Maxiong Mountain in Zhanyi District, Qujing
Maxiong Mountain is located more than 50 kilometers north of the city center in Zhanyi District, Qujing, Yunnan Province (云南省曲靖市沾益区). It lies at a longitude of 103°51′E and a latitude of 25°5′N, with an elevation of 2,444 meters. This mountain is the source of the Xijiang River (西江), surrounded by villages such as Mojiao (磨脚), Moga (磨嘎), Ninuo (腻诺), and Liumaidi (刘麦地). Maxiong Mountain is situated within the Pearl River Source Scenic Area (珠江源景区), characterized by its undulating peaks and beautiful scenery. It is renowned for nurturing the vast Pearl River, colorful rhododendrons, mysterious temples, ground-hugging pine trees, ever-changing sea of clouds, and captivating seasonal landscapes. Thus, it has earned the title “Mother Mountain of the Pearl River” (珠江源母亲山).
Scenic Highlights
Apart from the “Three Triumphs” of water, flowers, and pine, Maxiong Mountain is particularly famous for its summer features of “freshness, tranquility, greenery, and coolness.”
Freshness
Strolling along rugged mountain paths, resting in shaded areas, gazing from Sanjiang Pavilion (三江亭), and praying in temples amidst drizzling rain and mist creates a refreshing and soothing experience.
Tranquility
In this serene environment where “no one is seen, but the sound of people can be heard,” you can listen to the chirping of insects and birds, surrounded by the calmness of the forest. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, Maxiong Mountain offers a peaceful retreat.
Greenery
The mountain is adorned with lush green trees, grass, and hills, which together infuse youthful vitality into Maxiong Mountain, making it appear like a vibrant youth in bloom.
Coolness
Thanks to its altitude and high forest coverage, the mountain provides a refreshing escape from the summer heat experienced in the city.
Overview of the Scenic Area
Maxiong Mountain serves as a watershed between the Nanpan River (南盘江), Beipan River (北盘江), and Niulan River (牛栏江), earning it the nickname “One Water Drops Three Rivers.” It belongs to the Wumeng Mountain Range (乌蒙山系) in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau.
Honors
In April 2020, it was selected as one of the “Top Summer Retreats in China” (2020中国避暑名山榜).
Maxiong Mountain retains its natural form and structure, boasting five major advantages: mountain, water, trees, caves, and flowers, which contribute to the colorful natural landscape of the Pearl River Source. It is home to various protected plants and animals, with majestic mountain scenery, lush forests, and clear streams. The region is a natural oxygen bar and a great destination for eco-tourism.
Recommended Travel Routes
One-Day Tours
- Route One: Zhanyi — Caiyun Cave Scenic Area (彩云洞风景区) — Bole 95 Uprising Memorial Hall (播乐九五起义纪念馆) — Pearl River Source Scenic Area (珠江源风景区)
- Route Two: Zhanyi — Hongzhai Primitive Forest (红寨原始森林) — Haifeng Wetland (海峰湿地) — Colorful Canyon (七彩峡谷) — Tiankeng (天坑)
- Route Three: Zhanyi — Yulin Mountain Park (玉林山公园) — Tiansheng Cave Park (天生洞公园) — Jiulong Impression (九龙印象) — Hunsuitang Tourism Town (浑水塘旅游小镇) — Station Memory (车站记忆) — Xihe Park (西河公园) — Red Tile House (红瓦房)
- Route Four: Zhanyi — Baishui Small Stone Forest (白水小石林) — Dezhang Manor (德庄庄园)
Two-Day Tours
Day One: Zhanyi — Caiyun Cave Scenic Area — Bole 95 Uprising Memorial Hall — Pearl River Source Scenic Area
Day Two: Pearl River Source Scenic Area — Dezhang Manor — Hunsuitang Tourism Town — Jiulong Impression — Station Memory — Xihe Park — Red Tile House
Three-Day Tours
Day One: Zhanyi — Caiyun Cave Scenic Area — Xixia Primitive Forest (喜厦原始森林) — Bole 95 Uprising Memorial Hall — Pearl River Source Scenic Area
Day Two: Pearl River Source Scenic Area — Baishui Small Stone Forest — Dezhang Manor
Day Three: Dezhang Manor — Hongzhai Primitive Forest — Haifeng Wetland — Hunsuitang Tourism Town — Jiulong Impression — Tiansheng Cave Park — Station Memory — Yulin Mountain Park — Xihe Park — Red Tile House
How to Get There
Maxiong Mountain is accessible via local transportation options, including buses and taxis from Zhanyi District. Visitors can take a bus from the Qujing city center to Zhanyi, then transfer to local transport heading towards the scenic area.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal seasons are spring and summer when the rhododendrons are in bloom.
- What to Bring: Pack light hiking gear, water, snacks, and a camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
- Weather Considerations: Dress in layers as mountain weather can change rapidly.
- Safety: Stick to marked trails and inform someone of your hiking plans for safety.
- Respect Nature: Preserve the beauty of the area by following Leave No Trace principles.
