Where can you find the "Fairy City on the Clouds"? It's this small city with "outstanding mountains and seas"!

In western Sichuan, China

There is a special little town

The scenery is more popular than its name

Here are

“The largest viewing platform in Asia”

Half of the city is floating in the air

The mountains awaken in the sea of ​​clouds

(This title became popular on the Internet after the release of the 9th issue of "National Geographic China" in 2009; the picture below is a bird's-eye view of Niubei Mountain, photographer @雪域修罗) ▼

Here are

" The Most Beautiful Phoebe King in China "

A secret place hidden in the city

Years fall asleep in the evening drum

(Phoebe nanmu is the tree species that produces "golden nanmu"; the picture below shows the thousand-year-old Yunfeng Temple and the ancient Phoebe nanmu forest with an average age of over 400 years. Photographer: @夏云) ▼

Here are

" The same forest as Hayao Miyazaki's animation "

Birds and animals rejoice in the four seasons

All things are at leisure in the world

(Longcanggou Tianshengqiao Waterfall, photographer @夏云) ▼

Here are also

Black sandware, a national intangible cultural heritage

Southern Silk Road and Ancient Tea-Horse Road Relics

The world's largest giant panda reintroduction base

And the largest wild Davidia involucrata forest in China

(The Yingjing black sand is fired in the ancient "mantou kiln"; Giant Panda Rewilding Base, photographer @书是波&夏云) ▼

Here is

Sichuan Yingjing

East Gate of Western Sichuan

The land area is only 1800km²

" The fairyland on the left hand, the world on the right hand "

A realistic dream feast

(Xingjing County belongs to Ya'an City, Sichuan Province. The polyphonic character "Xing" is pronounced as "xíng" in "Xingyang" in Henan Province. The following figure is a schematic diagram of the scenic spots and locations of Yingjing. Map by @俊&王申雯/Planet Research Institute) ▼

So, such a beautiful view

Why is it so? And is it worth going?

Why not follow the Planetary Research Institute?

See the sacred mountain palaces depicted by the sea of ​​clouds

See the ancient times outlined by the ancient road

Watch the world and you will be happy

(The photographer in the sea of ​​clouds at Niubei Mountain is just a drop in the ocean, photographer @姜曦)

▼

01Fairyland of Cloud Sea

Overlooking the land

Like a giant butterfly

It falls between the Sichuan Basin and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Complex geological structures clash here

The compact peaks and valleys form the double wings

(Sketch of Yingjing topography and water system, drawn by @俊/Planet Research Institute) ▼

Right wing lift

The peak of Maer Mountain is 2,628 meters above sea level.

The top of the flat Wawu Mountain is 2,830 meters above sea level.

The long and majestic Daxiang Mountains have a maximum altitude of 3,552 meters.

Together they support the skeleton of the right wing

(Please watch in horizontal mode, Daxiangling, Maershan and Wawushan are in the same frame, photographer @陶雄辉) ▼

Left wing raised

Niubei Mountain, with a ridge shaped like a cow's back

The highest altitude is 3666 meters

Together with other branches, it supports the skeleton of the left wing.

(Aerial photo of the strong "muscles" of Niubei Mountain, photographer @何世海) ▼

Butterfly head

It hangs low in the northeast

A narrow valley at an altitude of about 700 meters

The height difference with the body is nearly 3,000 meters

The gap between

Warm and humid air rushes in from the south

The cold air from the plateau lingers

The collision between the two sides condensed into clouds and mist

The mountains and valleys are deep and secluded, and it is not easy to dissipate

Microclimate formation in special areas

The sky and the earth are made of clouds, and a fairyland is born

(Please watch in horizontal mode, many famous mountains have become "exquisite bonsai", photographer @carefree狮) ▼

This fairy spirit

Sometimes calm, sometimes surging

Sometimes climbing along the ridge, sometimes pouring down

Circle the floating world in the sky

(The cascading sea of ​​clouds looks like silk, photographer @杨志喻) ▼

When the glow dyes the sky

Looking west from the mountain top, the fairy mountain is coming across the sea of ​​clouds.

Looking east from the top of the mountain, the mountains gradually descend.

