Xiyi Lancang-Mekong River Bridge in Yunxian County, Lincang
Introduction to Xiyi Village
Nestled on the right bank of the Lancang River (澜沧江) in Yunxian County (云县), Lincang (临沧), Xiyi Village (昔宜村), also known as the “First Village of Lincang’s Northern Gate,” shines like a dazzling pearl. This area is the core attraction of the “Hundred-Mile Long Lake” and serves as an ideal destination for wellness tourism, self-driving travel, health industries, and scientific research exhibitions.
Xiyi Village and Its Scenic Bridge
Constructed in 2003, the Xiyang Secondary Road (祥临二级公路) Lancang River Bridge ( 云县昔宜澜沧江大桥) connects the village of Laodihe (落底河村) in Nanjiang County (南涧县) of Dali Prefecture (大理州) with Xiyi Village in Yunxian County. The bridge spans 716 meters in length and 12 meters in width, known for its beautiful name, “High Canyon Flying Rainbow” (高峡飞虹). Over the past 20 years, the left bank has developed the “Menglong Crossing” (猛龙渡), which is Dali’s first public swimming base. On the right bank, Xiyi Dock (昔宜码头) and various leisure facilities have emerged, making it a popular spot for tourism and swimming enthusiasts.
Before sunrise, the serene blue waters come alive as fishermen begin their daily tasks, and the morning light bathes the earth. The tranquil Lancang River reflects the bridge, with fishing boats dotting the water, while the clouds and mountains create a picturesque backdrop.
Scenic Views and Activities
Here, visitors can take a boat upstream to Xiaowan Power Station (小湾电站) or downstream to Manwan Power Station (漫湾电站). Drift down the river and experience breathtaking scenery, ancient trees soaring to the sky, and lush vines lining the banks. Notable attractions along the river include the Lancang River Grand Canyon (澜沧江大峡谷), Yunhai Mountain Villa (云海山庄), the Manghuai New Stone Age Site (忙怀新石器遗址), Chaoshan Temple (朝山寺), the Yunnan-Burma Railway Ruins (滇缅铁路遗址), and various ethnic cultural villages.
Boating upstream, visitors will find steep cliffs and unusual rock formations resembling birds and beasts. The lake’s surface mirrors the blue sky, white clouds, green mountains, and human figures, creating a scene reminiscent of poetry and painting.
In Xiyi, facilities such as picking gardens, ecological parks, and lakeside corridors are well-established. Villagers fish and dry their nets, while leisurely anglers enjoy their time. Visitors can ride boats to explore the legend of Shen Zhou Crossing (神舟渡), fish along the river, stroll along the boardwalk to admire sunflowers and rapeseed flowers, and listen to the enchanting tales of the Lancang River while savoring the taste of wild river fish. For the adventurous, there are opportunities to ride beach buggies or enjoy a sunset walk on the beach.
Historical Significance of Xiyi
Historically, Xiyi served as a fishing village and was the largest “bazi” (坝子) within a tens-of-kilometers radius along the Lancang River. When the Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏国) constructed ancient paths, the names of the stations and ferries established along the route were influenced by Confucian culture, perhaps as a form of expression or atonement.
Xiyi Village is located 38 kilometers from the government seat of Manwan Town (漫湾镇) and comprises 26 villagers’ groups with 842 households and 3,779 residents, primarily from the Yi (彝族), Blang (布朗族), and Dai (傣族) ethnic groups. The region is supported by post-relocation efforts from the Manwan Power Station area. The climate is favorable, with an average annual temperature of 25°C and abundant rainfall.
Recognition and Development
On December 31, 2019, Xiyi Village was selected for the second batch of National Forest Villages. Its strategic location, with the Xiyang Secondary Road cutting through and the Lancang River Bridge spanning north and south, adds to its significance. The bridge, at 716 meters long and 11.4 meters wide, boasts a maximum tower height of 150 meters above the water. Upon completion, it was the first steel-concrete composite beam suspension bridge in the country and the longest in Yunnan Province. The innovative design includes a viewing area showcasing the cultural sculptures of Dali and Lincang, transforming the area into a large park that resembles a colorful ribbon across the Lancang River.
Scenic Beauty
The rippling waters of the river now host large vessels, replacing the small wooden boats of yesteryear, inviting reflections on the ancient ferry. The riverside fishing village has evolved into guesthouses, where floating white clouds occasionally shade the sun. The tall green mountains stand proudly against each other, and the soft sandy beaches provide warmth. Xiyi’s scenery—comprising the river, beaches, colorful bridges, boats, white clouds, mountains, residences, and visitors—forms a stunning ink painting, showcasing the most beautiful bridge and ferry on the Lancang River.
How to Get There
To reach Xiyi Village, travelers can take a bus or self-drive from Lincang City. The journey from Lincang City to Xiyi Village is approximately 38 kilometers and can be completed in about 50 minutes by car. Alternatively, public transportation options are available from nearby towns.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to explore Xiyi Village and the Lancang River Bridge is from spring to autumn when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its best.
- Local Cuisine: Be sure to try local delicacies such as sour fish (酸菜鱼) and papaya chicken (木瓜鸡) at local eateries.
- Leisure Activities: Take advantage of fishing spots, hiking trails, and boat rides to fully experience the beauty of the area.
- Cultural Respect: Engage with local customs and traditions, especially when visiting ethnic communities.
- Bring Essentials: Sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes are recommended for outdoor activities.
