Nidadang Village in Bingzhongluo, Nujiang
Overview
Nidadang Village (尼大当村) is located in the Qionatang Township (秋那桶村委会) of Bingzhongluo (丙中洛), Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture (怒江傈僳族自治州). Situated between Wuli Village (雾里村), Qionatang (秋那桶), and the Nachaluo Gorge (那恰洛峡谷), it is approximately 5 kilometers from Qionatang. This small village is part of the Nujiang hiking trail and is surrounded by beautiful scenery. There are several guesthouses available for accommodation in the village. About 2 kilometers ahead of Nidadang Village, after crossing the highway bridge over the Qionatang River (秋那桶河), there is a fork in the road; the right path leads uphill to Qionatang Village, while continuing along the Nujiang Road (怒江公路) through the Nachaluo Gorge will take you to Chawalong in Tibet (西藏察瓦龙).
Bridges in Nidadang Village
Nidadang Horse and Man Suspension Bridge
The Nidadang Horse and Man Suspension Bridge (尼大当人马吊桥) was completed in 1975. The bridge has a total length of 120 meters, a main span of 87.1 meters, and a width of 1 meter. It serves as a semi-permanent suspension bridge designed to carry a load of 1 person and 5 horses.
Qionatang Village
Qionatang Village (秋那桶村) is renowned for its beautiful pastoral scenery and is located at the northernmost point of Bingzhongluo.
According to local youth Gan Wenyong (甘文勇), the first bridge—”Zhaohong Bridge” (朝红桥)—dates back over forty years. Today, few young people know its exact construction history, and they can only gather bits of information from the older generation’s oral traditions.
“Zhaohong Bridge” is a crucial point along the ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古道), frequently traversed by large horse caravans. For many in Qionatang, it represents a cherished childhood memory, evoking the sounds of horse bells and the distant calls of a world yet unknown.
Nidadang Vehicle Suspension Bridge
The Nidadang Vehicle Suspension Bridge (尼大当汽车吊桥) was completed in 2004. This bridge spans 152 meters, has a main span of 97 meters, and a width of 5.5 meters. It functions as a semi-permanent vehicle suspension bridge with a design load of Class 15 for vehicles.
This ordinary-looking bridge has brought not only dramatic changes in infrastructure but also opened a new era for the village, which had been isolated for hundreds of years. Increasingly, young people are drawn to new opportunities and aspirations.
Nidadang Permanent Bridge
The Nidadang Permanent Bridge (尼大当永久性桥梁) was completed in 2017. It has a main span of 148 meters (19m-110m-19m) and is designed as a reinforced concrete box arch bridge with pre-stressed small box beams on the sides. The bridge deck is 12 meters wide (8.5m + 1.75 + 1.75), with an investment of approximately 21.95 million yuan.
“The third bridge, a reinforced concrete arch bridge, was built in 2017. If the first two bridges witnessed the rapid economic development of our area, this bridge has taken that greatness to a new height. I was in my second year of university that year, and compared to over a decade ago, my hometown has undergone tremendous changes. During countless difficult nights of my childhood, I never imagined such significant changes would happen, leading to such a perfect transformation in life. All this is thanks to the great Party and our great nation. It is the great decisions made under the Party’s leadership that have brought us this happy life today.”
The villagers have deep feelings and unforgettable stories about the “Three Bridges” and are participants and witnesses to the changes of this era.
The construction of the “Three Bridges” has laid a solid material foundation for the economic development of Qionatang Village. The changes brought about by these three bridges signify the dramatic transformation of this small mountain village deep in the Nujiang Grand Canyon (怒江大峡谷) under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of China. In October 2013, Qionatang Village was recognized as one of “China’s Most Beautiful Villages”; in December 2016, it was awarded the title of “Traditional Chinese Village”; and on August 26, 2020, it was included in the second batch of key rural tourism villages in China. Thanks to the good policies of the Party, the lives of the people in Qionatang are becoming better and more prosperous.
Today, the sound of horse bells no longer echoes across “Zhaohong Bridge,” and the large caravans have reached their historical destination. The bridge quietly rests over the beautiful Nujiang River (怒江), as if a wise elder companioning the new bridge through countless years. Now, villagers happily ride in beautiful cars to town for market day, no longer risking their lives to cross the river, because we have more reliable bridges, sturdier roads, and a better life.
Travel Information
- Travel Time: 1 day
- Transportation: Hike to the site
- Location: Northern part of Bingzhongluo Township (丙中洛乡), Gongshan County (贡山县), Nujiang Prefecture (怒江州), Yunnan Province (云南省)
How to Get There
Nidadang Village is accessible by foot from nearby towns. Visitors can hike along the scenic paths leading to the village, immersing themselves in the beautiful landscapes of the Nujiang area.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather and picturesque views.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry enough water, especially during hikes.
- Local Accommodations: Consider booking a guesthouse in Nidadang for an authentic experience.
- Respect Local Culture: Be mindful of local customs and traditions while visiting.
- Photography: Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery and unique bridges.
List of Attractions and Names
- Nidadang Village (尼大当村)
- Bingzhongluo (丙中洛)
- Qionatang (秋那桶)
- Nachaluo Gorge (那恰洛峡谷)
- Nidadang Horse and Man Suspension Bridge (尼大当人马吊桥)
- Zhaohong Bridge (朝红桥)
- Nidadang Vehicle Suspension Bridge (尼大当汽车吊桥)
- Nidadang Permanent Bridge (尼大当永久性桥梁)
- Nujiang River (怒江)
This detailed introduction provides a comprehensive understanding of Nidadang Village, its bridges, and the surrounding attractions, making it a compelling destination for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural experiences.
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