Yunling Mountain Range

　　The middle and upper sections of the Yunling Mountain Range are located within Lanping County in the eastern part of Nujiang Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Its branch ranges include Xuebang Mountain, Yangbizi Mountain, Yuping Mountain, and others, stretching over a hundred kilometers from north to south. The main peak of the Yunling Mountain Range, Laojun Mountain, stands at an elevation of 4,247 meters, towering between the three counties of Lijiang, Jianchuan, and Lanping in Yunnan. Majestic and imposing, it resembles a colossal pillar reaching the sky. When the morning sun rises in winter or the evening sun sets, the snow-capped peak glows brilliantly in the golden light, evoking a deep sense of reverence. Xuebang Mountain features steep and rugged terrain. Since ancient times, it had to be crossed in order to transport salt produced in Lajijing, Lanping, to various destinations. The ringing of salt caravan bells and the clamor of salt transporters echoed year-round across the high mountains, hence it is also known as the “Salt Road Mountain.” The main peak of Xuebang Mountain lies between Jianchuan County and Lanping County in Yunnan, serving as the boundary between the two. With an elevation of 4,295 meters, its summit is over 40 meters higher than that of Laojun Mountain.

　　On clear days, standing on Jinping Dam in Lanping, one can gaze upon the towering peaks piercing the clouds, appearing even more majestic amidst the surrounding mountain ranges. In winter and spring, the snow-covered summits, set against the blue sky, resemble a silver dragon soaring through the air with overwhelming grandeur. The Yunling Mountain Range boasts rich forest vegetation and is a major forested area in Lanping County, Yunnan. It is home not only to common high-quality timber such as pine, cypress, and chestnut but also to precious tree species like yew and torreya. On the mountain slopes, azaleas, camellias, and numerous other flowers—both named and nameless—bloom in succession throughout the seasons, filling the lush mountains with the rhythm of life. The region is also abundant in wildlife. Birds sing year-round, and animals roam the mountains continuously. Some species that have long disappeared elsewhere still thrive within the dense forests of the Yunling highlands.

　　The Yunling Mountain Range is also renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Within Lanping County, Yunnan, there are over 20 peaks exceeding 3,000 meters in elevation. Some are steep and precipitous, like swords piercing the sky, while others are grand and sweeping, resembling dragons meandering across the land. The mountains are covered with verdant forests, and streams trickle and waterfalls cascade amid the peaks. The rivers surging through the mountain ranges add a vivid and dynamic charm to the landscape.