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🌊 Daying River: Core Highlights

Geographical Context

Source & Flow: Originating from the southern foothills of Gaoligong Mountains, its upper reaches form at Xialaxiang Village (Jiucheng Town, Yingjiang County) where the Binglang River (left) meets Nandi River (right). Flowing south for kilometers through the Yingjiang Plain, it exits China at the Nanben River estuary into Myanmar (renamed Taiping River), eventually joining the Irrawaddy River.

Hydrological Features: Significant elevation drop within China creates dramatic landscapes – the Yingjiang Basin section widens to meters, forming a rare expansive river valley. Downstream at Hutiao Shi (Tiger Leaping Stone), it narrows into a torrential gorge.

Ecological & Cultural Value

Biodiversity: The basin shelters endangered plant species (like Sal trees) and protected animals including Green Peafowl and White-browed Gibbons. River islands and dense Fishtail Palm forests along the banks form unique ecological corridors.

Cultural Tapestry: Dai villages dot the banks, preserving traditional stilt houses and festivals like Water-Splashing. Yanyan Ta (Yan Pagoda), built in , stands as a landmark of Theravada Buddhism in Southwest Yunnan.

Four Core Experiences

Plain River Scenery Corridor

Witness kilometers of the Yingjiang Basin where rice fields, Fishtail Palms, and villages reflect on the vast river. At dusk, orange sunset hues dye the waters, creating scenes like bamboo bridge cattle drives against a painted sky.

Free Access. Prime sunset spots: Rubber Dam Beach (east of county town), Riverside Bamboo Bridges.

Gorge Adventure Zone

Experience the roaring currents at Hutiao Shi (Tiger Leaping Stone) gorge. Beware falling rocks during the rainy season; dry season allows hiking cliffside trails overlooking dramatic river bends.

Ethnic Life Immersion

Join the morning market at Yingjiang Xiangcheng Market: Hunt for grass-bundle dried beef and lemongrass spices, or try making Dai “Sa Pie” cuisine.

Combine with a visit to Yanyan Ta (Yan Pagoda) for panoramic river views.

Sustainable Stays

Facilities: Free RV Park (with restrooms, water) near the County Government; self-service meals available. The clean, livable town enjoys mild winters (average °C).

Eco-Conservation: Daying River National Wetland Park, a provincial-level scenic area, offers kilometers of riverside trails and birdwatching platforms.

Essential Travel Tips

Best Time: November – May (dry season, best light/birdwatching)

Transport: Drive to “Yingjiang Rubber Dam”; or bus from Mangshi Airport.

Safety: Stay clear of exposed cliffs in the rainy season.

Unique Activity: Bamboo rafting (gentle km section).

💎 Must-Do Experiences

Chase the orange sunset glow at Rubber Dam → Hunt for lemongrass dried beef at Xiangcheng Market → Gaze at starlit Dai villages from Yanyan Ta summit → Feel the thunder of the river at Hutiao Shi gorge.