Fenglongwan Shibanhe River Scenic Area in Xundian County, Kunming
The Longfengwan Shibanhe River Scenic Area (凤龙湾石板河风景区) is located approximately 120 kilometers from Kunming (昆明), about a two-hour drive. It features attractions often referred to as the “Little Three Gorges” and “Colorful Bay,” with a captivating waterfall cluster in the Shibanhe (石板河) gorge.
Overview
- Chinese Name: 凤龙湾石板河
- Location: Xundian Longfengwan Scenic Area (寻甸凤龙湾风景区)
- Distance from Kunming: Approximately 120 kilometers
Visitors to Longfengwan can explore stunning landscapes, including cascading waterfalls, serene forest paths, and the sounds of nature. The river-worn slate along the banks is smooth, inviting guests to walk barefoot along the stream.
Longfengwan is situated 14 kilometers from Xundian County (寻甸县) in Qixing Township (七星乡). To reach the scenic area, travelers can follow a dirt road south from Beidaying (北大营) for over ten kilometers. Although it forms a loop with Beidaying, all routes leading to the scenic area are in poor condition.
Legend of Longfengwan
The name Longfengwan is inspired by a touching Miao (苗族) legend. According to the tale, Miao elder Chilong (蚩龙) led his people southward to escape war. During their arduous journey, they ran out of supplies. In a moment of desperation, Chifeng (蚩凤), Chilong’s wife, used her milk to nourish the clan. However, as the number of mouths to feed increased, she resorted to using her own blood. Tragically, she collapsed, and the last drops of her blood and milk fell to the ground, transforming into a sweet, clear spring. This act of sacrifice saved her people, and the area was named “Longfengwan,” meaning “a happy home under a mother’s care” in Miao.
Adventures in Shibanhe
The heart of Longfengwan is the Shibanhe gorge, spanning just 4 kilometers. The flowing river connects various attractions such as Shimen Kai (石门开), Fengming Valley (凤鸣谷), Qilin Gorge (奇鳞峡), and Colorful Pool (五彩潭). The area is characterized by steep cliffs, unique rock formations, and blooming flowers year-round, alongside multiple waterfalls. Immersing oneself in this environment feels like stepping into a fantastical world, filled with landscapes that shift from open vistas to rugged terrains, echoing the enchanting tales of the Miao people.
Notable Features Along the Journey
Upon entering the scenic area through the Longfengwan Shibanhe Resort (凤龙湾石板河度假村), rows of bamboo houses on the hillside offer a perfect view of the surroundings. As visitors descend the stone steps, the sound of nearby waterfalls grows closer. This marks the beginning of the adventure in the unpredictable Shimen Kai, setting the stage for an extraordinary journey.
- Jinpen Yudie (金盆玉碟): The first scenic spot, featuring a stone beach where clear water flows over smooth stones, resembling shallow bowls and plates, creating a gentle waterfall that sparkles in sunlight.
- Fengchao Jinluan (凤巢金卵): A large stone nestled in a cave halfway up the mountain, believed to be the egg of a phoenix. Touching it is said to bring good fortune.
- Rende (仁德): A natural rock formation resembling a large stone carrying a smaller one, symbolizing selflessness and mutual assistance.
- Longxian Xianlu (龙涎仙露): A mountain spring trickling down the ravine, believed to cure ailments and filter through mountain vegetation, offering sweet water.
As visitors navigate the Nirvana Climb (涅槃之攀), they descend to the soul of Shimen Kai: the Longfeng Waterfall (龙凤飞瀑). Here, the landscape opens up to reveal a wide river with a dramatic drop, creating a stunning waterfall often referred to as Lover’s Falls due to its resemblance to a pair of dancing dragons and phoenixes.
Thrilling Exploration
After crossing Lover’s Falls, the narrow path weaves between rocky walls, with the water cascading down steep slopes. The oppressive rocky walls loom overhead, requiring careful navigation. Suddenly, an errant rock nearly collides with me, leading to a thrilling moment of adrenaline!
As the gate to Shimen opens, breathtaking scenery unfolds—lush shrubs and blooming flowers frame a winding path leading to Fengming Valley (凤鸣谷). This area is renowned for its fresh air, bird songs, and winding gorge, where visitors can sit in a small pavilion to enjoy the view.
Further along, the riverbed becomes visible due to low water levels, creating shallow areas perfect for wading. A large rock emerges from the center of the river, resembling a “giant turtle,” said to be the children of Chilong.
As I continue, I hear that we are nearing Jumang Chudong (巨蟒出洞). One of my companions spots a giant python’s head in the grass! According to Miao legends, it once preyed on children, but Chilong cut it in half, leading to its current form.
Opposite Jumang Chudong, a dense forest reveals rocky platforms at the mountain’s base, known as Mao Mao Ca Yang Chu (猫猫擦痒处)—a resting place for tigers, which locals say was created by the big cats.
