Nujiang (Salween River), Yunnan Province

Qiunatong Village

秋那桶村Old Towns & Villages · Nature

Qiunatong Village is the last village at the northern end of the Nu River Grand Canyon and the essence of the entire canyon. Dense primeval forest and numerous waterfalls surround it.…

Qiunatong Village, Nujiang (Salween River)

Key facts

Admission
Free
Time needed
1 day
Getting there
From Bingzhongluo to Qiunatong, vehicles can only go as far as Shimen Pass; the rest of the journey must be on foot
Guidebook rating
4 / 5

From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 274. Open in Google Maps

About Qiunatong Village

Qiunatong Village is the last village at the northern end of the Nu River Grand Canyon and the essence of the entire canyon. Dense primeval forest and numerous waterfalls surround it. Locals call it the “Garden of the Gods.” Biluo Snow Mountain, meadows, pine forests, ancient trees, wooden houses, fences, terraced fields and streams are arranged harmoniously, forming a tranquil, peaceful rural hidden paradise. It is often called “a picturesque little village that has fallen from heaven to earth.” The village also has a Catholic church.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Qiunatong Village cost?

Admission to Qiunatong Village is Free, as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.

How do I get to Qiunatong Village?

From Bingzhongluo to Qiunatong, vehicles can only go as far as Shimen Pass; the rest of the journey must be on foot

How long should I spend at Qiunatong Village?

Plan on 1 day for Qiunatong Village.

Where is Qiunatong Village?

Qiunatong Village is in Nujiang (Salween River), Yunnan Province, in the Southwest of China. Qiunatong Village, Gongshan Derung and Nu Autonomous County, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture

More places in Nujiang (Salween River)

Bingzhongluo — illustration

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.

Free Open all day · 2–3 days

Meili Highway Greenway

The Rainbow Trail winds along the Nu River, where every step reveals a new view of the canyon. Every snapshot looks like a masterpiece. Here, you can calm your mind and experience the new changes along the Nu River.

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.

Free · 3–5 hours

Dulongjiang Gorge

Experts have designated the Dulong River Gorge a “natural museum of wild plants,” and it is one of the regions in China with the most intact original ecosystems. The gorge is lined with snow-capped peaks and steep cliffs. From October to May of the following year, heavy snow closes the mountain passes and cuts the area off from the outside world. The Dulong women’s custom of “painting” and “tattooing” their faces is full of ethnic charm, and some elderly women still wear facial tattoos today.

1–2 days

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.

Free · 1 day

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.

Free · 1–3 hours