Cizhong and Nujiang

Cizhong is a village located on the bank of the Mekong River in northern Yunnan. The Lisu, Naxi, Tibetan minorities live here in harmony. Though Cizhong is in a Buddhist region, about 80% of the inhabitants are Catholic, Because there was a missionary last century in Cizhong Village. The Catholic church stands still in the center of the village, surrounded by the vines.

the Cizhong Church

The Catholic church built by a French missionary was started in 1905 and completed in 1921 and then it became the Catholic center of Yunnan.

Surrounded by large vineyards, the church is a combination of the Gothic architectural style and traditional Chinese style. The missionary not only brought Catholicism to Cizhong but also left the villagers the grape cultivation and winemaking techniques and inherited to this day.

In 2006, Cizhong Church was listed in cultural relics protection units.

the Feilaisi Monastery

The Feilaisi Monastery means “Flying Temple” and this single temple is located near the panoramic platform of Mount Meili. The Tibetans pilgrims pray in Feilaisi Monastery before their pilgrimage on Meili Mountain.

Nujiang

The Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture is situated in the remote northwest highlands of Yunnan and is named after the Nujiang River (also called Salween River) runs through the whole territory from north to south. As the junction of China and Myanmar, Yunnan and Tibet, Nujiang is an ideal place for the stunning landscapes, interesting hiking routes, and fascinating local cultures. It’s a great destination off the beaten track.

Nujiang is one of the major rivers in southwestern China. It originates from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, passes through Yunnan, and is renamed the Salween River after reaching Myanmar. It is finally injected into the Andaman Sea in the Indian Ocean. While the Nujiang flows through Gaoligong Mountain and Biluo Snow Mountain, it forms the Nujiang Grand Canyon, which is known as the “Grand Canyon of the East”.

It is not only a treasure house of wild animals and plants, with more than 25% of animals and 50% of plants of Yunnan; but also a tourist route full of humanistic characteristics, with Lisu, Dulong, Nu, and other four inhabitants. In the past, people of all ethnic groups living on both sides of the Nujiang crossed the river by way of a zip line or a suspension bridge. Now, new reinforced concrete bridges have been put into use.

The trip to the Nujiang will also take us on the Ancient Tea and Horse route, as important as the famous Silk Road. It refers to the main road formed by the exchange of tea and horses between Han and Tibet from the Tang and Song Dynasties to the Republic of China. On one hand, Yunnan tea has a beneficial effect on digesting and eliminating fat in excessively rich foods. The main diet of Tibetans is beef, mutton, and milk products, so it is essential for the entire Tibetan; on the other hand, Tibetan horses are indispensable to the Han people to ensure the security of the country in the war with the northern aggressors.

Starting from Bingzhongluo Village, hiking along the Ancient Tea and Horse Route allows travelers to relive the lost history. spring and autumn are the perfect seasons to travel to Nujiang.

Trips and Tours Ideas in Cizhong and Yunnan

Baima Nature Reserve and holy Mountain Khawa Karpo

4 days | Shangri-La, Deqin, and Benzilan 
Mount Kawa Karpo rises to 6740 m. Three wide rivers flow through Mount Kawa Karpo, the Yangtze, the Mekong, and the Salween.

Northern Yunnan Tour

15 days | Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La
Deeply explore northern Yunnan and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Himalayan range dotted with extraordinary encounters with minorities living on the borders of Tibet.

Wonders of Yunnan

16 days | Best seller
A travel plan for travelers who want to explore the most attractive landscapes of Yunnan in one trip.