The Emerald of the Tropics: Exploring the Misty Rainforests and Volcanic Waterfalls of Daweishan

The "Green Emerald" of Eastern Yunnan

Located in the northeast of Pingbian Miao Autonomous County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, Daweishan Primitive Forest (Daweishan National Forest Park) stands as a majestic ecological barrier on the border of China and Vietnam. Often hailed as the "Green Emerald of Eastern Yunnan" and the "Gene Bank of Flora and Fauna," this park is a sanctuary of biodiversity situated near the Tropic of Cancer. With a staggering forest coverage rate of 99%, the air here is exceptionally pure, boasting a negative oxygen ion concentration of up to 85,900 per cubic centimeter, earning it the reputation of a supreme "Natural Oxygen Bar". The park covers a vast area of primitive forests that have remained untouched for centuries, preserving a complete ecosystem that serves as a "Scientific Museum of Nature" for researchers and nature lovers alike.

A Geological and Botanical Wonderland

Daweishan is not just a forest; it is a National Geopark characterized by its dormant volcanic landscapes. The main peak, Dajianshan (Great Sharp Mountain), rises to an altitude of 2,365 meters, offering a commanding view of the region. The mountain range features spectacular geological formations, including ancient volcanic craters that have transformed into serene alpine lakes, creating a unique "water atop the mountain" landscape. Deep within the Core Primitive Forest Area, visitors can walk along wooden boardwalks that wind through a dense jungle of ancient trees, vines, and moss-covered rocks. This area is home to rare plant species such as the Alsophila (tree fern), known as a "living fossil" from the age of dinosaurs, and diverse wildlife including the slow loris and black-crested gibbon. The "Air Garden" phenomenon, where epiphytic plants grow on the trunks of giant trees, creates a mystical, fairy-tale atmosphere.

The Symphony of Waterfalls and Clouds

1.Water is the lifeblood of: Daweishan, with streams flowing year-round from the volcanic peaks. The most famous attraction is the Nine-Layer Waterfall (Jiuceng Pubu), a magnificent cascade that tumbles down distinct tiers of rock hidden deep within the forest. The water rushes through the dense vegetation, creating a thundering sound and a refreshing mist that cools the air even in summer. Another highlight is the high-altitude Suspension Bridge, which connects mountain ridges and offers a thrilling perspective of the canyon and the lush canopy below. In winter and spring, the park is often shrouded in a spectacular Sea of Clouds, where the peaks float like islands in a white ocean, making it a paradise for photographers. Whether it is the rhododendrons blooming in spring or the maple leaves turning red in autumn, Daweishan offers a breathtaking visual feast in every season.