About Lishejiang River

Lishejiang river(礼社江), the name of the upper reaches of the Yuanjiang River, originated in the east foot of Ailao Mountain, Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County, Yunnan Province. The main stream flows through Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yuxi City, after the confluence with Luzhijiang River(绿汁江) in Yuxi City, it is called Yuanjiang river(元江). After flowing into Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, it is also known as the Honghe River(红河), and Honghe river is injected into the Beibu Gulf(北部湾) after leaving Hekou Yao Autonomous County. Lishejiang river, in Yunnan Province, mainly flows through Yuanjiang Hani, Yi and Dai Autonomous County, Honghe County, Yuanyang County(元阳), Hekou(河口) Yao Autonomous County. The main tributaries are Nanjian River(南涧河), Pixiong(毗熊) River(Juli River苴力河), Niujie River(牛街河), Malong River(马龙河) and so on.

Where is Lishejiang River?

Lishejiang river(礼社江), located in central Yunnan, is originated from the north of Weishan(巍山) Yi and Hui autonomous county. The altitude of river head is 2,650 meters above the sea level, the overall length is 282 kilometers, with a natural drop of 2045 meters, belonging to Honghe(红河) river system.

About Honghe River

Lishejiang River(礼社江) is the upper reaches of the Honghe River(one of the great rivers in southwest China), and Honghe River(Red River) and Yunling mountain(云岭) divide Yunnan Province into two parts, east and west, which is an important geographical boundary of Yunnan Province. The Honghe River is located between Ailao Mountain(哀牢山) and Wuliang Mountain(无量山), forming a deep valley 2000 meters above sea level. On the Yuanmo(Yuanjiang元江-Mohei磨黑) Expressway, there is the spectacle of the world’s tallest bridge. Honghe River Bridge is one of the most magnificent bridges of its kind in the world. The Honghe River Valley is also one of the hottest places in Yunnan Province, with an annual average temperature of more than 30 ℃. The Honghe River at the exit of Hekou County(河口县) is only 76.4 meters above sea level, the lowest point in Yunnan Province. The Honghe River is also one of China’s international rivers, flowing into Vietnam’s Lao Cai(老街), Yen Bai(安沛), Viet Tri(越池), Hanoi, Nam Dinh(南定), Taiping(太平) and other important cities.

How to Get There

There are long-distance bus, train, airplane and other vehicles you can choose.

1. Long-distance Bus

There are long-distance buses from Kunming to Dali, Chuxiong, Yuxi and Honghe. And regular buses are available between counties and towns.

2. Train

Not every county and city in Dali Autonomous Prefecture, Chuxiong Autonomous Prefecture, Yuxi City and Honghe Autonomous prefecture has their own railway stations, but the main counties and cities like Dali city, Chuxiong City, Hongta District, Mengzi City and Mile City, etc, have railway stations. In addition, there are high speed trains from Kunming to Dali.

3. Airplane

So far, there are no airports in Chuxiong, Yuxi and Honghe, but Dali has Dali Airport.

Accommodation Around Lishejiang River

Lishejiang River flows through Dali, Chuxiong, Yuxi and Honghe in Yunnan province. There are hotels in these places, so accommodation is not a problem.

Useful Travel Tips

1. The river mainly flows through mountainous regions, the temperature difference is large from daytime to night. You are supposed to bring coats in case the changes in the weather.

2. On rainy days, it is prone to nature disasters, try to avoid going out. While on the sunny days, ultraviolet ray in most Yunnan province is strong, please bring sun cream, sunglasses and other sunscreen products.

3. There are a lot of attractions in Dali, Chuxiong, Yuxi and Honghe, such as Dali ancient town, Honghe Hani rice terrace.

4. Lishejiang River has different names when running through difference places, its lower reach is called Honghe River because it flows through Honghe Prefecture.

Why is Luzhijiang River So Special?

