Aluo International Youth Hotel in Bingzhongluo, Nujiang

Geographical Location and Surrounding Environment

Located at No. 63 Wenming Road, Bingzhongluo Town, Gongshan Dulong and Nu Autonomous County, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, adjacent to Bingzhongluo Bus Station, Aluo International Youth Hostel serves as an ideal starting point for exploring the “Heaven on Earth”  (literally “secret realm where humans and gods coexist”). Situated in the core area of the “Three Parallel Rivers” World Heritage Site, the hostel is surrounded by natural wonders like the Nujiang Grand Canyon, Bingzhongluo Pastoral Scenery, and the First Bend of the Nujiang River. It’s within walking distance of primitive villages such as Qiunatong and Wuli Village, as well as cultural landmarks like Chongding Catholic Church.

 

As a key 驿站 (post station) on the Yunnan-Tibet Highway (Bingchacha Route), the hostel caters to both hikers and self-driving tourists heading to Dulongjiang and Meili Snow Mountain. In 2025, the upgrade of the G219 National Highway’s Bingzhongluo section began, with expected completion in 2026, which will enhance traffic convenience and reduce logistics costs by 14%, boosting regional tourism.

Accommodation and Service Features

Room Types and Prices

The hostel offers budget-friendly options, including dormitory rooms with bunk beds (off-peak season reference price: 50–80 RMB per bed) and standard rooms (off-peak: 150–200 RMB per night), suitable for backpackers and cost-conscious travelers. Rooms are simple and fresh, equipped with basic amenities; some offer views of snow-capped mountains and the canyon.

Facilities and Services

  • Public Spaces: Features a communal lounge and a rooftop viewing platform where guests can camp under the stars or overlook Bingzhongluo’s panoramic views during the day.
  • Services: Provides travel consulting, itinerary planning, and luggage storage. The volunteer team organizes guided hikes or cultural experiences during certain periods.
  • Culinary Experience: The shared kitchen allows self-cooking, or guests can sample local dishes like Qiyou Chicken (chicken cooked with lacquer oil) and Shiban Baba (stone-baked flatbread). Hostess Aluo, known for her love of sharing drinks and stories, often gathers guests around the stove to chat about Nujiang’s heritage.

Transportation Guide

External Transportation

  1. Long-Distance Bus: Take a bus from Kunming West Bus Station to Liuku (8 hours), then transfer to Bingzhongluo, Gongshan (4 hours).
  2. Self-Driving Route: Via G56 Hangrui Expressway to G320, passing through Dali and Baoshan into Nujiang; total travel time 10–12 hours.
  3. Notice: From March to October 2025, partial road closures may occur during G219 Bingzhongluo section construction—check real-time traffic updates and allow extra travel time.

Internal Transportation

The hostel is a 5-minute walk from Bingzhongluo Bus Station. Within the town, rent electric scooters or share cars to nearby attractions (e.g., First Bend of Nujiang: 10 km; Wuli Village: 5 km).

Recommended Nearby Attractions

Natural Landscapes

  • First Bend of the Nujiang River: A stunning U-shaped river bend, magical when shrouded in morning mist.
  • Qiunatong Village: Hike to this primitive village for views of snow mountains, meadows, and terraced fields.
  • Gongdang Sacred Mountain: Summit for a bird’s-eye view of Bingzhongluo; “Golden Mountain” sunrises occasionally appear in winter.

Cultural Experiences

  • Wuli Village: Trek along the Tea-Horse Ancient Road to explore traditional wooden villages and experience Lisu and Nu ethnic lifestyles (upgraded to a 4A-level scenic area).
  • Chongding Catholic Church: A century-old French-style building with Tibetan influences; attend Sunday Mass for cultural immersion.
  • Dulongjiang Exploration: Obtain a border permit to visit Dulong ethnic settlements, discovering tattoo culture and virgin forests.

Practical Information

  • Best Travel Seasons: April–May (peach blossoms) and September–November (autumn scenery).
  • Booking: Search “贡山丙中洛阿洛国际青年旅舍” on Ctrip or call 0886-3581168 (Ani) for reservations.
  • Tips: Pack warm clothing for large day-night temperature differences; download offline maps as signal is limited in some areas.

 

With its rustic charm and warm hospitality, Aluo International Youth Hostel stands as an “invisible landmark” for deep Nujiang travel. Here, you’ll not only witness nature’s grandeur but also embrace local life, creating unforgettable memories.