Sanchahe Ten-Li Lotus in Luliang County, Qujing
Overview
Sanchahe (三岔河, Sānchàhé) is located in the eastern part of Luliang County (陆良县, Lùliáng Xiàn) within the Sanchahe Town (三岔河镇, Sānchàhé Zhèn). It is approximately 120 kilometers east of Kunming (昆明, Kūnmíng), about 60 kilometers north of Qujing (曲靖, Qūjìng), and around 23 kilometers south of the Nan-Kun Railway (南昆铁路, Nánkūn Tiělù) Zhaokua Station (召夸站, Zhàokuā Zhàn). The area is less than 50 kilometers from Shilin Scenic Area (石林景区, Shílín Jǐngqū) and just 45 kilometers from Yiliang Jiuxiang Scenic Area (宜良九乡风景区, Yíliáng Jiǔxiāng Fēngjǐngqū), with the county seat about 8 kilometers away.
Sanchahe is known for its picturesque scenery, often described as a “land of pastoral beauty, where fish and rice abound.” During the summer, the vast lotus flowers bloom across thousands of acres, creating a stunning contrast against the blue sky and green leaves. Visitors can enjoy a tranquil experience with rowboats gliding over the water and egrets taking flight, creating a picturesque tableau that allows for a close connection with nature.
Scenic Features
Natural Beauty
Sanchahe, situated in Luliang County, is the largest township in the province by population. The area is known for its “pastoral scenery and abundant fish and rice.” In summer, thousands of acres of lotus flowers bloom, set against a backdrop of green leaves and blue skies. The fragrant lotus scent fills the air, while rowboats glide gently over the water, and white egrets fly overhead. In winter, the clear ponds reveal fish swimming below, and visitors can catch their meals right from the water, experiencing unique and flavorful local cuisine.
Attractions
- Lotus Fields: During summer, the expansive lotus fields create a vibrant, colorful landscape.
- Fishing Experience: Visitors can catch fresh fish in the clear waters, ensuring a unique dining experience.
- Beautiful Scenery: The natural beauty is enhanced by the lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and serene waterways.
Transportation
Sanchahe is conveniently accessible from Qujing, as the region is well-connected by transportation networks. The two electrified railways, Guizhou-Kunming (贵昆, Guìkūn) and Nankun (南昆, Nánkūn), pass through Qujing and serve several counties. Qujing Railway Station (曲靖火车站, Qūjìng Huǒchēzhàn) is located in the Qilin District (麒麟区, Qílín Qū), with trains running to various destinations, including Guiyang (贵阳, Guìyáng), Shanghai (上海, Shànghǎi), Beijing (北京, Běijīng), Chongqing (重庆, Chóngqìng), and Zhengzhou (郑州, Zhèngzhōu).
How to Get There
- By Train: Take a train from Kunming to Qujing, which takes approximately 2 hours. Tickets range from 10 to 25 RMB. Trains also run to and from other major cities.
- By Bus: Local buses connect Kunming and Qujing, making it easy to reach Sanchahe.
Culinary Delights
Visitors can enjoy the unique flavors of local cuisine, particularly the fresh fish caught directly from the waters. This delightful experience offers a taste of the area’s culinary richness, characterized by its clean, sweet, and aromatic flavors.
Community and Cultural Revival
Local Development
Sanchahe’s community, particularly in Qinghe Community (清河社区, Qīnghé Shèqū), has experienced revitalization through the integration of agricultural, cultural, and tourism industries. Collaborative efforts between the county and China Agricultural University aim to create a model for rural revitalization.
Community Participation
Local residents actively participate in community development, from planning village layouts to building infrastructure. The village embraces a philosophy of sharing the benefits of development with the community, ensuring that profits from local businesses are distributed equitably.
Festivals and Tourism
In August of last year, the “Lotus Garden” (荷花里, Héhuā Lǐ) opened to visitors, significantly increasing local tourism and benefiting small businesses, such as local shops run by residents like Guo Jing (郭静, Guō Jìng), who have seen their sales flourish.
Travel Tips
- Timing: Visit during the summer to experience the blooming lotus flowers and enjoy water activities.
- Local Guides: Hire local guides for the best insights into the area and its cultural significance. They can lead you to less accessible locations.
- Weather Preparation: Check weather conditions before your trip and dress accordingly for the season. Sunscreen and hats are recommended during the summer months.
- Dining: Try local fish dishes for an authentic culinary experience. Don’t miss the chance to sample snacks and sweets from local vendors.
- Photography: Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning landscapes and vibrant cultural moments.
Sanchahe Ten-Li Lotus is a remarkable destination that offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and delicious local cuisine, making it a must-visit spot in Yunnan.
