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Weixi Lisu Autonomous County, a county under the jurisdiction of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, is located in northwestern Yunnan Province. Rich in resources, it is known as the "Emerald of the Hengduan Mountains," and is renowned as the "Homeland of Orchids," "Homeland of Medicinal Herbs," "Natural Azalea Garden," and "Paradise for Yunnan Golden Monkeys." It is particularly rich in water, mineral, biological, and tourism resources.
Weixi Lisu Autonomous County boasts remarkable biodiversity and is considered one of the most diverse plant and animal gene banks in northwest Yunnan. Home to nationally protected species such as the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, red panda, antelope, clouded leopard, golden cat, and thunder leopard, the county is also home to 360 species of rare and valuable flowers, including orchids, azaleas, and gentian, as well as numerous rare tree species, including yew, Taiwania baldwood, Torreya grandis, and Davidia involucrata. Weixi broccoli stands out, with its elegant form, lingering fragrance, and numerous rare and valuable flowers, earning it the acclaim of orchid lovers.
Subtropical and temperate monsoon plateau mountain climate;
Winter is long without summer, and spring and autumn are connected. It is recommended not to travel in winter.
Recommended 2-day tour
Xiangguqing Dian Golden Monkey Ecotourism Area
The Xiangguqing Golden Monkey Ecotourism Area is 84 kilometers from Weixi County and 8 kilometers from the Tacheng Town government. It is part of the Samagu National Nature Reserve. Over 500 golden monkeys live in the Xiangguqing area. Lingling, the mascot of the 1999 Kunming World Expo, made her way from here to Kunming and beyond.
Three Parallel Rivers Scenic Area
Located south of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the scenic area extends into the longitudinal valley of the Hengduan Mountains in northwestern Yunnan. It encompasses scenic spots along the Jinsha River in Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, and Lijiang Naxi Autonomous County. It stretches from the Tibet-Yunnan border in the north to areas inhabited by ethnic minorities, stretching southward from the Jinsha River to Daju, the Lancang River to Gongguoqiao, and the Nujiang River to Liuku. It borders Myanmar to the west. The "Three Parallel Rivers" in the Three Parallel Rivers actually refer to the Jinsha, Lancang, Nu, and Dulong rivers. The scenic area comprises three scenic areas: the Nujiang, Lancang, and Jinsha Rivers; eight central scenic areas; and over 60 scenic spots, covering a total area of over 3,500 square kilometers.
Snow Dragon Mountain
Xuelong Mountain, located 10 kilometers southwest of Weixi County, rises 3,909 meters above sea level on a prominent peak of Laojun Mountain. A snowmelt lake, covering 1,500 square meters and never drying up, is known as the Xuelong Mountain Heavenly Lake. Surrounding the lake are approximately 3,000 mu (approximately 1,000 hectares) of gradually rising grassy hills, beneath which lie primeval forests and Weixi's renowned rhododendrons, including the yellow cup, purple jade plate, reddish brown, bright scale, and round flower.
Weixi Lisu Autonomous County is home to the Lisu ethnic minority, known for its unique culture, traditional houses, and festivals. The county has a rich history in preserving minority heritage and maintaining natural landscapes of the Hengduan Mountains.
It is located in Zhongdian (Shangri-La) Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Visitors can reach Weixi by bus or private car from Zhongdian, and local taxis are available to explore the villages. Walking is the main mode within village areas.
The area is generally accessible all day, with the best times being spring and autumn when weather is mild and landscapes are most scenic.
Most of Weixi County is free to enter, though certain scenic areas or cultural sites may charge 10–50 CNY. Tickets are usually bought onsite.
Booking is not necessary for most sites. For special events or popular scenic spots, 1–3 days in advance is recommended.
A full visit can take 1–2 days, depending on whether you explore multiple villages and scenic spots.
Guided tours are mainly in Mandarin. Some private guides may offer English explanations. Audio guides are limited.
Night visits are limited, though some villages may host night performances or festivals. Light shows are not common.
The area is less crowded, especially on weekdays. Festivals attract more visitors.
Facilities include basic toilets, small eateries, rest areas, and local shops. Expect limited infrastructure in remote villages.
Access can be challenging due to mountainous terrain. Elderly and children can manage with caution; wheelchair access is limited.
Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted; carrying cash is recommended in smaller villages.
Local tea houses and small restaurants serve traditional Lisu and Yunnan dishes.
Vegetarian options exist; halal options are limited and may require travel to larger towns.
Souvenirs include Lisu textiles, handicrafts, embroidered clothing, and local teas.
