Overview

Nanlei River (南垒河, Nánlěi Hé), known in Dai language as “Chasing Husband River,” originates in the northern part of Laba Township, Lancang Lahu Autonomous County (澜沧拉祜族自治县, Láncāng Lāhù Zìzhìxiàn), Yunnan Province, China, at an elevation of 2043 meters. The river is referred to as Muyin River in its source section. It flows south through Menglian Dai and Lahu Autonomous County (孟连傣族拉祜族佤族自治县, Mènglián Dǎizú Lāhùzú Wǎzú Zìzhìxiàn), changing its name to Nanlei River as it enters the county. The river is fed by the Nataranong River on its right bank and flows through scenic areas before entering Myanmar.

The total length of the river within China is 88.9 kilometers, with a drainage area of 1928.7 square kilometers and a drop of 1133 meters. The average annual runoff is approximately 1.579 billion cubic meters. The Nanlei River is regarded as the mother river of Menglian, nurturing generations of Dai people living along its banks. The river’s banks showcase typical karst topography with numerous caves, and the slopes are adorned with precious tree species such as the dragon blood tree.

Scenic Features

In May, the Nanlei River shines under the bright sun, with a deep blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds, reminiscent of blooming phoenix flowers. The gentle breeze ripples the emerald waters, creating layers of shimmering waves that sparkle like pearls scattered by Dai women.

Activities and Experiences

As you navigate the river on a bamboo raft, you can enjoy the stunning scenery on both sides. The Jinshan (金山, Jīnshān) and Yingshan (银山, Yínshān) hills along the river host unique flora and fauna, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with the sounds of frogs and birds, while butterflies dance among the flowers.

The riverbanks are lively with people leisurely strolling through the bamboo groves, sharing romantic moments along the fragrant banks of Nanlei River. Here, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, capturing cherished memories in a poetic narrative of love and longing.

Cultural Significance

The Nanlei River embodies the spirit of the Dai people, reflecting their deep connection to nature and the land. It symbolizes life, love, and the tranquility that the river brings to the surrounding communities.

Conclusion

Nanlei River, the mother river of Menglian, represents the beauty and essence of this enchanting region. May it forever flow with joy and simplicity, leading to the vast, shadowless ocean.

How to Get There

To reach Nanlei River in Lancang County, you can take a bus or drive from Puer City (普洱市, Pǔ’ěr Shì) to Menglian County (孟连县, Mènglián Xiàn). The journey takes about 2-3 hours by car. Once in Menglian, local transportation options, such as taxis or guided tours, are available to take you to the river.

Travel Tips

1. Best Time to Visit: The best time to explore the Nanlei River is during the dry season from November to April when the weather is pleasant.
2. Local Cuisine: Don’t miss the opportunity to taste local Dai dishes available in nearby villages.
3. Safety Precautions: Ensure you wear comfortable footwear and carry water when trekking along the riverbanks.
4. Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local customs and traditions while visiting the Dai communities.
5. Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for the unique wildlife that inhabits the area, including various bird species and plant life.

Chinese Name: 孟连县法罕山
English Name:Fahan Mountain in Menglian County, Puer

Address: North of Menglian County, Pu’er City

Introduction:

Fahan Mountain, located about 2 kilometers north of Menglian County, is a sacred site for the Dai people, known as “Golden Rock” in their language. With an elevation of 1,203 meters and an area of approximately 730 acres, the mountain features a diverse range of subtropical plants, including centuries-old dragon’s blood trees, purple yew trees, and large-leaf banyan trees. It also boasts five caves.

The mountain is revered as a sacred site where Buddha is believed to have rested, leaving imprints on the cliff faces that are venerated by local Dai people and others in Southeast Asia.

Legends and Cultural Significance:

According to legend, when Buddha visited Menglian, he rested on Fahan Mountain, leaving behind sacred marks on the cliff. This story is deeply cherished by the Dai community and forms the backdrop for the annual “China Menglian Nanyun Sacred Fish Festival.”

Sacred Fish Festival:

Held every April, the festival features vibrant celebrations with fish-catching events, traditional Tu Si culture, elegant Xuanfu ancient music, and diverse ethnic customs. The festival’s origin is linked to the legend of Fahan Mountain, where Buddha’s encounter with a malevolent dragon led to the transformation of the dragon’s parts into valuable mountains and rivers. This lore underscores the mountain’s sacred status and the cultural significance of the festival.

