Taoyuan Town of Yongsheng County in Lijiang

Location

Taoyuan Township (涛源乡) is located in the southwest of Yongsheng County (永胜县), Lijiang City (丽江市), Yunnan Province, 76 kilometers from the county seat and 55 kilometers in a straight line. To the east, it borders Qina Town (期纳镇) and Dongfeng Township (东风乡), to the south it adjoins Pianjiao Township (片角乡), to the west it faces Heqing County (鹤庆县) across the river, and to the north it borders Shunzhou Township (顺州乡). The total area of Taoyuan Township (涛源乡) is 442.4 square kilometers. The township lies in the Jinsha River (金沙江) dry-hot valley region, characterized by a dry climate with little rainfall, and is often referred to as the “natural greenhouse.”

Ethnic Groups and Traditional Crafts

Taoyuan Township (涛源乡) is home to several ethnic groups, including Han (汉), Yi (彝), Lisu (傈僳), and Hui (回).
Yi Ethnic Group (彝族): Traditional crafts include embroidery, with Yi embroidery known for its vibrant colors and intricate patterns, holding high artistic value.
Lisu Ethnic Group (傈僳族): Traditional crafts include the making of Lisu clothing, which is primarily made from hemp fabric and decorated with colorful embellishments.

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

Ancient Architecture

Shangliu Guanyin Temple (上六观音寺): Located in Xiaoguan Village (小官庄) of Taoyuan Township (涛源乡), this temple was originally built in the late Ming Dynasty (明末) or early Qing Dynasty (清初), and rebuilt in 1993. Situated in the Jinsha River (金沙江) dry-hot valley, the climate is hot and dry, with little rainfall. The temple is built along the mountainside, surrounded by scenic views: it is bordered by Sijiaoshan Mountain (四角山) to the east, with a southern view of the Jizu Mountain (鸡足山) golden pagoda, the Lotus Peak (莲花峰) to the north, and Dajian Mountain (大尖山) to the west. The temple is surrounded by mountains and rivers, offering beautiful scenery.

Tourist Attractions

• Jinsha River Grand Canyon (金沙江大峡谷): The Jinsha River Grand Canyon (金沙江大峡谷) in Yongsheng County (永胜县) is one of the deepest canyons in the world. The mountains on both sides are steep, and the river flows rapidly, offering spectacular views. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the canyon from observation decks or opt for hiking or boat tours to experience the beauty and power of the Jinsha River (金沙江) up close.

• Dalongtan (大龙潭): Located between Xiaomidi (小米地) and Xiaochangliangzi (校场梁子), about 2 kilometers northeast of the Taoyuan Township (涛源乡) government. The area is named after a spring that flows from the foot of the mountain. Today, Dalongtan (大龙潭) is a small reservoir surrounded by weeping willows. The hillside behind features a “Beautiful Taoyuan” sign made of bougainvillea. A temple, nestled under large banyan trees, is located at the foot of Dalongtan, with the banyan trees flourishing thanks to the water from the spring.

• Taoyuan “Sea” (涛源“海”): The completion of the Ludila Hydroelectric Station (鲁地拉电站) has transformed Taoyuan from a place with rushing river water into a small town on the tranquil waters of a lake. The Jinsha River (金沙江) forms a lake here, creating a brilliant summer blue water hidden in a peaceful valley.

• Sausage Flower Scenic Area (腊肠花景观): From May to August each year, the sausage flowers (腊肠花) along the roadsides in Taoyuan Township (涛源乡) bloom in bright yellow, creating a beautiful landscape. During the sunniest season, visitors can experience a romantic golden rain, immersing themselves in the vibrant summer flowers.

Transportation

• By Road: Taoyuan Township (涛源乡) is easily accessible via the Xiangning Secondary Road (祥宁二级公路), which runs through the eastern part of the township for over 10 kilometers. From Lijiang (丽江), take the Hulie Expressway (华丽高速, Rongli Expressway), exit at the Taoyuan Toll Station (涛源收费站), and follow the signs to Taoyuan Township (涛源乡).

• Public Transportation: Long-distance buses from Lijiang (丽江) to Yongsheng County (永胜县) are available, with buses running multiple times a day. The journey takes approximately 3 hours.