Niaodiaoshan Mountain in Eryuan County, Dali
Overview
Niaodiaoshan Mountain (鸟吊山) is located in the western part of Fengyu Bazi (凤羽坝子), Eryuan County (洱源县), Dali Prefecture (大理州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is the main peak of the Luoping Mountain (罗坪山) range, with an elevation ranging from 1,550 to 3,465 meters. The mountain experiences a north subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by distinct dry and wet seasons.
Geography and Climate
Due to the differences in elevation, Niaodiaoshan Mountain features various microclimates, including cold, cool, and warm zones. The summit is covered with snow, presenting a chilling landscape; the middle slopes are dense with forests and vibrant flowers; and the lower slopes boast vast fields of rapeseed, creating a striking contrast of “one mountain with four seasons, different weather above and below.”
Luoping Mountain Details
Luoping Mountain (罗坪山) is surrounded by mountains on all sides, forming an elongated valley. Historically, it has been a beautiful and prosperous place. The diligent residents have cultivated abundant crops, enjoying a good life with sufficient food and clothing. However, this idyllic existence was disrupted by a cruel local lord named Zhao (赵土司), who exploited the villagers, forcibly taking women and causing widespread suffering.
In the village lived a hardworking and beautiful girl named Guihua (桂花), who caught Zhao’s eye. He sent men to seize her and forced her to become his concubine. Guihua refused, infuriating Zhao, who imprisoned her in a mud dungeon. One night, her lover, Chunsheng (春生), sneaked into the lord’s prison and helped her escape under the cover of darkness. Zhao quickly dispatched men to pursue them, cornering them on Tianma Mountain (天马山) to the east of the valley. Outnumbered, the couple hanged themselves on the mountain. Unwilling to let go, Zhao ordered their bodies to be burned. Suddenly, amid the roaring flames, a pair of golden phoenixes emerged, flapping their wings as they flew over Fengyu Bazi, ascending toward the peak of Luoping Mountain.
Unfortunately, the phoenixes succumbed to the snowstorm atop the mountain. After their death, they transformed into two colorful clouds: the female cloud drifted north, while the male cloud floated south. These clouds would stretch and merge at the top of Luoping Mountain every July and August during the lunar calendar. Around the Mid-Autumn Festival, thousands of birds flock from all directions to pay tribute to the “Bird King,” creating a spectacular scene. The Bai ethnic people refer to this phenomenon as “Hundreds of Birds Greeting the Phoenix” (百鸟朝凤), and thus the main peak of Luoping Mountain became known as Niaodiaoshan.
Mystical Wonders
The wonders of Niaodiaoshan Mountain were recorded as early as the Tang Dynasty (唐朝) in the book “Man Shu” (《蛮书》). Researchers from the Kunming Institute of Zoology explored Niaodiaoshan in recent years, unraveling this ancient mystery. It turns out that the mountain lies on the migratory path of birds flying south. Around the Mid-Autumn Festival, migratory birds from Qinghai Lake (青海湖) reach Niaodiaoshan.
Due to its high elevation, dense forests, and suitable climate, the area serves as an ideal stopover for these birds. During their long migrations, birds navigate using moonlight and starlight. However, autumn is the rainy season in the Dali region, and the Niaodiaoshan area experiences more rain and fog. At night, the stars and moon are obscured, causing birds to lose their bearings. To attract them, lighting bonfires on the eastern slope of Niaodiaoshan leads birds, following their instinct to seek light, off their southward migration route, guiding them toward the mountain top. This often results in birds spiraling down to the fire, creating the remarkable spectacle of “birds flying into the flames to honor the Bird King Phoenix.”
How to Get There
- By Bus:
- Take buses to Eryuan County from major cities like Dali and Xiaguan. Once in Eryuan, hire a taxi or use a local bus to reach Niaodiaoshan Mountain.
- By Car:
- For flexibility, consider renting a car. Follow the highway signs leading to Eryuan County and then to Fengyu Bazi.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Aim for late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to October) for ideal weather conditions and beautiful scenery.
- Dress Appropriately: Layer your clothing to adjust to the mountain’s varying temperatures, and wear sturdy hiking shoes for comfort and safety.
- Essentials to Bring: Pack enough water, snacks, and a first-aid kit to ensure you’re prepared for your hike.
- Respect Nature: Follow the principle of “Leave No Trace.” Keep the area clean, and avoid disturbing wildlife during your visit.
- Capture Memories: Bring your camera to capture the stunning landscapes and seasonal bird migrations, which offer great photography opportunities.
- Engage with Locals: Take the time to interact with the Bai community to learn about their rich traditions and savor authentic local dishes.
- Safety First: Stay informed about the weather before your hike, and consider hiring a local guide for a more enriching experience and added safety.
