The heartland of the Three Parallel Rivers! A 3-day trip to Weixi, unlocking canyon villages and snow-capped mountains
For travelers who love pristine natural destinations, this Weixi trip is simply legendary! Hidden in the mountains of northwest Yunnan, it’s free from over-commercialization, featuring only emerald rivers, ancient villages thousands of years old, and snow mountains within reach. After 3 days of deep exploration, every spot heals your soul.
On the first day, head straight to Tongle Lisu Ancient Village, just a 1-hour drive from the county town. The moment you enter the village, you’re amazed by the uniform wooden log houses built along the mountain, layered on the hillside. The thatched roofs gleam golden under the sunlight, and mist wraps around the village like a paradise on earth. Walking up the stone path, you see villagers drying corn cobs and hanging cured meat under the eaves. The air is filled with the scent of smoke and fresh vegetation. Standing on the highest viewing platform in the village, you overlook the entire settlement and the Lancang River canyon in the distance. The emerald river winds through, flanked by lush green mountains—every photo looks like a masterpiece without filters.
On the second day, unlock a lesser-known secret spot — Tacheng Yunnan Golden Monkey National Park. Although we didn’t get close shots of the golden monkeys, the park’s primeval forest is breathtaking! Towering ancient trees with dense branches let sunlight filter through, creating dappled light and shadow. The forest streams babble gently, and occasional bird calls make it peaceful and healing. In the afternoon, we visited the Patriarch Damo Cave. The temple is built on a cliff face, with a suspended plank road winding along the mountain. Looking down reveals a bottomless canyon, and looking up shows a clear blue sky. Walking on the plank road is both thrilling and exciting. From the summit, you can see snow mountains, forests, and canyons all at once—the grandeur instantly makes you forget your worries.
The third day is reserved for snow mountains and geological wonders. In the morning, we went to Xuelong Mountain, where alpine meadows at 3,900 meters are covered with wildflowers in purple, yellow, and pink, swaying in the breeze. The main peak of Xuelong Mountain is snow-capped year-round, shining silver under the sun. Walking slowly along the meadow trail, breathing fresh air and feeling the gentle breeze on your face, the healing feeling is full. In the afternoon, we checked out the Natural Bridge, a natural stone bridge formed by karst landforms spanning the river. The bridge surface is flat, and the rushing water below crashes against the rocks, splashing waves. Standing on the bridge, you see the river rushing beneath, with steep rocky cliffs on both sides covered in vegetation—a unique and spectacular view.
The food must be highly praised! The Lisu hand-grabbed rice is incredibly fragrant, with glutinous rice, cured meat, wild mushrooms, and wild vegetables piled on a big plate, paired with a tangy and spicy dipping sauce—one bite is super satisfying. Also, lacquer oil stewed chicken is a must-try; the chicken is tender and flavorful, and the unique aroma of lacquer oil leaves a lasting impression. Don’t miss the wild mushroom hotpot in the county town either, with fresh boletus and chicken mushrooms cooked in clear broth—so delicious it’s unbelievable. Paired with the local grilled milk fan, the sweet and salty flavors blend perfectly, making it more and more appetizing.
Tips: Weixi has many mountain roads, so drive safely; some sections have many curves and narrow roads. The altitude gradually rises, so avoid strenuous exercise upon arrival. There is a big temperature difference between morning and night, so thick jackets and windbreakers are essential. When entering villages, respect local customs—avoid taking photos indiscriminately or making noise. Weixi is a hidden gem in northwest Yunnan, with pristine landscapes and simple folk customs, worth every travel lover’s journey!