Kunming, China, October 10 (Luo Jie) – Renowned for its rugged terrain and expansive primordial forests, Ailao Mountain has earned the title “real-life Yunnan Bug Valley” among internet enthusiasts. A travel blogger’s captivating adventure video, released during the National Day holiday, has transformed this once “forbidden zone” into a sought-after tourist hotspot, attracting a flurry of visitors.
To delve into the mysteries and risks associated with Ailao Mountain, as well as the distinctions between its nature reserve and scenic areas, we sat down with Guo Bin, the Director of the Ailao Mountain National Nature Reserve Management Bureau in Xinpingshan.
“Ailao Mountain marks the eastern boundary of the ancient Ailao Kingdom, located in central Yunnan, China,” Guo explained. This mountain range serves as a crucial divide between the Yungui Plateau and the Hengduan Mountains, stretching across regions including Chuxiong, Pu’er, and Yuxi.
Guo emphasized that understanding Ailao Mountain starts with differentiating the nature reserve from the scenic areas. The Ailao Mountain National Nature Reserve, established in 1988, encompasses a vast 67,700 hectares across the northern and middle sections of the mountain range.
“The beauty of Ailao Mountain is accompanied by significant risks due to its intricate natural landscape,” Guo noted. Towering peaks, over a dozen of which exceed 3,000 meters, house the world’s largest subtropical mid-mountain evergreen broadleaf forest ecosystem, largely untouched by human activity. Its steep slopes and scarce human presence contribute to an air of mystery.
Geologist Wang Yu recounted his experience during an emergency investigation in 2008, stating, “We spent 17 hours traversing a straight-line distance of over 30 kilometers. The forest was densely packed with vines, thorny bamboos, shrubs, and weeds, making it impossible to find a clear path; we had to rely on the narrow trails formed by sheep.”
The unpredictable weather adds another layer of danger to Ailao Mountain. “Conditions can change in an instant; fog can descend unexpectedly,” Guo cautioned. “For an average person, getting lost is a real risk. Sudden drops in temperature can provoke hypothermia, especially in areas hard to escape from. Even experienced researchers and forest rangers are vulnerable to becoming disoriented in adverse weather.”
The rise of viral videos online has fueled speculation about “mysterious beasts” inhabiting Ailao Mountain. Guo clarified, “While Ailao Mountain is rich in biodiversity and home to many protected plant and animal species, it does not host any mythical creatures. However, there are dangers like snake bites and leeches that can become serious if not treated quickly.”
Guo stressed, “Unauthorized entry into the core and buffer zones of the reserve is strictly forbidden.” Conversely, many areas surrounding Ailao Mountain have been transformed into tourist attractions, including the ancient tea horse road, Nan’en Waterfall, Shimen Gorge, Damo Rock Peak, and Daxueguo Mountain—all easily accessible via National Highway 323, offering safer alternatives for visitors.
Following its surge in popularity, Ailao Mountain has seen a significant increase in visitors, leading to traffic congestion along mountain roads. This year’s National Day holiday alone drew over 60,000 tourists, an 11% increase from the previous year.
In light of this tourism boom, some thrill-seekers have attempted to venture deeper into the mountains. As a response, the Chuxiong Management Bureau of the Ailao Mountain National Nature Reserve issued visitor guidelines on October 6, outlining the prohibitions against unauthorized access and activities within the reserve. Penalties for violations can range from fines of 100 to 5,000 yuan, with severe infractions potentially leading to criminal charges.
On October 9, following a blogger’s claim of having spent two nights in Ailao Mountain, authorities initiated a search operation. Any trespassers found in the core protected area will be escorted out and provided assistance to ensure public safety.
