Weiyuan River Nature Reserve

　　Weiyuan River Nature ReserveThe reserve is located in the southwestern part of Jinggu County in southern Yunnan Province, situated along the lower reaches of the Weiyuan River, a tributary of the Lancang River.

　　A 41-kilometer drive along the Zhongbi Road takes you through the fertile Zhongshan Basin and into the 40-kilometer-long green valley that is the Weiyuan Natural Section of the reserve. The Weiyuan River flows through the reserve, with lush forests lining both banks. Along the riverbanks lies a vast expanse of tropical rainforest, the mid-section is covered with mixed broadleaf forest, and the mountainous areas are dominated by Pu’er coniferous forests. Towering trees dozens of meters high form dense canopies across every hill in the reserve. The river itself is only a few hundred meters wide, and on either bank, people can converse with one another — even if there’s no reply, the mountains will echo your voice.

　　The Weiyuan River flows through the rugged mountains of the Wuliang Mountain range. With the verdant mountains set against the clear waters, the landscape appears as a seamless harmony between mountain and water, each enhancing the beauty of the other. At times, the river flows gently, as if not wanting to disturb the tranquility of the woods, while at other times it quickens, as though singing along with the pine waves, offering a rhythmic beauty of majestic mountains and elegant waters.

　　The scenic area management office, built in 1996 with an investment of 380,000 yuan, is nestled among emerald mountains and clear waters. Visitors can take a rest here before heading toward the Tiger Mountain Watchtower deep within the reserve. Perched at an altitude of 1,340 meters, the watchtower resembles an ancient signal fire tower used for spotting enemies. From its vantage point, looking out as far as the eye can see instantly refreshes the spirit and broadens the horizons. To the east and south, ranges of peaks stretch continuously, with the Weiyuan River wrapping around the mountains like a silver ribbon — you can only tell it’s a river flowing into the distance by the sight of its rippling waves. In the distance, the mountain mist is hazy, blending mountains and sky into one. Wisps of white clouds drift across the mountainsides, like a gentle fairy descending on a cloud or, at times, like the silver beard of a kind-hearted mountain guardian being caressed by a breeze.

　　The thickets are filled with spiders’ “bagua traps” (webs); on the lawns, dragonflies that look like miniature helicopters can hover motionlessly in the air; butterflies flap their wings, fluttering up and down; countless bees buzz noisily, resembling the roar of many small engines; cicadas on the trees shriek sharply, while black ants on the ground form long lines… If you spend some time in these mountains, you might spot monkeys climbing trees, pangolins in earthen burrows, little squirrels in the trees, beautiful peacocks, as well as passing elephants, galloping wild boars, and hear the roars of rare animals such as leopards, deer, wolves, and gibbons.

　　Within the Weiyuan River Nature Reserve, you can also admire the world’s largest and most well-preserved wild population of Dracaena trees. According to expert identification, the Dracaena found here is the Cambodian sword-leaf Dracaena, a valuable medicinal plant known for promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, stopping bleeding, and enriching blood.

　　Here there are mountains that remain evergreen all year round, their lush canopies stretching endlessly with life thriving unabated; here there are waters so clear you can see to the bottom, flowing ceaselessly; here insects crawl, fish leap, and birds fly; here rare birds and animals roam and play together.

　　The scenery here is truly unique. When you find yourself immersed in this beautiful ecological environment, you’ll feel as if you’re floating on air: because birds will sing for you, flowers will release their fragrance for you, towering ancient trees will lift you up to the clouds, letting you ride the white clouds as you cruise above the Weiyuan River, with all the breathtaking views spread out before you.