Shunzhou Town of Yongsheng County in Lijiang

Location

Shunzhou Township (顺州乡) is located 40 kilometers west of the county seat of Yongsheng County (永胜县), Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It borders Sanchuan Town (三川镇) and Chenghai Town (程海镇) to the east, Tao Yuan Township (涛源乡) to the south, Heqing County (鹤庆县) across the Jinsha River (金沙江) to the west, and Da’an Township (大安乡) to the north. The township covers an area of 485.5 square kilometers.

Ethnic Groups and Traditional Crafts

Shunzhou Township (顺州乡) is home to 13 ethnic groups: Han (汉), Yi (彝), Naxi (纳西), Lisu (傈僳), Bai (白), Pumi (普米), Hui (回), Dai (傣), Dulong (独龙), Tibetan (藏), Zhuang (壮), Miao (苗), and Li (黎). Ethnic minorities account for over 53% of the population.

  • Yi Ethnic Group (彝族): Traditional crafts include embroidery, known for its vibrant colors and rich patterns, which hold high artistic value.

  • Naxi Ethnic Group (纳西族): Traditional crafts include Dongba painting and Naxi ancient music. Dongba painting is known for its bright colors and smooth lines, with a unique artistic style. Naxi ancient music is a distinctive form of music created by the Naxi people over a long history, with deep cultural significance.

  • Lisu Ethnic Group (傈僳族): Traditional crafts include making Lisu clothing, which is primarily made of hemp fabric, adorned with various colorful decorations.

Customs and Festivals

  • Yi Ethnic Group (彝族): The Torch Festival (火把节) is one of the most important Yi festivals, usually held on the 24th day of the 6th lunar month. People light torches to drive away evil spirits, avoid disasters, and pray for happiness.

  • Naxi Ethnic Group (纳西族): The San Duo Festival (三朵节) is celebrated on the 8th day of the 2nd lunar month. It is a traditional festival dedicated to honoring the Naxi people’s guardian deity, “San Duo”.

  • Lisu Ethnic Group (傈僳族): The Knife Pole Festival (刀杆节) is celebrated on the 8th day of the 2nd lunar month. During the festival, thrilling activities such as pole climbing and fire-walking take place.

Tourist Attractions

  • Mountain Meadows (高山草甸): Located in Tiechangping (铁厂坪) and Hemudi Village (和睦地村), the high-altitude meadows of Shunzhou Township (顺州乡) feature lush vegetation and a unique alpine climate. The area, known as “Dishi Ping” (底士坪) by locals, offers breathtaking views, a comfortable environment, and is a popular destination for summer tourism. Visitors can enjoy the blue sky, white clouds, verdant trees, and green grass, as well as experience the joy of mushroom picking.

  • Karst Cave Wonders (溶洞奇观): Shunzhou Township (顺州乡) is rich in underground water, forming unique karst cave landscapes. Notable caves include Longdong (龙洞), with its subtypes Shui Longdong (水龙洞) and Gan Longdong (干龙洞), as well as Yanlongdong (燕子洞) and Bianfudong (蝙蝠洞). The caves are home to flowing rivers and diverse stalactite formations, offering colorful and spectacular views.

  • Shunzhou Grass Sea (顺州草海): Looking down from Dili (迪里) and Yangbao Village (阳保村), a vast and flat field unfolds—this is the famous “Shunzhou Grass Sea” (顺州草海), a distinctive landscape of Shunzhou Township (顺州乡).

  • Jinsha River Grand Canyon (金沙江大峡谷): Located within Yongsheng County (永胜县), the Jinsha River Grand Canyon (金沙江大峡谷) is one of the deepest canyons in the world. The steep mountains on both sides of the canyon and the roaring river below create a stunningly spectacular scene. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the canyon from the observation deck, or opt for hiking or boating to get a closer look at the grandeur and beauty of the Jinsha River.

Transportation

  • By Road: Shunzhou Township (顺州乡) is easily accessible by road, located 40 kilometers from the county seat of Yongsheng County (永胜县). The region has prominent three-dimensional climate and agriculture features, making it a key agricultural area in the western part of the county. From Lijiang (丽江), take the Hulie Expressway (华丽高速, Rongli Expressway) and exit at Chenghai Toll Station (程海收费站), then follow the signs to Shunzhou Township (顺州乡).

  • Public Transportation: Long-distance buses from Lijiang (丽江) or Yongsheng (永胜) can take passengers to Shunzhou Township (顺州乡).