Luzhijiang River(绿汁江) is located in the Luzhi town(绿汁镇), the southwest of Yimen County, Yunnan Province, 40 kilometers from the county seat, 120 kilometers from Kunming, adjacent to Chuxiong(楚雄) and Lufeng(禄丰). Luzhijiang River belongs to Honghe river water system and first grade tributary of Yuanjiang River, originated from the north of Jiulong Mountain(九龙山), Qinfeng Town(勤丰镇), Lufeng County(禄丰县), Chuxiong Prefecture, flowing from north to south through Lufeng(禄丰), Shuangbai(双柏), Yimen(易门), Eshan(峨山), Xinping(新平) into Yuanjiang(元江). The runoff area is 8600 square kilometers, the river length is 294 kilometers, and the natural fall is 1651 meters. The theoretical storage of water resources in the river basin is 330.7 MW. After Luzhijiang River joins Lishejiang River(礼社江)  in Shutang Town(水塘镇) of Yuxi, it is called Yuanjiang river(元江).

About Luzhijiang River Basin

The source of Luzhijiang River(绿汁江) is called “Yangxiqing(洋溪箐)”, originated from the north foot of Jiulong mountain(九龙山) in the Yangxichong village(洋溪冲村), Qinfeng Town(勤丰镇), Lufeng County(禄丰县), Chuxiong Prefecture. The Luzhijiang River Basin is located in the Central Yunnan Plateau with an area of 8613.4 square kilometers. Drainage basin is northeast high southwest low, middle and lower mountains and hills are widespread. The main types of geomorphology are tectonic erosion and structural corrosion. The relatively large basins in Luzhijiang River are Luoci(罗茨), Lufeng(禄丰), Shuangbai(双柏) and Yimen basin(易门坝子).

The Luzhijiang River Basin belongs to the subtropical plateau monsoon climate, with small annual temperature difference, large diurnal temperature difference and indistinct seasons. The average annual precipitation is 660.5-915.4 mm. The average annual runoff is 1.547 billion cubic meters.

The tributaries of the Luzhijiang River with a catchment area of more than 100 square kilometers include the Huixi River(汇西河), the Nanhe River(南河), the Baizigou River(稗子沟河), the Shezi River(舍资河), the Laoer River(老耳河), the Jieshi River(洁石河), the Shadian River(沙甸河), the Chuanjie River(川街河), the Gushui River(股水河), the Datian River(大田河), the Pahe River(扒河), the Taci River(他此河), the Yishi River(衣施河), and the Hekou River(河口河), the Pingdi River(平地河) and the Ketian River(克田河).

Features of Luzhijiang River

1. Some parts of the Luzhijiang River are turbulent, and some are spacious and open. In the rapids, floating down on the bamboo raft and kayak makes you excited; At the soothing place, the water is shallow, clear and ethereal, walking along the river makes you feel like being in the landscape painting scroll.

2. On both sides of the River, some places are lined with cliffs, strange peaks and different stones, just like an ancient mural; while some places with peaks and turns are suddenly open and clear, the mountains and rivers are bright, and the scenery is beautiful. In winter, there are cloud seas, like fairyland. Luzhijiang River is magnificent, with features of grand, strange, dangerous, beautiful, quiet, ancient, quite like the three Gorges.

3. Along the river, there are ethnic minorities such as Yi and Hani ethnic group, whose folk style is simple and unique. The “tiger palm dance” and “left foot dance” of Yi minority, “Duige(singing in antiphonal style) Meeting” of Hani minority and other ethnic customs maintain the original essence of ancient ethnic culture.

4. It has the advantages of developing tourism, drifting, rock climbing and other tourism projects. It’s a place to return to nature and challenge yourself. At the same time, vegetable forest fruit industry in Luzhi Town begins to take shape, can combine Luzhijiang river scenic spot comprehensive development of sightseeing agriculture tour and the industry tour, like agriculture horticulture flower visit, the industry metallurgical process visit, the mine hole exploration, etc. Luzhijiang River Scenic spot with distinctive features and rich content, is an ideal place for tourism, leisure and investment.

Best Time to Visit

You can visit Luzhijiang River at all seasons, but try to avoid the rainy days, in case the nature disasters occurs.

