In recent years, Nanjiluo (南极洛) has exploded in popularity on platforms like Xiaohongshu and within the outdoor community. However, due to various reasons, it only opened to the public this month. With a daily visitor limit of 200 people, this once-secretive place has retained its enigmatic charm.
Imagine spending hours without any signal, surrounded by meadows, blooming flowers, serene lakes, majestic snow-capped mountains, and flowing rivers. Nanjiluo offers a diverse tapestry of highland landscapes that captivate the soul. Its allure lies in the fact that everyone can find their own slice of paradise here, a place that resonates with their inner desires and dreams.
The Enchantment of Loguqing (罗古箐)
Loguqing is a name known only to locals. This hidden gem is a sanctuary of pristine forests, alpine meadows, and gentle streams. As I wander through this untouched haven, I can't help but envy the people of Yunnan. Guarded by the humble Pumi people for generations, this idyllic retreat boasts leisurely cows and sheep, and lively piglets frolicking freely. I often find myself daydreaming about growing up in such a tranquil environment, wondering how different life would be.
From Altay to Hulunbuir, we are drawn to pastures because they are flat, expansive, and soft. In Yunnan, there are numerous alpine pastures. Nestled in the heart of Laojun Mountain is the acclaimed Gadan Grassland, often referred to as the “Heavenly Pasture.” This highland meadow is more than just a sea of green; each summer, it transforms into a vibrant canvas of colorful blooms. A flower-seeking journey here immerses you in a mesmerizing floral spectacle.
I eagerly anticipate my next visit to Yunnan, to breathe in the fresh scent of moss in the forests and relish the leisurely pace of life among grazing cattle on the alpine pastures. It's a place where thoughts slow down, and the mind can soar freely.
From June onward, Yunnan enters its most “magical” three months. The meadows, pastures, and primeval forests, rejuvenated by the rains, exude the freshest scents of the year. This season, Yunnan is the perfect destination for “healers.” A single summer rain brings forth countless new life forms from the earth—wildflowers, mushrooms, and the refreshing aroma of moss and soil permeate the air. The powerful energy of nature silently extends its reach. My love for Yunnan is profound and inexplicable, perhaps due to its unique magnetic field, which allows me to relax, commune with nature, and engage in deep introspection.
Venturing into the Depths of Shangri-La
In Yunnan, there are 118 snow-capped peaks over 5,000 meters high. The highest, Kawagebo, at 6,740 meters, is perpetually covered in snow and ice, attracting countless devotees to Feilai Temple daily for a glimpse of its majesty. The legendary stories of Meili Snow Mountain have fascinated generations, while Yulong Snow Mountain to the south is home to China's southernmost glacier.
Yunnan boasts numerous noteworthy places, but none compare to the mystical Shangri-La, often dubbed the closest place to heaven. Despite its popularity, Shangri-La remains as pristine as ever. Curious about why people are so enamored with this paradise, I found diverse and relatable answers. Some love Shangri-La for the abundant cow dung scattered everywhere, symbolizing the free-roaming, carefree nature of its cattle. Others are captivated by the interplay of sun, moon, and snow-capped mountains, witnessing the golden glow at sunrise and the silver shimmer under moonlight.
Under the shadow of Tianbao Snow Mountain, the azure Abujicuo Lake is often shrouded in mist, adding to its ethereal charm. Cows and sheep occasionally wander to the lake's edge for a drink, embodying a harmonious and free existence. One colleague mentioned they would gladly return multiple times just for the Abujicuo campsite. Camping on the vast pastures, watching horses roll in the direction of the setting sun, gathering around a campfire at night, and experiencing the profound silence and starry sky are among the year's most relaxing moments.
The Untouched Wilderness of Niru (尼汝)
Niru is a remote pastureland where endless fields and countless herds of sheep and cattle define the landscape. A participant once remarked that what impressed them most about Niru was the abundance of sheep and cow dung throughout the journey. This seemingly mundane detail captures the essence of Niru—a place where nature thrives in its most unspoiled form.
The largest pasture in Shangri-La, Namu Pasture, sits at an altitude of 4,030 meters and is divided into upper and lower lakes. The only way to reach Namu Pasture from Niru Village is by trekking along a simple mountain path. The deeper you go, the more pristine and natural the environment becomes. We set up our tents scattered across the pasture, sitting on the ground and slowly absorbing the sense of freedom that spans these 500 hectares.
The sunrise at Dijitang Pasture, the serene Shudu Lake in Pudacuo Park, and countless other healing moments along the way highlight the journey. At the Seven-Colored Curtain Waterfall, we realized that even waterfalls could be gentle streams, and everything here seemed to soften and calm the spirit.
Niru Village, the heart of this hidden paradise, is a Tibetan village seemingly lost in time. The name Niru means “the place where the sun shines” in Tibetan. We stayed in Niru Village for two nights, observing the morning mist over the mountains and the fields in the valley. An official from the UNESCO World Heritage Center once wrote about Niru during an evaluation for the World Natural Heritage List: “Niru – the China of my dreams, the true Shangri-La, the world's first village.”
The Majestic Splendor of Haba western slope
Haba Snow Mountain is an essential destination in Shangri-La, attracting numerous aspiring mountaineers every climbing season. Unlike the stark, icy slopes often seen in videos, Haba Snow Mountain harbors an incredible array of landscapes. From the base to the summit, it features subtropical, temperate, cold temperate, and alpine zones, encapsulating the natural diversity of northwest Yunnan.
Our exploration of Haba Snow Mountain took us to the less-traveled western slopes, offering a glimpse of Haba's “hidden side.” The western slopes are adorned with various species of rhododendrons, which bloom in a riot of colors as the altitude increases. Immersed in this natural splendor, one can feel the powerful life force of nature—these resilient plants thrive against strong winds and accumulate energy over vast expanses.
The Black Sea, often referred to as the “eye of Haba Snow Mountain,” is a tranquil lake that acts like a magical mirror, reflecting the deepest recesses of the heart. In the midst of urban life's concrete and steel, recalling the serene lake can bring a sense of peace and clarity. A clear mind, like the clear waters of the lake, transforms everything reflected upon it into something beautiful.
Yunnan promises an adventure that touches the soul. In these sacred spaces, one can slow down, breathe deeply, and connect with both nature and oneself. Yunnan is not just a place to visit—it's a sanctuary for the spirit, a canvas for the imagination, and a testament to the enduring harmony between humanity and the natural world.