How to Get to Fahan Mountain in Menglian County, Puer

To reach Fahan Mountain in Menglian County, Pu’er, you have a few options depending on your starting point and preferred mode of travel. Here are the general steps:

From Pu’er City

1. By Car:
   • Drive: Fahan Mountain is approximately 120 kilometers from Pu’er City. You can drive from Pu’er City to Menglian County. The journey takes around 2 to 3 hours. The route involves taking G214 National Road to Menglian, and then following local roads to Fahan Mountain.
   • Rental Car: If you don’t have your own vehicle, you can rent a car or hire a taxi for the trip.
2. By Bus:
   • Bus to Menglian: Take a bus from Pu’er to Menglian County. Buses from Pu’er to Menglian are available at the Pu’er Bus Station. The journey typically takes around 2 to 3 hours.
   • Local Transport: Once you arrive in Menglian, you can take a local taxi or hire a vehicle to reach Fahan Mountain. It’s about a 30-minute drive from the Menglian bus station to the mountain.

From Kunming

1. By Air and Car:
   • Fly to Pu’er: Take a flight from Kunming Changshui International Airport to Pu’er Simao Airport.
   • Travel to Menglian: From Pu’er, follow the steps above to get to Fahan Mountain.
2. By Bus:
   • Long-Distance Bus: You can take a long-distance bus from Kunming to Menglian County. Buses are available from the Kunming South Bus Station or the Kunming East Bus Station. The journey can take approximately 8 to 10 hours.
   • Local Transport: Once in Menglian, arrange for a local taxi or vehicle to Fahan Mountain.

From Xishuangbanna

1. By Car:
   • Drive: Fahan Mountain is about 140 kilometers from Jinghong, the capital of Xishuangbanna Prefecture. The drive takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. You can take the G214 National Road and follow local signs to Menglian.
2. By Bus:
   • Bus to Menglian: Buses from Xishuangbanna to Menglian are available. The journey generally takes 2 to 3 hours.
   • Local Transport: From Menglian, arrange local transport to Fahan Mountain.

General Tips:

• Navigation: Make sure you have a good map or GPS system as roads in rural areas can be less well-marked.
• Weather Conditions: Check the weather before traveling, as road conditions can vary with the seasons.
• Local Assistance: If you’re unfamiliar with the area, local transportation services or your accommodation can assist with arranging transport to Fahan Mountain.

Wuliangshan Mountain

Wuliang Mountain, formerly known as Mengle mountain (蒙乐山), is located in the west of Jingdong Yi Autonomous County, Pu’er City, Yunnan Province, between 23 ° 57 ‘- 24 ° 44’ n and 100 ° 22 ‘- 101 ° 04’ E. Jingdong Yi Autonomous County covers an area of 2581 square kilometers. Wuliang Shan starts from Nanjian Yi Autonomous County in the northwest and extends to Zhenyuan (镇沅), Jinggu (景谷)and other places in the southwest, Lancang River in the West and Chuanhe River (川河) in the East.
Wuliang Mountain, known as Mengle mountain in ancient times, is named after the meaning of “towering into the clouds, immeasurable in the area”. The mountain branches extend to the East and West and area in the shape of a fan. The geological structure includes limestone, sandstone, shale, low valley, flat dam and hills. Coniferous, broad-leaved and mixed forests grow here. Except growing the Widely distributed Simao Pine, rare and precious trees also grow here. There are tigers, leopards, bears, deer, boars, monkeys, donkeys, rock sheep, water deer, peacocks, silver pheasants and other animals in the primitive forest.

Introduction of Wuliangshan Mountain

Wuliangshan National Nature Reserve is located in the southeast of Nanjian County, in the middle and upper part of Wuliangshan Mountain. The west part is the Lancang River Valley. It is a narrow strip with a length of 33 kilometers from north to south and 6 kilometers from east to west. The total area of the reserve is 7583 hectares.

Reserve covers an area of 230 square kilometers, stretching 50 kilometers from north to south and 7 kilometers from east to west. At the joint of Hengduan Mountain Ranges and Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Wuliang Mountain Nature Reserve is included in the sub-valley area of the south part of Hengduan Mountain Ranges.

Climate

The climate zone here is between mid subtropical and south subtropical zones.

