Walaya Cave Banana River

　　The prefectural capital of the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Liuku, is situated in Liuku Town, Lushui County. It is home to more than 10 ethnic groups, including the Lisu, Nu, Derung, Bai, Yi, and Han, making it a place where ethnic minorities gather. The people of various ethnicities live together in unity, friendship, and harmony along the riverbanks. The Nujiang River is an important part of China’s "Three Parallel Rivers" natural scenic area and is one of the three rivers. In 1998, it was designated by the National Tourism Administration as a priority development project for the "Nujiang Grand Canyon – Human Culture Park." The Nujiang Grand Canyon is renowned for its majesty, danger, wonder, beauty, and serenity. Its unique landforms, vertical landscapes, high-altitude differences in primeval forests, diverse biological communities, and mysterious gorges make it one of the regions in China richest in biodiversity and cultural diversity. It is known as a "species gene bank" and a "natural geological museum." The Walaya Cave Banana River Ecotourism Area lies within these stunning natural landscapes.

　　"Walaya Cave" means "bat cave" in the Lisu language. Three natural cave entrances connect multiple large caves into a cave complex. Of these three entrances, two are located in the Banana River Scenic Area and are interconnected with the Walaya Cave system.

　　The Walaya Cave Banana River Ecotourism Area covers 1,650 acres and enjoys a strategically advantageous location right next to the Nujiang River. It boasts excellent transportation access and is not far from the prefectural capital, Liuku, which is 38 kilometers away. It is situated 133 kilometers along the Wa (Cave)–Gong (Mountain) Highway, at the side of the road, and serves as a key gateway to the counties of Fugong and Gongshan, as well as to Tibet.

　　The Walaya Cave Banana River Ecotourism Area lies just across from the surging river, backed by the majestic and rugged Gaoligong Mountain. The river valley extends deeply, and along the Banana River, there is a rich variety of plant species with distinct vertical vegetation distribution. Ancient trees and wildflowers compete in beauty, while meandering streams flow through the area. The riverbanks and mountainsides feature uniquely configured large-scale underground cave landscapes. These natural resources provide an excellent foundation for developing tourism. In the Nujiang region, many beautiful and magical legends about the Banana River are still widely told. One such tale recounts that in ancient times, the "Bainong" people—believed to be the Dai ethnic group—who worshipped the divine immortals of the Buddhist realm once lived in the Banana River area. They eventually relocated with their descendants, leaving this divine land to be inhabited by auspicious bats and taking the dense banana forests with them. Local residents awoke one morning to find the banana groves mysteriously vanished, leaving behind ancient trees, wildflowers, precious plants, birdsong, floral scents, and swarms of bats in the mid-mountain caves. This is the origin of the name Walaya Cave Banana River.

　　Following the development of the Walaya Cave Scenic Area, the Lushui County Mining Company began developing the Banana River Scenic Area in January 2001. Leveraging the area's favorable natural environment—steep mountains, beautiful waters, tranquil surroundings, wide riverbeds, and flat riverbanks—the company effectively protected the area and initially constructed a 1.03-kilometer road along with corresponding walking paths. Facilities for dining and lodging were also built, offering tourists comprehensive services for accommodation, food, and recreation. The Banana River caves remain under development and consist of two main caves and multiple branch caves. The cave interiors feature grand, majestic, and awe-inspiring landscapes, with interconnected chambers, branching passages, layered formations, and an abundance of uniquely spectacular scenes. Highlights include double-tiered and triple-tiered palaces that are truly enchanting and leave visitors lingering in awe. Once the Walaya Cave Banana River Ecotourism Area is fully developed, it will be covered with lush fruit trees and greenery, filled with thriving forests. Both inside and outside the caves, the scenery will be breathtaking, forming a scenic area that integrates leisure, vacationing, entertainment, commerce, scientific research, and adventure tourism.