Live Your Best Lives
In Jin Yong's martial arts novels, there's always a young man, initially unknown, who, by chance, falls into a deep ravine or strays into a secret realm where a master resides. From there, the young man acquires peerless martial arts, upholds justice, and dominates the martial arts world. For Duan Yu in "The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," Wuliang Mountain is the tranquil place where his life is transformed by a fleeting encounter. Similarly, it's thanks to Duan Yu that Wuliang Mountain has become renowned.
Duan Yu traveled to Wuliang Mountain with Pu'er tea merchant Ma Wude, where he mistakenly entered the Wuliang Sword Lake Palace. Entering a stone cave, he saw a statue of the Fairy Sister and mastered the "Lingbo Weibu" technique. He then accidentally ingested the "Manggu Zhuha," the king of all poisons, while on Wuliang Mountain, becoming immune to all poisons and further strengthening his position in the martial arts world. While the legends depicted in these stories are untrue, the mysterious and beautiful Wuliang Mountain continues to captivate countless visitors.
Wuliang Mountain is located in the western part of Jingdong Yi Autonomous County, Pu'er City, Yunnan Province. It is a branch of the Yunling Range of the Hengduan Mountains and extends southward from Dian Cang Mountain. Wuliang Mountain boasts a wealth of scenic beauty, attracting numerous scholars and poets since ancient times. Numerous literary works feature Wuliang Mountain, not only mentioning it in "The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," but also innumerable ancient poems. For example, the Qing Dynasty poet Cheng Yuechuan coined the line: "Purple stone peaks reach a thousand-foot peak, silver waves cascade down thousands of layers; rising from the sky, they transform into light smoke, as if they were dancing jade dragons through the heavens." In just a few words, these lines capture the unparalleled beauty of Wuliang Mountain: towering rocks, cascading waters, swirling clouds and mist, and floating clouds reflecting the sky.
Tips:
Recommended play time: 1-3 hours
Admission: Free
Opening hours: Open all day
Address: De'an Village, Wuliang Town, Nanjian County, Dali Prefecture
The cherry blossoms in Wuliang Mountain are a unique variety of cherry blossoms in Yunnan - winter cherry blossoms. They usually bloom from late November to mid-December, for about 25 days. You need to ask the locals for the peak flowering period.
The main photography spots in Sakura Valley are near Observation Deck 1 and 2. Observation Deck 1 is a great spot for backlit sunset shots in the afternoon. Observation Deck 2 is primarily for backlit sunrise shots in the morning. Another great spot is the farmhouse courtyard between Observation Deck 1 and 2, where side-lit photos of Sakura Valley are best in the morning. Additionally, Sakura Valley offers a spectacular view of the Milky Way at night, making it a great spot for photoshoots.
sunrise
The best spot for sunrise viewing is behind the Tea Manor in Scenic Area 1 (between the Photography Houses). Dali's sunrise in winter occurs between 7:40 and 8:00 AM. Check the sunrise time before your trip, and you might even be lucky enough to see a sea of clouds. After sunrise, take photos of the tea plantation halfway up the hill behind the Tea Manor; the mist creates a magical illusion. The best time to photograph the sun shining over Scenic Area 2 is between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, but panoramic views of Scenic Area 2 should be taken from Stand 1 in Scenic Area 1.
Sunset & Starry Sky
The pink cherry blossoms dotted with stars and the soft sunset light really make me feel that time can be so beautiful. I want to find someone to stand on the top of the mountain and watch the sunset slowly slip away. As night falls, a breeze blows through the valley, and the starry sky appears flickering. Such scenery is really hard to see in the city.
Aerial photography
Aerial photography offers a bird's-eye view of the entire valley, capturing the entire scenery. The pink cherry blossoms dotted among the green tea trees create a truly beautiful scene. However, while enjoying the scenery, be sure to pay attention to the safety of your drone and keep it away from power lines.
Self-driving
Kunming - Xiangyun - Nanjian - Wuliangshan (G56 Hangrui Expressway from Kunming to Xiangyun, then turn to Xianglin Highway to Nanjian, then take the Xijing Line to Wuliangshan Cherry Blossom Valley). The entire journey is 380 kilometers. Except for the Xijing Line, which is a mountain road and requires some caution, the road conditions are generally good
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You can only take a bus from Dali or Kunming to Nanjian and then transfer to a local bus to Wuliangshan Town. (During the Cherry Blossom Festival, there are buses from Dali Xiaguan directly to Cherry Blossom Valley.)
Accommodation: There are few places to stay in Sakura Valley, with only 2-3 farmhouses and houses run by travel agencies, and the conditions are average. You can also set up a tent at the observation deck, which is available for rent.
Dining: During the Cherry Blossom Festival, the tea house sells special dishes, set meals, and breakfast. There are also restaurants around the Cherry Blossom Valley.
Parking: Free of charge when staying in the tea estate, free of charge when parking on the roadside, and 20 yuan per time when parking at the farmhouse.
Tips: 1. To watch the sunrise and photograph the stars, it's best to stay in or near Sakura Valley. During the Cherry Blossom Festival, you can stay in the "Starry Sky Tent" provided by the tea estate for 118 yuan per tent, which sleeps two people. The downside is that it can be a bit cold. 2. There's also a photography house within the tea estate, and there are also farmhouses nearby. 3. If you're staying in a tent at the tea estate, you can park inside the tea plantation; otherwise, you'll have to park on the roadside.
Dali's Nanjian Cherry Blossom Valley lives up to its reputation as "the first place in China where spring arrives." The backlit clusters of cherry blossoms in the valley are a prime spot for photographers. Chasing the vibrant colors of the cherry blossoms in the winter sun is a rare treat for those dreary urban dwellers. Don't shiver in the northern chill; find a little warmth in this hidden gem. Years from now, you'll surely cherish those years spent together viewing the cherry blossoms.
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