Discovering the Hidden Gem of Yunnan
Nestled in the western border of Yunnan, the Nujiang Grand Canyon is a core area of the Three Parallel Rivers. Once isolated and unreachable, this natural wonder has earned the title of a "hidden paradise." Its pristine natural environment and well-preserved ethnic minority cultures remain untouched by large-scale commercial development. With the recent opening of the Nujiang Beautiful Highway and De-gong Highway, the "Nujiang Secret Realm" has become accessible, tantalizing our curiosity for the unknown.
A Playground for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Nujiang Grand Canyon is an outdoor paradise bestowed upon us. The towering mountains challenge mountaineers, wingsuit flyers, paragliders, and rock climbers; the raging waters offer new challenges for whitewater kayakers and slackline walkers; the abundant trees are perfect for tree climbing; and the treacherous roads inspire extreme skaters, mountain bikers, and hikers. Outdoor sports may be the best way to unlock the secrets of Nujiang Grand Canyon.
The Buzz of Adventure Tourism
Recently, the Chinese (Yunnan) Adventure Tourism Development Conference brought a surge of excitement to the usually serene Nujiang Grand Canyon. Thousands of professional athletes and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world experienced the canyon's breathtaking scenery and vibrant ethnic cultures through outdoor activities.
At Tongxin Square in Lushui City, the capital of Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, wingsuit flyers descended from the sky, and powered paragliders soared above. Rock climbing enthusiasts tested their skills on the cliffs opposite the Tongda Bridge. In the Xiao Shaba service area along the Nujiang Beautiful Highway, tree climbing, outdoor rope performances, kayaking, and paddleboarding were in full swing. At the roaring Tiger Leaping Gorge, slackline athletes walked across Nujiang on a 2.5 cm wide line. On the winding road to Laomudeng, "racing prodigies" and "super skaters" performed incredible feats of speed.
Meanwhile, a convoy of over a hundred motorcyclists headed deeper into the canyon, ready to traverse the Three Parallel Rivers via the De-gong Highway. Hiking groups trekked through the heart of Gaoligong Mountain and Biluo Snow Mountain, measuring the geographical width and cultural depth of the Nujiang Grand Canyon with their footsteps.
The World's Natural Heritage
The Nujiang Grand Canyon is situated in the core area of the Three Parallel Rivers (Nujiang, Lancangjiang, Jinshajiang) World Natural Heritage site, flanked by Gaoligong Mountain and Biluo Snow Mountain. The altitude difference between the mountains and the river can reach up to 3,000-4,000 meters, making the canyon's majesty unparalleled. Along with the Colorado Grand Canyon and the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, it is considered one of the world's three greatest canyons.
Moreover, Nujiang is the only major river in China that has not been dammed, allowing its waters to flow freely and creating a haven for adventurers. Since 2010, the Nujiang has hosted the Wild Water International Open, and it has become a renowned destination for whitewater kayaking.
Cultural Treasures: Legendary Routes of the Ancient Tea and Horse Road (茶马古道)
The isolation of Nujiang Grand Canyon due to mountainous terrain has led to legendary stories of the Ancient Tea and Horse Road. Director Tian Zhuangzhuang's epic documentary features the Tea and Horse Road deep within the Nujiang Grand Canyon, with Bingzhongluo and Zha Wa Long in Tibet as primary filming locations. Today, Bingzhongluo's Tea and Horse Road is one of China's most attractive hiking routes, and the Bingchacha Highway (Bingzhongluo-Zha Wa Long-Zayu) draws many road adventurers for self-driving tours.
With the completion of the "Nujiang Beautiful Highway" upgrades and the opening of the Peacock Mountain Tunnel on the De-gong Highway, the 219 National Highway traversing the Nujiang Grand Canyon has become a new favorite among self-driving enthusiasts.
Beyond its spectacular natural scenery, the Nujiang Grand Canyon is also rich in cultural treasures. It is home to 22 different ethnic groups, including the Dulong, famous for their facial tattoos, the unique Nu people, and the Pumi people, who trace their origins to ancient northwest Chinese nomadic tribes. These unique ethnic customs and cultures further enhance the canyon's allure for adventurers and outdoor sports enthusiasts.
Exploring Nujiang: Four Outdoor Activities for Everyone
Cycling
The Nujiang Beautiful Highway is one of the most cyclist-friendly national highways. Spanning from Lushui City to Bingzhongluo, this 300-kilometer stretch features a dedicated 200-kilometer greenway, ensuring cyclists' safety. Service areas along the route provide amenities like restrooms, showers, convenience stores, hotels, fast food outlets, and coffee shops, enhancing the cycling experience.
Self-Driving
The previously inaccessible Nujiang Grand Canyon is now open to self-driving enthusiasts. The De-gong Highway connects the Nujiang Grand Canyon to the Lancangjiang and Jinshajiang river valleys, allowing for a grand scenic drive through the Three Parallel Rivers area. The opening of the Dulongjiang Highway Tunnel has also made the region more accessible, offering stunning scenery comparable to the Meto Highway.
Hiking
Nujiang Grand Canyon is a hiking paradise with numerous trails. Notable routes include the picturesque fields of Dongfeng Village in Bingzhongluo and the renowned hike from Zhiziluo to Qilian Lake. These trails offer breathtaking views and opportunities to explore the canyon's unique geography and culture.
Adventure Sports
For thrill-seekers, Nujiang offers an array of extreme sports. From mountaineering in Gaoligong Mountain and Biluo Snow Mountain to rock climbing on the canyon's cliffs, whitewater rafting on the Nujiang River, and downhill longboarding on mountain roads, Nujiang is a natural playground for adventure sports enthusiasts.
Nujiang Grand Canyon is not only for professional athletes and hardcore outdoor enthusiasts but also for ordinary travelers who love nature. Whether cycling along scenic routes, driving through breathtaking landscapes, hiking on historic trails, or engaging in adventure sports, everyone can find joy and excitement in Nujiang's outdoor paradise.
