Huanglianshan Mountain Nature Reserve in Luchun County, Honghe

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🌿 Huanlian Mountain (黄连山) – A Biodiversity Treasure

🌱 Core Value: A Living Gene Bank

Ecological Significance

• Area & Vegetation – Covering over 65,000 hectares, about 20% of Lvchun County (绿春县), with a forest coverage of 75–84%. The terrain rises over 2,300 meters, hosting tropical rainforests, montane rainforests, and wet monsoon evergreen broadleaf forests, forming a complete ecological gradient.

• Species Diversity – Over 2,800 plant species have been recorded, including national first-class protected plants like Lvchun Cycas (绿春苏铁) and Himalayan Yew (喜马拉雅红豆杉). Mammals include black-crested gibbons, white-cheeked gibbons (China’s only co-located habitat), Indochinese tigers, and clouded leopards. Primates alone account for over a third of China’s total.

⛰️ Core Attractions: Pristine Wilderness & Geological Wonders

💦 Huanlian Mountain Waterfall (黄连山瀑布)

• Three-Tiered Cascade – Total drop about 150 meters:

  • Upper tier: 60-meter vertical fall

  • Middle tier: steep cascades over sloping cliffs

  • Lower tier: 100-meter main waterfall, reaching up to 20 meters wide in the rainy season

• Spectacle – In summer, the waterfall thunders like a herd of horses, mist rises, and rainbows frequently appear.

Hiking to the Source – A forest trail on the northern side leads to Qia Kaoumen (瀑布源河), the waterfall’s origin river, lined with strange rocks, orchids in stone crevices, and pristine forest cover.

🌊 Huanlian Reservoir (黄连山水库)

• Emerald Gem – Nestled in the forest, reflecting layered treetops. Ideal for camping.

• Morning Magic – Mist rises like flowing silk, creating a “sea of clouds” over the mountains.

🌿 Ecological Corridors & Secret Rivers

• Downstream rivers meander under ancient tree canopies, with natural log bridges and entwined vines—home to gibbons and other wildlife.

• Ingenious cliff-side water channels carved by the Hani people (哈尼族) showcase ethnic engineering and courage.

🚶 In-Depth Experiences

🌳 Ecological Hiking Loop

• Route – Reservoir campsite → forest river → cliff-side water channel → Huanlian Waterfall → waterfall source river

• Highlights – Spot gibbons and green peacocks (bring binoculars), visit three ecological observation stations

🌄 Cultural & Nature Combo

• Recommended Route – Alooubin Forest Park (阿倮欧滨森林公园) → Huanlian Mountain → Lagu Terraces (腊姑梯田) (ideal during May irrigation period for mirror-like reflections)

• Extended Journey – Niukong Ancient Town (牛孔古镇) with Tea Horse Road stone paths and Mayu Ancient Tea Garden (玛玉古茶园); experience Yi ethnic indigo textile markets.

⚠️ Travel Tips

Transportation

• Self-drive from Lvchun County town: about 1.5 hours on narrow, winding rural roads.

• No public transport; private car or carpool recommended.

Best Season

• May–October for waterfall and terrace irrigation; winter–spring for cloud-sea views.

Precautions

• Smoking and collecting plants/animals prohibited. Follow Leave No Trace principles.

• Wear non-slip shoes and rain gear; hiring a certified eco-guide improves wildlife spotting chances.

Food & Accommodation

• Campsites near the reservoir; farmhouses in Jiujiatown (九甲镇) serve Hani Dipping Chicken (哈尼蘸水鸡) and ecological Piao Chicken (瓢鸡).

• Combine with Lvchun County town visits for the Hani Long Street Feast, “the world’s longest banquet.”

💎 Traveler’s Perspective

Huanlian Mountain is a “breath of oxygen” island on the Tropic of Cancer—waterfalls roar to awaken the sleeping rainforest, gibbon calls pierce the morning mist, and 27 million years of ecological history silently unfold. Entering here feels like joining the most ancient conversation of life itself.

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