Tourist Attractions Map of Fugong County in Nujiang

1. Natural Wonders

1.1 Stone Moon (Shiyueliang)

• Why Visit: A geological marvel formed by a 60-meter-high marble cave at the peak of Gaoligongshan Mountain. This natural arch, visible from miles away, is sacred to the Lisu people and features in their creation myths.
• New Development: In 2025, the Stone Moon Scenic Area Cableway opened for trial operations, offering panoramic views of the Nujiang Valley and reducing hiking time to the cave entrance 19.
• Activities: Hiking to the cave (now accessible via cable car), photography at sunrise/sunset, and exploring nearby alpine meadows.

1.2 Laomudeng Village & Zhiziluo “Ghost City”

• Highlights: Laomudeng, a Nu ethnic village, is famous for its 1930s-era Christian church and terraced fields overlooking the nujiang. Adjacent Zhiziluo, once the capital of Bijiang County, was abandoned in the 1980s due to landslide risks, preserving a surreal “frozen-in-time” atmosphere with Soviet-style buildings 3.
• Cultural Immersion: Stay in homestays like Laomudeng Cloud Shangguanfang Hotel for views of Crown Mountain and participate in Nu folk songs around evening bonfires 9.

1.3 Yaping Ecotourism Zone

• Key Feature: A pristine alpine ecosystem within Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve, featuring ancient forests, alpine lakes (e.g., Qiniang Lake), and rare wildlife like Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys.
• Trails: The Yaping Valley Trail (15 km) leads to waterfalls and rhododendron meadows, while the Seven Fairies Lake Loop offers multi-day trekking through glaciers and bamboo forests 5.

1.4 Nujiang River Gorge

• Unique Trait: The deepest section of the Nujiang Gorge, with cliffs rising 3,000 meters above the river. Highlights include Tiger Leaping Gorge (a narrow river channel with Class III rapids) and Lazu Waterfall, a 100-meter cascade plunging into the nujiang
• Adventure: River rafting (May–October) and zip-lining across the gorge 3.

2. Cultural & Historical Sites

2.1 Nu Ethnic Villages

• Pigeon River Nu Township: The only Nu-majority township in China, known for traditional stilt houses and the Nu New Year (late January), featuring masked dances and ancestral rituals.
• Longyuan Village: Home to the last generation of Nu women with facial tattoos, a fading tradition symbolizing adulthood.

2.2 Laowu Rock Waterfall

• Significance: A 150-meter waterfall cascading into the nujiang，with ancient Lisu rock carvings depicting hunting scenes and astronomical symbols.

2.3 Tea-Horse Caravan Route Remnants

• Heritage: Sections of the 1,000-year-old trade route survive near Fugong County Seat, including stone paths and ancient tea tree groves. The Chayan Section connects to Gongshan County’s salt mines.

3. Adventure & Outdoor Activities

3.1 Trekking Routes

• Gaoligongshan Core Zone: The Nadangduo Trail (7–10 days) crosses glaciers and alpine meadows, offering encounters with rare wildlife. A shorter alternative is the Yaping to Zhiziluo Trail (2 days), passing through virgin forests and Nu villages 6.
• Biluoxueshan Range: The Zhongdian to Fugong Trail (5 days) traverses high-altitude passes and offers views of Gewa Gapu Peak (5,128 meters).

3.2 River Rafting

• Nujiang River: Class III–IV rapids between Bingzhongluo and Liuku attract adrenaline seekers. Season: May–October.

3.3 Hot Springs

• Zileng Hot Springs: Natural sulfur springs in the heart of the gorge, ideal for soaking after a trek.

4. Festivals & Local Culture

4.1 Kaduo Festival

• When: January 10–15. This Dulong New Year features bull sacrifices, masked dances, and communal feasts. The highlight is the bull-stabbing ritual, a symbolic act of gratitude to nature.

4.2 Nu Women’s Festival

• When: March 15–17. Celebrates the goddess Azhi with singing, dancing, and offerings of flowers.

5. Practical Tips

5.1 Getting There

• By Road: From Liuku (Nujiang’s capital), buses take 5.5 hours to Gongshan County. From Gongshan, 4×4 vehicles or minivans reach Dulongjiang Township (3 hours). Note: The S318 road to Dulongjiang is narrow and prone to landslides 1.
• By Air: The nearest airport is Dali Airport (4 hours by bus to Gongshan).

5.2 Accommodation

• Bingzhongluo: Rustic guesthouses like Dulang Tea Horse Inn (¥150–300/night) offer valley views.
• Dulongjiang Township: Basic homestays in Kongdang Village (¥80–150/night).

5.3 Safety & Logistics

• Border Permits: Not required for Gongshan County, but carry ID for random checks 1.
• Best Seasons: Spring (March–May) for flowers; autumn (September–November) for clear skies.
• Packing: Waterproof gear, sturdy boots, and altitude medication (some trails exceed 4,000 meters).

6. Off-the-Beaten-Path Gems

• Fuhe Mountain: A lesser-known hiking destination with alpine lakes and autumn red maple forests.
• Yushuiping Neolithic Site: A cave with 3,000-year-old artifacts, offering insights into prehistoric Yunnan.

7. Local Cuisine

• Lacquer Oil Chicken: A Dulong specialty slow-cooked in lacquer tree oil, a medicinal ingredient.
• Suan Sansi (Sour Trio): A tangy stir-fry of pickled papaya, potatoes, and cured pork liver.
• Bitter Buckwheat Sausage: Pork intestines stuffed with buckwheat flour and blood, grilled over an open fire.