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Gongshan Dulong and Nu Autonomous County is located in the deepest section of the Nujiang Grand Canyon in northwestern Yunnan Province. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region to the north and Myanmar to the west. It is home to ethnic groups such as Dulong, Nu, Lisu, Naxi, Bai, Tibetan, Hui, and Han.
Gongshan County boasts a typical alpine and canyon landscape, with the Biluo Snow Mountain to the east, the Gaoligong Mountain in the middle, and the Dananlika Mountain to the west. The area is rich in flora, fauna, and mineral resources. Its unique geographical location and abundant flora and fauna have created a wealth of tourism resources for the Gongshan Dulong and Nu Autonomous County. Major scenic spots include the idyllic "Bingzhongluo" (Peach Blossom Land), the "First Bay of the Nujiang River," the natural barrier "Naiduo Shimen Pass," and the "Pine Trees in the River," the pillar of the Nujiang River.
The climate is mainly mountainous;
Best time to visit in summer and autumn
Recommended 2-day tour
Bingzhongluo
Bingzhongluo is located in the northern part of Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture and Gongshan Dulong and Nu Autonomous County. It is the core area of the "Three Parallel Rivers" (三跨江) system, where the three major mountain ranges of northwestern Yunnan—the Gaoligong Mountains, the Nu Mountains, and the Yunling Mountains—join the Nu, Lancang, and Jinsha Rivers, forming an inverted "川" (川) shape. The Nu River runs north to south through the area, with the Biluo Snow Mountain to the east and the Gaoligong Mountains to the west, forming a distinct alpine canyon landscape.
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.
Wuli Village
Wuli, also known as Wengli and Wuli, is a small village on the ancient Tea-Horse Road. Visitors to this area call it "Swiss Pastoral Scenery." The scenery is picturesque, with Nu people's wooden houses scattered across the fields. Smoke curls from cooking fires, creating a tranquil and harmonious beauty.
Gongshan Dulong and Nu Autonomous County is located in northwestern Yunnan and is significant for its ethnic diversity, being home to Dulong, Nu, and Lisu communities. It preserves ancient tribal traditions, unique languages, and cultural practices, making it an important site for cultural tourism and ethnographic study.
The county is in northwestern Yunnan, bordering Tibet and Myanmar. Visitors usually reach Gongshan via domestic flights to Gongshan Airport, or by bus or car from Lijiang or Dali. Local taxis or guided tours are recommended for accessing remote villages.
The best time to visit is from April to October, when the weather is mild and the scenery is lush. Most villages and natural attractions are accessible daily, but winter travel can be difficult due to snow and road conditions.
Many scenic spots are free or charge a small fee (¥20–50). Tickets can generally be bought on-site, while guided tours or organized experiences may be booked online through local travel agencies.
For popular festivals or village homestays, booking 1–2 weeks in advance is recommended. Most natural and cultural sites do not require advance booking.
3–5 days are recommended to explore the main villages, natural scenery, and cultural activities thoroughly.
Guided tours are mostly in Mandarin, with some private tours offering English guides. Audio guides are rare in rural areas.
Night visits are limited in rural villages. Special cultural events or homestay experiences may offer evening activities during festivals or peak seasons.
The county is generally not crowded. Avoid Chinese public holidays, which may see more tourists at popular villages and scenic spots.
Facilities are basic in rural areas. Larger towns have restrooms, small eateries, and shops, but remote areas may lack amenities.
Limited accessibility for elderly or disabled visitors in mountainous and remote villages. Town areas are more suitable for families and children.
Mobile payments are common in towns, but cash is recommended for rural areas and homestays.
Local eateries serve Dulong and Nu cuisine, featuring fish, wild vegetables, and local grains. Cafes are rare outside main towns.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited; halal options may be available in some communities.
Souvenirs include handicrafts, embroidered fabrics, traditional clothing, and local agricultural products.
Travelers can continue by bus, private car, or flights from Gongshan Airport to Lijiang, Dali, or other parts of Yunnan.
