Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve
“Gaoligong” means “mountain of the Gaoligong family.” It is the only large area on Earth that still preserves the transition from humid tropical forest to temperate forest.…
Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve, Nujiang (Salween River)
Key facts
- Admission
- Free
- Time needed
- 1–3 hours
- Getting there
- Self-driving or hiring a car is recommended
- Guidebook rating
- 4 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 277. Open in Google Maps
About Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve
“Gaoligong” means “mountain of the Gaoligong family.” It is the only large area on Earth that still preserves the transition from humid tropical forest to temperate forest. Thanks to its rich diversity of plants and animals, the academic community has hailed it as the “world’s genetic bank of species.” Within the reserve grows a “World Rhododendron King” that blooms more than 40,000 flowers each year. In addition, waterfalls, flowing springs and snow-capped mountain lakes are everywhere, and its stunning scenery makes it a paradise for photographers and hikers.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve cost?
Admission to Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve is Free, as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.
How do I get to Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve?
Self-driving or hiring a car is recommended
How long should I spend at Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve?
Plan on 1–3 hours for Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve.
Where is Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve?
Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve is in Nujiang (Salween River), Yunnan Province, in the Southwest of China. Tengchong City, Yunnan Province (spanning Nujiang Prefecture and Baoshan City)
More places in Nujiang (Salween River)
Bingzhongluo
Peach Blossom Island, Gawagapu Snow Mountain, Shimen Pass, Puhua Temple, Zhongding Catholic Church and the Nu River First Bend: these attractions make the people of the Nu River proud to believe that the true “Shangri-La” is in Bingzhongluo. In truth, any place with clear skies, blooming mountain flowers and simple, down-to-earth customs is a paradise on earth.
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Dulongjiang Gorge
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Biluo Snow Mountain
Biluo Snow Mountain is the filming location of the movie “Biluo Snow Mountain.” Its primeval ecosystem is remarkably well preserved. Weather in the mountains changes rapidly, with waterfalls scattered everywhere and numerous alpine lakes, earning it the name “Mountain of Ten Thousand Waterfalls and a Thousand Lakes.” In late spring and early summer, clouds rise through the mountains. Standing at the summit to watch the sunrise or sunset is truly spectacular.
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Qiunatong Village
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Free · 1 day
Meili Highway Greenway
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Wuli Village
Wuli Village is a small hamlet on the ancient Tea Horse Road. Its scenery is picture-perfect: the distinctive wooden houses of the Nu people emerge through the morning mist, with wisps of cooking smoke rising above them. Together with the green fields and the blue waters of the Nu River, the village feels like a fairyland.
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