Tianzishan Mountain in Yunlong County, Dali
Overview
Tianzishan Mountain (天子山) is a high-altitude grassland located in Yunlong County (云龙县), Dali Prefecture (大理州), Yunnan Province (云南省), China. This serene alpine meadow is viewed by tourists as a hidden paradise, while for the local Yi ethnic community in Baipo Village (白坡社), it represents a “golden grassland” for poverty alleviation and prosperity.
Location
Tianzishan Mountain is situated at the border of Jiancao Township (检槽乡) and Miaowei Lisu Township (苗尾傈僳族乡) in Yunlong County. The mountain’s main peak rises over 3,400 meters above sea level. Covering over a thousand acres, the grassland, along with the surrounding forests and pastures, offers a magnificent landscape.
Cultural Significance
To the south of Tianzishan lies the Lancang River (澜沧江) gorge, while the eastern slopes are home to the Yi community of Baipo. In the autumn of 1966, Yi families from Liangshan (凉山) in Sichuan (四川) migrated through various regions, including Diqing (迪庆), Lijiang (丽江), and Lanping County (兰坪县) in Nujiang Prefecture (怒江州), ultimately settling in Baipo Village. When they first arrived, there were fewer than ten households; today, the population has grown to 87 households with over 300 residents.
Economic Development
Baipo Village is located at an altitude of approximately 2,500 meters. The harsh conditions in this high-altitude region make it unsuitable for growing staple grains, so the villagers primarily cultivate crops like potatoes to sustain their livelihoods, resulting in a relatively low standard of living.
Recognizing the resources available in Tianzishan, the villagers decided to rely on the grasslands and meadows for their livelihoods. After a precise identification of impoverished households, only 17 households were registered as poor. Most of these families chose to utilize the natural meadows of Tianzishan for livestock grazing.
Previously, residents feared two major issues: the education of their children and the occurrence of serious illnesses. Any encounter with these concerns could turn even the happiest family into a poor one. However, with the economic support provided by livestock farming, the Yi community in Baipo no longer needs to worry.
Success Stories
Kang Xuesheng (康学胜) exemplifies a typical case of poverty due to illness. His family incurred over 200,000 yuan in medical expenses for his wife’s severe illness, leading them to be classified as a poor household. Today, they raise 17 large livestock and nearly 100 sheep, generating an annual income of about 40,000 yuan, allowing them to escape poverty by 2016. Another villager, Mao Ayang (毛阿阳), raises over 50 pigs, 8 horses, and 50 sheep, with an annual income exceeding 30,000 yuan. This year, his son was accepted into university, and their livestock farming income covered the tuition fees.
The Baipo Yi community owns more than 4,000 livestock, primarily grazing on the meadows of Tianzishan. They have constructed over 30 wooden stilt houses around the grassland to provide shelter for the animals at night. Farmers feed their livestock every 20 days; those with sufficient manpower often assign someone to look after the animals on the mountain, while others check on them every few days. The well-fed livestock attract many buyers from outside the region.
Economic Impact
Annually, livestock farming in the area generates over 900,000 yuan, with an average income exceeding 10,000 yuan per household. Thanks to the natural alpine meadows and grasslands, the Yi community in Baipo is gradually overcoming poverty. With continued support from local governments, the village has seen road expansions and improvements to the agricultural network. Residents have built more durable houses, moving away from traditional wooden stilt houses and basic shacks. Modern appliances like televisions, washing machines, and electric cookers are now gradually entering the homes of ordinary Yi families.
The lush meadows and thriving livestock make Tianzishan a symbol of prosperity and hope for the Baipo Yi community.
How to Get There
- By Air: The nearest airport is Dali Airport (大理机场). From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Yunlong County.
- By Bus: Regular buses operate from Dali City (大理市) to Yunlong County. Upon arriving in Yunlong, local transport options like taxis or motorbikes can take you to Tianzishan Mountain.
- By Car: If you prefer driving, you can rent a car in Dali and take the scenic route to Yunlong County, following the well-marked roads.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to explore Tianzishan is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is breathtaking.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on trying local Yi dishes, which often include unique flavors and ingredients indigenous to the region.
- Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local customs and traditions, particularly in rural areas. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people or their homes.
- Altitude Consideration: Tianzishan is at a high altitude (around 3,400 meters), so acclimatization is important. Stay hydrated and take it easy when you arrive.
Visiting Tianzishan Mountain provides an opportunity to witness the intersection of natural beauty and cultural resilience, making it a meaningful destination in Yunnan.