Blending into the hazy Tianfu Plain

(The plateau and plains of Sichuan stand opposite each other, photographer @柒哥) ▼

This fairy spirit

In the low temperature of winter

Transformed into white ice and snow

Creating a flawless snowy wonderland

(Niubei Mountain in the snow, photographer @杨志喻) ▼

And most of the time

It turns into rain

Scattered from the sky to the ground

(Please watch in horizontal mode, the early morning fog in Yingjing County, which is only 1,000 meters above sea level, photographer @陶雄辉) ▼

The Ya'an area where Yingjing is located

It is also a place in China that is far from the sea and has a lot of rainfall.

It is also known as the "City of Leaky Sky"

Longcanggou in the southern part of Yingjing is called " Leaky Heart "

Annual precipitation can reach 2300mm

The sound of rain lingers and drips for nearly 300 days every year.

(The secret place of Longcanggou in the fog, drawn by @俊/Planetary Research Institute, photographer @王平江) ▼

So, the gurgling stream

Or stay in a small lake, or suddenly fall off a cliff

Winding through thousands of valleys

Spread out in the shape of branches

Weaving the fine veins of the wings

(Yingjing Waterfall, Longcanggou Waterfall Snow Scene, Photographer @夏云& Yingjing County Government Office) ▼

final

The great river rushes out from the mountain pass

It was successively merged into the Yingjing River, Qingyi River, Dadu River, etc.

Until the Yangtze River that runs east-west

(The Yingjing River flows into the Qingyi River through Tianquan County, Ya'an; the picture below is a distant view of the Qingyi River, drawn by @俊/Planetary Research Institute, and photographed by @书是波) ▼

Raging river water evaporating water vapor

Once again, it helps to generate clouds and fog

Over the years, living beings have also been catalyzed by this fairy energy.

Dense forests cover more than 80% of the area

The bamboo leaves are slightly wet and floating in the wind

Azalea blooms in the snow

(Yingjing is one of the 36 biodiversity hotspots in the world, and its forest coverage rate ranks first in Sichuan all year round; the picture below shows the blooming mountain flowers in Longcanggou, photographer @夏云) ▼

Butterflies and bees fly among the flowers

On the branches, birds chirp

Many rare animals live in the mountains

The unknown world of primitive chaos

Protecting precious species paradise

(Giant pandas, Tibetan macaques, black bears, tufted deer, and small swallowtails in Yingjing, photographers @宋心强南非山地&吴雨辰&朱晖&何亚宁) ▼

However

The sudden intrusion of humans

Breaking the silence of the painting

Two thousand years of ups and downs,

The fairyland's heritage has finally settled

02 Ancient Road Immortal Traces

Mountains that block the outside world

On one side, it is dry and rainless, while on the other side, it moistens the smoke-filled cage

On one side, there is a shortage of produce, while on the other side, there is an abundance of fish and rice.

Different scenery is an invisible barrier

A world divided into two parts

(Traditional dwellings in Yingjing, plateau scenery west of the mountains, photographer @段平武&书是波) ▼

With the expansion of different forces

Yingjing becomes a gateway for diverse encounters

People from all directions came to overcome difficulties

Along the valley covered by fog

Explore all accessible paths

(Iron Chain Bridge on Yingjing Ancient Road, photographer @王江) ▼

As early as the Warring States Period

Covering the western Sichuan region including Yingjing

Incorporated into the Central Plains and named " Yan Dao "

Chuliji, the younger brother of King Huiwen of Qin

He was given the title "Yan Jun" for his outstanding military achievements.

(The Wenyan Tower in Yingjing was built in 2004 to commemorate Chu Liji. Photographer: @段炼) ▼

A large influx of people

A more prosperous town

Communication with the outside world is becoming more frequent

A path across the Daxiang Mountains to South Asia is becoming clearer

It is a famous

" Southern Silk Road "

(Sketch of the Southern Silk Road route, drawn by @俊/Planet Research Institute) ▼

Tang Dynasty

Princess Wencheng's marriage to Tibet was a legendary marriage

The tea brought from the Central Plains became popular

Ya'an has a mild climate and slightly acidic soil.

A natural place for growing tea

This created a trade route starting from this point, passing through Yingjing to Kangding.