How to Get There

Long-distance bus is the main means of transportation to Yimen County(易门县). There are non-stop buses from Kunming to Yimen County. When you are there in Yimen County, anther 1 hour is needed to Luzhi Town(绿汁镇).

Kunming Northwest Bus Station-Yimen Bus Terminal

Departure Time: 7:00-18:30

Ticket Price: 27 CNY

Distance: About 101 kilometers

Consume Time: About 1.5 hours

Accommodation Around Luzhijiang River in Yuxi

For accommodation, you can find a place to stay in Yimen County.

1. Yimen Hotel易门大酒店

Address: No.218, Upper Section of Lvhe Road, Yimen County, Yuxi玉溪市易门县履和路上段218号

Tel: 0877-4864555

Starting Price: 236 CNY

2. Tengyue Business Hotel易门腾越商务酒店

Address: Nearby Yimen Bus Terminal, Yimen County, Yuxi玉溪市易门县靠近汽车客运站

Tel: 0877-4977888

Starting Price: 145 CNY

3. Tianhao Budget Hotel天浩快捷酒店

Address: No.168, Xinglong Street, Yimen County, Yuxi玉溪市易门县兴隆街168号

Tel: 0877-4969123

Starting Price: 96 CNY

Useful Travel Tips

1. Respect the customs of ethnic minorities and avoid disturbing the lives of local people.

2. From June to October is the rainy season and the road conditions could be dangerous.

3. Because of the great temperature difference, you should bring coats to keep warm and prevent a cold, especially in spring and winter.

Longquan River (龙泉河) is located in Yimen County (易门县), Yuxi City (玉溪市), Yunnan Province (云南省), about 80 kilometers from Kunming (昆明), approximately one hour by car. The scenic area centers around Longquan National Forest Park (龙泉国家森林公园) and includes the Wild Mushroom Museum (野生菌博物馆), Longquan Cultural Square (龙泉文化广场), Longquan Ten-Mile Corridor (龙泉十里长廊), and Nantun Lake Ecotourism Area (南屯湖生态旅游区).

History and Culture

Historical Origins

Formerly known as “Longchuan (龙川)”, Longquan River (龙泉河) has a history of over a thousand years and is the birthplace of Yimen County (易门县). It was traditionally a site where local people worshipped dragons and water deities with theatrical performances, reflecting a rich cultural heritage.

Cultural Relics

Along the river are ancient stone inscriptions from the Tang Dynasty (唐代) called the “Eight Sights of Longquan” (龙泉八景), as well as historical temples such as Longquan Grand Temple (龙泉大寺) and Longyin Temple (龙隐寺).

Folk Traditions

The “Er Yue Er” (二月二) Opera Festival is the most iconic traditional folk event in Yimen (易门). Originating in the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty (明朝嘉靖年间), it has a history of more than 500 years and is listed as an intangible cultural heritage of Yunnan Province (云南省).

Folk Customs

“Er Yue Er” (二月二) Opera Festival

On the second day of the second lunar month, Yimen County (易门县) holds grand cultural and tourism celebrations including traditional lantern opera performances, dragon dance competitions, and motorbike music festivals.

Other Folk Activities

Yimen also hosts ethnic festivals such as the Miao Flower Mountain Festival (苗族花山节) and Yi Torch Festival (彝族火把节).

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Weather

Yimen County (易门县) has a subtropical monsoon climate, with distinct seasons, cool summers, and mild winters.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, offering ideal weather and beautiful scenery.

Recommended Attractions and Duration

• Longquan National Forest Park (龙泉国家森林公园): Around 2 hours. Enjoy towering ancient trees and mist-shrouded temples.
• Longquan Cultural Square (龙泉文化广场): Around 1 hour. View sculptures and buildings themed around dragon culture.
• Longquan Ten-Mile Corridor (龙泉十里长廊): Around 1.5 hours. This 1,731-meter-long corridor features picturesque landscapes.
• Nantun Lake Ecotourism Area (南屯湖生态旅游区): Around 2 hours. Explore scenic lakes, mountains, and wetlands.

