The Land Where Gods and Humans Coexist: Exploring the Emerald River, Peach Blossom Islands, and Sacred Harmony of Bingzhongluo

A Sanctuary of "Gods and Humans Coexisting"

1.Hidden deep within the majestic Nu River: Grand Canyon in Gongshan County, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, lies a place often described as the last "Shangri-La" or a real-life "Peach Blossom Spring": Bingzhongluo (Bingzhongluo Scenic Area). Located at the core of the "Three Parallel Rivers" World Natural Heritage site, Bingzhongluo is renowned as "The Land Where Gods and Humans Coexist." This title reflects not only its ethereal, almost divine natural beauty—where snow-capped mountains, steep gorges, and lush terraced fields blend seamlessly—but also its unique cultural landscape. Here, diverse ethnic groups including the Nu, Lisu, Tibetan, and Dulong people live in harmony, and multiple religions such as Tibetan Buddhism, Catholicism, Christianity, and primitive Animism coexist peacefully within the same villages. It is a place where the roar of the river meets the chanting of scriptures and the singing of hymns, creating a spiritual sanctuary isolated from the outside world.

The Spectacle of the Nu River First Bay

2.One of the most iconic sights in: Bingzhongluo is the Nu River First Bay (Nujiang Diyiwan). As the emerald waters of the Nu River flow down from Tibet, they are blocked by the imposing Danla Mountain, forcing the river to make a dramatic 300-degree semi-circular turn. This creates a rare geological wonder where the river encircles a peninsula known as Kan'tong Village (often called Peach Blossom Island). In the spring, the peninsula is covered in blooming peach trees, surrounded by the turquoise river and majestic cliffs, resembling a jade ribbon wrapped around a gem. Visitors can view this breathtaking panorama from the Lamadeng Viewing Platform on the roadside cliffs, seeing the contrast between the turbulent river, the serene village, and the towering mountains.

The Gateway of Stone and History

Entering Bingzhongluo often involves passing through the Stone Gate (Shimenguan), where towering limestone cliffs rise vertically from the riverbanks like a giant stone gate opening to the heavens. Beyond this natural barrier lies a pastoral valley dotted with ancient villages. Among them, Wuli Village (Wuli Cun) is celebrated as one of China's most beautiful villages. It sits on a gentle slope opposite the river, framed by cornfields and traditional wooden houses. Carved into the sheer cliff face across the river from Wuli is a surviving section of the ancient Tea Horse Road. This narrow, dangerous path was once the lifeline for trade caravans traveling between Yunnan and Tibet. Today, it stands as a silent testament to the resilience of the ancestors who traversed these mountains.

A Fusion of Faith and Architecture

3.The spiritual harmony of: Bingzhongluo is physically embodied in its architecture. The Chongding Catholic Church (Zhongding Church) is a famous landmark, built by French missionaries in the early 20th century. Its unique design blends Western basilica elements with local Chinese and Tibetan architectural styles. Not far away stands the Puhua Temple, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery, and numerous animist sites worshipped by the Nu people. In the northernmost village of Qiunatong (Autumn Barrel), located near the border with Tibet, traditional slate-roofed wooden houses nestle amidst walnut trees and semi-wild landscapes, offering a glimpse into a primitive and tranquil lifestyle that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Whether hiking along the river, visiting a church service sung in four-part harmony by ethnic villagers, or simply watching the clouds drift over the Biluo Snow Mountain and Gaoligong Mountain, Bingzhongluo offers a journey into a rare world of peace and inclusivity.