It is the main line of the " Ancient Tea Horse Road "

(Map of the ancient Yingjing Road, drawn by @俊/Planet Research Institute) ▼

Relying on the interweaving of ancient roads

Yingjing is like a bridgehead in western Sichuan

The glory of civilization, the pearl shell of lost immortal traces

Some of the immortals are buried in the mud

Wild grass covers the remaining walls on the ancient city square in the west of the city

There are hundreds of thousands of square meters of ancient tombs underground.

(Currently, more than 30 have been excavated; the picture below is a schematic diagram of the unearthed cultural relics in Zengjiagou of the Warring States Period in Yingjing, drawn by @王申雯&俊/Planetary Research Institute, photographer @黄强) ▼

The bronze spear with the inscription "Chengdu" still shines with cold light

An elegant decoration representing the nobility's wealth and luxury

This is one of the few large bronze lei (léi) in the country.

The wall of the vessel is decorated with flying phoenixes and emerald turquoise inlays

(The bronze jar is shown, and the bronze spear pushes back the history of Chengdu’s name by about 200 years. Map by @王申雯/Planetary Research Institute, photographers by @书是波&张艳) ▼

As big as a coin, as small as a button

Bashu seals with strange images and words

Perhaps it is the confirmation of border turnover

(Bashu Seal, drawing @Wang Shenwen/Planet Research Institute, photographer @Huang Qiang) ▼

Sealing mud with the words "Yan Dao" written on it

It is the official seal stamped when delivering documents.

It was presided over by officials responsible for escorting tribute and selecting timber.

Yan Dao Fengwu then set out for the Central Plains

Enter the noble family and leave a fragrance on the emperor's teeth and cheeks

(Master Yan’s seal, illustration by @王申雯/Planetary Research Institute, photographer @朱子浩) ▼

A sarcophagus carved from red sandstone

Directly erect the relief sculpture of the city life on the wall

Among them, the most shocking is the " First Kiss in China "

A man with his head slightly tilted touches the other's face

A passionate kiss that moves the soul

(“The First Kiss in China”, the whole view of the sarcophagus, drawn by @王申雯/Planetary Research Institute, photographer @书是波) ▼

But some of the fairy traces have already disappeared in the rain

According to legend , Deng Tong, a favorite minister of Emperor Wen of Han

Once smelted copper coins in Yandao Mine

Created China's first private currency issuing institution

The wealth of the family is so great that it can rival a country

Later generations sighed, "There is so much money all over the world, but I don't know if there is also Deng Tong City."

(The quote comes from "Deng Tongcheng" by Li Shi of the Song Dynasty; the picture below is a half-liang coin, drawn by @王申雯/Planetary Research Institute, the picture comes from @四川归档 @邓通城 by Li Shi of the Song Dynasty) ▼

It is said that during the Eastern Han Dynasty

Wang Yang, a native of Langya (now Shandong), served as governor of Yizhou

On the way to the government, he passed through Yandao

Looking at the dangerous mountain road from afar, I realize the fragility of the life given by my parents

So he resigned and returned home due to illness

Wang Zun , also a foreigner, took over

Riding forward towards the difficult place Wang Yang feared, he worked hard to govern

People of all ethnic groups were moved by his beliefs

Leaving behind the story of "the filial son returns the carriage, the loyal minister scolds the driver"

(Modern people walking on the ancient road, photographer @夏云) ▼

The most enduring fairyland

Still standing firm on the ancient road

The He Jun Zun Jian Pavilion Stone Inscription in Han Li

A glimpse of the infinite scenery of the Silk Road

(The discovery of He Junzun's Jian Pavilion stone carvings has become the key evidence of the existence of the Southern Silk Road in Yingjing, map by @王申雯/Planet Research Institute, picture source @英经县政府办公室) ▼

Although it is difficult to find the figure of the husband

But the path paved with millstones twists and turns

Traditional post houses and commercial streets for accommodation and dining

Birdsong echoes at the big and small passes

(The "Second Brother" on the Yingjing Ancient Road, made by @王申雯/Planet Research Institute, photographer @王江) ▼

To ask the gods to bless the border town with peace

The cliffs are carved into a thousand-faced Buddha

A total of 67 niches and 237 Buddha statues have survived the test of wind and rain.

