Yunling Town of Deqin County, Diqing

Yunling Township （云岭乡）is located in the southwest of Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is situated in the Lancang River Canyon under the Meili Snow Mountain range and the Yunling Mountain Range. The township is bordered by Baimang Snow Mountain to the east, adjacent to Banzilan Town, connected to Yanmen Township to the south, and bordered by Meili Snow Mountain to the west. It is also adjacent to Shengping Town and Foshan Township to the north. The township covers an area of 931.99 square kilometers.

History

Yunling Township historically belonged to the jurisdiction of the He family’s “Deben” (also known as “Bazong”). During the Republic of China period, it was referred to as the Second District or Yunling Township. In 1950, it was established as Yunling District. In 1952, the villages were reorganized into four townships: Guonian, Hongpo, Chalitong, and Yudong. In 1968, the district was upgraded to a commune. In 1984, the district and township system was reformed, and it was renamed Yunling District. In 1987, the district was abolished, and Yunling Township was established.

Folklore

Yunling Township is a multi-ethnic settlement, predominantly inhabited by Tibetans, with a minority of Naxi, Han, and other ethnic groups. The township is known for its rich Tibetan culture, including traditional costumes, religious ceremonies, and folk dances like Guozhuang. The annual “Rini Zhuan Mountain Ceremony” is a significant event where locals perform rituals and dances.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Yunling Township features a mountainous river valley climate, with three distinct climatic zones: valley, mountainous, and alpine areas. The average annual temperature is 10.5℃, with an extreme minimum temperature of -5℃ and an extreme maximum temperature of 25℃. The annual average frost-free period is 190 days, and the average annual precipitation is 750 millimeters. The best time to visit is in spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its most beautiful.

Recommended Attractions

  • Meili Snow Mountain: A famous snow mountain range with stunning natural beauty, located near Yunling Township.
  • Nagu Stone Coffin Tombs: Located in Nagu Village, these tombs date back to the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods and are protected as a cultural heritage site.
  • Lancang River: The main river of Yunling Township, with beautiful scenery along the river, suitable for hiking and photography.

Suggested Duration of Stay

  • Meili Snow Mountain: Suggested stay of half a day to one day.
  • Nagu Stone Coffin Tombs: Suggested stay of 2 hours.
  • Lancang River: Suggested stay of 1 hour.

Transportation

  • By Car: From Deqin County, the drive to Yunling Township is approximately 40 kilometers.
  • By Public Transport: Buses are available from Deqin County Passenger Station to Yunling Township.

Cuisine

  • Tibetan Butter Tea: A traditional Tibetan beverage made from butter, tea, and salt.
  • Zamba: A staple food of the Tibetan people, made from roasted barley flour.
  • Fresh Fish from Lancang River: A local delicacy.

Shopping

  • Ethnic Handicrafts: Items such as wooden bowls and Zamba boxes, known for their craftsmanship.
  • Local Agricultural Products: Including grapes and olives.

Accommodation

There are several Tibetan-style guesthouses in Yunling Township, offering a good experience of Tibetan culture and lifestyle.

Travel Tips

  • Respect Local Customs: When visiting, respect the religious beliefs and traditional customs of the local ethnic groups.
  • Protect the Environment: Yunling Township has a good ecological environment. Pay attention to environmental protection during your visit.
  • Safety First: The roads to Yunling Township are relatively rugged. Drive carefully if you are traveling by car.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrive in Yunling Township, explore the town center, and taste local specialties.
  • Day 2: Visit the Lancang River and Nagu Stone Coffin Tombs to experience the local culture and history.
  • Day 3: Head to Meili Snow Mountain to enjoy the stunning natural scenery. Return to Deqin County or continue to other attractions.
Yunling Township is a place full of ethnic characteristics and cultural heritage, suitable for tourists who love folk culture and natural scenery. Here, you can feel the warm hospitality of the local people and appreciate the unique charm of ancient ethnic cultures. We hope that your trip to Yunling Township will be fruitful and leave you with unforgettable memories.