Manhao Town Lvshuihe Tropical Rainforest in Gejiu City, Honghe

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Introduction

The Lvshuihe Tropical Rainforest Resort (绿水河热带雨林度假区) is an ideal destination for scientific research, tourism, sightseeing, and adventure. It serves as a comprehensive educational base for popular science, tourism, teaching, games, and training in Gejiu City (个旧市) of Honghe Prefecture (红河州). Situated in the southern part of Yunnan Province (云南省), it is connected to the national first-class port of Hekou (河口) to the south, approximately 90 kilometers from Gejiu to the north, and neighbors Mengzi County (蒙自县) to the northeast, Pingbian County (屏边县) to the southeast, and Jinping County (金平县) across the Honghe River (红河) to the west, which is 70 kilometers away from the county seat. This unique location offers unparalleled access to the “Four Counties and One City” area.

Geographic Location

The resort is located in the southern part of Yunnan Province, under Gejiu City, and is well-connected to key regions in the area.

Unique Attractions

Spanning over 5,000 acres, the tropical rainforest allows visitors to fully appreciate the natural beauty around them. It is home to more than 20 nationally protected rare plant species, including four species that are classified as first-level protected plants: the Cycas revoluta (多歧苏铁), Camellia chrysantha (金花茶), the Wanjing Tree (望天树), and the King Sago (桫椤). The biodiversity includes 135 families and 410 genera of vascular plants, as well as 49 families and 134 species of vertebrates. The rainforest retains the flora from the Mesozoic era, showcasing unique plants like the Cycas revoluta and other rare species.

Cultural Heritage

The resort also highlights the vibrant customs and traditions of the ethnic minorities in the border area. Numerous ethnic groups, such as the Yi (彝), Dai (傣), Yao (瑶), Zhuang (壮), Miao (苗), and Hani (哈尼), inhabit the Lvshuihe region, each with unique cultures and festive celebrations.

Historical Significance

Manhao Town (蔓耗镇) was an important shipping hub since the Western Han Dynasty. It opened to overseas trade, marking the southern Silk Road’s historical remnants. The red waters of the Honghe River flow through here, with various fish species thriving in its waters. The town also holds historical significance as it became an international trading port during the Qing Dynasty, witnessing a bustling trade scene until natural disasters and geopolitical changes diminished its prominence.

Transportation Information

To reach the resort from Kunming (昆明市), take the route through Geleng Tunnel (个冷隧道) to Manhao, which takes approximately 5 hours. Alternatively, take the Mengxin Expressway (蒙新高速公路) from Kunming to Mengzi, which takes about 4 hours.

How to Get There

• From Kunming: Travel via Geleng Tunnel to Gejiu, then proceed to Lvshuihe (绿水河), approximately 5 hours.
• Alternatively, take the Mengxin Expressway from Kunming to Mengzi, which takes about 4 hours.

Travel Tips

• Visit during the dry season for better weather conditions.
• Bring appropriate hiking gear if you plan to explore the rainforest.
• Respect local customs when interacting with ethnic communities.
• Ensure you have sufficient supplies, as amenities may be limited in remote areas.

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