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Overview of Miaowang Valley Scenic Area (苗王谷风景区)

Located 80 kilometers from Kunming’s main city, the Miaowang Valley Scenic Area (苗王谷风景区) is a comprehensive tourist destination that blends natural scenery, cultural heritage, Miao ethnic customs, and the Nanpanjiang River (南盘江) rafting experience. The total rafting route on the Nanpanjiang River is 10 kilometers long, offering two main rafting options: the leisurely bamboo raft ride or the more adventurous inflatable raft for thrill-seekers. Along the river, you may spot cormorants, adding a touch of nature’s charm to the rafting journey. As you glide downstream, the experience evokes a mix of tranquility and excitement.

Apart from rafting, visitors can explore Miaowang Village (苗王寨) and Yonglian Cave (永恋洞), both notable natural attractions. The area also offers a unique cultural experience where you can enjoy ethnic Miao cuisine, performances, and even camp under the stars—a rare and ideal getaway near Kunming.

Scenic Development and Attractions

The Nanpanjiang River rafting route, part of the Chaishitan Scenic Area (柴石滩风景区), has long been popular among tourists. With the continuous development of the region, new core attractions like Miaowang Village and Yonglian Cave were added, enriching the scenic experience. The official name of the area has been updated to Miaowang Valley Scenic Area to better reflect its cultural and natural essence.

Main Attractions

• Nanpanjiang River Rafting (南盘江漂流): The 10-kilometer-long rafting course on the upper Pearl River (珠江) passes under the modern marvel Nanpanjiang Bridge (南盘江大桥) and ends at the centuries-old Pujing Bridge (普济桥), built during the Qing Dynasty over 280 years ago. The rafting experience offers a unique sense of time travel, as the journey flows from modern times back into ancient history.
  • The river’s water temperature remains between 19-20°C year-round, making it suitable for rafting in any season. The water is crystal clear, a rarity in the Kunming area, and the rafting process is safe, offering options for bamboo or inflatable rafts.
  • The experience is interactive, as visitors often engage in playful water battles along the route, with the sounds of splashing water and laughter echoing across the river.
• Miaowang Village (苗王寨): Reconstructed on the original site of a historical Miao king’s residence, this village sits majestically along the riverbank, featuring towering gates, fortress-like walls, and colorful banners. Inside the village, you’ll find lush greenery, flowing streams, and traditional Miao-style architecture. The village is divided into different zones for dining, performances, camping, and recreational activities like fishing, barbequing, and participating in a lively evening bonfire.
• Yonglian Cave (永恋洞): A spectacular natural karst cave, Yonglian Cave has two entrances—one dry cave (阳洞) and one water cave (阴洞). The dry cave is cool and dry, offering a refreshing atmosphere year-round, while the water cave features flowing streams and schools of wild fish. The two caves converge into a majestic hall with a natural ceiling of stacked rock layers. According to Taoist interpretations, the cave symbolizes the union of yin and yang, and locals believe it is a place of good fortune, where couples can pray for everlasting love. The hall is also said to be the bridal chamber of the Dragon King’s daughter, making it a sacred site for Miao people to seek blessings for love and marriage.
• Fruit Orchard Leisure Area (果园休闲区): Located about 300 meters behind Yonglian Cave, this 300-acre orchard is crisscrossed by streams fed by 36 natural springs. Visitors can pick and eat fresh fruits like winter peaches, honey dates, and green pears directly from the orchard. The scenic area also offers outdoor activities such as ziplining, rock climbing, and CS battle simulations.

Getting There

• Route A: From Kunming, take the Kunshi Highway and exit at the Shilin (石林) station. Continue on the Shilin-Jiuxiang Scenic Route to reach the Chaishitan Scenic Area (柴石滩风景区) and the Nanpanjiang River rafting site. Return via Yiliang (宜良) to Kunming.
• Route B: From Kunming, take the Kunshi Highway and exit at the Yiliang station. Follow the Yiliang-Jiuxiang road to the Chaishitan Scenic Area, then head back to Kunming via Yiliang.

The Miaowang Valley Scenic Area (苗王谷) is a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and exciting outdoor activities. Its unique geographical location, nestled between the famous Shilin Scenic Area (石林风景区) and Jiuxiang Scenic Area (九乡风景区), makes it easily accessible, offering visitors a perfect escape from city life. Whether you are seeking the thrill of rafting, the allure of historical villages, or the tranquility of a fruit orchard, Miaowang Valley offers an unforgettable experience.

