China’s Exclusive: Hundreds of Thousands of Acres of Rhododendron Sea—An Even More Mysterious Wonderland Than Tibet! 8-Day Trip to Daliang Mountain, Sichuan
A Magical Hidden Paradise—Not an Exaggeration!
This journey features some of China’s and the world’s most stunning landscapes.
After an arduous journey into the heart of Daliang Mountain, I want to bring you its breathtaking beauty.
Based on recent years’ rhododendron blooming periods and my experience leading tours, May 19 is the perfect time to witness China’s extraordinary wonders.
Where is Daliang Mountain?
China National Geography calls this the "edge of the Earth"—perhaps an overstatement, but it hints at its remote, mysterious charm.
Before my explorations of Yi culture in my journey across China’s ethnic minority regions, I only knew Daliang Mountain for its cliff villages, satellite launch center, and being the largest Yi settlement in China.
However, after leading multiple expeditions, I discovered Daliang Mountain’s breathtaking natural beauty, a landscape shaped by the deep gorges carved by the Jinsha, Yalong, and Meigu Rivers.
In May and June, the mountains are blanketed with endless rhododendrons, creating one of the most spectacular flower seas in China—without rival.
In July and August, the mountain meadows transform into a vast, colorful tapestry of wildflowers.
Daliang Mountain is not just uniquely beautiful; it is also one of China’s most impoverished areas. As I travel through these lands, I reflect on how journeys can be more meaningful.
Like Yi poet and Vice Chairman of the Chinese Writers’ Association Jidi Majia wrote:
"I see a child standing on the mountain ridge, holding the severed umbilical cord in his hands, filled with sorrow."
While marveling at Daliang Mountain’s beauty, we also witness its hardships. Through our travels, we can engage in charitable activities—bringing love and nourishment to Yi children and enriching our own lives in the process.
For years, we have been conducting public welfare travel in Daliang Mountain. In the future, we will continue passing on this love, making each journey meaningful.
What We Will Experience
1. The Rhododendron Sea
While Guangdong swelters in summer heat, spring still lingers here.
Yunnan and Sichuan are China’s Rhododendron Kingdoms. In the 19th century, Western plant hunters ventured into these mountains, discovering species unknown in the West and bringing them back to Europe.
Locally called “Soma Flowers”, these towering rhododendron trees create a kaleidoscope of colors across the mountains—a true floral paradise.
2. The World's Largest Hot Spring Waterfall
Located at 1,800m altitude, this steaming cascade roars through the lush mountains of Luoji Mountain.
Unlike many of China’s famous waterfalls, hot spring waterfalls are rare, and this one has exceptional water quality.
3. Rizudi Sa – The Birthplace of the Yi Fire Festival
If you ask a local Yi person about Rizudi Sa, they will likely tell you:
"That’s the birthplace of the Fire Festival!"—even if they’ve never been there themselves.
This remote wonder resembles a lunar landscape, reinforcing the "edge of the Earth" imagery.
In May and June, it overflows with spring vitality. By July and August, it becomes a paradise of life.
4. The Cliff Village – Atulie’er
Almost overnight, Atulie’er Village, also known as the "Cliff Village", became famous nationwide.
Once, villagers had to climb 12 rattan ladders to ascend 800m of cliffs—a life-threatening journey every time they returned home.
Today, steel ladders have replaced the rattan ones, allowing us to visit this astonishing cliffside community—a "heaven on Earth" suspended in midair.
5. Guli Grand Canyon
A 13km-long canyon with a 2,000m elevation drop, featuring sheer cliffs, waterfalls, forests, and Yi villages.
This hidden gem offers a firsthand look at deep rift valleys, leading our eyes toward the Cliff Village—deepening our admiration for the resilience of the Yi people.
6. Baicao Slope
A natural reserve best known for its 300,000 acres of high-altitude wild rhododendrons—outshining most of China’s other flower-viewing destinations.
Its "spring" lasts from April to August, bursting into a sea of blooms. In summer and autumn, cloud seas roll across the landscape. In winter, it becomes a snow-covered wonderland.
7. Jinsha River Gorge
As one of China’s most rugged river landscapes, the Jinsha River cuts through the mountains, creating dramatic cliffs and towering peaks.
8. Qionghai Lake
Formerly known as Qiong Pool, this is Sichuan’s second-largest freshwater lake with a 35km shoreline.
It was once one of the "Three Wonders of Xikang" and is now one of Sichuan’s 100 most scenic photography locations.
9. The Earthen Forest
A small yet unique landscape near the city, preserving a pristine geological wonder—towering stone pillars that make for incredible photography.
Recommended Books on Daliang Mountain
- “The Power of Life” by Lin Qiang
- “My Liangshan Brothers – Drugs, AIDS, and Migrant Youth” by Liu Shaohua
- “A Field Study of Daliang Mountain Yi Region” by Zeng Zhaolun
8-Day Itinerary
📍 Day 1: Arrival in Xichang – Qionghai Lake
📍 Day 2: Private photography spots – Zhaojue
📍 Day 3: Cliff Village & Charity Activities – Guli Canyon
📍 Day 4: Guli Canyon & Charity Activities
📍 Day 5: Baicao Slope – Jinyang County
📍 Day 6: Jinsha River Gorge – Ningnan
📍 Day 7: Rizudi Sa (Yi Fire Festival Origin) – Puge
📍 Day 8: Hot Spring Waterfall – Return from Xichang
This journey is an optimized itinerary based on years of expeditions, showcasing the hidden wonders of Daliang Mountain while making our travels more meaningful through charity initiatives.
Come witness the most spectacular rhododendron sea in China and uncover the mystical beauty of the Yi homeland!