(Stone Buddha Temple, photographer @Pu Bi Shuang) ▼

Pu Guang

The reincarnation of a Pratyekabuddha who claims to have attained enlightenment on his own without relying on others

Later he passed away in Wawu Mountain

Yingjing with its green mountains and dense forests

It is quite in line with the state of mind of the Pratyekabuddha, which is "clear and transparent".

Several temples connected in series

The special Pratyekabuddha pilgrimage route takes shape

Like the flying wings of Kaishan Temple

The sun is blocked by thick shade, and the mountain wind recites scriptures

(Pratyekabuddha is a Buddhist term; the picture below shows the beautifully carved Kaishan Temple and eaves, photographer @刘敬忠&蒲必双) ▼

Yunfeng Temple on Maer Mountain

The hall is solemn and dignified, with a friendly deity.

Holy Land of Buddhism Cleanses the Soul

(Yunfeng Temple in the snow, photographer @夏云) ▼

Immigrants who moved in during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties

Also here to show off

The Jiang family, who came from Tianshui, Gansu, seized the opportunity

Engage in border tea production and management

Not only committed to improving the quality of tea

We have also developed a tea formula that is effective in preventing infectious diseases in Tibetan areas.

In recognition of the outstanding contributions of the Jiang family

Potala Palace, Tashilhunpo Monastery and Drepung Monastery were granted the trademark " Rinchen Duji "

Tibetan tea is made by "people and gods drink together"

(Illustration of the main production process of Tibetan tea, drawn by @Hanqing & Wang Shenwen/Planet Research Institute) ▼

To the heyday of the Jiang family

Its border tea industry accounts for 1/3 of the entire Ya'an

The richest man in Xikang

The luxury house covers an area of ​​nearly 2,000 square meters and is full of flowers.

(The Jiang Family Courtyard was first built in the middle of the Ming Dynasty and was later rebuilt several times by the Jiang family. Photographer: @段炼&斯思) ▼

However, during the Republic of China

Warlords fighting, foreign invasions

Tea merchants in the far west were inevitably affected by the bombardment.

In 1935, the Red Army arrived at the Niubei Mountain Paulownia Hill after the Long March

It was raining heavily and a large number of people were stuck in the mud.

Enemy fighter planes bombed crazily

Loyal bones are buried under the green mountains

The drizzle cannot wipe away the tears

A new era of fairyland

A brush that needs to be reborn

03Mortal Immortal Residence

Long-term and complex geological evolution

Bringing rich mineral deposits to Yingjing

Relying on resources such as coal, granite, and forests

The world is once again hot

(The lively activities at Zhuanxu Square in Yingjing, photographer @夏云) ▼

As the saying goes

“Green water and green mountains are as valuable as gold and silver”

In the early 21st century, by transforming ecological advantages into tourism resources

The fairyland in the mortal world finally appears before the eyes of the world

(The Yingjing Giant Panda International Forest Exploration School is the first nature education school in the Giant Panda National Park. Photographer: @夏云) ▼

Modern highways replace dirt roads

Bridges and tunnels overturn the long and difficult road

It’s only a few hours from Chengdu

Enjoy the wonderland at the "Sky Ladder Expressway"

(The designed span of Yingjing Labajin Bridge is over 1,000 meters, and the highest pier is 182.6 meters. Photographer: @书是波) ▼

Longcanggou Scenic Area built in the south

Forest coverage rate exceeds 90%

Cooling down the hot summer

The shadows of the trees are warm and the white clouds are healing

Compared to "the same forest as described by Hayao Miyazaki"

Bow your head

Moist moss carpets

(Longcanggou moss and the "flower of the underworld" that has no chlorophyll and does not like sunlight, the garlic orchid, photographer @邹涛) ▼

look up

Tall fir trees reach straight up to the sky

(Autumn scenery of Longcanggou primeval forest, photographer @王江) ▼

View from a distance

Silver Dragon Waterfall in the Bushes

Scattered mist shrouded auspicious clouds

(Longcanggou Diecui Creek Waterfall, photographer @Tan Weixi) ▼

Closer Look

Well-developed root system

With many pools of water

Some are covered with green, some are overlooking the water

The magical creation of old trees and vines

(Longcanggou Pond, photographer @夏云) ▼

More rare

Davidia involucrata, a relict plant from the Tertiary Period of the Cenozoic Era

It is extinct in most areas.