Transportation

Self-Drive

From Kunming (昆明), drive along the Kunming–Mojiang Expressway (昆磨高速). The journey takes about 1 hour.

Public Transportation

Take a long-distance bus from Kunming (昆明) to Yimen (易门), then transfer to local buses.

Local Food

• Wild Mushrooms: Yimen (易门) is known as the “Hometown of Mushrooms” (菌乡), with summer being the best time to taste wild mushrooms.
• Local Snacks: Try local specialties like Yimen Roast Duck (易门烤鸭) and wild mushroom hotpot (野生菌火锅).

Shopping

• Dried Wild Mushrooms: Available in local markets, ideal as gifts.
• Ethnic Handicrafts: Miao embroidery (苗族刺绣), Yi silver ornaments (彝族银饰), and more.

Accommodation

• Hotels in the County Seat: A variety of mid-range hotels are available in Yimen town.
• Guesthouses: Characteristic guesthouses near Longquan River (龙泉河) offer local hospitality experiences.

Travel Tips

• Environmental Protection: Do not litter in the scenic areas. Help preserve the natural environment.
• Safety: Be cautious near rivers and waterfalls, and follow park regulations.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1
Morning: Arrive in Yimen (易门), visit Longquan National Forest Park (龙泉国家森林公园).
Afternoon: Explore Longquan Cultural Square (龙泉文化广场) and Longquan Ten-Mile Corridor (龙泉十里长廊).
Evening: Enjoy local cuisine.

Day 2
Morning: Visit Nantun Lake Ecotourism Area (南屯湖生态旅游区).
Afternoon: Return to town and shop for local souvenirs.
Evening: Watch the “Er Yue Er” (二月二) folk performances.

Longquan River (龙泉河) in Yimen (易门) is not only a scenic destination with natural beauty, but also a place rich in historical culture and folk traditions. From its clear river waters and ancient architecture to vibrant festivals and delicious mushroom dishes, it offers an unforgettable travel experience in the heart of Yunnan.

Chinese Name:玉溪和红河曲江

Qujiang River, a tributary of the Pearl River system, is located at the border of Yuxi City in Yunnan Province and the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture. It is a primary tributary on the west bank of the Nanpan River. The river originates in the southwestern part of Jiangchuan County, flows through the urban area of Yuxi City, Eshan County, Gaoda Township in Tonghai County, and Qujiang Town in Jianchuan County, and then merges with the Nanpan River at Fangna Village in Panxi Town, Huaining County. It has a total length of over 160 kilometers and a drainage area of approximately 4,100 square kilometers.

The Qujiang River Valley boasts picturesque landscapes and charming scenery, attracting numerous tourists. The riverbanks are shaded by lush trees, and the clear water allows for views of the varied shapes of the riverbed stones, adding to the area’s appeal. Strolling along the Qujiang River, one can experience the tranquility and beauty of nature, providing a refreshing and serene escape.

Location and Origin:

• River System: The Qujiang River is a first-level tributary of the Nanpan River, part of the Pearl River Basin.
• Region: It is situated at the boundary between Yuxi City and the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, China.
• Source: The river originates in the southwest of Jiangchuan County and flows through several areas including Yuxi City, Eshan County, Tonghai County’s Gaoda Township, and Qujiang Town in Jianshui County. It eventually flows into the Nanpan River at Fangna Village in Panxi Town, Huaining County.
• Length: Over 160 kilometers.
• Drainage Area: Approximately 4,100 square kilometers.

Scenic Features:

• The Qujiang River valley is renowned for its picturesque scenery and pleasant environment, attracting many visitors.
• The riverbanks are lush with greenery, and the clear waters reveal a variety of interestingly shaped stones on the riverbed.
• Walking along the Qujiang River offers a peaceful and beautiful natural experience.

Current Conditions and Conservation:

• The Qujiang River, as a major tributary of the Nanpan River, has a length of 15 kilometers within Qujiang Town’s jurisdiction.
• The surrounding lands are used for agriculture, with local residents relying on the river for irrigation.
• In early spring, villagers like Li Ruying in Shandian Village harvest mature Chinese cabbage, reflecting the benefits of improved irrigation.

