village; some are called 'Luo' and some 'Tong'. Trek through the ancient tea-horse road of Wuli Village, Qiunatong, overlooking the first and second bends of the Angry River. This place is known as where gods and humans dwell together, probably referring to the peaceful coexistence of multiple ethnicities and religions.
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