Heshangdong Valley of Tanglangchuan River in Fumin County, Kunming
Overview
The Heshangdong Valley of the Tanglangchuan River (螳螂川河上洞峡谷风景区) is located 5 kilometers southwest of Fumin County (富民县) and showcases a combination of stunning natural landscapes both inside the caves and in the surrounding river valley.
Geographic Location
- Location: Fumin County, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China (云南省昆明市富民县)
- Climate: Subtropical plateau monsoon climate
Major Discoveries
- Fossils of mammals have been discovered in this area, highlighting its significance in scientific research.
Natural Resources
This area boasts picturesque scenery, featuring majestic mountains and flowing waters. The Tanglangchuan River (螳螂川) rushes through the gorge, creating breathtaking views reminiscent of a silver ribbon. Unique rock formations lie along the riverbed, and the sound of rushing water echoes through the canyons. On the south bank, steep cliffs are covered with green moss, while the north bank features towering peaks that reach the sky. Nearby, a dam resembles a mirror set within the valley, reflecting shimmering waves that add color to the landscape.
Heshangdong Cave
Nestled in the cliffs is the Heshangdong Cave (河上洞), which offers an eerie yet fascinating environment. The cave is deep and winding, adorned with stunning stalactites that take the form of various natural and mythical figures, such as a Buddha sitting on a lotus, an eagle soaring in the air, and a lion lying in wait. The cave was developed to include lighting for visitor experience and features viewing pavilions, corridors, and stone steps leading to scenic platforms.
The renowned geographer Xu Xiake (徐霞客) once explored this cave and described it as “extraordinarily mysterious; among all caves in Yunnan, it stands shoulder to shoulder with Qinghua Cave and Qingxi Cave.”
Visitor Information
The Heshangdong Valley offers various activities, including tourism, sightseeing, exploration, climbing, and nature appreciation. The cave is located in Yongding Town, Fumin County, and can be accessed via a scenic route that starts from Anning (安宁) through Qinglong Gorge (青龙峡).
- Distance: It is a 44-kilometer journey downstream along the Tanglangchuan River. The breathtaking landscapes consist of lush primitive trees, offering beautiful vistas where mountains, water, sky, and land intermingle harmoniously.
Legend and Cultural Significance
Local legend states that the Jade Emperor sent Erlang Shen (二郎神) to split the mountains in order to solve the water shortage problem in Fumin, resulting in the formation of the Tanglangchuan River, which flows emerald green, resembling a praying mantis in the fields, hence its name.
Visitors often venture to the Heshangdong Cave, believed to have been named by Xu Xiake. Archaeologist Jia Lanpo (贾兰坡) discovered 19 species of mammal fossils dating back 100,000 years within the cave. According to local lore, a cat once entered the cave, and some claim to have seen it emerge from the Lu Feng (禄丰) area. Though these tales may be hard to believe, no one has yet reached the cave’s end.
Mountain Climbing and Activities
The highest peak in the area rises 3,000 meters above sea level, offering climbing enthusiasts a perfect venue. Each March, international rock-climbing teams come to challenge themselves here. Reaching the summit provides a sense of conquering the surrounding mountains, while the Tanglangchuan River below resembles a delicate ribbon.
Visitors are encouraged to drive carefully along the narrow roads, especially during rainy weather when rockfalls are a concern. Self-catering is advised, as there are local dining options, and Fumin County offers additional dining and accommodation choices just 5 kilometers away.
Practical Information
- Location: Fumin County, Kunming, Yunnan Province (云南省昆明市富民县)
- Opening Hours: Open all day
- Admission Fee: Please consult the scenic area for details
- Driving Route: The scenic area is located 5 kilometers southwest of Fumin County. From Fumin, drive upstream along the Wenfu Third-Class Asphalt Road for 4 kilometers. Alternatively, you can travel from Wenshan Town (温泉镇) in Anning for 49 kilometers towards Fumin.
Travel Information
To reach the area, drive 4 kilometers upstream along the Wenfu Third-Class Asphalt Road by the Tanglangchuan River, or travel 49 kilometers from Wenshan Town (温泉镇) in Anning towards Fumin County.
