Nalonghu Lake in Qiubei County, Wenshan
Chinese Name: 丘北县纳龙湖水利风景区
English Name: Nalonghu Lake in Qiubei County, Wenshan
Location and Overview
- Location: Nalonghu Lake is situated in Qingping Village, Jinping Town, Qiubei County, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China.
- Type: National 4A-level Tourist Attraction
Features and Attractions
- Foundation: The scenic area is based on the Qingping Reservoir and is named after Nalong Village at the lake’s end.
- Shape and Significance: The lake’s shape resembles a “coiled dragon” (盘龙), which is a totemic symbol for the local Zhuang people. “Nalong” signifies “gathering of talents and dragons.”
- Cultural Resources: The area integrates the cultural heritage of local Zhuang and Yao villages, combining sightseeing, entertainment, leisure, vacationing, scientific education, cultural, and ecological experiences.
Scenic and Ecological Highlights
- Area and Depth: The scenic area spans 6.6 square kilometers with an average water depth of 13 meters.
- Hydrology: It is part of the Pearl River Basin’s Nanpan River system, with a reservoir capacity of 13.459 million cubic meters and an annual water supply of 10.629 million cubic meters.
- Natural Beauty: The lake is surrounded by rolling green mountains and lush trees, creating a picturesque landscape. The clear waters reflect the surrounding peaks, offering a tranquil and serene environment.
Cultural and Ethnic Aspects
- Local Villages: Five Zhuang natural villages and one Yao village are located along the shores of Nalonghu Lake, showcasing vibrant ethnic customs.
- Festivals: The “March 3rd” festival, celebrated by the Zhuang people, is held on the first day of the third lunar month.
- Heritage: Chongge Village’s traditional Yao indigo dyeing skills are recognized as a provincial intangible cultural heritage.
Development and Recognition
- Tourism Development: After its establishment, Nalonghu Lake has been designated as a provincial water conservancy scenic area, a national 3A-level tourist attraction, and a national water conservancy scenic area.
- Recent Honors: In August 2017, it was listed as a “National Water Conservancy Scenic Area” in the 17th batch of such designations.
- Current Status: In 2023, it was recognized as a National 4A-level Tourist Attraction, contributing to Qiubei County’s tourism landscape, which includes one 5A-level and six 3A-level tourist attractions.
Summary
Nalonghu Lake combines natural beauty with cultural heritage, providing a diverse range of experiences from scenic views to ethnic festivals. Its recent elevation to a National 4A-level Tourist Attraction highlights its significance as a major travel destination in southeastern Yunnan.