Rare Plants

Over 1,500 species of higher plants can be found in the nature reserve and the natural conditions are quite variable. The vegetation exhibits a coverage percentage of 91 and boasts flora families such as Fagaceae, Theaceae, Lauraceae and Magnoliaceae etc, including Pinus kesiya (Simao pine), Pinus yunnanensis (Yunnan pine or Burma pine), dumosa, Tetracentraceae, Alcimandra cathcartii (long-pistil magnolia), red magnolia, Pterospermum kingtungense, Acrocarpus fraxinifolius, Mangifera sylvatica, longan, red Chinese toon, Rhododendron, Chinese torreya, tree fern, Michelia floribunda (multi-flower michelia) and Chinese yew etc. Complicated but favorable natural conditions have created cozy shelters and habitats for wild lives.

Rare Animals

Protected rare animals in Wuliang Mountain Nature Reserve include black gibbon, slow Loris, tiger, leopard, golden cat, zibet, sambar deer, musk deer, goral, mandarin duck, and green peacock etc. There are approximately 271 species of birds, accounting for 23 percent in China and 35 percent in Yunnan Province.

Cherry Blossoms Valley

Cherry Blossoms Valley of Wuliangshan is in the tea plantation of Huaqing Tea Company of Dali. Many Taiwanese merchants rented this tea garden many years ago. Because of the growth of tea trees, they planted winter cherry blossoms in the tea garden. A few years later, as the cherry tree grows up, the gorgeous photos have brought a considerable tourism industry to the local area, and it has become a popular tourist destination favored by many people in a short time.

They are open from late November to mid-December every winter, and the flowering period lasts for about 25 days. Therefore, people who want to see the cherry blossom valley style must confirm the flowering period.

Wuliang Mountain, also known historically as Mengle Mountain, is the western branch of the Yunling Range in the Hengduan Mountains. It is located in Jingdong Yi Autonomous County, Pu’er City, Yunnan Province, China, between 100°03′ ~ 101°07′ E longitude and 23°20′ ~ 25°34′ N latitude. The mountain range runs in a northwest-southeast direction. The ridge line is around 2500 meters in elevation, with deep valleys on both the east and west sides, and a relative height of over 1500 meters. The main peak, Bijiashan, has an elevation of 3370 meters.

The Wuliang Mountain area consists primarily of Mesozoic red lacustrine sandstone and shale, with a small amount of intrusive igneous rock. It is an erosional block mountain range. The climate varies horizontally, with the southern part experiencing a northern tropical and southern subtropical plateau monsoon climate, the central part a mid-subtropical plateau monsoon climate, and the northern part a mid-subtropical and northern subtropical plateau monsoon climate. The vertical climate bands are well-developed, and the region is rich in plant and animal resources.

Formation and Evolution

Wuliang Mountain was formed after the uplift of the plateau, cut into deep canyons by the Lancang and Yuan Rivers and their tributaries. The top is relatively flat, with a significant plateau surface and several collapsed basins.

Location and Extent

Wuliang Mountain, historically known as Mengle Mountain, is located in Jingdong Yi Autonomous County, Pu’er City, Yunnan Province, between 100°03′ ~ 101°07′ E longitude and 23°20′ ~ 25°34′ N latitude. The main ridge stands between the Yangbi River, Heihui River, Lancang River, and the Xihe River, Weishan River, and Bayanjing. It stretches from the Zijin Mountain and Wuyin Mountain in Weishan County, south of the Xier River, east-southeast through Nanjiang, Jingdong, and Zhenyuan counties, reaching the Ganbazi Mountain near the border of Ning’er and Jinggu counties. The range is approximately 260 kilometers long in a northwest-southeast direction. The main part extends about 80 kilometers from south of Yangjie River in Nanjiang to the border of Jingdong and Zhenyuan, with a width of 10 to 15 kilometers.

Geographical Environment

Geology:
Wuliang Mountain is a tectonic erosional mountain range, part of the southern branch of the Yunling Range. Most of the mountain is composed of Mesozoic Jurassic, Cretaceous, and Tertiary red lacustrine strata, with limestone, sandstone, and shale exposed. It is characterized by Mesozoic red lacustrine sandstone and shale, with some intrusive igneous rocks.

Topography:
The terrain of Wuliang Mountain is higher in the north and lower in the south, with an average elevation of 1800 meters. The ridge line is around 2500 meters, with deep valleys on the east and west sides and a relative height of over 1500 meters.

Climate:
Wuliang Mountain has a subtropical monsoon climate, with significant variations in climate zones and natural zones. Horizontally, the southern part has a northern tropical and southern subtropical plateau monsoon climate, the central part a mid-subtropical plateau monsoon climate, and the northern part a mid-subtropical and northern subtropical plateau monsoon climate.

