During the recent National Day holiday, the Ailao Mountains, located in Southwest China's Yunnan Province, became an unexpected sensation online.
A viral video from a content creator, who ventured into the Ailao Mountains alone to gather materials, showcased the range's mist-covered peaks, tranquil waters, and untamed wilderness. Attracted by the mystique, many tourists flocked to this once relatively unknown destination during the holiday. What was once a sparsely populated "forbidden zone" quickly turned into a crowded "tourist spot".
Contrary to what some may think, the Ailao Mountains are a vast range instead of a single peak. Stretching about 400 kilometers, it runs through central Yunnan, forming a natural boundary between the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and the Hengduan Mountains. While some parts have been developed into scenic areas, much of the Ailao Mountains remain untouched wilderness.
According to veteran geologist Wang Yu, the mountain's terrain is rugged, with steep vertical drops and six different climate zones. "The complex climate, which ranges from tropical to alpine, makes it easy for weather to change suddenly. Once you enter the dense forest, it's easy to lose your way and encounter dangers like venomous snakes, leeches, and wild animals," Wang warned.
In 2021, the dangers of the region became tragically evident when four professional geologists from the Kunming Natural Resources Comprehensive Survey Center of China Geological Survey went missing and were later found deceased in the Ailao Mountains. The youngest of them was 25, and the oldest 32.
The area of the Ailao Mountains in Xinping County is divided into two levels of protected areas: state-level and county-level nature reserves. Each type of reserve is further divided into core, buffer, and experimental zones. Popular scenic spots such as Shimen Gorge, the Ancient Tea Horse Road, and the Jinshan Virgin Forest are located within the experimental zones of the county-level reserve, which are open to the public. Visitors' safety can be ensured as long as they follow the guidelines. However, other areas remain undeveloped, and only professionals can venture into these parts.
While the allure of the Ailao Mountains' wild beauty is undeniable, it's crucial not to embark on such adventures without preparation!
Source | Lingnan on the Cloud
