Page 15 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (95)

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VILLAGES | 村寨

Dulongjiang: Tunnel journey to the county town in his recently acquired vehicle. His purpose is to buy flowerpots,
In the early hours of the morning, Mu Lisheng, a resident from Bapo Village, embarks on a

as he plans to revitalize and beautify his courtyard before the arrival of the Spring Festival. Mu
links township with remarks, “It now takes a little over two hours to reach the county town, whereas in the past, the
arduous journey would consume six or seven days.”

outside world abode for the Dulong ethnic group. For millennia, the than 500 hectares of walnut trees have been culti-
The Dulong River Valley stands as a solitary
vated along the banks of the Dulong River. This
township remained secluded due to its deep valley mountainous region has transformed into a thriving
独龙江： and snow-capped mountains. Locals were compelled “cornucopia” of agricultural abundance. Previously
to traverse the river using ropeways and endure days
limited to rice and potato cultivation, the Dulong
of arduous trekking to venture beyond the mountains. people have now diversified their pursuits and en-
山门洞开幸福长 Their subsistence relied on hunting, fishing, and gaged in various profitable industries.
slash-and-burn agriculture. In 1999, the rugged and
“Over the past decade, Dulongjiang Township
rudimentary Dulongjiang Highway was inaugurated, has undergone remarkable transformations and has
providing a vital link to the outside world. Yet, from now evolved into an idyllic place that captivates the
By Li Shouhua □ 李寿华 / 文 November to May each year, heavy snowfall obstructs imagination of all,” said Li Xuetao, Party secretary
the Nanmowang pass of Gaoligong Mountain, situat- of Gongshan Dulong and Nu Autonomous County.
ed at an imposing altitude of 3,672 meters, once again In 2022, the resourceful Dulong people crafted
isolating the township. enchanting courtyards in Dulongjiang Township,
In the depth of winter, as a heavy snow descends ac- In 2014, a resounding explosion marked the using pebbles from the rivers and Chinese birches
companied by biting winds, vehicles laden with goods and completion of the 6.68km long Dulongjiang high- sourced from the mountains. These unique court-
tourists traverse the Gaoligong Mountain tunnel, making way tunnel. Dulongjiang Township finally bid yards are thoughtfully designed to harmonize with
their way towards Dulongjiang Township, Gongshan Dulo- farewell to its history of annual isolation for half the village topography and the individual styles of
ng and Nu Autonomous County, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous a year due to heavy snowfall. In September 2017, each residence, resulting in a township that is both
Prefecture, Yunnan Province. This highway serves as a the Dulongjiang Highway, which connects the beautiful and livable. Every step taken within this
gateway, leading this once underdeveloped township into township to the county town, underwent extensive township presents a picturesque vista, with diverse
a season of transformation and renewal. repairs and upgrades. Road safety measures were and ever-changing views awaiting at every turn.
reinforced, and the road surface was meticulously Bai Zhongping, a local farmer and manager of
paved, mitigating potential hazards such as snow “Dream Come True”, a rural homestay hotel in
accumulation, falling rocks, and landslides. These Dulongjiang Township, shared that their estab-
寒冬，独龙江公路高黎贡山隧道口大雪纷飞，寒风刺骨。一辆 enhancements greatly improved the overall acces- lishment welcomes a steady influx of 20 to 30
辆满载货物和游客的车辆穿过隧道，驶向怒江傈僳族自治州贡山独 sibility for vehicles, ensuring a safer and smoother tourists every day. With its growing popularity
journey for all. through the Internet, the hotel has become a
龙族怒族自治县独龙江乡。这条公路，带领独龙江乡走向万象更新
Today, Dulongjiang Township is witnessing sought-after destination. The guest rooms are
的春天。 the rapid development of a comprehensive road positioned along the river, while cobblestone
network. Numerous roads dedicated to production courtyards and vegetable gardens adorn the farm-
purposes gracefully wind their way into the moun- houses. As tourists gaze upward, they are greeted
tains, while “tsao-ko ropeways” for transporting by majestic snow-capped mountains, while look-
locally produced medical materials extend deep into ing downward treats them to breathtaking river
the forests. Over 50 bridges of diverse designs ele- views. Visitors find themselves enthralled by the
gantly span across the river, facilitating convenient township’s charm, often unable to part ways and
transportation of industrial and agricultural products extending their stay for as long as possible.
to the villages and beyond the mountainous terrain. On a country road that meanders through the
The once secluded and impoverished Dulongjiang verdant forest, Mu Lisheng and his fellow villagers
Township has undergone a remarkable transforma- are transporting humus to nurture the growth of
tion, now adorned with bustling vehicles, towering flowers and trees. They are adorning their yards,
new structures, and lush greenery enveloping the getting them ready to welcome out-of-town visitors
entire township. during the extended Chinese New Year holiday.
In the pursuit of rural revitalization, the township The Dulong people’s lives are improving with
of Dulongjiang has been met with a series of encour- the presence of well-maintained roads, flour-
aging developments. At present, over 4,000 hectares of ishing industries, and a pristine environment.
Amomum tsao-ko, 100 hectares of Paris polyphylla, And they are embarking on a journey towards a
approximately 100 hectares of prickly ash, and more brighter future.