The Last Secret Land of Southwest China: Journey into the Dulongjiang Grand Canyon

The Mysterious River of the Emerald Dragon

Hidden deep within the transversing mountain ranges of northwest Yunnan, the Dulongjiang Grand Canyon (Dulong River Canyon) has long been considered the "Last Secret Land" of Southwest China. Located in Gongshan Dulong and Nu Autonomous County of the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, this remote valley is sandwiched between the towering Gaoligong Mountains and the Dandanglika Mountains on the border with Myanmar. For centuries, the towering snow-capped peaks isolated this region from the outside world, creating a unique ecological and cultural island. The Dulong River (Dulong Jiang), known for its mesmerizing turquoise waters, cuts a deep gash through the earth, creating a canyon that stretches over 90 kilometers with a vertical drop ranging from 2,000 to 3,500 meters. It is a place where nature reigns supreme, often described as a "Wild Plant Museum" and a "Gene Bank of Biological Species" due to its pristine, untouched state and rich biodiversity.

The Road to the Secret Land

1.Reaching the Dulongjiang Grand: Canyon is an adventure in itself. Historically, the valley was cut off by heavy snow for half the year, making it an isolated island. The construction of the Dulongjiang Highway, and specifically the opening of the Gaoligong Mountain Tunnel in 2014, changed everything, allowing year-round access to this mysterious land. The drive into the canyon offers breathtaking transitions of scenery. As you ascend the snow-covered passes and descend into the lush, subtropical valley, you witness a dramatic shift from alpine snowscapes to dense, humid primeval forests. The road winds through the mountains, offering glimpses of the emerald river below and the misty peaks above, a journey that visualizes the transition from the "world of mortals" to a secluded paradise.

The Legend of the Tattooed Women

2.The canyon is the sole homeland of the: Dulong people (Drung), one of China's smallest ethnic minorities. The most iconic and poignant cultural symbol of the region is the "Facial Tattooed Women" (Wenmian Nv). In the past, Dulong women would tattoo their faces with indigo patterns resembling butterfly wings or geometric shapes. While the origins of this custom are debated—ranging from protection against abduction to aesthetic appreciation or totemic worship—it has become a unique cultural heritage. Today, only a few dozen of these women remain, mostly elderly, making them "living fossils" of a vanishing tradition. Visiting the local villages allows travelers to witness this rare history and experience the simple, primitive lifestyle of the Dulong people, who have historically practiced slash-and-burn agriculture and lived in harmony with the rugged environment.

Villages on the Border

The canyon is dotted with small, picturesque villages that seem frozen in time. Kongdang serves as the administrative center, but the true charm lies in the outlying settlements. Bapo (the old county seat) and Maku are must-visits. Maku Village, located near the Myanmar border, is famous for the Haubang Waterfall (also known as the Moon Waterfall), which crashes dramatically into the river. Following the river south brings you to the China-Myanmar Boundary Marker No. 41, a significant spot for geography enthusiasts. To the north lies Pukawang, a village with traditional wooden houses and a serene atmosphere. The architecture here features "Muleng houses" (log cabins) and slate roofs, blending perfectly with the surrounding verdant mountains. Walking through these villages offers a glimpse into a way of life that is slowly integrating with modernity while holding onto its ancient roots.