The Sapphire Ribbon of the Lancang: Cruising the High Gorges and Calm Waters of Manwan Long Lake

A Highland Pearl on the Lancang River

1.Located in the southeast of Yun: County (Yunxian), Lincang City, Yunnan Province, the Manwan Baili Changhu (Manwan Hundred-Mile Long Lake) is a magnificent artificial lake formed by the construction of the Manwan Hydropower Station, the first million-kilowatt hydroelectric power station on the Lancang River. This engineering marvel transformed the formerly roaring and turbulent upper reaches of the Lancang (Mekong) River into a serene, mirror-like highland lake. Stretching approximately 50 kilometers (100 li) upstream from the dam, the lake creates a stunning landscape known as "High Gorge, Flat Lake." Here, the untamed nature of the "Grand Canyon of the Orient" meets the tranquility of a vast reservoir, creating a scenic corridor that winds through the towering Wuliang Mountain ranges. It serves as a vital link on the water transport route of the Lancang River and a rising star in the ecological tourism of southwestern Yunnan.

The Spectacle of "High Gorge, Flat Lake"

2.The defining feature of Manwan Long: Lake is the dramatic contrast between the steep, rugged canyon walls and the placid emerald water. Before the dam's construction, the Lancang River here was known for its rapid currents and treacherous shoals, carving its way through the mountains with immense force. Today, the water level has risen, submerging the rapids and creating a broad, deep lake that reflects the blue sky and the lush green peaks of the Wuliang Mountains. Visitors traveling by boat can gaze up at the towering cliffs that seem to pierce the clouds, while the boat glides smoothly over the water. In the mornings, thick mist often shrouds the river valley, making the mountain peaks appear as islands floating in a sea of clouds, a scene reminiscent of a traditional Chinese ink wash painting.

A Haven for Biodiversity

The creation of the reservoir has improved the local microclimate, making the surroundings lush and verdant. The banks of the lake are covered with dense primeval forests and secondary vegetation, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife. The area is part of the broader biodiversity hotspot of the Lancang River basin. As you cruise along the lake, you might spot various waterbirds skimming the surface or nesting in the cliffside vegetation. The lake itself is rich in fish, making it a popular destination for angling enthusiasts. The harmony between the massive man-made structure of the dam and the recovering natural ecosystem showcases a unique blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty.

Cultural Echoes of the Tea Horse Road

3.The Lancang: River basin has historically been a corridor for ethnic migration and trade, deeply intertwined with the Tea Horse Road. While the ancient paths may be submerged or hidden in the mountains, the spirit of the caravan traders lives on. The Manwan area is inhabited by diverse ethnic groups, including the Yi, Dai, and Lahu people, who maintain their traditional lifestyles along the riverbanks. The calm waters of the Long Lake now facilitate modern transport, echoing the river's ancient role as a channel for commerce and culture. Visiting Manwan is not just about viewing the landscape; it is an opportunity to experience the slow-paced life of the river people and imagine the historic journeys of the tea caravans that once traversed these deep valleys.