The Divine Guest from the Heavens: Unveiling the Mystery of the Nujiang Feilai Stone in the Land of Gods and Humans

A Miracle in the "Land of Gods and Humans"

Located within the idyllic township of Bingzhongluo in Gongshan County, the Nujiang Feilai Stone (Flying Stone) stands as a solitary, mystical sentinel amidst the lush fields of the Nu River Grand Canyon. Bingzhongluo is renowned as "The Land Where Gods and Humans Coexist," a place where diverse ethnic groups and religions blend harmoniously against a backdrop of majestic snow-capped peaks and the roaring Nu River. In this valley, where the Gaoligong Mountains and Biluo Snow Mountain create a dramatic corridor, the Feilai Stone appears as a geological anomaly—a massive boulder resting conspicuously on the flat ground, distinct from the surrounding terrain. Its presence is so abrupt and imposing that it has inspired centuries of local folklore, becoming a spiritual landmark for the Nu, Lisu, and Tibetan people who call this valley home.

The Legend of the "Flying" Rock

The name "Feilai" translates to "Flying" or "Flew Here," capturing the essence of the local legends surrounding its origin. In a region steeped in animism and mythology, where mountains and rivers are believed to have spirits, the stone is said to have flown from the distant Himalayas or the sacred mountains of Tibet to settle in this specific spot. Some versions of the legend suggest it arrived to suppress evil spirits or to protect the village from the fierce winds and rushing waters of the canyon. Unlike the carefully constructed Chongding Church or the Puhua Temple nearby, the Feilai Stone is a monument made by nature but consecrated by human belief. It sits quietly, often near local settlements or schools, witnessing the daily lives of the villagers and the changing seasons of the canyon.

A Symbol of Resilience

Visually, the Feilai Stone creates a striking contrast with the pastoral beauty of Bingzhongluo. While the surrounding landscape is characterized by the gentle curves of the Nu River First Bay and the soft peach blossoms of spring, the stone represents raw, unyielding strength. It is a popular stop for travelers exploring the Bing-Cha-Cha route or hiking along the ancient Tea Horse Road. Visitors often pause here to marvel at its size and position, contemplating the geological forces—likely ancient glacial movements or rockfalls—that truly brought it here, while respecting the cultural veil of mystery that the local people have woven around it. It stands not just as a rock, but as a testament to the deep spiritual connection the people of the Nu River Valley have with their natural environment.