hysunny
November 1, 2025
Having traveled all the way from Hong Kong to Nuodeng, I have certain requirements for accommodation. Seeing the carefully taken photos of the guesthouse, I decided to give it a try. They only open in January 2025.
The day before my departure, the owner called to confirm my check-in, reminding me to be careful of falling rocks 3km before the parking lot on the mountain road. He also asked me to contact him after exiting the highway at Yunlong East so he could arrange for mules to help carry my luggage. Mules! They actually have mules! There are over 50 in the village, with an average lifespan of 20-30 years. It felt like stepping back into ancient times. That uphill road was breathless even walking empty-handed; carrying luggage was impossible.
Upon arriving at the guesthouse, the owner's words, "You've worked hard, have a cup of tea," instantly warmed my heart. Our room was called "Qiyun" (Resting Clouds). Perhaps because I'm handsome, the owner upgraded us! Or maybe it was just the off-season and his kindness. But what made me happiest was that the room was exactly as pictured—clean and tidy. The smart toilet even excitedly turned on automatically when it saw me! Awesome! 😊 The view from the window was perfect; if you come in November or December, the leaves are at their most vibrant red. 🍁
Every time I come to Yunnan, I make a pilgrimage to a forest; Hong Kong's skyscrapers just leave me exhausted. I only mentioned it casually, and the owner recommended Dalangba, about an hour's drive away. It turns out the owner used to be a journalist; he knows Yunlong County's undeveloped high-altitude forests like the back of his hand. Perhaps he doesn't want these places to become another Lijiang, so he hasn't promoted them extensively.
On our last night, the owner and his family invited us to a barbecue. Their homemade plum wine was quite potent, and we drank a bit too much. I only vaguely remember the owner's famous father saying, "I'm a mountain person; I only go to the mountains."
I heard that DJI is going to promote Nuodeng culture here, setting up a location along the mountainside for drone enthusiasts to get up close to Yunlong. Exciting!
Original TextTranslation provided by Google