Qingyuan Cave in Eryuan County, Dali

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🌄 Overview: Shimen Town (石门镇), Yunlong (云龙)

Nestled between dramatic gorges and ancient trade routes, Shimen Town is the seat of Yunlong County (云龙县) in Dali (大理). Its name, “Stone Gate,” comes from two towering cliffs facing each other like a grand portal.

🌟 Highlights: A fusion of canyon landscapes, Daoist temples, and ancient salt heritage. Shimen was once a bustling hub on the old Salt Horse Caravan Road and today oversees cultural treasures such as Nuodeng Village (诺邓村), a thousand-year-old Bai settlement.

🗓️ Best Time to Visit: May–October, when the climate is mild and perfect for summer retreats.

⛰️ Highlights: Must-See Attractions

🌊 Shimen Gorge Scenic Area (石门沟风景区)

• Medicinal Spring (药水神泉): A natural cold spring at 14°C, believed to have healing powers, with Tibetan inscriptions and a Medicine King temple nearby.

• Canyon Views: Hike among striking rock formations like Camel Peak (骆驼山峰) and Rhino Looking at the Moon (犀牛望月). Grassland areas host horse-riding and traditional ethnic performances.

☯️ Natural Taiji Symbol (天然太极图)

The Bijiang River (沘江) forms a giant “S-shaped” bend, creating a natural yin-yang pattern when viewed from above—a blend of geology and legend.

🐯 Hutoushan Temple Complex (虎头山古建筑群)

A Daoist sanctuary named after its tiger-head-shaped cliff. Visitors can explore cliffside halls, pavilions, stone-carved poems, and enjoy panoramic views of Shimen town—one of the historic Eight Scenic Views of Yunlong (云龙八景).

🏘️ Nuodeng Ancient Village (诺邓古村)

Just 7 km away, this Bai ethnic village has produced salt since the Tang Dynasty. Its terraced Ming–Qing houses, ancient salt wells, and centuries-old trees make it a living museum.

• Yu Huang Pavilion (玉皇阁建筑群): A Daoist complex with Yunnan’s largest wooden archway Lingxing Gate (棂星门).

🌉 Ancient Bridges & Temples

• Qingyun Bridge (青云桥): A 19th-century suspension bridge across the Bijiang, inscribed with poetic calligraphy.

• Panlong Temple (蟠龙寺): A riverside temple perfect for sunset views.

• Xizhu Temple (西竺寺): Home to exquisite Ming-era Arhat statues.

🍖 Local Cuisine: A Taste of Shimen

• Nuodeng Ham (诺邓火腿): Famous nationwide, aged in natural well salt for over three years. Featured in A Bite of China (舌尖上的中国).

• Ethnic Flavors: Tibetan tsampa (糌粑), Tu-style baked bread (焜锅馍), and Bai-style sour & spicy fish (酸辣鱼), often accompanied by folk music and dance.

🚌 Getting There

• From Dali to Yunlong (大理 → 云龙县): Coaches depart from Xingsheng Road Bus Station, taking about 3 hours.

• From Yunlong to Attractions: Minivans, tuk-tuks, or taxis available. Private car hire is recommended to reach scattered sites like Hutoushan and Shimen Gorge.

• Within Villages: Most areas are walkable on stone-paved lanes; horse riding is available for canyon exploration.

📜 History & Culture

• Salt Heritage: The five ancient salt wells, including Shimen Well (石门井) and Nuodeng Well (诺邓井), fueled centuries of prosperity and supported a thriving scholarly tradition.

• Stone Inscriptions: Over 20 cliffside carvings remain, including calligraphy by Qing scholar Yang Mingyang and reformist Kang Youwei.

• Festivals: Summer’s Medicinal Spring Festival (药水节) and Torch Festival (火把节) feature ritual offerings, bonfires, and traditional wedding reenactments of Tibetan and Tu ethnic groups.

💎 Suggested Itineraries

• One-Day Essence: Morning hike at Hutoushan → Afternoon trek to Shimen Gorge & Medicinal Spring → Dinner with Nuodeng Ham.

• Two-Day Discovery:

  • Day 1: Shimen Gorge horse-riding & Panlong Temple sunset.

  • Day 2: Nuodeng Village salt heritage & Yu Huang Pavilion.

💡 Tips: Mountain weather changes quickly—bring a light jacket. Always ask before photographing locals, especially during festivals.

✨ Shimen Town (石门镇) hides geological wonders in its canyons, preserves stories of the Salt Horse Road in its stone wells, and carries its past into the present with the aroma of Nuodeng ham. A hidden gem of western Yunnan, it invites you to slow down and savor every detail.