A Golden Fairytale in the Borderland: The Autumn Symphony of Baoshan Ginkgo Village

A Golden Secret Land on the Banks of the Lujiang River

1.Located in Xinzhai: Village (also known as Gongfa Village) of Lujiang Town, Longyang District, Baoshan City, Yunnan Province, the Baoshan Ginkgo Village is a mesmerizing ecological treasure hidden in the depths of the Gaoligong Mountains. Situated approximately 70 kilometers from the Baoshan city center, this village lies on the banks of the majestic Lujiang River (Salween River). Unlike the more commercialized ginkgo spots, this village retains a quiet, poetic atmosphere, often praised as the "Most Beautiful Golden Dai Village in Western Yunnan." The village sits at an altitude of about 1,400 meters and is home to a massive community of over 10,000 ginkgo trees, including hundreds that are over a century old. Every autumn, the village transforms into a dazzling world of gold, creating a "village within the forest, forest within the village" landscape that attracts photographers and nature lovers from around the globe.

The Legacy of the Central Plains and Dai Culture

The history of the village dates back to the Ming Dynasty (Hongwu period), when immigrants from the Central Plains moved to Yunnan and blended with the local Dai ancestors. This unique fusion has created a distinct cultural landscape where Han and Dai traditions coexist. The architecture reflects this blend, featuring traditional Diaojiaolou (stilt houses) with intricate wood carvings that combine Dai peacock motifs with Han floral patterns. The villagers have a deep reverence for the ginkgo trees, regarding them as "Divine Trees" that bring longevity and abundance. The "Ginkgo King," a tree over 1,000 years old, stands as the spiritual heart of the village, where locals hang prayer flags and ribbons to wish for good fortune and academic success.

A Feast of Color and Flavor

2.Visiting Baoshan Ginkgo: Village is a feast for the senses. In late autumn (mid-November to early December), the ginkgo leaves turn a brilliant golden yellow, covering the rooftops, courtyards, and stone paths in a thick carpet of gold. Sunlight filtering through the canopy creates a dreamlike "Golden Tunnel" effect. Beyond the visual spectacle, the village offers a culinary journey. Visitors can taste the famous Ginkgo Stewed Chicken, a local delicacy believed to have medicinal benefits, along with roasted pork and seasonal wild vegetables served in traditional farmhouses. The village also preserves the ancient Tea Horse Road heritage, where caravans once rested, adding a layer of historical depth to the scenic beauty. Whether you are wandering along the river boardwalks, watching the waterwheels turn, or participating in the joyous Water Splashing Festival celebrations, Baoshan Ginkgo Village offers a profound connection to nature and history.