Fortunately, they thrive here

Forming the world's largest wild Davidia involucrata community

Every April and May, in the height of spring

300,000 mu of Davidia involucrata flowers fluttering in the wind

Like white doves flying in the sky

(The wild community of Davidia involucrata was only discovered in 2007: close-up of Davidia involucrata flowers, hand-painted specimens of Davidia involucrata flowers, photographers @夏云&姜曦, illustrator @马蒂尔达·史密斯) ▼

Animals resting in the deep forest

In ancient times, giant pandas roamed in Daxiangling Mountains.

In 2017, nearly 50% of Yingjing’s area

Included in the Giant Panda National Park

Build the world's largest giant panda reintroduction base

Enter Longcang Town via Ya'an-Xichang Expressway

A park decorated with giant panda sculptures in various poses

(Memek Homeland in Longcanggou Town, map by @Jun/Planet Research Institute, photographer @Xia Yun) ▼

Hiking in the woods

Not only can we find the migration traces of giant pandas

It is not uncommon to encounter other rare animals

(The red panda in Yingjing is in an elegant posture, photographer @吴雨辰) ▼

Table Mountain Black Rock Park

It is another secret place in Longcanggou

Asia's largest table mountain stands tall

The mountain is covered with a sea of ​​flowers of various colors

(The largest table mountain in Asia mentioned in the article is "Wawu Mountain", which is shared by Yingjing County and Hongya County; the picture below shows tulips blooming in Black Stone Park on Yingjing Table Mountain, photographer @王江) ▼

Mountain Ocean

It is distributed in the northwest of Yingjing

In 2009, a photographer accidentally climbed Niubei Mountain

It is found that it has the "best angle" to view most of the famous mountains in western Sichuan.

Many outdoor enthusiasts come here to enjoy the scenery

Call it " Asia's largest 360-degree viewing platform "

(Please watch in horizontal mode, the hotel camp developed in Niubei Mountain, photographer @张翔升) ▼

Sea of ​​clouds, sunrise, sunset

Snow-capped mountains, Buddha's light, star tracks, and azaleas in the clouds

A total of seven unique scenic spots are popular on the Internet

(Niubei Mountain star trails, photographer @carefree狮) ▼

In addition to the ecological landscape

The heritage of Yingjing is revitalized

Such as the Yunfeng Temple which was destroyed and rebuilt many times

Establish the iron rule of "no admission fee, no incense"

A gathering place for scholars and a great reputation

(Yunfeng Temple, photographer @夏云) ▼

The names of gods and Buddhas still bless

There are nearly 200 precious ancient Phoebe trees inside and outside the temple.

Free from the large-scale logging during the Ming and Qing dynasties

(Tourists and the "Phoebe King" in the same frame, picture source: @Yingjing County Government Office) ▼

This kind of tree that can grow for a hundred years

The wood produced is as warm as jade and exudes a faint fragrance.

Furniture made of it will not decay for thousands of years

Deeply loved by ancient royal emperors

(“Golden Silk Phoebe” diagram, drawn by @王申雯&俊/Planet Research Institute, picture source @Visual China&Yingjing County Government Office&Duan Lian) ▼

now

Their numbers are extremely rare

There are two trees in front of the temple that are over 1,700 years old.

It takes seven or eight adults to hug it, the largest in the country

They grow together with ginkgo, ancient fir, camphor, etc.

Rated as "the most beautiful camphor tree forest in China"

(Overlooking Yunfeng Temple and Camphorwood Forest, photographer @书是波) ▼

Yingjing Black Sand Inherits Ancient Craftsmanship

Affordable price, heat preservation and freshness

Entering thousands of households in Sichuan and Chongqing

(The immersive live-action theater "Seeing the Ancient Kiln Again" with Yingjing Black Sand as the theme activates old artifacts with new scenes, picture source @荥窑) ▼

Craftsmen express their inspiration

Utensil styles range from simple to exquisite

High-end products are exported to foreign markets such as Japan, South Korea, and the United States

(The star-colored Yingjing black sand is the best quality, picture source: @英獥窑) ▼