The scenic area encapsulates the essence of Yunnan’s natural splendor and cultural richness, inviting tourists to explore its rivers, caves, and ethnic traditions.

Nanpanjiang River Rafting: Pearl River’s First Drift

Nanpanjiang River Rafting, known as the “First Drift of the Pearl River’s Headwaters,” has recently relaunched. The project, located in Yiliang County, Kunming (昆明宜良县), has undergone improvements, including upgrading tourist facilities, purchasing yachts, and modifying the watercourse. With enhanced services, more beautiful scenery, and better management, Nanpanjiang River is now ready to welcome visitors from all over.

Location and Overview

Nanpanjiang River Rafting is situated in the upper reaches of the Nanpanjiang River (南盘江), a part of the Pearl River Basin, in Chai Shitan Village (柴石滩村), Beigucheng Town (北古城镇), Yiliang County (宜良县), Yunnan Province. This rafting project is a major adventure tourism feature of the Mingyue Lake National Water Conservancy Scenic Area (明月湖国家级水利风景区), which was established in November 2015 with the approval of the Ministry of Water Resources.

The scenic area integrates natural landscapes, rural customs, and modern outdoor sports, leveraging the market advantages of nearby attractions like the Stone Forest (石林) and Jiuxiang (九乡). It preserves the primitive beauty of nature, including pure, expansive, colorful, and dynamic natural landscapes.

The area’s most striking features include the Nanpanjiang Grand Bridge (南盘江大桥), standing 167 meters tall, and the Chai Shitan Reservoir Dam (柴石滩水库大坝), rising 108 meters. These man-made marvels blend harmoniously with the surrounding mountains, water, and forests, showcasing a fusion of natural beauty and technological achievement.

Key Highlights of Nanpanjiang River Rafting

Clear Water and Natural Watercourse

The most captivating aspect of Nanpanjiang River Rafting is its crystal-clear water and the natural river channel. The water flows smoothly and safely, making it suitable for visitors of all ages. The total length of the rafting journey is 10 kilometers, which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Along the way, the route passes through several quaint and ancient villages, including Dalongdui Village (大龙兑村), Dagangou Village (大干沟村), Xiaogangou Village (小干沟村), and Daguojian Village (大过枧村).

Rafting Experience

The river has an average depth ranging from 1.1 meters to 1.5 meters. The course features 16 bends and 5 rapids, offering a thrilling and enjoyable “wet adventure” for visitors who want to experience the excitement of navigating the rapids. The rafting experience is both safe and fun, making it suitable for families and adventure seekers alike.

Pricing and What’s Included

The current price for Nanpanjiang River Rafting is 160 RMB per person. This fee includes the full rafting journey, a meal, and entrance to the scenic area. After the adrenaline-filled rafting adventure, visitors can enjoy local delicacies such as fresh reservoir fish and authentic Yunnan pig blood tofu (猪血旺).

Additional Attractions in the Scenic Area

Mingyue Lake National Water Conservancy Scenic Area (明月湖国家级水利风景区)

This area, set against a backdrop of mountains and lakes, retains its natural beauty while offering opportunities for water-related activities, rural tourism, and outdoor sports. It features the majestic Nanpanjiang Grand Bridge and the Chai Shitan Reservoir Dam, providing a scenic blend of nature and human engineering.

Villages and Cultural Immersion

As visitors drift down the river, they will pass by traditional villages, allowing them to immerse themselves in the rural culture of Yiliang County. These villages maintain a simple and traditional way of life, providing a glimpse into the local customs and natural charm of the region.

Conclusion

Nanpanjiang River Rafting in Yiliang County offers a unique combination of adventure, stunning scenery, and cultural immersion. Whether you’re seeking a thrilling rafting experience, a chance to appreciate the untouched natural landscapes, or a taste of local Yunnan cuisine, this destination has something for everyone.

Directions to Nanpanjiang River Rafting

• Route A: From Kunming, take the Kunshi Expressway and exit at Shilin (石林). Follow the Stone Forest to Jiuxiang Scenic Road and proceed to Chai Shitan Scenic Area (柴石滩风景区) for Nanpanjiang River Rafting.
• Route B: From Kunming, take the Kunshi Expressway and exit at Yiliang (宜良). Follow the Yiliang to Jiuxiang Road to Chai Shitan Scenic Area for Nanpanjiang River Rafting.

This scenic and well-managed rafting destination is an ideal spot for visitors looking for outdoor fun and relaxation near Kunming.