There is a mysterious and obscure county called Derong somewhere between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, on the north section of the Hengduan Mountains. It cuts deeply into the border region between Ganzi Prefecture of Sichuan and Diqing Prefecture of Yunnan. The county is also called “Auspicious Sun Valley” because its name means valley, the valley it is in receives a great deal of sunshine, and local Tibetans are convinced Buddhists and worship the sun. [Photo courtesy of the Publicity Department of CPC Derong County Committee]

There is a mysterious and obscure county called Derong somewhere between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, on the north section of the Hengduan Mountains. It cuts deeply into the border region between Ganzi Prefecture of Sichuan and Diqing Prefecture of Yunnan. The county is also called “Auspicious Sun Valley” because its name means valley, the valley it is in receives a great deal of sunshine, and local Tibetans are convinced Buddhists and worship the sun.

The mountains here afford simultaneous views of four seasons due to the unique geographical conditions. A half-kilometer walk up the mountains will surprise visitors with the varying natural scenery along the way. Snow mountains, valleys, grasslands, forests, blue sky and the sun together constitute a fine painting of magnificent, peculiar, dangerous and beautiful sights.

Things not to be missed in the county include the boundless Dinggong Grassland and the Ciwu Valley close to it, which are both masterpieces of nature. To get a full experience of Derong, tourists are advised to walk south down some rough, dangerous rural roads along the banks of Dingqu River until they come to the First Bay of Jinsha River at the confluence of the Jinsha, Lancang and Nujiang Rivers. The river winds among the mountains like a brocade ribbon. From north to south lie the Gajin Mountain and the Momu Gully whose nature reserves boast impressive and memorable views. In Ciwu Tibetan Township, tourists can enjoy a pastoral view of well-raised cattle and sheep, white Tibetan houses and clear rivers.

Xiayong scenic area in southeast Derong is believed by some experts to be a first-rank natural attraction in China featuring imposing natural views and a high level of biodiversity. The area is also noted for vegetation stratification. It is at once home to forests, meadows, lakes, stone forests, falls, karst caves and valleys.

In the northwest, there is the gorgeous, majestic Gongjin Mountain which is covered by snow all year round. In the east lies the Momo Grand Valley which is on par with Xiayong Scenic Area in terms of its views. In central Derong, a recommended site is Longrong Temple, which is under provincial-level protection. In the north, there are old, graceful spruces, Wuci Ecological Zone and Tibetan pastoral scenery and most notably the Wengjia Holy Mountain.

Its location at the junction of Sichuan, Yunan and Tibet puts Derong under the influence of all the three provinces. Its costumes as well as songs and dances are mixtures of those of Tibetan, Qiang, Yi and Naxi ethnic groups inhabiting the three provinces.

Though presently Derong has virtually no tourists coming in, its beauty justify a short trip from the nearby Shangri-La county in Diqing Prefecture of Yunnan.

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