Keywords: Alpine Landscapes, Ethnic Cultures

Location: Gongshan County, Nujiang Autonomous Prefecture of Lisu Nationality, Yunnan Province

Drainage Area: 1947 square kilometers

About Dulong River Canyon:

Dulong River is the first order affluent of Irrawaddy River, stretch acrossing China and Myanmar. It originates from the southeast of Tibet, flows through Yunnan Province and runs into Myanmar in Gongshan County.

Dulong River Canyon is a mysterious and remote canyon with a altitude from 1000 to 4936 meters. The canyon preserves intact sustainable landscape and contains rich natural resources. However, due to the snowy and frozen climate, Dulong River Canyon is isolated from the world. Dulong River is considered as 'the Natural Museum of Wild Plants' and is the part of the most intact sustainable landscape. An ancient ethnic group, Dulong nationality, live here. Because of the unique geographic position of Dulong River, few travelers come while the beautiful scenery and special humanistic culture bring much charm.

Dulong River in Nujiang

Main Attractions in Dulong River Canyon

▪Maku Zhanggu Nature Barrier

Dulong River becomes roaring and gusting in Maku Village. Along the river are cliffs, great mountains and thick forests with abundant rare animals and plants. Crystal clear streams and waterfalls dot the region. 

▪Moon Waterfall

It also called Hapang Waterfall, which means the shiny water from the heaven in Dulong language. The waterfall got its name of moon because water shines brightly in the moonlight whenever it is the 15th of the month of the lunar calendar when the moon is round. And it is quite enjoyable to watch the waterfall in the moonlight then. 

▪The Rattan Strips Bridges on Dulong River

The 150 branches of Dulong River flow in Gaoligong Mountain and Dandanglika Mountain and form numerous deep gullies. To cross the gullies, Dulong people have built many bridges from rattan strips. The rattan bridges look very simple. People fasten the two ends of two parallel thick rattan strips at the river banks, weave a net of thin rattan strips between the two thicker ones, then put some long wood boards or wide bamboo strips on the net. A V-shape bridge is made then.

▪Dulong River Post Road

Dulong River Post Road is the only post road leading to Dulong River Canyon. Along the road are numerous waterfalls and other beautiful sceneries. There also live many rare animals and plants along the road. It takes about three days to reach the Dulong River by the post road on foot. Dulong nationality entered socialist society directly from primitive society in the 1950s. The folk customs, as well as the pure natural sceneries, make the place a perfect attraction for tourists.

Trekking Routes in Dulongjiang River Canyon

Route A: Kongdang‣Xiangjiudang‣Kongdang
This is the easiest north route, a round walk takes about 3 days. Xianjiudang is where leeches attack trekkers. Leg wrapping and salt should be brought to keep leeches away.
Route B: Kongdang‣Xiangjiudang‣Longyuan‣Dizhengdang‣Xiongdang
Route C: Gongshan‣Qiqi‣Dongshaofang‣Bapo‣Kongdang‣Gongshan
Route D: Gongshan‣Qiqi‣Dongshaofang‣Bapo‣Houmu‣Xianjiudang‣Longyuan‣Dizhengdang‣Nandai‣Kongdang‣Gongshan

Dulong Nationality in Dulong River Canyon:

Facial Tattoo Women of Dulong People in Dulong River Canyon

Dulong nationality is an ancient ethnic minority that live in Dulong River Canyon. Facial tattoo of women is a special costom of Dulong people. As for the reason, there are different versions. Some said that it is the coming-of-age ceremony of Dulong girls in 12 or 13 ages or it shows the totemism of Dulong people. Some said that it is a unique method to prevent from the robbery of Tibetan Tusi. Whatever the ture reason is, the traditon of facial tattoo women is dying out gradually.

‣‣‣ Dulong River Travel Guide

‣‣‣ Nujiang Travel Guide

‣‣‣ Tours Including Dulong River Canyon

• 9 Days Nujiang River Grand Canyon and Donglongjiang River Valley Adventure Tour

• 13 Days Dulongjiang River Valley Trekking Tour

• 11 Days Nujiang River Grand Canyon and Donglongjiang River Valley Trekking Tour with Dulong Nu and Lisu Minorities Culture Experience