Modern ecological agriculture

Let the industry enrich farmers

High mountain tea garden base established

Tea production is in short supply

(Scenery of the tea garden at Tazi Mountain in Yingjing, photo source: @Yingjing County Government Office/photographer @Wang Jiang) ▼

High-quality cold water resources

Assisting in the breeding of special cold-water fish

Opening up new routes for mainland foreign trade

(Yingjing sturgeon breeding base, picture source @Yingjing County Government Office/photographer @Huang Gang) ▼

A positive life

Paint in wonderland

The 17 inclusive and colorful ethnic minorities

(Torch Festival in Baofeng Yi Township, Yingjing, photographer @李宁) ▼

The cuisine is equally eclectic

People choose ecological ingredients from the mountains

Making smooth and chewy "TaTa noodles"

The delicate taste of Yingjing jelly

The spicy and delicious "Bang Bang Chicken" stimulates your taste buds

(“妲” is originally pronounced as [tà], but local people in Yingjing prefer to pronounce it as [dá]. In the early morning, the sound of noodles being tossed can always be heard in the Tata Noodle Restaurant; the picture below shows the exquisite Yuanyang Tata Noodles and other delicacies, photographer @段炼&英经县政府办&刘敬忠) ▼

as well as

It is authentic only when paired with Yingjing black casserole.

" Ya Fish in Casserole "

Fresh fish soup and tender fish meat

A treat that will be unforgettable for all diners

(Rich side dishes for casserole fish, picture source: @Yingjing County Government Office) ▼

Lively temple fair

The long street banquet started busy in the morning

It is a common memory throughout history

Gentle breeze and rain, thousands of smiles

Let people instantly

Go to the fairyland, watch the fireworks, and go down to the mortal world

(Yingjing Changjie Banquet, photographer @朱含雄&黄荣忠) ▼

Maybe this kind of

Natural tone, free temperament

Especially popular among young people

Many movies and TV series are also filmed here.

Continue to break people's understanding of Yingjing

Even the inherent imagination of the entire western Sichuan

(The 2023 popular movie "Cosmic Exploration Editorial Department" was filmed in Yingjing; the picture below is an imitation of the movie by fans, photographer @赵高翔) ▼

04 Ending

This is seemingly unknown

The shining Yingjing

The low mountains stop here

The mountain starts here

A condensed view of the fairyland and the mortal world

It spans three times

With thousands of years of silent perseverance

In exchange for your look back at this moment

(Niubei Mountain tourist, photographer @张翔升) ▼

There is no doubt that

More people will come here in the future

Explore its sea of ​​clouds

(Niubei Mountain in summer, photographer @夏启铭) ▼

Explore its ancient trails

(New ancient town of Yingjing Ancient Post Station, photographer @王江) ▼

Explore its mortal world

(Please watch in horizontal mode, a super long panoramic view of Yingjing County in the morning glow, photographer @夏云) ▼

And this is also

Its timeless charm

A real-life fantasy feast

People love deeply in the years

People are deeply in love between heaven and earth

This article was created by

Written by: Zhou Xianxian

Image: Xu Ying

Design: Wang Shenwen

Map: Jun

Proofreading: Su Nan & Wang Dan & Sun Shimeng & Chen Jingyi

Photographers for cover and head photo: Gao Yimeng & Yang Zhiyu & Xia Qiming

【References】

[1] Compiled by the Compilation Committee of Yingjing County Annals. Yingjing County Annals. Beijing: Fangzhi Publishing House, December 2011.

[2] Yingjing County People's Government Local Chronicles Office. Yingjing Yearbook 2023. Zhongzhou Ancient Books Publishing House, 2023.

[3] Chen Shukui, ed. Cultural Relics of Ya’an. Chengdu: Bashu Publishing House, September 1992.

[4] Compiled by Sichuan Provincial Local Chronicles Compilation Committee. Sichuan Provincial Chronicles·Geographical Chronicles. Chengdu: Chengdu Map Publishing House, 1996.07.

[5] Lin Minglin. Geographical distribution and changes of Phoebe nanmu in ancient China[J]. Forbidden City, 2010.

[6] Compiled by Yingjing County Local Chronicles Compilation Center. Yingjing Black Sandware. Sichuan Science and Technology Press, 2021.