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Bingzhongluo is a beautiful area in Yunnan, perfect for nature lovers and cultural exploration. Recommended activities include:
Bingzhongluo is located in the northern part of Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture and Gongshan Dulong and Nu Autonomous County. Close to Myanmar and India, it straddles Yunnan and Tibet provinces. It is a crucial stop on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road and one of the major Tibetan areas in Nujiang Prefecture. Within the area are the Nujiang First Bend, Shimen Pass, and the Bingzhongluo Rural Scenery, all rated AAAA national scenic spots.
Bingzhongluo Town is a place where Tibetan Buddhism, Catholicism, and Christianity coexist. Within a single village, there are three different churches, and within a single household, there are two different faiths. Before the introduction of various religions, the people of Bingzhongluo worshipped their ancestors and natural spirits. The various ethnic groups of Bingzhongluo, having lived in the Grand Canyon for a long time, have developed unique architectural styles, production and living habits, dietary patterns, ethnic costumes, entertainment methods, and folk customs. The architecture here is primarily Tibetan-style, with wooden slats, stilt houses, and half-stilt houses, half-earth, and half-earth buildings, all roofed with stone slabs.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Bingzhongluo has beautiful scenery in all four seasons. You can enjoy wild flowers in spring, view rivers in summer, walk in the countryside in autumn, and watch snow in winter.
However, due to the heavy rain in summer and spring, mudslides are common on roads, so autumn and winter are the best seasons.
The First Bay of Nujiang River
The Nujiang River flows through the vicinity of Ridan Village in Bingzhongluo Township. Blocked by the Wangqing cliffs, the river changes its direction from north to south to east to west. After flowing for more than 300 meters, it is blocked by the Dala Mountains and turns sharply from west to east again, thus forming a large semicircular bay, which is the first bay of the Nujiang River.
Peach Blossom Island
Peach Blossom Island, also known as Kantong Village, Zanatong, and Zalatong, is located in the center of the First Bend of the Nu River, on a small peninsula-shaped plain surrounded by water on three sides. Kantong Village, a small Nu village, means "a place where bamboo grows." The surrounding scenery is beautiful, with peach trees planted throughout. Every spring, pink peach blossoms bloom, filling the entire island, leading people to call Zanatong Village Peach Blossom Island. During the slack season and holidays, people flock here for boating, singing, and dancing. Kantong Village is known as the Peach Blossom Land of the Canyon, a harmonious and beautiful landscape of mountains, rivers, and pastoral scenery.
Puhua Temple
Puhua Temple, also known as the Lama Temple, is a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Nujiang and holds significant local importance. Within the temple, a clay Buddha statue stands between two tigers and a lion. Eleven murals adorn the corridors and interior walls, along with 2,000 smaller "Songji" paintings. The entire temple is built in Tibetan style, simple yet quaint. While the temple is usually closed, the main events at Puhua Temple, the "Ge Dou Festival" from the 25th to the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month and the "Youjing Festival" on the 15th day of the sixth lunar month, are bustling with activity.
Bingzhongluo is a scenic and culturally rich town located in the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan. It is known for its spectacular landscapes and diverse ethnic communities, particularly the Lisu, Tibetan, and Naxi people. The area is historically significant for its role as a remote border region and is still a center for traditional Tibetan culture in China.
Bingzhongluo is located in the Nujiang Valley in Yunnan Province, China. To get there, you can take a bus or taxi from the provincial capital, Kunming. It is about a 10-hour drive from Kunming, or you can take a flight to Liuku Airport, the nearest airport to Bingzhongluo, and then take a taxi or local transport to the village.
Bingzhongluo is an outdoor destination with no specific opening hours for the village itself. However, the best times to visit are from April to October when the weather is milder, and the natural scenery is at its peak. Winter can be quite cold, so it's best avoided unless you're prepared for lower temperatures.
There is generally no entrance fee for visiting Bingzhongluo or the village. However, some specific attractions or activities, such as trekking or visiting ethnic museums, may require a ticket or permit, typically costing around 50-100 RMB. Tickets can usually be purchased on-site, but it's advisable to check with local agencies for special tours.
For most parts of Bingzhongluo, advance booking is not necessary. However, for organized tours, special trekking permits, or during peak tourist seasons, it is recommended to book at least 1-2 weeks in advance, especially if you need a guide or wish to secure a spot in popular trekking areas.
To fully explore Bingzhongluo, including its natural beauty and the local culture, a 2-3 day trip is recommended. This will allow time for hiking, visiting the villages, and experiencing the local customs and cuisine.
Must-see highlights in Bingzhongluo include:
Guided tours are available and can be arranged locally. Tours are typically offered in Mandarin, but some tour operators may provide English-speaking guides. It's advisable to book a guide if you're unfamiliar with the area or wish to learn more about the local culture and history.
Some of the best photography spots in Bingzhongluo include:
A recommended itinerary could include:
Bingzhongluo is more of a nature-based destination, and there are no light shows or special night tours available. However, the area is great for stargazing due to its remote location and low light pollution.
Bingzhongluo is generally not as crowded as more mainstream tourist destinations in China. However, it can see more visitors during the summer months (June to August) and around Chinese holidays. The least crowded times are typically from November to March, though some attractions may be less accessible due to the weather.
Facilities in Bingzhongluo are basic. There are public toilets in the village and at key tourist sites. Food options mainly consist of local restaurants serving Yunnan and Tibetan cuisine. There are also small shops selling basic necessities and souvenirs like hand-made crafts.
While Bingzhongluo is an outdoor and natural destination, it may pose challenges for elderly or disabled visitors due to uneven terrain and the lack of proper infrastructure for mobility aids. Some areas may be accessible to children, but it's important to check with local tour operators for specific accessibility options.
Cash is widely used in Bingzhongluo, particularly in local shops and markets. However, larger hotels and some tour operators may accept cards or mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay. It's advisable to carry cash for smaller transactions.
There are a few local restaurants and eateries in Bingzhongluo offering traditional Tibetan and Yunnanese dishes. Dishes include yak meat, momo (dumplings), and local noodle soups. The village also has small tea houses where you can try local teas.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available, particularly in the form of vegetable stir-fries and soups. However, most dishes are centered around meat, especially yak and lamb. Halal food is not widely available but may be found in some Tibetan or Muslim-run restaurants.
There are basic guesthouses and hotels in Bingzhongluo, ranging from simple accommodations to more comfortable options. Popular choices include local family-run guesthouses and a few small hotels that offer stunning views of the Nujiang River Valley.
Nearby attractions include:
Souvenir shops in Bingzhongluo sell handmade crafts, such as Tibetan carpets, ethnic jewelry, and traditional textiles. You can also find local products like herbal teas and wooden carvings.
To continue your trip after visiting Bingzhongluo, you can take a bus or taxi to nearby towns such as Liuku or Dali. From there, you can access larger transportation networks, including buses or flights to major cities in Yunnan like Kunming.
