Hiking Jin Si Gorge, Encountering Macaques

Today, let's explore the little-known "canyon secret" of Yunnan — Jin Si Gorge Scenic Area! 📍 Located in Donggan Town, Malipo County, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, near the China-Vietnam border, at an altitude of about 1600 meters and approximately 450 kilometers from Kunming. Here, the mountains stretch endlessly and the gorge is deep. Named after the golden monkeys once rumored to roam here, it is not a national nature reserve but hides breathtaking pristine beauty 🌿 Entering Jin Si Gorge feels like stepping into a green wonderland forgotten by time 🌳 The steep cliffs on both sides are as sharp as if carved, vines weave into curtains, and sunlight filters through the gaps creating a "waterfall of light," incredibly magical ☀️ At the bottom, a clear stream flows gently, with water so pure you can see the bottom. Walking upstream on slippery green stones, you occasionally see waterfalls pouring from the cliff tops, mist spraying your face, bringing refreshing coolness 💦 The gorge is densely vegetated with towering ancient trees, ferns, orchids, and wild tea trees scattered throughout the forest. Occasionally, bird calls and macaque cries echo through the valley (actually macaques and rare birds, not true golden monkeys 🙈). Even more special, this place blends Miao and Yi ethnic border cultures, with ancient stone slab houses, sacrificial totems, and cross-border herding paths along the way, where history and nature quietly converse 📜 Itinerary: 2 days 1 night | Hiking the gorge + creek tracing and waterfall exploration + staying at a border guesthouse + capturing the secret light and shadow spots Total budget: under 800 RMB (about 780 RMB per person) Transportation｜¥400 - Bus from Kunming East Bus Station to Malipo County ¥150 (about 6 hours) - Shared car round trip between county town and Jin Si Gorge (about 2 hours one way) ¥250 (4-seater car, booking in advance recommended) Entrance Fee｜Free! ✅ The scenic area is not fully developed, no main entrance fee｜Villagers voluntarily collect a small sanitation fee ¥20 (can be ignored) Accommodation｜¥200 ✅ Standard room at a farmhouse inn in Donggan Town or gorge entrance ¥100/night × 2 nights = ¥200 (includes breakfast | hot water available) Meals｜¥230 Day 1 lunch: Rice noodles + roasted potatoes ¥30 Day 1 dinner: Cured meat stir-fried with bitter greens + chicken stew with mushrooms + sticky rice cake ¥60 Day 2 breakfast: Porridge + steamed buns with pickles ¥15 × 2 days = ¥30 Day 2 lunch: Self-heating meal on the way ¥40 Supplies: Mineral water ¥20 | Fruit ¥30 | Energy bars ¥30 Highlights｜Be a primitive explorer! ✅ Hike 3 km along the main gorge, check in at "One Line Sky," "Flying Dragon Waterfall," and "Emerald Pool" 📸🌊 ✅ Trace the creek to explore side gullies, searching for hidden caves and wildflower clusters ✅ Capture the "Tyndall beams" piercing through the forest at dusk, like a divine presence 🌅 ✅ Chat with local Miao villagers about border stories and learn about cross-border life ✅ Total cost breakdown: Transportation ¥400 + Accommodation ¥200 + Meals ¥230 = ¥830 → Can be optimized to ¥780 (negotiate shared car price or stay at ¥90/night) Best season: May to October (rainy season with abundant water | lush vegetation) Essentials: Non-slip hiking shoes, windbreaker, flashlight, camera, cash - Safety tips: Do not cross the border in the border area, follow villagers' guidance, do not venture alone deeply When light passes through the leaves and falls on my shoulder, I hear the forest’s softest breath.