Historical Changes:

• Previously, the Qujiang River had low water levels and was overgrown with weeds, with serious sedimentation issues.
• Yang Hongying, a local resident from Shandian Village, noted that before river management efforts, wells had to be dug 13 meters deep to find water, but now 5 meters suffices.
• Since the implementation of river management measures, five sand-trapping dams have been built, and 22,000 cubic meters of sediment have been cleared, which has improved water retention in the river and raised the water table in surrounding farmlands.

River Systems and Tributaries in Yunnan:

• Qujiang River: Originates from the eastern foothills of Dajian Mountain in Yuxi City, flows through Eshan and Tonghai counties, and meets the Nanpan River at the boundary of Honghe Prefecture.
• Lujiang River: Begins at the northwest foot of Baoxiu Mountain in Shiping County, flows through Chi Rui Lake, Yilong Lake, and Haikou River, with two segments of subterranean flow (Yan Cave and Swallow Cave), and enters the Nanpan River in Kaiyuan.
• Dianxi River: Formed by the confluence of Yumen River, Baima River, and Huakou River near Pulong Village in Mile County, flows south through Mile, Xinshao, Zhuyuan, and Pengpu basins, and merges with the Nanpan River near Nilujiang Village.
• Xi Da River (downstream known as Xiaojiang): Originates in Dashawan, Shizong County, flows into Honghe Prefecture near Wulang Village, passes through Yigu Basin and Luxi County, and joins the Nanpan River at Xiaheqing Village after emerging from Moya Cave.

Chinese Name:阿墨江
English Name: Amojiang River in Puer and Yuxi

The Amojiang River, a tributary of the Red River, is a primary tributary of the Lixian River. Its basin is located between latitudes 22°33′N and 24°35′N and longitudes 100°24′E and 102°22′E. The river originates in Maidi Village, Dajie Township, Jingdong County, Pu’er City, Yunnan Province. It flows through Jingdong, Zhenyuan, Xinping, and Mojiang Counties, with its upper reaches known as the Zhenggan River. After flowing southeast through Huashan, the river enters Zhenyuan County, where it is known as the Amojiang River after passing through Zhengdong. It then continues southeast, flowing through Zhongai Bridge and Puxi Bridge, before merging with the Talang River and Sinan River, turning south to eventually join the Lixian River.

Basin Overview:

The river’s total length is 256 km, with a drainage area of 7,029 square kilometers and a concentrated drop of 1,536 meters. The main river section from the source (elevation 1,500 meters) to the Zhongai Bridge dam site (low water level elevation 735 meters) is 166.47 km long, flowing through Jingdong, Zhenyuan, Xinping, and Mojiang Counties.

Development and Regulation:

The Amojiang River basin is designed for a total installed capacity of 468 MW. The first stage includes the Mansa Hydropower Station with an installed capacity of 60 MW, planned for later development. The second stage is the Zhongai Bridge Hydropower Station with an installed capacity of 110 MW. The third stage is the Puxi Bridge Hydropower Station with an installed capacity of 190 MW. The fourth stage is the Sanjiangkou Hydropower Station with an installed capacity of 108 MW. Zhongai Bridge and Puxi Bridge stations are designed as annual regulation reservoirs. The grading adjustment plan for Zhongai Bridge and the hydropower planning for Zhenggan River are being integrated. The entire Amojiang River basin is planned to have about 130 km of river sections with a concentrated drop of about 340 meters. It is expected that 4 to 5 hydropower stations will be distributed throughout the basin, with a total installed capacity of around 500 MW.

The Jufudu Hydropower Station is located at the confluence of the Amojiang River and the Baybian River. After reservoir filling, it has created a broad water surface over 10 km long. The reservoir area features deep bays with abundant fish resources, including species such as green carp, grass carp, silver carp, common carp, and tilapia. On sunny winter days, large fish often surface to bask in the sun, attracting numerous anglers.