Hydrology:
The Lancang River and Lixian River (the upper reaches of Bayanjing River) flow from northwest to south and southeast along the mountain range, with upstream tributaries forming a feather-like network and downstream tributaries branching out.

Vegetation:
The vegetation of Wuliang Mountain is characterized by significant horizontal zonation due to the cutting action of the Lancang River. The area has well-developed vertical vegetation zones.

Mountain Relations

Belonging Mountain Range:

Wuliang Mountain is part of the Yunling Range’s western branch in the Hengduan Mountains. It extends south from the Diancang Mountain. The range’s secondary ridges spread out in a fan shape. The western and eastern branches of the Yunling Range extend south to Weishan County and Midu County, gradually widening and lowering, with elevations generally below 3000 meters. This region is referred to as the residual Yunling Range, with the eastern branch being Ailao Mountain and the western branch being Wuliang Mountain.

Major Peaks:

• Bijiashan: The main peak of Wuliang Mountain, with an elevation of 3370 meters.

Resources

Plant Resources:
Wuliang Mountain is home to over 1500 species of higher plants, with a forest coverage rate of 91%.

Historical and Cultural

Origin of the Name:
Wuliang Mountain is named for its grand and expansive mountain structure.

Conservation and Research

Ecological Protection:
In 1986, the Wuliang Mountain National Nature Reserve was established. It was upgraded to a national nature reserve in 2000. The reserve covers 309.38 square kilometers and primarily protects endangered wildlife resources, including the black-crowned gibbon, gray langur, and black-necked long-tailed pheasant, as well as the subtropical montane moist evergreen broadleaf forest ecosystem.

Yunnan Travel Guide

Things To Do

• Yunnan Overview
• Yunnan Attractions
• Yunnan Tours
• Yunnan Shopping
• Yunnan Culture
• Festivals and Activities

Travel Information

• Yunnan Travel Tips
• Yunnan Climate
• Yunnan Transportation
• Yunnan Maps
• Yunnan Photos
• Yunnan Dining
• Yunnan Accommodation
• Yunnan Education
• Yunnan Travel News
• Administrative Divisions

Create My Trip

You Might Like

• 34 Days China Panorama Tour with Yunnan, Tibet and Yangtze River Cruise
• 3 Days XishuangBanna Tea Culture Tour to Yiwu and Nannuo Tea Mountains
• 3 Days Jianshui and Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces Group Tour from Kunming
• 2 Days Lijiang Lugu Lake Tour and Matriarchal Society Discovery
• 4 Hours Yunnan Tea Culture Experience at Jufutang Tea Art Musuem
• 4 Days Kunming and Dali Tour by High Speed Train
• 2 Days Kawa Karpo Meili Snow Mountain Tour from Shangri-La
• 2 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking Tour with Daju Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Mountains in Puer

Mountains in Puer are the most favored by hiking tourists, such as the magnificent Puer Mountain, the lofty Fahan Mountain, Baima Mountain. Most mountains in Puer are the best places to take a Puer Hiking Tour.

Daheishan Mountain in Menglian County, Puer

Overview Nanlei River (南垒河, Nánlěi Hé), known in Dai language as “Chasing Husband River,” originates in the northern part of Laba Township, Lancang Lahu Autonomous County (澜沧拉祜族自治县, Láncāng Lāhù...

Attractions    Veiw

• Menglian County
• Mountains and Hills
• Mountains in Puer
• Puer

Fahan Mountain in Menglian County, Puer

Chinese Name: 孟连县法罕山 English Name:Fahan Mountain in Menglian County, Puer Address: North of Menglian County, Pu’er City Introduction: Fahan Mountain, located about 2 kilometers north of Menglian County, is...

Attractions    Veiw

• Menglian County
• Mountains and Hills
• Mountains in Puer
• Puer

Wuliang Mountain in Yunnan

Wuliangshan Mountain Wuliang Mountain, formerly known as Mengle mountain (蒙乐山), is located in the west of Jingdong Yi Autonomous County, Pu’er City, Yunnan Province, between 23 ° 57 ‘-...

Attractions    Veiw

• Dali
• Jingdong County
• Jinggu County
• Mountains and Hills
• Mountains in Puer
• Nanjian County
• Puer
• Wuliang Mountains
• Zhenyuan County